IELTS essay writing task: Are politicians more influential than scientists?
Writing task 2 (an essay) as seen in Bulgaria
Some people think that politicians have the greatest influence on the world. Others, however, believe that scientists have the greatest influence. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Model Essay
In the democratic set-up politicians are the biggest policy-makers. They make laws and policies that affect the lives of millions or even billions of people. And hence there is no denying the fact that politicians are influential people. Scientists are influential, too. The developments in science and technology have significantly changed our lives. But does that mean that scientists are more influential than politicians or vice-versa? Let’s examine.
Politicians have always played a significant role in shaping the destinies of many countries. They are the rulers and the law-makers in democratic countries. Sometimes the decisions that they take not only affect the internal affairs of a country, but also have an impact on the global scene. For example, there would have been no World Wars if all politicians had been in favour of peace. There would no terrorism if all politicians believed in tolerance and peaceful co-existence. In other words, politicians have the power to change the world.
Scientists are equally influential. Developments in science have made our lives more comfortable. Life-saving drugs have blessed us with longevity. In fact, all the comforts that we enjoy today are the products of science and technology. On the flip side, scientific innovations have also led to the creation of weapons of mass destruction. One can never underestimate the contributions that scientists have made to the society. In fact, if there were no scientists we would still be living in caves hunting animals. It was scientists who led us from the caves to the skyscrapers.
As discussed above, both politicians and scientists have influenced the world. It is not possible to say that one group is more influential than the other. In fact, they both have the power to change the world for the better or the worse.
