IELTS Sample Essay: Some people think that it is our moral duty to help the poor.

The following essay question was asked on an IELTS writing test held in Toronto recently

Some people think it is our moral duty to help poor people.  Some people think that big amounts of money do not reach the poor.  Discuss and give your opinion.

You can spend 40 minutes on this task. You must write at least 250 words.

Model Answer

There is no denying the fact that it is our moral duty to help the poor and the needy. Every religion in the world asks its believers to help those in need. Needless to say, many people help the poor by donating money to charities. But is that enough to eradicate poverty and suffering from the world? Does the money we donate reach the hands of the people who actually need it? Many people believe that it doesn’t. Let’s see if there is any truth in that argument.

For most people, charity means making generous donations to governmental and non-governmental organizations working for the poor. You can’t blame them. Only a few people have the time or drive to engage in social work. The rest of us simply donate money.  It would have been enough if the money thus donated had reached the poor and the needy. Unfortunately, it doesn’t happen so. Only a fraction of the amount reaches people who actually need it. The rest reaches the hands of the corrupt and greedy officials who work for these organizations.

That, however, doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t help the poor at all. While it is true that many organizations and individuals working for the poor are corrupt to the core, there are several exceptions too. Take for instance, the case of Mother Teresa. She single-handedly proved that one person can make a difference to the lives of millions. The Missionaries of Charities, the organization she founded, is still changing the lives of the poor in Calcutta. There are several other examples too. Organizations like these can’t survive without the help of the public who donate time and money for the cause.

It is therefore felt that although large amounts of money do not reach the poor, we cannot refrain from donating at all. Instead, we must try to eliminate corruption by striving for greater degree of transparency. We must also donate time for the cause we believe in whenever that is possible.