How to read the question

• This is an opinion essay: To what extent do you agree or disagree means you must state how far you agree, such as completely, largely or only partly, and keep that position consistent.
• The key phrase is including young people. Most people accept that adults should save, so the real debate is whether teenagers and people in their twenties should also put money aside.
• Everyone is an absolute word. A strong answer can question it, for example by pointing out that people on very low incomes may be unable to save, without abandoning a clear position.
• For their future can mean emergencies, a home, education or retirement. Use specific purposes rather than talking about the future in general.
• Do not turn the essay into advice on how to save or a description of different bank accounts; the task is to argue whether saving is important.
• Consider what young people might reasonably spend on instead, such as education, skills or experiences, which can be an investment in the future in a different form.

Suggested position

I largely agree that everyone, young people included, should get into the habit of saving, because it provides security and freedom later in life, although the amount people can save depends on their circumstances and some spending on education or experiences is itself an investment.

Paragraph plan

1. 1

   Introduction

   Paraphrase the statement that all people, even the young, should put money aside for later life, and state that you largely agree, with a qualification about income and investment in oneself.

2. 2

   Body paragraph 1: why saving matters for everyone

   Explain that savings provide a safety net against job loss or illness, help people reach goals such as buying a home, and reduce dependence on debt. Use the example of a sudden redundancy or unexpected medical bill.

3. 3

   Body paragraph 2: why young people especially should save

   Argue that saving early builds a lifelong habit and benefits from compound growth, so small regular amounts in your twenties can become large sums by retirement. Then concede that students and low earners may have little to save and that spending on education or training can bring higher future income.

4. 4

   Conclusion

   Restate that saving is important for everyone, including the young, but that the amount should be realistic and balanced against investing in skills.

Ideas and arguments

• An emergency fund protects people from sudden events such as redundancy, illness or urgent repairs, and helps them avoid high-interest loans.
• Saving early lets money grow through compound interest over decades, so starting at 20 rather than 40 makes a large difference by retirement.
• Young people who form a saving habit early tend to manage money more responsibly throughout life.
• Savings give freedom of choice, for example the ability to change careers, start a business or study later in life.
• People on very low incomes, such as students or those in insecure jobs, may struggle to save anything after paying for essentials.
• Spending on education, training or travel when young can be an investment that increases future earnings and personal growth.
• With people living longer and state pensions under pressure in many countries, individuals increasingly need their own savings for retirement.
• Saving should not become an obsession that prevents young people from enjoying life or developing socially.

Band 8+ model answer

294 words · An original model answer written for ieltswrites, not an official answer. It stays in English, as in the exam.

Why this answer scores highly

Task Response

The answer gives a clear, qualified position of largely agreeing, addresses the specific issue of young people, and supports it with developed reasons such as emergency funds and compound growth, alongside a relevant concession.

Coherence and Cohesion

The essay moves logically from why saving matters for everyone to why it matters especially for the young, then to the limitation, with clear topic sentences and linking devices such as moreover, this is because and that said.

Lexical Resource

Financial vocabulary such as safety net, compound interest, disposable income, live from paycheque to paycheque and invest in themselves is used naturally and accurately.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

The essay uses a variety of complex forms, including conditionals, comparatives, gerund subjects and relative clauses, with very few, if any, errors.

Useful vocabulary

put money aside

save money for later use

a financial safety net

money that protects you if something goes wrong

an emergency fund

savings kept for unexpected expenses

compound interest

interest earned on both the original savings and the interest already added

financial independence

having enough money not to rely on others

live from paycheque to paycheque

spend all your income each month, with nothing left over

disposable income

money left to spend or save after paying taxes and essentials

fall into debt

start owing money that is hard to repay

financial literacy

knowledge of how to manage money well

instant gratification

the desire to enjoy something immediately rather than wait

invest in yourself

spend time or money on developing your own skills or education

retirement

the period of life after a person stops working

redundancy

losing your job because your employer no longer needs your position

Common mistakes

• Writing only about why adults should save and forgetting the key phrase including young people.
• Giving a list of saving tips, such as cooking at home or using apps, instead of arguing whether saving is important.
• Not stating to what extent you agree, or using a vague position such as there are good and bad points.
• Making unrealistic claims such as every teenager can easily save half their income, without considering people on low incomes.
• Confusing save and spend in a way that changes meaning, or using informal words like cash and bucks throughout.
• Repeating the phrase save money for the future instead of paraphrasing with put money aside, build savings and plan for later life.

Frequently asked questions

Which Cambridge book is this question from?

This question about whether everyone, including young people, should save money for their future is Writing Task 2 of Test 3 in Cambridge IELTS 19 Academic, published in 2023.

Do I have to agree that young people should save?

No. You can agree, disagree or partly agree, as long as your position is clear and supported with reasons. Most strong answers agree overall while noting that not everyone can afford to save.

What examples can I use about saving money?

Useful examples include an emergency fund for job loss or illness, saving for a home deposit or retirement, and the effect of compound interest when saving starts early.

How many words should I write for this Task 2?

Write at least 250 words; about 270-310 words is enough to present and develop your position in 40 minutes.