society
Raising the Retirement Age
Question
Band 7 model answer
Longer life expectancy has major implications for pensions, labor markets, and public finance. I generally agree that the retirement age should rise gradually, but the policy must account for differences in job type and health.
Supporters argue that extending working life helps keep pension systems sustainable. If people spend more years in retirement while contribution rates remain unchanged, governments face growing financial pressure. A moderate increase in retirement age can reduce this burden and preserve benefits for future generations. It also allows experienced workers to continue contributing valuable skills.
Nevertheless, a uniform retirement age may be unfair. Individuals in physically demanding occupations often cannot work safely into older age, and not everyone has equal health outcomes. For this reason, governments should combine a higher standard retirement age with flexible pathways, such as early retirement options for specific professions.
In conclusion, raising retirement age is a sensible response to demographic change, but it should be implemented carefully and with social protections. A gradual and flexible model balances economic sustainability with fairness.
Use this model as the standard, then check your own essay against it.
The value of a model answer is comparison. Once you see the structure, the useful move is to find out why your own draft is lower and what needs to change before the next attempt.
Essay review is the dominant move on individual essay pages. The PDF remains a secondary upgrade path.
Structure breakdown
Thesis
Retirement age should rise gradually, with flexibility for workers in demanding conditions.
Topic sentences
- A higher retirement age can improve pension sustainability and retain experienced workers.
- Fair policy design requires flexibility due to unequal health and job demands.
Vocabulary boost
life expectancy
average number of years people are expected to live
Rising life expectancy pressures pension systems.
sustainable
able to continue over time
Reforms are needed to keep pensions sustainable.
demographic change
changes in population structure
Demographic change affects labor and welfare policies.
nuanced perspective
a balanced view that recognizes complexity
Presenting a nuanced perspective strengthens Task 2 responses.
Compare this model with your own essay.
Reading a model answer builds awareness. Checking your own response shows the exact criterion that is holding the band down.