TOEFL Essay Week 7

A debate persists over whether or not developed countries should help alleviate poverty in underdeveloped countries. Some people are against the policy of developed countries aiding poor countries. Others, however, believe that poor countries should be financially backed by rich countries. I agree with the latter stance and present my reasons below.
First, developed countries, including the United States have spent huge sums of money on things like exploring outer space. People in wealthy countries may argue that advances in the field of science have provided numerous benefits to humankind. Countless people, however, are currently struggling with things as basic as having enough food to eat. A recent UNICEF report reports that one-third of children in Africa are undernourished. The report points out that if every person who could afford to do so gave just one dollar to Africa, the African people could be free to access food for two days. For this reason, I believe that assisting African people far outweighs doing research on things like outer space.
Even assuming the scenario above is very plausible, some may disagree with my viewpoint, arguing that they have no reason to help those who are malnourished. They may also blame the administration of the countries in which most people can’t easily obtain food. I somewhat approve of this position. I still, however, emphasize my idea that wealthier governments should help because there is a more important matter to consider: The world seems to be much “smaller” than before due to communications and travel.
With the remarkable improvements in the field of science, our world is globalized. Many countries – perhaps most – have an FTA contract with each other. These often eliminate tariffs between countries. Particularly in the case of Europe, they have already unified a monetary system called the Euro. This trend implies that we become “one.” In the 21st century, everything is mutually interwoven. Furthermore, countless companies have located branches abroad, becoming multinational corporations. They frequently advance into Africa where not only are the labor costs reasonable, but the cost of land is attractive as well. Because Africa gives many advantages to us, we need to help them alleviate their basic concerns of having enough food.
To summarize, although each person may hold a different position on this issue, I firmly believe that poor countries should pecuniarily supported by rich ones. The rationale is that as the world is becoming more globalized, it is a better idea to devote vast amounts of money to help others rather than investing in exploring outer space.

TOEFL Essay Week 6

Should the government subsidize women who must give up opportunities to work in order to have babies? Some are against this stance that the government is responsible for child-bearing women, whereas others believe that the government must assist in allowing them to have children and their own jobs. I agree with the latter stance and present my reasons below.
First, countless married couples in Korea do not want to have more than two children. The main reason for this preference is that raising a child requires a huge sum of money. Often, when a woman is pregnant, she worries about the financial burden related to giving birth. To illustrate, she may need to quit or resign from her job; thus, her income will decrease. In addition to this loss, she will be required to spend vast amounts of money to raise her child. Because Korean couples do not want to have many children, the government should encourage them to have as many babies as possible by giving them appropriate subsidies.
Even if you assume the above scenario is very plausible, some may disagree with my view primarily because this subsidy would increase taxes. The government’s subsidy would be backed by our taxes, which will cause all of us to be pressed for money. I agree with this rebuttal. I still, however, support my position because there is a more important matter to consider: Korea will face a difficult future unless we, Korean people, have as many babies as we have had in the past.
These days, the population in Korea is decreasing. In an attempt to increase the population, the Korean government established a policy to help married couples who have more than three children. This effort is attributed to boosting the Korean economy. The fewer babies we have, the worse our economy will become. Accordingly, the government must subsidize Korean women who give up their jobs to have children. This will foster the birth of many babies throughout Korea. If women are supported by the government, they will be free to raise their children.
To summarize, although each person may hold a different position on this issue, all things considered, I firmly believe that married people should be peculiarly supported by the government. I believe this because the Korean economy will be devastated if we don’t have babies; the subsidizing policy allows Korean people to have children and helps them with the money they need to do so.