In the 2026 Speaking Forecast, the topic of international relations and economic ethics is a recurring theme in Part 3. You are expected to discuss the wealth gap between developed and developing nations with a high degree of sophisticated reasoning. To score a Band 8.5+, you must demonstrate an ability to handle macro-scale arguments using the OREO method.
Sample Questions & Band 9.0 Answers
1. Do you think wealthy countries have a moral obligation to help poorer ones?
I am firmly of the opinion that developed nations have an ethical imperative to provide support. Reason: In an increasingly interconnected global economy, the instability of one region can have profound repercussions for the rest of the world. Example: For instance, providing financial aid for infrastructure projects in developing countries often leads to new trade opportunities for the donor nation in the long run. Opinion: Therefore, helping poorer nations is not just an act of charity, but a pragmatic investment in global stability.
2. Is financial aid the best way to help developing countries?
While financial assistance is helpful, I believe that technological transfer and educational investment are more sustainable solutions. Reason: Direct monetary aid can sometimes lead to dependency or be misused due to a lack of institutional transparency. Example: By sharing renewable energy technology or medical expertise, developed countries empower poorer ones to build their own self-sufficiency. Opinion: Consequently, the focus should shift from “handouts” to building endogenous capacity for growth.
3. How will globalization affect the wealth gap in the future?
Globalization is a double-edged sword in this regard. Reason: On one hand, it facilitates the flow of capital and knowledge to emerging markets; on the other, it can lead to the exploitation of cheap labor in less regulated economies. Example: We can see this in how multinational corporations often move production to countries with lower environmental standards to maximize profit. Opinion: Thus, unless globalization is accompanied by global labor standards, the wealth gap may actually widen rather than contract.
Advanced Vocabulary
- Ethical Imperative (n): A duty or principle that is morally necessary.
- Interconnected /ˌɪn.tə.kəˈnek.tɪd/ (adj): Having all the constituent parts or aspects linked together.
- Institutional Transparency (n): The degree to which an organization open at sharing information about its operations.
- Endogenous /enˈdɒdʒ.ə.nəs/ (adj): Having an internal cause or origin. (e.g., “Endogenous growth”).
- Exploitation /ˌek.splɔɪˈteɪ.ʃən/ (n): The action or fact of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work.
- Contract /kənˈtrækt/ (v): To become smaller or decrease in size (used for the wealth gap).
