Nguyen H.

Huy 1

Many people believe that the best way to produce a happier

society is to ensure that there are only small differences in
earning between the richest and the poorest members. To
what extent do you agree or disagree?
About CTA – my beloved daughter who conquers so many
IELTS Task 2 Writing prompts. Use it with love and respect J
The Characteristic-Trait Association (CTA) technique is a
structured approach to writing that helps in articulating
complex ideas in a clear, logical, and persuasive manner. This
method is particularly useful for IELTS essays, which require
candidates to present well-thought-out arguments and
evaluations based on given prompts. The CTA technique can
be used across various IELTS essay types, including opinion,
discussion, and problem-solution essays.
1. DeIinition and Purpose of the CTA Technique
The CTA technique involves identifying and linking speciIic
characteristics of a concept or an issue with corresponding
traits or actions that inIluence or deIine them. In the context
of IELTS essays:
Characteristic refers to a quality, feature, or inherent
attribute of the broader topic being discussed.
Trait corresponds to speciIic behaviors, actions, or
conditions that affect or contribute to the characteristic.

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Nguyen H. Huy 2

The primary purpose of using the CTA technique in essay

writing is to enable a systematic exploration of how certain
actions or conditions (traits) can inIluence or result in
particular outcomes (characteristics). This method helps in
constructing a coherent argument that is both analytical and
persuasive.
2. Applying CTA in IELTS Prompts
To effectively apply the CTA technique in IELTS essays, follow
these steps:
a. Analyze the Prompt: Begin by thoroughly understanding
the prompt. Identify what key characteristics of the issue are
being discussed and what traits or actions might inIluence
these characteristics.
b. Outline Your Essay: Use the CTA framework to structure
your essay. For each paragraph, decide on a main
characteristic you want to discuss. Then, associate this
characteristic with one or more traits. This will form the
basis of your paragraph organization.
c. Develop Each Paragraph:
Topic Sentence: Start with a statement that introduces the
characteristic and its associated trait.
Explanation: Provide a detailed explanation of how the trait
inIluences or results in the characteristic. Use logical
reasoning to connect the dots.

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Nguyen H. Huy 3

Evidence: Support your explanation with examples, data, or

quotations from credible sources. This could include
statistics, Iindings from studies, news articles, or historical
examples.
Concluding Sentence: Sum up the discussion in the
paragraph and link it back to the essay’s overall thesis.
d. Integrate Critical Evaluation: Where relevant, critically
evaluate the relationship between the trait and the
characteristic. Discuss potential limitations,
counterarguments, or varying perspectives. This not only
shows depth of thought but also demonstrates your ability to
engage critically with the material.
e. Conclusion: Summarize the main ideas discussed and
restate your thesis in light of the evidence and analysis
provided. Highlight the implications of your Iindings and
suggest possible future directions or actions based on the
discussion.
3. Example of CTA in an IELTS Essay
Assuming an IELTS essay prompt asks about the impact of
technology on privacy, here’s how one might use the CTA
technique:
Characteristic: Individual privacy
Trait: Proliferation of digital surveillance tools
Paragraph Structure:

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Nguyen H. Huy 4

Topic Sentence: The widespread use of digital surveillance

tools has signiIicantly compromised individual privacy.
Explanation: Discuss how surveillance technology can track
personal activities and data.
Evidence: Cite speciIic instances or studies showing the
impact of such technologies on personal privacy.
Concluding Sentence: Reinforce the idea that technological
advancements, while beneIicial, pose serious risks to privacy.
4. BeneIits of Using the CTA Technique
Clarity and Precision: Helps in clearly deIining the scope of
each paragraph and maintaining focus.
Depth of Analysis: Encourages a deeper exploration of the
causal relationships in the essay topic.
Persuasiveness: By logically linking traits to characteristics,
the argument becomes more compelling.
Back to the essay
Introduction
The pursuit of a happier society is a multidimensional
endeavor, inIluenced signiIicantly by the economic
scaffolding upon which it rests. I agree that minimizing
income disparities, a trait, can foster essential characteristics
such as social cohesion and psychological well-being, which

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Nguyen H. Huy 5

are crucial for a happier society. This essay will explore these
associations in detail.
Body Paragraph 1: Association of Social Cohesion with
Income Equality
1. Topic Sentence: Introduce the association between social
cohesion and income equality.
2. Explanation: Detail how income equality can lead to
improved social cohesion.
3. Evidence: Provide examples or studies supporting this
association.
4. Concluding Sentence: Summarize the impact of this
association on societal happiness.
Social cohesion, deIined as the characteristic of a uniIied
society, is inherently linked to the trait of income equality.
When income differences are minimal, individuals feel a
greater sense of fairness and equity, which fosters
community trust and cooperation. For example, nations like
Norway and Finland exhibit high levels of social cohesion,
supported by their robust policies aimed at reducing income
inequality. This not only enhances their social fabric but also
contributes to a greater overall sense of societal happiness.
Body Paragraph 2: Association of Psychological Well-being
with Income Equality

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Nguyen H. Huy 6

1. Topic Sentence: Present psychological well-being as a

characteristic inIluenced by income equality.
2. Explanation: Explain how economic stability contributes
to mental health and satisfaction.
3. Evidence: Cite research or examples that illustrate this
relationship.
4. Concluding Sentence: Highlight the signiIicance of this
trait-characteristic link.
Psychological well-being, another crucial characteristic of a
happier society, is signiIicantly affected by the trait of income
equality. Economic stability provides individuals with
security and reduces stressors related to Iinancial
uncertainty. A study from the University of Warwick found
that societies with smaller income disparities report higher
levels of happiness and fewer mental health issues,
underscoring the profound impact of economic conditions
on psychological health.
Sample Conclusion:
Conclusively, the characteristic-trait associations of social
cohesion and psychological well-being with income equality
provide compelling evidence that smaller income gaps can
lead to a happier society. By fostering an environment of
fairness and providing economic stability, societies can
enhance their overall happiness. Therefore, it is evident that

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Nguyen H. Huy 7

reducing economic disparities is not just an economic

imperative but a catalyst for broader societal well-being.
Full essay:
The correlation between income inequality and societal
happiness has been a subject of considerable debate.
Advocates of economic parity argue that narrower income
disparities engender a more cohesive, equitable, and
ultimately happier society. I strongly agree with this
perspective and believe that reducing income gaps is
essential for fostering a healthier social environment and
promoting universal well-being.
Body Paragraph 1: Social Cohesion and Income Equality
Social cohesion, the backbone of any harmonious society, is
profoundly strengthened when economic disparities are
minimized. In societies where the income gap is less
pronounced, there exists a palpable sense of unity and
solidarity among citizens. This is because equitable
economic structures prevent the social alienation and class
resentment that often stem from stark Iinancial inequalities.
For instance, countries like Denmark and Sweden, which
boast some of the smallest income gaps globally, consistently
rank high on both the World Happiness Index and measures
of social trust. These examples compellingly illustrate how
income equality can enhance the fabric of societal

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Nguyen H. Huy 8

interaction, making a compelling case for its role in fostering

happiness.
Body Paragraph 2: Psychological Well-being and Economic
Stability
Beyond social cohesion, the psychological well-being of
individuals is signiIicantly elevated in societies with smaller
income disparities. Economic stability, ensured by equitable
wealth distribution, reduces stress, anxiety, and depression
typically associated with Iinancial insecurity. Research by the
American Psychological Association highlights that lower
income variability within a community correlates with
reduced mental health issues among its residents. Thus, the
trait of income equality not only supports economic stability
but also acts as a catalyst for enhancing the mental and
emotional health of a population, thereby contributing to a
happier society.

In conclusion, the argument that reducing income disparities

can lead to a happier society is strongly supported by its
positive impact on social cohesion and psychological well-
being. Societies characterized by economic fairness
experience higher levels of social trust and mental health,
which are indispensable for a contented and productive
population. Therefore, it is imperative that policies aimed at
reducing income inequality be pursued vigorously, as they

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Nguyen H. Huy 9

hold the potential not only to mend economic divides but

also to elevate the collective happiness of society. This
approach not only addresses the economic dimensions but
also embraces a holistic view of societal welfare, making it a
quintessential strategy for any nation committed to
nurturing a genuinely happier society.

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Nguyen H. Huy 10

The world’s natural resources such as oil, forests, and fresh

water are being consumed at an increasing rate. What can be
the problems? What are the solutions?

Problems Associated with Increased Resource Consumption

Environmental Degradation: The extraction and consumption
of natural resources often lead to severe environmental
impacts. For example, deforestation can result in loss of
biodiversity, disruption of ecosystems, and increased carbon
emissions, which contribute to climate change. Similarly, the
extraction of oil and other minerals can lead to soil and water
pollution.
Resource Depletion: Non-renewable resources such as oil are
Iinite. Once depleted, they cannot be replaced, leading to
potential crises in sectors that depend heavily on these
resources, such as transportation and industrial
manufacturing.
Water Scarcity: Overuse of freshwater resources for
agriculture, industry, and personal consumption is leading to
water scarcity in many regions. This scarcity can cause
conIlicts, threaten food security due to impacts on agriculture,
and affect public health.
Social and Economic Inequality: Resource depletion can
exacerbate economic disparities as communities dependent

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Nguyen H. Huy 11

on natural resources for their livelihoods may suffer when

these resources become scarce or polluted.
Solutions to Mitigate the Problems
Promoting Sustainable Practices: Encouraging and adopting
sustainable practices in industries, agriculture, and daily life
can signiIicantly reduce the strain on natural resources. This
includes sustainable agriculture techniques, eco-friendly
manufacturing processes, and conservation efforts in daily
consumption.
Enhancing Recycling and Reuse: Increasing the efIiciency of
recycling programs and promoting the reuse of materials can
decrease the demand for raw materials, thereby reducing the
pressure on natural resources.
Developing Alternative Resources: Investing in and
transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar, wind,
and hydroelectric power can reduce dependency on non-
renewable resources like oil. Similarly, developing synthetic
alternatives to resources that are in danger of depletion can
help mitigate potential crises.
Legislation and Policy Enforcement: Governments can play a
crucial role by enacting and enforcing laws that protect the
environment and regulate resource consumption. This
includes stricter regulations on pollution, incentives for using
renewable resources, and penalties for excessive use of
critical resources like water.

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Nguyen H. Huy 12

Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the

importance of conservation and the sustainable use of
resources can drive change at the individual and community
levels. Educational programs can teach sustainable practices
and the importance of biodiversity conservation.
International Cooperation: Many resource-related challenges
are global in nature and require international cooperation to
address. Treaties and international agreements to manage
shared resources and tackle global environmental challenges
like climate change are critical.

Introduction
The rapid consumption of critical natural resources such as
oil, forests, and fresh water presents pressing challenges. This
essay explores the severe problems associated with this trend
and proposes effective solutions to mitigate its impacts.
Main Body
Problems
The accelerated use of natural resources leads to several
signiIicant issues. Firstly, environmental degradation is
evident as deforestation increases carbon emissions and
biodiversity loss, while excessive oil extraction contributes to
pollution and climate change. Secondly, resource depletion
poses a looming threat, particularly with non-renewable

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Nguyen H. Huy 13

resources like oil, which are being consumed at rates that far
exceed their natural replenishment. This depletion risks
future shortages and price instabilities that could disrupt
global economies. Lastly, the degradation and scarcity of
resources lead to social issues, including conIlicts over
resource distribution and severe impacts on communities
dependent on these resources for their livelihoods.
Solutions
Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted
approach. Sustainable resource management is crucial; for
instance, implementing controlled logging and promoting
agricultural practices that conserve water and soil integrity
can signiIicantly reduce environmental impacts. Secondly,
technological innovation plays a vital role, such as developing
renewable energy sources to decrease reliance on fossil fuels
and innovating biodegradable materials to reduce
deforestation. Furthermore, robust policy frameworks are
needed to enforce environmental protection and manage
resource use sustainably. International cooperation can help
manage shared resources effectively and ensure equitable
resource distribution. Lastly, public education and awareness
initiatives are essential to encourage conservation efforts and
inform individuals about the impacts of resource
overconsumption.
Conclusion

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Nguyen H. Huy 14

In summary, the unsustainable consumption of natural

resources leads to severe environmental, economic, and social
challenges. Through a combination of sustainable practices,
technological innovation, strong policy measures, and global
cooperation, we can address these issues effectively. This
comprehensive approach will not only mitigate current
problems but also ensure the long-term sustainability of our
planet's resources for future generations.
Use these techniques to avoid trivial arguments:
1. Employing SpeciIicity and Detail
Example: Instead of saying "Deforestation leads to loss of
habitats," specify which regions are most affected, what
species are at risk, and the speciIic consequences of these
losses on biodiversity and local communities.
2. Using Data and Statistics
Example: Incorporate relevant and recent data to substantiate
your claims. For instance, "According to the World Resources
Institute, 30% of global forest cover has been cleared, and
another 20% has been degraded since the start of the 20th
century."
3. Drawing on Expert Opinions and Research
Example: Reference studies or quotes from experts in
environmental science to add authority to your argument. For
example, "Dr. Jane Goodall, a leading primatologist,

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Nguyen H. Huy 15

emphasizes that deforestation not only threatens

chimpanzees but also contributes to global warming."
4. Making Comparisons and Contrasts
Example: Compare the effects of resource depletion in
different regions or under different management practices to
highlight what works and what doesn’t. For instance, "Unlike
Norway, which has effectively managed its natural oil
reserves, Venezuela has experienced economic turmoil partly
due to the mismanagement of its oil resources."
5. Utilizing Cause and Effect
Example: Clearly articulate how speciIic actions lead to
particular outcomes, enhancing the logical Ilow of your
argument. "When forests are cleared for agriculture, not only
is carbon storage capacity reduced, leading to increased
atmospheric CO2, but soil erosion is also exacerbated,
resulting in poorer crop yields."
6. Proposing Solutions with Rationale
Example: Instead of vaguely suggesting “we need more
sustainable practices,” detail speciIic strategies and explain
why they work. "Adopting no-till farming can reduce soil
erosion by up to 70%, according to the USDA, making it a vital
practice for sustainable agriculture."
7. Using Analogies and Metaphors

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Nguyen H. Huy 16

Example: Create vivid images to help readers understand

complex issues. "Treating Earth's resources as an
inexhaustible ATM leads to a 'bankruptcy' of ecosystems,
analogous to Iinancial ruin."
8. Addressing Counterarguments
Example: Acknowledge and refute potential
counterarguments to strengthen your position. "While some
argue that technological advancements can replace natural
resources, this overlooks the essential ecological roles that
intact ecosystems play, which technology cannot replicate."
Bonus: If you are writing an essay for your college
application, try to amp up the game. Use these techniques
instead (This is not for IELTS)
1. Interdisciplinary Integration
Example: Combine insights from ecology, economics, and
cultural studies to provide a multifaceted perspective.
"Drawing upon Foucault’s concept of biopower, one might
interpret the control and management of natural resources
not merely as economic activities but as political acts that
redeIine the boundaries between nature and culture, life and
non-life."
2. Employing Philosophical Inquiry
Example: Introduce a philosophical dilemma or ethical
consideration to deepen the discussion. "If Heidegger's

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Nguyen H. Huy 17

assertion that technology 'enframes' our world holds true,

then our relentless extraction of natural resources might be
seen as a manifestation of this enframing, where nature is
reduced to a mere 'standing reserve.'"
3. Utilizing High-Level Lexicon
Example: Use precise and often specialized vocabulary to
discuss speciIic concepts. "Contemporary discourse on
resource depletion often eschews the epistemological
implications of anthropocentric resource governance, which
systematically occludes the ontological worth of non-human
entities."
4. Incorporating Literary Allusions
Example: Reference literary works that parallel or illuminate
the topic. "Much like T.S. Eliot’s ‘The Waste Land,’ the
desolation wrought by deforestation mirrors a spiritual
barrenness, a modernist portrayal of ecological decay
reIlecting existential angst."
5. Advanced Syntactical Structures
Example: Use complex sentence structures to convey nuanced
relationships. "Whereas the unchecked exploitation of
hydrocarbons continues apace, as evidenced by the relentless
expansion of fracking operations, the repercussions—ranging
from aquifer depletion to seismic disturbances—manifest

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Nguyen H. Huy 18

silently, insidiously destabilizing both local ecosystems and

global climatic patterns."
6. Integrating Counterintuitive Arguments
Example: Challenge conventional wisdom with
counterintuitive insights. "Contrary to popular belief, the
scarcity of natural resources could catalyze an unprecedented
renaissance in sustainable innovation, propelling societies
towards an ecological paradigm previously unimaginable."
7. Theoretical Frameworks
Example: Apply complex theories such as chaos theory or
systems theory to discuss patterns and predictions. "Through
the lens of systems theory, the interdependencies between
freshwater ecosystems and global hydrological cycles reveal a
delicate, intricate dance of dynamic equilibria, susceptible to
catastrophic collapse from seemingly minor perturbations."
8. Metatextual Commentary
Example: Engage in commentary about the discourse itself.
"This discussion partakes of a broader metanarrative, one
that questions the very frameworks within which we discuss
resource consumption, challenging us to conceive of a
discourse not constrained by anthropocentric narratives."

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