๐ Written Ability Test (WAT) / Essay Analysis Guide
๐ Understanding the Topicโs Importance
The global surge in oil prices presents a pressing challenge, especially for emerging economies with high oil dependency. As they grapple with inflation, fiscal deficits, and depreciating currencies, these nations face both short-term economic shocks and long-term restructuring needs.
๐ Effective Planning and Writing
- Time Allocation:
- โณ Reading & Planning: 5 minutes
- โ๏ธ Writing: 20 minutes
- ๐ง Review: 5 minutes
- ๐ก Preparation Tips: Note recent statistics, OPEC+ decisions, and consider effects on inflation and currency value in emerging markets.
๐ฏ Introduction Techniques for Essays
- ๐ฌ Contrast Approach: “While oil serves as the lifeblood of economic growth, for emerging economies, rising prices pose an inflationary threat, challenging fiscal stability and consumer spending.”
- ๐ Timeline Approach: “With oil prices reaching a 10-month high in 2023, emerging economies face a stark reality of inflation and currency devaluation, prompting an urgent need for diversification.”
๐๏ธ Structuring the Essay Body
- โ Achievements: Discuss how emerging economies are managing to diversify energy sources or build reserves.
- โ๏ธ Challenges with Comparative Analysis: Explain inflation, exchange rate instability, and the risk of capital outflows, supported by examples like India and Brazil.
- ๐ฎ Future Outlook: Suggest investment in renewables and policy shifts toward energy independence.
๐ Concluding Effectively
- โ๏ธ Balanced Conclusion: “While rising oil prices strain emerging economies, they also offer a chance to pivot towards energy self-reliance, fostering economic resilience.”
- ๐ Future-Focused Conclusion: “The oil price surge underscores the need for emerging economies to expedite renewable energy adoption to ensure sustainable growth.”
๐ Analyzing Successes and Shortcomings
- ๐ Key Achievements: Increased trade partnerships (e.g., India-Russia oil trade); renewable energy advancements.
- โ ๏ธ Ongoing Challenges: Persistent inflation, risk of currency depreciation, and potential capital outflows.
- ๐ Global Context: Highlight China and Indiaโs strategies to buffer against oil price volatility.
๐ Recommendations for Sustainable Progress
- ๐ฑ Diversify Energy Mix: Increase renewable energy investments to reduce reliance on oil.
- ๐ฐ Strengthen Fiscal Policies: Enhance fiscal policies to buffer against price shocks.
- ๐ค Promote Regional Partnerships: Collaborate regionally for energy security and infrastructure investments.
โ๏ธ Sample Short Essays on the Topic
- โ๏ธ Balanced Perspective: “The rise in oil prices is challenging for emerging economies, but it also presents an opportunity to drive energy transition efforts, fostering greater resilience.”
- ๐ง Solution-Oriented Approach: “Emerging economies can leverage this price surge to pivot towards renewable energy, using fiscal measures to shield consumers and maintain economic stability.”
- ๐ Global Comparison Approach: “As seen in Indiaโs oil strategy with Russia, emerging economies benefit from diversifying their energy sources, shielding themselves from the direct impact of price hikes in the global oil market.”

