📋 Written Ability Test (WAT) / Essay Analysis Guide

🌐 Topic: Should Countries Limit Their Defense Spending in Favor of Social Welfare Programs?

🌟 Understanding the Topic

This topic highlights the pressing need for a strategic balance between defense and welfare spending, emphasizing economic priorities, social equity, and global stability.

📝 Effective Planning and Writing

• ⏳ Time Allocation:
  • 📖 Planning: 5 minutes
  • ✍️ Writing: 20 minutes
  • 🔍 Review: 5 minutes
• 📚 Structure:
  • Introduction: 70 words
  • Body: 350 words (Achievements, Challenges, Recommendations)
  • Conclusion: 70 words

📚 Introduction Techniques for Essays

1. Template A:

   “As military expenditures hit $2.44 trillion in 2023, many nations struggle to fund social welfare. Balancing these priorities remains one of the 21st century’s biggest challenges.”

2. Template B:

   “While Nordic countries allocate up to 30% of GDP to welfare, others spend disproportionately on defense. This contrast sparks a vital debate about resource allocation.”

📖 Structuring the Essay Body

• 🎉 Achievements:
  • Discuss technological advances and welfare successes in Nordic countries.
• ⚠️ Challenges:
  • Highlight opportunity costs and social inequities caused by excessive defense spending.
• 🔮 Future Outlook:
  • Recommend strategies like reducing arms races and increasing international cooperation.

🔑 Concluding Effectively

1. Balanced Perspective:

   “Balancing defense and welfare spending is not just about national priorities but global responsibilities.”

2. Global Comparison:

   “From Nordic welfare successes to US defense dominance, nations can learn from contrasting approaches.”

📊 Analyzing Successes and Shortcomings

🎉 Key Achievements:

• Technological innovations.
• Welfare-driven development models.

⚠️ Ongoing Challenges:

• Opportunity costs.
• Global arms races.

🌍 Global Context:

• Contrast between defense-heavy and welfare-focused nations.

💡 Recommendations for Sustainable Progress

• 🌐 Promote international disarmament to reduce defense expenditures.
• 🏥 Prioritize investments in health, education, and infrastructure.
• 🔬 Encourage innovations in dual-use technologies for both defense and welfare.

📝 Sample Short Essays

1. Balanced Perspective:

   “Balancing defense spending with welfare investment is essential for sustainable development. While security ensures stability, welfare enhances human capital, laying the foundation for equitable growth.”

2. Solution-Oriented:

   “Redirecting resources from arms races to welfare programs can address inequities without compromising national security. Global treaties can facilitate this transition.”

3. Global Comparison:

   “The US emphasizes defense, while Nordic countries prioritize welfare. Both offer lessons on balancing national security with human development, highlighting the need for a nuanced approach.”