Ways to Describe Groups in Society
Many IELTS Writing Task 2 questions are connected with aspects of SOCIETY. When you would like to refer to groups in society, you can often use ‘the’ with an ADJECTIVE and turn the ADJECTIVE into a NOUN. These words are complex and academic! Here are the most useful examples:
RICH PEOPLE
The rich; the wealthy; the well-off; the affluent ( = those in society with lots of money)
The privileged ( = those in society who have the best opportunities)
POOR PEOPLE
The poor; the impoverished ( = those in society without money)
The destitute; the dispossessed ( = those in society who have nothing)
The underprivileged; the disadvantaged ( = those in society who have fewest chances and opportunities)
The unemployed ( = those who do not have a job)
The homeless ( = those who do not have a home)
The hungry ( = those who do not have enough food)
The weak; the vulnerable ( = those in society who are not strong)
OTHER GROUPS
The elderly ( = those in society who are old)
The disabled ( = people in society who do not have a physical, mental or emotional ability which others have)
The healthy
The sick
The happy
The young
EXAMPLE SENTENCES
THE AFFLUENT are generally extremely unwilling to pay higher taxes so that the living standards of THE DESTITUTE and THE DISPOSSESSED can be raised.
It infuriates me that THE PRIVILEGED sit on their luxury yachts sipping champagne without a care in the world.
I am of the opinion that the principal role of government is to feed THE HUNGRY, house THE HOMELESS, offer work to THE UNEMPLOYED and care for THE SICK in society.
Most of us have almost no idea what life is like for THE UNDERPRIVILEGED in society.
THE ELDERLY could make a much bigger contribution to society than they currently do. They are often ignored by THE YOUNG.