作者：北美考试教学中心 托福写作组 崔国花

What creates a successful country? There is no simple answer to this question since governments have to adopt inclusive strategies to run their states. Brains and funds are carefully evaluated and allocated to various fields such as agriculture, industries, education, health care, etc. Although all the factors mentioned above matter in the development of society, I believe education is the most important one.

Firstly, education is essential in improving the economy, one of the strongest indicators of a successful country. If a country has a solid education system, people from poor families would have a higher chance of being equipped with sufficient knowledge and skills. Better, educational institutes may even provide opportunities for students to try and figure out what they are really into or good at. Those qualities will lead to high upward mobility and that contributes to a decrease in poverty rates. For instance, Germany is renowned for its strong academic and vocational education. Its public schools are almost free, so everyone, even adults, can easily access cheap but effective self-development chances. The economy of Germany is strong even when other countries in Europe suffer from recession. Also, the poverty line in Germany is dozens of times higher than the international poverty line. Some other programs, such as unemployment assistance or tax refund, are also working on helping people in poverty and stimulating the economy, but most of them are remedies for damage rather than empowering citizens at the beginning.

Furthermore, schools also cultivate kids to become responsible citizens. An important aim in elementary and secondary education is character building. Through different methods, teachers impart the necessity of fighting against self-centeredness and contributing to society. In the meantime, children can practice how to deliver help in group activities and relish the joy generated from that. As a result, even students from families that do not hold such a value will have some understanding of social responsibility before graduation. As John Donne says, no man is an island entire of itself. Every person in the world needs care and support from time to time. Although families and welfare systems are devoted to do that, sometimes it’s just not enough, since fast-paced modern society has separated people in an unprecedented way. However, if a community has many residents that are willing to support others, everyone living there will have an easier time getting through difficulties. In the long run, that region certainly thrives.

Successful countries are those that create conditions leading to a better economy and resilience for individuals and communities. Education not only lays a foundation for but also has a lasting influence on them. Also, no other programs can benefit as people as education does. Thus, it is the key essence for a successful society.