IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Promote Fair Wages During Economic Recovery – Sample Essays and Analysis

Economic recovery and fair wages are crucial topics that often appear in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This theme is particularly relevant in today’s global context, where many countries are striving to bounce back from economic downturns while ensuring equitable employment practices. Let’s explore a sample question and two model essays that demonstrate how to effectively address this subject in your IELTS writing test.

Analyzing the Topic and Its Relevance

The issue of promoting fair wages during economic recovery is a complex and timely one, making it an ideal candidate for IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared in various forms in past exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests. It requires candidates to consider economic policies, social justice, and the balance between business recovery and worker welfare.

Sample Question

Let’s focus on the following question, which is representative of the type you might encounter in your IELTS exam:

As countries recover from economic crises, there is often pressure to prioritize economic growth over fair wages. Some argue that ensuring fair wages for all workers is crucial for sustainable recovery. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

Question Analysis

This question asks you to consider the relationship between economic recovery and fair wages. Key points to address include:

1. The potential conflict between economic growth and fair wages
2. The concept of sustainable recovery
3. The importance of fair wages for workers and the economy
4. Your personal stance on the issue

Remember to clearly state your position and support it with relevant examples and logical reasoning.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In the aftermath of economic crises, the debate between prioritizing rapid economic growth and ensuring fair wages for workers often intensifies. While some argue that economic recovery should take precedence, I firmly believe that guaranteeing fair wages is not only ethically imperative but also crucial for achieving sustainable long-term growth.

Firstly, fair wages play a vital role in maintaining social stability, which is essential for sustained economic recovery. When workers receive adequate compensation, it reduces income inequality and social unrest, creating a more stable environment for businesses to thrive. For instance, countries like Germany, which maintained strong wage protection policies during the 2008 financial crisis, experienced a faster and more robust recovery compared to nations that implemented severe wage cuts.

Moreover, fair wages contribute to increased consumer spending, which is a key driver of economic growth. When workers earn a living wage, they have more disposable income to spend on goods and services, stimulating demand and supporting businesses across various sectors. This creates a positive feedback loop, where increased consumer spending leads to job creation and further economic expansion.

Additionally, ensuring fair wages can enhance productivity and innovation. When employees feel valued and fairly compensated, they are more likely to be motivated and committed to their work. This increased engagement often results in higher productivity levels and can foster a culture of innovation within companies. For example, companies like Costco, known for their above-average wages, consistently outperform competitors in terms of employee productivity and customer satisfaction.

However, it is important to acknowledge that implementing fair wage policies during economic recovery can be challenging for some businesses, particularly small enterprises struggling to stay afloat. To address this, governments could consider providing temporary subsidies or tax incentives to support businesses in maintaining fair wages during the recovery period.

In conclusion, while the pressure to prioritize immediate economic growth over fair wages during recovery periods is understandable, I strongly believe that ensuring fair compensation is fundamental to achieving sustainable, long-term economic success. By promoting social stability, boosting consumer spending, and enhancing productivity, fair wages create a solid foundation for robust and inclusive economic growth.

(Word count: 340)

Fair wages and economic recovery

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The question of whether to focus on economic growth or fair wages during economic recovery is a complex issue. While some people think economic growth should be the main priority, I believe that ensuring fair wages is very important for a sustainable recovery.

One reason why fair wages are crucial is that they help workers meet their basic needs. When people earn enough money, they can afford food, housing, and healthcare. This is important not just for individuals, but for the whole economy. For example, if workers can’t afford to buy things, businesses will struggle to sell their products, which can slow down economic recovery.

Another point to consider is that fair wages can improve worker motivation and productivity. When employees feel they are paid fairly, they are likely to work harder and be more loyal to their companies. This can lead to better business performance and contribute to overall economic growth. For instance, some companies that pay higher wages often report lower turnover rates and higher customer satisfaction.

However, it’s true that paying fair wages can be difficult for some businesses, especially small ones that are struggling after an economic crisis. In these cases, the government might need to help by offering support or incentives to businesses that maintain fair wages.

On the other hand, focusing only on economic growth without considering fair wages can lead to problems in the long run. It might create a situation where the economy grows, but many people don’t benefit from this growth. This can cause social issues and might even lead to another economic crisis in the future.

In conclusion, while economic growth is important, I believe that ensuring fair wages is necessary for a sustainable and inclusive economic recovery. It’s not just about short-term growth, but about creating a stable and fair economy that benefits everyone in the long term.

(Word count: 296)

Key Points to Note When Writing

1. Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced argument.

2. Language: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still effectively conveys the main points.

3. Examples: Both essays provide examples to support their arguments, but the Band 8-9 essay offers more specific and varied examples.

4. Coherence: Ensure your ideas flow logically from one paragraph to the next. Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly.

5. Task Response: Both essays clearly address the question and provide a clear position, which is crucial for scoring well in IELTS Writing Task 2.

Vocabulary to Remember

1. Economic recovery (noun) /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk rɪˈkʌvəri/ – The process of an economy regaining its strength after a period of decline.

2. Fair wages (noun phrase) /feə weɪdʒɪz/ – Compensation that is considered just and appropriate for the work performed.

3. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.

4. Prioritize (verb) /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/ – To give importance to or put first in order of dealing with.

5. Income inequality (noun phrase) /ˈɪnkʌm ˌɪnɪˈkwɒləti/ – The extent to which income is distributed unevenly among a population.

6. Disposable income (noun phrase) /dɪˈspəʊzəbl ˈɪnkʌm/ – The amount of money that households have available for spending and saving after income taxes.

7. Productivity (noun) /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/ – The effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input.

8. Incentives (noun) /ɪnˈsentɪvz/ – Things that motivate or encourage someone to do something.

Conclusion

Writing about promoting fair wages during economic recovery requires a balanced approach, considering both economic and social factors. Practice writing essays on this topic, using the sample questions and essays provided as guidance. Remember to structure your essay clearly, use relevant examples, and demonstrate a good command of English vocabulary and grammar.

For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:

1. The role of government in ensuring fair employment practices during economic downturns.
2. The impact of automation on wages and job security in recovering economies.
3. Balancing the needs of businesses and workers in times of economic uncertainty.

We encourage you to write your own essay on the given topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for your IELTS exam.