The topic of whether salaries should be based on living costs is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared in various forms over the past few years and is likely to continue being a popular topic due to its relevance to global economic discussions. Based on my analysis of past IELTS exams and current trends, I predict this topic will appear with moderate frequency in future tests. Let’s examine a real IELTS question that closely aligns with this theme:

Some people think that a person’s salary should be based on their living costs. Others believe that a person’s salary should be based on their contribution to society. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Analysis of the Question

This question presents two contrasting views on how salaries should be determined:

1. Salary based on living costs
2. Salary based on contribution to society

The task requires candidates to:

• Discuss both perspectives
• Provide their own opinion

It’s crucial to address all parts of the question and maintain a balanced approach while clearly stating your personal stance.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In the ongoing debate about fair compensation, some argue that salaries should be tied to living expenses, while others contend that they should reflect an individual’s societal contribution. While both perspectives have merit, I believe a balanced approach that considers both factors is most appropriate.

Those who advocate for living cost-based salaries argue that this method ensures everyone can maintain a decent standard of living regardless of their profession. This approach could potentially reduce income inequality and alleviate financial stress for workers in expensive urban areas. For instance, teachers in cities with high living costs might struggle to afford housing on their current salaries, despite their crucial role in society. Adjusting their pay based on local expenses could help retain valuable educators in these areas.

On the other hand, proponents of contribution-based salaries argue that this system rewards innovation, hard work, and the value individuals bring to society. This view posits that professions that have a more significant impact on societal progress, such as medical researchers or engineers developing sustainable technologies, should be compensated more generously. This approach could incentivize people to pursue careers that are most beneficial to society and drive overall progress.

In my opinion, an ideal salary system should incorporate elements of both perspectives. While ensuring that all workers can meet their basic needs is crucial, it’s equally important to recognize and reward exceptional contributions. A tiered system could be implemented where a base salary is determined by living costs, with additional compensation based on an individual’s skills, experience, and societal impact. This approach would provide financial security for all while still encouraging personal and professional growth.

Balancing salary based on living costs and societal contribution

In conclusion, while both living costs and societal contribution are valid factors in determining salaries, a nuanced approach that considers both aspects would be most effective. This balanced system could help create a more equitable society while still fostering innovation and rewarding exceptional performance.

(Word count: 345)

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The question of how to decide salaries is a complex issue. Some people think it should be based on living costs, while others believe it should depend on how much a person contributes to society. Both views have their own good points and problems.

Those who support basing salaries on living costs say this is fair because it helps everyone afford basic needs. For example, if someone lives in an expensive city, they would get paid more to cover their higher rent and food costs. This could help reduce poverty and make sure all workers can live comfortably. However, this approach might not motivate people to work harder or improve their skills.

On the other hand, people who think salaries should be based on contribution to society argue that this rewards hard work and important jobs. They believe that doctors, teachers, and scientists should earn more because their work helps many people. This could encourage more people to choose careers that benefit society. But this view might not consider that some important jobs, like cleaners or farm workers, don’t pay well even though they are necessary.

In my opinion, the best way is to consider both living costs and contribution to society when deciding salaries. Companies and governments could set a minimum wage based on living costs in different areas. Then, they could offer higher pay for jobs that need more skills or have a bigger impact on society. This way, everyone could afford to live, but there would still be rewards for working hard and choosing important careers.

Minimum wage based on living costs with career progression

To conclude, I think a mix of both ideas is the best solution. It’s important to make sure all workers can afford to live, but also to reward people who contribute more to society. This balanced approach could help create a fairer and more motivated workforce.

(Word count: 329)

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and fully addresses all parts of the task. Its strengths include:

1. Clear organization with a well-developed introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
2. Sophisticated vocabulary and varied sentence structures.
3. Thoughtful discussion of both viewpoints with relevant examples.
4. A clear personal opinion with a nuanced suggestion for a balanced approach.
5. Coherent ideas with smooth transitions between paragraphs.
6. Minimal grammatical errors and appropriate use of complex language.

Band 6-7 Essay:

This essay shows a good understanding of the task and addresses all parts, but with less sophistication than the Band 8-9 essay. Its characteristics include:

1. Clear organization with distinct paragraphs for each viewpoint and a conclusion.
2. Adequate vocabulary with some attempt at using less common words.
3. Discussion of both viewpoints with basic examples.
4. A personal opinion is given, though less developed than in the higher band essay.
5. Generally coherent ideas, though transitions could be smoother.
6. Some grammatical errors, but they do not impede understanding.

IELTS Writing Task 2 scoring criteria overview

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Compensation (noun) – /ˌkɒmpənˈseɪʃn/ – payment for work
2. Equity (noun) – /ˈekwəti/ – fairness or justice in the way people are treated
3. Incentivize (verb) – /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – to encourage or motivate someone to do something
4. Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle differences
5. Alleviate (verb) – /əˈliːvieɪt/ – to make a problem or suffering less severe
6. Contribution (noun) – /ˌkɒntrɪˈbjuːʃn/ – something that you do or give to help produce or achieve something
7. Innovation (noun) – /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – a new idea, device, or method
8. Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to continue over a period of time
9. Tiered (adjective) – /tɪəd/ – arranged in levels or layers
10. Poverty (noun) – /ˈpɒvəti/ – the state of being extremely poor

In conclusion, the topic of basing salaries on living costs versus societal contribution is a complex and relevant issue for IELTS Writing Task 2. When approaching this or similar topics, remember to discuss both viewpoints thoroughly, provide relevant examples, and clearly state your own opinion. Practice writing essays on related themes, such as:

• Should there be a maximum limit on earnings?
• Is it fair for some professions to earn significantly more than others?
• How can governments ensure fair wages for all workers?

To improve your writing skills, try composing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you refine your ideas and writing style for the IELTS exam.

How inflation impacts everyday financial decisions is another related topic that could provide valuable insights for discussing economic issues in your IELTS essays. Additionally, understanding the impact of online shopping on retail jobs can offer a broader perspective on how economic changes affect employment and wages.