Age discrimination in job applications is a prevalent and contentious issue in today’s workforce. This topic has appeared frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams over the past few years, and its relevance is likely to persist in future tests. Based on our analysis of past IELTS exams and current trends, we have identified a highly probable question for this subject:
Some people think that employers should not be allowed to ask for a job applicant’s age when hiring. Others believe that age information is essential for employers. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for prohibiting employers from asking about age during hiring
- Explain reasons why age information might be necessary for employers
- Present their own opinion on the matter
Let’s examine sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring response.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The debate over whether employers should be permitted to inquire about a job applicant’s age during the hiring process is a complex and nuanced issue. While some argue that age should be irrelevant in employment decisions, others contend that this information is crucial for employers. In my opinion, while age discrimination should be strictly prohibited, there are legitimate reasons for employers to have access to age-related information in certain circumstances.
Those who advocate for banning age-related questions in job applications argue that it helps prevent discrimination against older workers. Age discrimination can lead to talented and experienced individuals being overlooked simply because of their age, which is both unfair and detrimental to businesses. Moreover, focusing on age rather than skills and qualifications can result in a less diverse workforce, potentially stifling innovation and creativity within organizations.
On the other hand, proponents of allowing age inquiries contend that this information can be essential for certain job roles. For instance, in physically demanding professions like firefighting or construction, an applicant’s age might be relevant to their ability to perform the job safely and effectively. Additionally, for positions that require long-term planning or succession strategies, employers may need to consider an applicant’s potential tenure before retirement.
In my view, a balanced approach is necessary. While I believe that age should not be a determining factor in most hiring decisions, there are legitimate cases where this information is relevant. The key is to implement strict anti-discrimination policies and to only allow age-related questions when they are demonstrably job-related and consistent with business necessity. For example, airlines may need to know a pilot’s age due to mandatory retirement regulations, but this should not apply to roles where age does not impact job performance.
In conclusion, while the prohibition of age-related questions in job applications can help combat discrimination, there are situations where this information is necessary. The challenge lies in striking a balance between protecting workers from unfair treatment and allowing employers to make informed decisions when age is genuinely relevant to the job at hand.
Age discrimination in job applications: Interview scene
Analysis of Sample Essay 1
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a high band score (8-9) for the following reasons:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively, and each paragraph has a clear central topic.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Note the use of phrases like “complex and nuanced issue,” “stifling innovation,” and “demonstrably job-related.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. It uses complex sentences consistently and appropriately.
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Development of Ideas: Each point is thoroughly elaborated with relevant examples and explanations, showing depth of understanding of the issue.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The topic of whether employers should be allowed to ask for a job applicant’s age when hiring is controversial. Some people think it should not be allowed, while others believe it is important information. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who are against asking for age information say it can lead to discrimination. Older workers might not get hired because employers think they are too old, even if they have good skills and experience. This is not fair and can make it hard for older people to find jobs. Also, if employers focus too much on age, they might miss out on hiring talented people who could help their company.
On the other hand, some people think age information is necessary for employers. They say that for some jobs, like police officers or firefighters, physical fitness is important, and age can affect this. Also, employers might want to know how long a person can work before they retire, especially for important positions in the company.
In my opinion, I think it’s better not to ask for age in most cases. Employers should focus on skills, experience, and qualifications instead of age. However, I understand that in some specific jobs, age might be important for safety reasons. In these cases, it should be allowed, but there should be strict rules to prevent discrimination.
To conclude, while age information can be useful for employers in some situations, it often leads to unfair treatment of older workers. I believe that in most cases, it’s better not to ask for age during the hiring process to ensure equal opportunities for all job applicants.
Age-diverse workplace with professionals collaborating
Analysis of Sample Essay 2
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a Band 6-7 score for the following reasons:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some aspects are covered more thoroughly than others. The writer’s position is clear, but the conclusion could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear overall progression. It uses some cohesive devices, though not always with complete accuracy.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary, though sometimes with slight awkwardness.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is supported with relevant ideas, though the level of detail and explanation is not as thorough as in the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Age discrimination (noun) – /eɪdʒ dɪˌskrɪmɪˈneɪʃən/ – unfair treatment based on a person’s age
- Contentious (adjective) – /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause disagreement
- Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning
- Stifle (verb) – /ˈstaɪfəl/ – to prevent or constrain
- Tenure (noun) – /ˈtenjə(r)/ – the period of time someone holds a position
- Succession (noun) – /səkˈseʃən/ – the process of following or replacing someone in a job or position
- Demonstrably (adverb) – /dɪˈmɒnstrəbli/ – in a way that is clearly apparent or capable of being proved
- Mandatory (adjective) – /ˈmændətəri/ – required by law or rules
- Combat (verb) – /ˈkɒmbæt/ – to fight against or oppose vigorously
- Skeptical (adjective) – /ˈskeptɪkəl/ – not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations
Conclusion
The topic of age discrimination in job applications is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The impact of an aging workforce on the economy
- Mandatory retirement ages: pros and cons
- Generational diversity in the workplace: challenges and benefits
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on the topic provided in this article. Share your essay in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.
