Outsourcing and its impact on local employment is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its global significance. Based on our analysis of previous IELTS questions, we’ve identified a common prompt that addresses this issue:

Some people think that the best way for a country to develop its economy is to encourage more companies to outsource jobs to other countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Let’s analyze this question and provide sample essays for different band scores, along with explanations and vocabulary tips to help you tackle similar topics in your IELTS Writing Task 2.

Question Analysis

This prompt asks for your opinion on whether encouraging outsourcing is the best way to develop a country’s economy. Key points to consider:

1. The main focus is on economic development through outsourcing.
2. You need to express your level of agreement or disagreement.
3. Consider both positive and negative effects of outsourcing on the local economy.
4. Discuss alternative methods for economic development, if applicable.

How globalization impacts employment opportunities is closely related to this topic, as outsourcing is often a result of globalization.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

While outsourcing has become a common practice in today’s globalized economy, I strongly disagree that it is the best way for a country to develop its economy. Although it may offer short-term benefits, the long-term consequences can be detrimental to local employment and overall economic stability.

Outsourcing can indeed provide immediate economic advantages. Companies can reduce costs by moving operations to countries with lower labor expenses, potentially increasing profits and competitiveness. This could lead to increased tax revenue and foreign investment for the outsourcing country. Additionally, it may free up resources for businesses to focus on core competencies and innovation.

However, the negative impacts of widespread outsourcing on local employment are significant and cannot be overlooked. When jobs are moved overseas, it often results in unemployment and underemployment in the domestic market. This can lead to a decline in consumer spending power, reduced tax revenues, and increased strain on social welfare systems. Moreover, the loss of skilled jobs can erode a country’s industrial base and technological expertise over time, making it more challenging to compete in high-value sectors.

Furthermore, relying heavily on outsourcing can make a country’s economy vulnerable to external factors. Economic downturns or political instability in partner countries can disrupt supply chains and business operations. This dependency can limit a nation’s ability to control its economic destiny and respond effectively to global crises.

Instead of prioritizing outsourcing, countries should focus on developing a diverse and resilient economic strategy. This could include investing in education and skills training to create a highly qualified workforce, supporting research and development to foster innovation, and promoting small and medium-sized enterprises. Additionally, encouraging sustainable industries and green technologies can create new job opportunities while addressing environmental concerns.

In conclusion, while outsourcing may offer some short-term economic benefits, it is not the best long-term strategy for a country’s economic development. A more balanced approach that prioritizes local job creation, skill development, and innovation is likely to result in more sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

The effects of outsourcing on local employment and economy

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

I partially agree that encouraging companies to outsource jobs can help develop a country’s economy, but I also think there are some problems with this approach.

On the one hand, outsourcing can bring some benefits to a country’s economy. When companies outsource, they can save money on labor costs, which can make them more profitable. This might lead to more investment and economic growth. Also, outsourcing can help companies focus on their main business activities and become more efficient.

However, there are also negative Effects Of Outsourcing On Local Employment. When jobs are sent to other countries, many local workers can lose their jobs. This can cause unemployment and make people’s lives difficult. It might also reduce the amount of money people can spend, which can hurt local businesses.

Another problem is that outsourcing can make a country depend too much on other countries. If something goes wrong in the countries where the jobs are outsourced, it can cause problems for the companies and the economy back home.

I think a better way to develop the economy is to focus on education and training for local workers. This can help people get better jobs and earn more money. The government could also support small businesses and encourage innovation to create new job opportunities.

In conclusion, while outsourcing can have some positive effects on the economy, I believe it’s not the best way to develop a country’s economy. It’s important to consider both the benefits and drawbacks and to find a balance that helps the economy grow without hurting local workers too much.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

I think outsourcing jobs to other countries can be good and bad for a country’s economy. There are some good points and some bad points about this idea.

First, outsourcing can help companies save money. When they send jobs to countries where workers are paid less, the companies can make more profit. This might help the economy grow because companies have more money to invest.

But there are also problems with outsourcing. Many people in the country might lose their jobs. This is very bad for them and their families. When people don’t have jobs, they can’t buy things, which is bad for local shops and businesses.

Also, if a country sends too many jobs to other places, it might not be able to make important things for itself. This could be a problem if there are problems in other countries.

I think there are better ways to make the economy stronger. The government could help people learn new skills so they can get better jobs. They could also help small businesses grow and create new jobs.

In conclusion, I don’t fully agree that outsourcing is the best way to develop the economy. It has some good points, but also some bad points. Countries should be careful about outsourcing and think of other ways to make their economies stronger.

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

• Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a clear position throughout.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and appropriate use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource: Wide range of vocabulary used with flexibility and precision.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Wide range of structures used accurately and appropriately.

Band 6-7 Essay:

• Task Response: Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are arranged coherently, but there may be occasional lapses in progression.
• Lexical Resource: Adequate range of vocabulary for the task, with some attempts at less common vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mix of simple and complex sentence forms with generally good control.

Band 5-6 Essay:

• Task Response: Addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Overall progression is evident, but not always clear or logical.
• Lexical Resource: Limited range of vocabulary, mainly restricted to familiar topics.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Limited range of structures with frequent errors, though meaning is generally clear.

The effects of economic globalization on developing countries is another aspect closely related to outsourcing and its impact on local economies.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Outsourcing (noun) – The practice of having certain job functions done outside a company
   Pronunciation: /ˈaʊtˌsɔːsɪŋ/

2. Economic development (noun phrase) – The process by which a nation improves the economic welfare of its citizens
   Pronunciation: /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk dɪˈveləpmənt/

3. Globalization (noun) – The process of international integration arising from the interchange of world views, products, ideas, and other aspects of culture
   Pronunciation: /ˌɡləʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/

4. Competitiveness (noun) – The ability and performance of a firm, sub-sector or country to sell and supply goods and services in a given market
   Pronunciation: /kəmˈpetətɪvnəs/

5. Innovation (noun) – The process of translating an idea or invention into a good or service that creates value
   Pronunciation: /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/

6. Underemployment (noun) – The condition in which people in a labor force are employed at less than full-time or regular jobs
   Pronunciation: /ˌʌndərɪmˈplɔɪmənt/

7. Vulnerability (noun) – The quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally
   Pronunciation: /ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪləti/

8. Resilient (adjective) – Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions
   Pronunciation: /rɪˈzɪliənt/

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

10. Inclusive (adjective) – Not excluding any section of society or any party involved in something
    Pronunciation: /ɪnˈkluːsɪv/

The impacts of outsourcing on the global economy

Conclusion

The topic of outsourcing and its effects on local employment is a complex and multi-faceted issue that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key arguments for and against outsourcing, and being able to discuss its economic implications, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle similar questions in your exam.

To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or related themes such as how globalization influences local economies. Practice using the vocabulary and structures from the sample essays, and remember to always analyze the question carefully before starting your response.

Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below. This is an excellent way to get feedback and improve your writing skills for the IELTS exam. Good luck with your preparation!