The topic of employing older workers has appeared several times in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, particularly in countries with aging populations like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. Based on analysis of past IELTS exams, this topic typically appears in advantage/disadvantage or discussion essays. Let’s examine one of the most common question formats:
Some companies prefer to employ workers aged 50 or above rather than younger workers. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
Experienced older workers collaborating with younger colleagues in modern office
Analysis of the Question
- Topic: Employment practices regarding older workers
- Task: Discuss both advantages and disadvantages
- Focus: Impact of hiring workers aged 50+
- Scope: Business/workplace context
- Structure Required: Balanced discussion with clear examples
Model Essay 1 (Band 8.0)
Companies increasingly value the contribution of mature employees, and this growing trend of hiring workers over 50 brings both benefits and drawbacks to organizations. This essay will examine both perspectives of this employment practice.
There are several compelling advantages to employing older workers. Firstly, these individuals typically bring decades of valuable experience and industry knowledge, which can be invaluable for maintaining operational excellence and mentoring younger colleagues. Moreover, mature employees often demonstrate stronger loyalty and commitment to their employers, resulting in lower turnover rates and reduced recruitment costs. For instance, a manufacturing company in South Korea reported that their senior engineers had significantly lower resignation rates compared to younger staff members.
However, this hiring practice also presents certain challenges. The primary concern is that older workers may require higher compensation due to their experience and seniority, potentially increasing operational costs for businesses. Additionally, some mature employees might find it challenging to adapt to rapid technological changes or new working methods. For example, in the banking sector, some senior staff members have struggled to transition from traditional to digital banking systems, necessitating additional training resources.
In my opinion, while the challenges are notable, the advantages of employing older workers generally outweigh the disadvantages. Organizations can maximize benefits by implementing effective knowledge transfer programs and providing targeted technology training to help mature employees stay current with industry developments.
Senior employees participating in professional development workshop
Model Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
These days, some companies like to hire older workers instead of young people. This trend has both good and bad points which I will discuss in this essay.
On the positive side, older workers have more experience in their jobs. They know how to handle different situations because they have worked for many years. Also, these workers are usually more responsible and come to work on time. For example, in my country, many companies say that older workers take fewer sick days than younger ones.
However, there are some problems with hiring older workers. The main issue is that they might not be good with new technology. Young people grow up with computers and smartphones, but older workers sometimes find these things difficult. Another problem is that older workers often want higher salaries because they have families to support.
I think both young and old workers have their own good points. Companies should try to have a mix of different ages in their workforce. This way, older workers can teach young ones about work experience, and young workers can help with new technology.
Essay Analysis
Band 8.0 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear organization with well-developed ideas
- Specific examples and details
- Natural linking devices
- Balanced argument with clear position
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic organization
- Some examples but less specific
- Simple linking words
- Ideas present but less developed
Key Vocabulary
- mature employees (n.) /məˈtʃʊə ɪmˈplɔɪiːz/ – older workers
- operational excellence (n.) /ˌɒpəˈreɪʃənl ˈeksələns/ – high performance in business operations
- turnover rates (n.) /ˈtɜːnəʊvə reɪts/ – frequency of staff leaving
- compelling (adj.) /kəmˈpelɪŋ/ – convincing or powerful
- succession planning (n.) /səkˈseʃən ˈplænɪŋ/ – preparing future leaders
As this topic remains relevant to aging societies, you might encounter similar questions about intergenerational workplaces or age diversity in employment. Practice writing about these related topics:
- Mandatory retirement age policies
- Age discrimination in the workplace
- Benefits of age-diverse teams
Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion with other learners.
