The topic of international cooperation in addressing the refugee crisis is becoming increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends and the global significance of this issue, it’s likely to appear more frequently in future exams. Let’s examine a sample question that reflects this theme:

Some people believe that the refugee crisis is too large for individual countries to handle and that international cooperation is the only solution. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Analysis of the Question

This question asks for your opinion on whether international cooperation is necessary to address the refugee crisis. It’s important to:

1. Clearly state your position
2. Provide reasons and examples to support your view
3. Consider potential counterarguments
4. Structure your essay logically

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

The global refugee crisis has reached unprecedented levels, leading many to argue that it requires a coordinated international response rather than individual national efforts. I strongly agree with this viewpoint, as the scale and complexity of the issue demand collaborative solutions that transcend borders.

Firstly, the sheer magnitude of the refugee crisis overwhelms the resources of individual nations. Countries like Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey, which host millions of Syrian refugees, struggle to provide adequate housing, healthcare, and education without substantial international aid. This situation demonstrates that even well-intentioned countries cannot manage such large-scale displacement alone. International cooperation, through organizations like the UNHCR and coordinated funding efforts, can more effectively distribute resources and expertise where they are most needed.

Moreover, the refugee crisis is inherently a transnational issue. Refugees often traverse multiple countries before reaching their final destination, necessitating coordinated border management and asylum procedures. The European migrant crisis of 2015 highlighted the chaos that ensues when countries act unilaterally, with some nations closing borders while others struggled to process unprecedented numbers of arrivals. A unified approach, such as the EU’s relocation scheme, albeit imperfect, showcases how international cooperation can lead to more equitable and manageable solutions.

Furthermore, addressing the root causes of refugee crises requires global diplomatic efforts. Conflicts, persecution, and climate change – primary drivers of forced displacement – cannot be resolved by single nations acting in isolation. International cooperation in peacekeeping, development aid, and climate action is crucial for creating conditions that allow refugees to return home safely or prevent displacement in the first place.

Critics might argue that international cooperation dilutes national sovereignty and that countries should prioritize their own citizens. However, this view overlooks the interconnected nature of our global society. Refugee crises, if left unaddressed, can lead to regional instability, economic disruption, and security concerns that affect all nations. Cooperative approaches that respect national interests while addressing global challenges are not only possible but necessary in our interconnected world.

In conclusion, while individual countries have important roles to play, the refugee crisis requires a concerted international effort. The scale of the challenge, its transnational nature, and the need to address root causes all point to the necessity of global cooperation. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, our approach to humanitarian crises must evolve to become more collaborative and comprehensive.

(Word count: 380)

Explanation of Band 8-9 Score

This essay would likely receive a Band 8-9 score for the following reasons:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with well-developed ideas and relevant examples.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the argument, and ideas are logically linked.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is sophisticated and precise (e.g., “unprecedented levels,” “transnational issue,” “dilutes national sovereignty”), with a wide range of words used accurately.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of complex structures used accurately, with only rare minor errors.

5. Critical Thinking: The essay shows depth of critical thinking by considering counterarguments and providing nuanced analysis.

International cooperation addressing refugee crisis

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The refugee crisis is a big problem in many parts of the world today. Some people think that it’s too big for one country to handle alone and that countries need to work together to solve it. I agree with this idea to a large extent.

Firstly, the refugee problem is very big and affects many countries. When there’s a war or natural disaster in one country, people often have to flee to other countries for safety. This can put a lot of pressure on the countries that receive refugees. For example, countries near Syria have had to take in millions of refugees, which is very difficult for them to manage alone. If countries work together, they can share this burden and make it easier for everyone.

Secondly, helping refugees requires a lot of money and resources. Some countries might not have enough money to provide food, shelter, and healthcare for a large number of refugees. If countries cooperate, they can pool their resources and provide better support for refugees. Rich countries can help poorer countries that are hosting many refugees.

However, some people might say that each country should take care of its own problems and not rely on others. They might worry that international cooperation could mean losing control over their own borders. This is a valid concern, but I think the benefits of working together are greater than the risks.

Working together can also help solve the reasons why people become refugees in the first place. For example, if countries work together to stop wars or fight climate change, fewer people might need to leave their homes. This kind of cooperation can have long-term benefits for everyone.

In conclusion, I believe that international cooperation is very important for dealing with the refugee crisis. While individual countries have a role to play, the problem is too big and complex for any one country to solve alone. By working together, countries can share the responsibility, use resources more effectively, and find better solutions for refugees and the countries that host them.

(Word count: 329)

Explanation of Band 6-7 Score

This essay would likely receive a Band 6-7 score for the following reasons:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position. However, the ideas could be more fully developed with more specific examples.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear paragraphing. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes repetitive (e.g., frequent use of “Firstly,” “Secondly”).

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but lacks the sophistication and precision of a higher band score. There’s some attempt at using less common vocabulary (e.g., “pool their resources”), but the range is limited.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control. There are some errors, but they don’t impede communication.

5. Critical Thinking: The essay shows some attempts at critical thinking, particularly in considering a counterargument. However, the analysis could be deeper and more nuanced.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Refugee crisis (noun) – /ˌrefjuˈdʒiː ˈkraɪsɪs/ – A situation where a large number of people are displaced from their homes, often due to conflict or disaster.

2. International cooperation (noun phrase) – /ˌɪntəˈnæʃənəl kəʊˌɒpəˈreɪʃən/ – Collaborative efforts between countries to address global issues.

3. Displacement (noun) – /dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/ – The forced movement of people from their homes or countries.

4. Asylum (noun) – /əˈsaɪləm/ – Protection granted by a nation to someone who has left their native country as a political refugee.

5. Transnational (adjective) – /trænzˈnæʃənəl/ – Extending or operating across national boundaries.

6. Root causes (noun phrase) – /ruːt ˈkɔːzɪz/ – The fundamental reasons for a problem or situation.

7. Sovereignty (noun) – /ˈsɒvrənti/ – The authority of a state to govern itself or another state.

8. Humanitarian (adjective) – /hjuːˌmænɪˈteəriən/ – Concerned with or seeking to promote human welfare.

9. Interconnected (adjective) – /ˌɪntəkəˈnektɪd/ – Having multiple connections between parts or elements.

10. Comprehensive (adjective) – /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.

Conclusion

The topic of international cooperation in addressing the refugee crisis is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. As global challenges continue to evolve, you may encounter variations of this theme, such as:

• The role of developed countries in supporting developing nations with refugee populations
• The impact of climate change on refugee movements and international responses
• The balance between national security concerns and humanitarian obligations in refugee policies

To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on these topics, focusing on developing clear arguments, using relevant examples, and demonstrating a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Remember to critically analyze the issues from multiple perspectives.

We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the sample question provided in this article. Share your essay in the comments section below 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.