Youth unemployment is a pressing global issue that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts. Based on analysis of past exams and current trends, this topic is likely to remain relevant in future tests. To help you prepare, we’ll explore a common question on this subject and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Let’s examine the following question, which has appeared in various forms in recent IELTS exams:
Youth unemployment is one of the most serious problems facing many countries today. What are the causes of youth unemployment and what solutions can you suggest to tackle this problem?
Analyzing the Question
This question is a classic problem-solution essay prompt. It asks candidates to:
- Identify causes of youth unemployment
- Propose solutions to address the issue
To score well, you need to:
- Discuss at least 2-3 causes
- Suggest 2-3 viable solutions
- Provide relevant examples and explanations
- Use appropriate vocabulary and grammatical structures
- Organize your ideas coherently
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Youth unemployment is undoubtedly one of the most pressing challenges facing numerous nations in the contemporary world. This essay will explore the root causes of this issue and propose potential solutions to mitigate its impact.
There are several factors contributing to the high rates of youth unemployment. Firstly, the mismatch between education systems and job market demands is a significant cause. Many young people graduate with skills that are not aligned with the needs of employers, making it difficult for them to secure jobs. Secondly, the global economic slowdown has led to a reduction in job opportunities, particularly affecting young people who lack experience. Additionally, the rapid advancement of technology has automated many entry-level positions, further limiting options for youth entering the workforce.
To address this problem, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. One crucial solution is to reform education systems to better align with industry needs. This could involve introducing more vocational training programs and internships to provide practical skills and work experience. Governments should also incentivize businesses to hire young workers through tax breaks or subsidies. This would encourage companies to take a chance on inexperienced but eager employees. Furthermore, promoting entrepreneurship among youth through mentorship programs and start-up grants could help create new job opportunities and stimulate economic growth.
In conclusion, while youth unemployment is a complex issue, it is not insurmountable. By addressing the root causes through education reform, government incentives, and fostering entrepreneurship, countries can work towards reducing youth unemployment rates and building a more prosperous future for their young citizens.
(Word count: 273)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and meets all the criteria for a high band score:
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing multiple causes and solutions with well-developed ideas and relevant examples.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Paragraphs are well-structured, and cohesive devices are used effectively (e.g., “Firstly,” “Secondly,” “Additionally,” “Furthermore”).
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Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately (e.g., “mitigate,” “pressing challenges,” “multi-faceted approach”). Collocations are natural (e.g., “root causes,” “rapid advancement”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a variety of complex structures used accurately (e.g., “While youth unemployment is a complex issue, it is not insurmountable”). There are no noticeable errors.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Youth unemployment is a big problem in many countries today. This essay will look at why this happens and what can be done to solve it.
There are several reasons for youth unemployment. One main cause is that many young people don’t have the right skills for available jobs. They finish school or university but can’t find work because employers want different skills. Another reason is that there aren’t enough jobs because of economic problems in many countries. Also, some companies prefer to hire older workers with more experience, which makes it hard for young people to get their first job.
To fix this problem, governments and businesses need to work together. One solution is to improve education and training programs to give young people the skills that companies need. This could include more practical training and internships. Governments could also give tax benefits to companies that hire young workers. This would encourage businesses to give young people a chance. Another idea is to help young people start their own businesses by giving them advice and small loans.
In conclusion, youth unemployment is a serious issue, but there are ways to solve it. By improving education, helping businesses hire young people, and supporting young entrepreneurs, we can reduce youth unemployment and help young people build better futures.
(Word count: 226)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good writing skills but has some limitations compared to the Band 8-9 essay:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, providing causes and solutions. However, the ideas are less fully developed than in the higher band essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated (e.g., frequent use of “Also” and “Another”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but less varied and precise than in the Band 8-9 essay. There are some good phrases (e.g., “economic problems,” “encourage businesses”), but overall, the language is simpler.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences accurately. However, the range of structures is more limited than in the higher band essay.
Youth unemployment solutions
Key Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 on Youth Unemployment
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Unemployment rate (noun) – /ʌnˈemplɔɪmənt reɪt/ – The percentage of the workforce that is unemployed and actively seeking employment.
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Vocational training (noun) – /vəʊˈkeɪʃənl ˈtreɪnɪŋ/ – Education that prepares people to work in various jobs such as a trade, a craft, or as a technician.
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Skills mismatch (noun) – /skɪlz mɪsˈmætʃ/ – A situation where the skills that workers can offer are different from the skills that employers need.
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Economic downturn (noun) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈdaʊntɜːn/ – A period of reduced economic activity.
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Entrepreneurship (noun) – /ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜːʃɪp/ – The activity of setting up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit.
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Job market (noun) – /dʒɒb ˈmɑːkɪt/ – The availability of employment and labor, in terms of supply and demand.
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Incentivize (verb) – /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – To motivate or encourage someone to do something.
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Workforce (noun) – /ˈwɜːkfɔːs/ – The people engaged in or available for work, either in a country or area or in a particular company or industry.
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Upskilling (noun) – /ˈʌpˌskɪlɪŋ/ – The process of learning new skills or teaching workers new skills.
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Labor market (noun) – /ˈleɪbə ˈmɑːkɪt/ – The supply of available workers in relation to available work.
Conclusion
Youth unemployment is a complex issue that requires comprehensive solutions. As you’ve seen from the sample essays, discussing this topic effectively in IELTS Writing Task 2 involves analyzing causes and proposing practical solutions. To improve your writing skills, try practicing with similar prompts such as:
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“Some people believe that governments should focus on reducing youth unemployment. Others think there are more important priorities. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
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“In many countries, a large proportion of young people are unemployed. What factors contribute to this, and what can be done to address the issue?”
Remember to use a range of vocabulary, provide specific examples, and structure your essay logically. Feel free to write your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This practice will help you refine your skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
