The topic of how international organizations can address the refugee crisis is a crucial and timely issue that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and the global significance of this subject, it’s highly likely that you may encounter a question related to this theme in your IELTS test. Let’s explore a relevant essay question and provide sample responses for different band scores.
International organizations addressing refugee crisis
Analyzing the Essay Question
Let’s consider the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people believe that international organizations are the best way to address the global refugee crisis, while others think individual countries should take responsibility. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the role of international organizations in addressing the refugee crisis
- Explore the perspective that individual countries should be responsible
- Present your own opinion on the matter
Now, let’s examine sample essays for different band scores, along with explanations of why they received their respective scores.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
International migration has become a pressing global issue, with millions of people displaced due to conflicts, persecution, and natural disasters. While some argue that international organizations are best equipped to handle this crisis, others believe individual nations should bear the responsibility. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of international organizations argue that these bodies have the global reach and expertise necessary to address the refugee crisis effectively. Organizations like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) possess extensive experience in coordinating relief efforts, providing humanitarian aid, and facilitating resettlement programs across borders. Their neutral status also allows them to mediate between countries and ensure a fair distribution of refugees. Moreover, international organizations can pool resources from multiple nations, creating a more substantial and sustainable response to the crisis.
On the other hand, those who advocate for individual country responsibility argue that nations have a sovereign right and duty to control their borders and determine their own immigration policies. They contend that countries are better positioned to assess their capacity to integrate refugees based on factors such as economic conditions, cultural compatibility, and public sentiment. Additionally, some argue that relying too heavily on international organizations may lead to a lack of accountability and slower response times in addressing immediate crises.
In my opinion, the most effective approach to tackling the refugee crisis lies in a collaborative effort between international organizations and individual countries. While international bodies can provide crucial coordination, resources, and expertise, the implementation of refugee policies and integration programs ultimately occurs at the national level. Countries should work closely with organizations like the UNHCR to develop tailored strategies that align with both global standards and local capacities. This balanced approach ensures that the burden is shared equitably while respecting national sovereignty and leveraging the strengths of both international and domestic institutions.
In conclusion, addressing the global refugee crisis requires a nuanced and cooperative approach. By combining the global perspective and resources of international organizations with the local knowledge and implementation capabilities of individual countries, we can create a more comprehensive and effective response to this ongoing humanitarian challenge.
(Word count: 329)
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and deserves a high band score for several reasons:
Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting a personal opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and ideas flow logically.
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Complex phrases like “sovereign right,” “cultural compatibility,” and “humanitarian challenge” demonstrate a sophisticated command of English.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and appropriately. Complex sentences are used effectively without errors that impede communication.
Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations, showing depth of critical thinking.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
The refugee crisis is a big problem in the world today. Some people think international organizations are the best way to deal with it, while others believe individual countries should take care of it. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
International organizations like the UN have experience in helping refugees. They can coordinate between different countries and provide aid to many people at once. These organizations have workers who know how to handle refugee situations and can move resources where they are needed most. They also have a global view of the problem, which can help in finding better solutions.
On the other hand, some people think individual countries should be responsible for refugees. They say that each country knows its own situation best and can decide how many refugees it can accept. Countries also have their own laws and cultures, which they need to consider when taking in refugees. Some people worry that if international organizations are in charge, countries might lose control over their borders.
In my opinion, both international organizations and individual countries need to work together to solve the refugee crisis. International organizations can provide support and coordination, while countries can implement policies that work for their specific situations. This way, we can have a global approach to the problem while still respecting each country’s needs and abilities.
To conclude, the refugee crisis is a complex issue that needs both global and local solutions. By combining the strengths of international organizations and individual countries, we can find better ways to help refugees and manage the crisis.
(Word count: 268)
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay demonstrates good writing skills but falls short of the highest band scores for the following reasons:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the discussion of each view and the personal opinion could be more fully developed.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is appropriate but less varied and sophisticated compared to higher band scores. There’s room for more precise and advanced vocabulary.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences correctly, but the range is more limited compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Development of Ideas: While main points are present, they could be elaborated upon more thoroughly with specific examples or deeper analysis.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Refugee crisis (noun) – /ˌrefjuˈdʒiː ˈkraɪsɪs/ – A situation where a large number of people are forced to leave their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters.
International organization (noun) – /ˌɪntəˈnæʃənl ˌɔːɡənaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – An entity established by formal political agreements between nations that have the status of international treaties.
Humanitarian aid (noun) – /hjuːˌmænɪˈteəriən eɪd/ – Material or logistical assistance provided for humanitarian purposes, typically in response to crises.
Resettlement (noun) – /ˌriːˈsetlmənt/ – The process of moving people, usually refugees, to a different place where they can permanently live and work.
Sovereignty (noun) – /ˈsɒvrənti/ – The authority of a state to govern itself or another state.
Integration (noun) – /ˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃn/ – The process of combining or adapting to a new environment or society.
Displacement (noun) – /dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/ – The forced movement of people from their locality or environment.
Asylum seeker (noun) – /əˈsaɪləm ˌsiːkə/ – A person who has left their home country as a political refugee and is seeking asylum in another.
Global perspective (noun) – /ˈɡləʊbl pəˈspektɪv/ – A viewpoint that considers issues from a worldwide context.
Humanitarian challenge (noun) – /hjuːˌmænɪˈteəriən ˈtʃælɪndʒ/ – A difficult situation or problem related to human welfare that requires attention and effort to solve.
Conclusion
The topic of international organizations addressing the refugee crisis is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of developed countries in accepting refugees
- Balancing national security concerns with humanitarian obligations
- Long-term solutions for refugee integration in host countries
- The impact of climate change on global migration patterns
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
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