Cultural diversity in business is a topic that has gained significant prominence in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This trend reflects the growing importance of multicultural workplaces in our globalized world. Based on past exam patterns and current global trends, we can expect this theme to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a sample question and learn how to craft a compelling essay on this subject.
Analyzing the Question
Let’s consider the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people believe that businesses should hire employees from different cultural backgrounds to promote diversity. Others argue that cultural background should not be a factor in hiring decisions. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question asks you to:
- Discuss the view that businesses should hire employees from diverse cultural backgrounds
- Discuss the opposing view that cultural background should not influence hiring decisions
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
Now, let’s examine two sample essays addressing this question, tailored for different band scores.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Cultural diversity in the workplace has become a hot topic in recent years, with differing opinions on its role in hiring practices. While some advocate for actively promoting diversity through recruitment, others believe that merit alone should dictate hiring decisions. In my view, while qualifications should be the primary consideration, actively fostering cultural diversity can bring significant benefits to businesses.
Proponents of cultural diversity in hiring argue that it brings numerous advantages to organizations. A diverse workforce can enhance creativity and innovation by bringing together varied perspectives and experiences. This can lead to more robust problem-solving and decision-making processes, ultimately giving companies a competitive edge in the global market. Moreover, a culturally diverse team can better understand and cater to a diverse customer base, potentially expanding the company’s reach and improving customer relations.
On the other hand, those who argue against considering cultural background in hiring decisions emphasize the importance of meritocracy. They contend that focusing solely on an individual’s qualifications and skills ensures fairness and prevents discrimination. This approach, they argue, leads to a more competent workforce and avoids the potential pitfalls of tokenism or reverse discrimination. Additionally, hiring based on merit alone can foster a sense of equality among employees, potentially boosting morale and productivity.
In my opinion, while merit should indeed be the primary factor in hiring decisions, actively promoting cultural diversity can bring substantial benefits to businesses. A balanced approach that prioritizes qualifications while also valuing cultural diversity can create a more dynamic and innovative work environment. Companies can implement this by expanding their recruitment channels to reach diverse candidate pools and providing cultural awareness training to mitigate unconscious biases in the hiring process.
In conclusion, the debate over cultural diversity in hiring practices reflects the complex nature of modern business environments. By striking a balance between merit-based hiring and promoting diversity, companies can create workforces that are both highly skilled and culturally rich, positioning themselves for success in an increasingly globalized world.
(Word count: 329)
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
The question of whether businesses should hire employees from different cultural backgrounds to promote diversity is a complex issue. Some people think it’s a good idea, while others believe cultural background shouldn’t be considered when hiring. In this essay, I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support hiring for cultural diversity argue that it can bring many benefits to a company. A diverse workforce can bring new ideas and perspectives, which can help solve problems in creative ways. It can also help companies understand different markets and customers better, which is important in today’s global business world. For example, a company with employees from various cultures might be better at selling products in different countries.
On the other hand, people who think cultural background shouldn’t be a factor in hiring decisions believe that skills and qualifications should be the most important things. They argue that this approach is fairer and ensures that the best person gets the job, regardless of their cultural background. This view supports the idea of equal opportunities for everyone and avoids potential discrimination.
In my opinion, while skills and qualifications should be the main factors in hiring, companies can benefit from having a diverse workforce. I think businesses should try to attract applicants from different cultural backgrounds, but the final decision should be based on who is best for the job. This way, companies can have skilled employees and still benefit from cultural diversity.
To conclude, the issue of cultural diversity in hiring is not simple. While there are arguments for and against considering cultural background in employment decisions, I believe a balanced approach that values both skills and diversity can be beneficial for businesses.
(Word count: 282)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each view, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced argument.
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Language: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.
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Development of Ideas: The Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed explanations and examples, showing a deeper understanding of the topic. The Band 6-7 essay covers the main points but with less depth.
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Cohesion and Coherence: Both essays use linking words and phrases, but the Band 8-9 essay demonstrates more sophisticated cohesion between ideas.
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Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides a more nuanced and well-supported argument.
Vocabulary and Grammar Tips
Key Vocabulary for Cultural Diversity in Business
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Cultural diversity (noun) /ˈkʌltʃərəl daɪˈvɜːsəti/: The existence of different cultures or ethnicities within a group or organization.
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Multicultural (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈkʌltʃərəl/: Relating to or containing several cultural or ethnic groups.
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Globalization (noun) /ˌɡləʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/: The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale.
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Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/: The action or process of innovating; a new method, idea, product, etc.
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Perspective (noun) /pəˈspektɪv/: A particular attitude towards or way of regarding something; a point of view.
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Meritocracy (noun) /ˌmerɪˈtɒkrəsi/: A system in which people are chosen and moved into positions of success based on their demonstrated abilities and merit.
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Tokenism (noun) /ˈtəʊkənɪzəm/: The practice of making only a perfunctory or symbolic effort to do a particular thing, especially by recruiting a small number of people from underrepresented groups to give the appearance of equality.
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Unconscious bias (noun) /ʌnˈkɒnʃəs ˈbaɪəs/: Social stereotypes about certain groups of people that individuals form outside their own conscious awareness.
Grammar Focus: Conditional Sentences
For essays on this topic, conditional sentences can be useful to discuss potential outcomes. For example:
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First Conditional (for likely or possible future scenarios):
“If companies promote cultural diversity, they will likely see increased innovation.” -
Second Conditional (for hypothetical or less likely scenarios):
“If businesses only focused on cultural diversity without considering skills, it would potentially lead to reduced productivity.” -
Third Conditional (for impossible past scenarios):
“If companies had embraced cultural diversity earlier, they might have achieved better global market penetration.”
Conclusion
The topic of cultural diversity in business is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The impact of globalization on workplace culture
- The challenges and benefits of managing a multicultural team
- The role of cultural intelligence in international business success
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is practice. Try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you refine your skills and prepare effectively for the exam.