Entrepreneurship among young people is a crucial topic in today’s rapidly evolving global economy. This subject has been appearing more frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays, reflecting its growing importance in society. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see more questions related to youth entrepreneurship in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore this topic through a sample IELTS Writing Task 2 question and provide model answers for different band scores.
Analyzing the Task 2 Question
Some people think that schools should teach children the skills needed to become good employees, while others believe that children should be prepared to be future business leaders. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question addresses the debate between preparing students for traditional employment versus fostering entrepreneurial skills. It requires you to discuss both perspectives and present your own viewpoint. The topic is closely related to fostering entrepreneurship among young people, as it touches on the educational approach to developing future business leaders.
Model Essay for Band 8-9
Here’s a high-quality essay that would likely score in the Band 8-9 range:
The debate over whether schools should focus on cultivating employable skills or nurturing future entrepreneurs is a complex one, with valid arguments on both sides. While preparing students for conventional employment has its merits, I believe that fostering entrepreneurial skills is more crucial in today’s rapidly changing economic landscape.
Those who advocate for schools to prioritize employability skills argue that this approach ensures students are well-prepared for the job market upon graduation. They contend that teaching skills such as teamwork, time management, and specific vocational knowledge will make students more attractive to employers and help them secure stable jobs. This perspective is rooted in the traditional view of career progression and economic stability.
On the other hand, proponents of entrepreneurship education argue that schools should aim to create future business leaders. They believe that cultivating skills like creativity, problem-solving, and risk-taking will better equip students to navigate the uncertainties of the modern economy. This approach not only prepares students to start their own businesses but also makes them more adaptable and innovative employees in any field.
In my opinion, while both approaches have their place, fostering entrepreneurial skills should take precedence. The rapid pace of technological advancement and economic change means that many of today’s jobs may become obsolete in the near future. By focusing on entrepreneurial education, schools can prepare students not just for existing jobs, but for creating new opportunities and adapting to unforeseen challenges.
Moreover, entrepreneurial skills are increasingly valued in traditional employment settings. Companies seek employees who can think creatively, take initiative, and drive innovation. Therefore, an education that emphasizes these qualities will benefit students regardless of whether they choose to start their own businesses or work for established organizations.
In conclusion, while schools should not neglect basic employability skills, the primary focus should be on developing entrepreneurial mindsets. This approach will better serve students in the long run, equipping them with the versatility and innovation needed to thrive in an ever-changing economic landscape.
(Word count: 309)
Model Essay for Band 6-7
Here’s an essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:
There is a debate about whether schools should teach children skills to become good employees or prepare them to be future business leaders. Both views have their advantages, but I think a balance of both approaches is best.
Some people believe schools should focus on teaching skills for employment. This is because most students will become employees after graduation. Learning skills like teamwork, communication, and specific job knowledge can help students find good jobs easily. This view is based on the idea that having a stable job is important for a good life.
On the other hand, others think schools should prepare children to be business leaders. They say that teaching entrepreneurial skills like creativity and risk-taking is more important. This can help students start their own businesses in the future or be more innovative in their jobs. The world is changing fast, so these skills might be more useful in the long term.
In my opinion, schools should teach both types of skills. It’s important for students to learn how to be good employees because most will work for companies at some point. But entrepreneurial skills are also valuable, even for those who don’t start businesses. Many companies now want employees who can think creatively and solve problems.
To conclude, I believe schools should provide a mix of both traditional employment skills and entrepreneurial abilities. This will give students the best chance to succeed in whatever career path they choose in the future.
(Word count: 249)
Key Points to Note When Writing
Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced argument.
Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases like “rapidly changing economic landscape” and “drive innovation”. The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.
Grammar: The higher band essay demonstrates a wider range of complex structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses mostly simple and compound sentences.
Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and a more developed argument.
Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay shows better use of cohesive devices and more sophisticated paragraph links.
Youth entrepreneurship education
Important Vocabulary to Remember
Entrepreneurship (noun) /ˌɑːntrəprəˈnɜːrʃɪp/ – the activity of setting up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit
Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – the introduction of new ideas, methods, or things
Adaptability (noun) /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions
Initiative (noun) /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ – the ability to assess and initiate things independently
Vocational (adjective) /voʊˈkeɪʃənl/ – relating to skills you have been trained in and use in a job
Obsolete (adjective) /ˌɑːbsəˈliːt/ – no longer used because something new has been invented
Proponent (noun) /prəˈpoʊnənt/ – a person who advocates for something
Contend (verb) /kənˈtend/ – to assert something as a position in an argument
Nurture (verb) /ˈnɜːrtʃər/ – to care for and encourage the growth or development of
Versatility (noun) /ˌvɜːrsəˈtɪləti/ – the ability to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities
Conclusion
Fostering entrepreneurship among young people is a crucial topic in today’s rapidly changing world. As we’ve seen in this IELTS Writing Task 2 essay, it’s important to be able to discuss both the merits of traditional employment skills and entrepreneurial education.
In future IELTS exams, you might encounter similar questions about youth entrepreneurship, such as:
- “Some people believe that entrepreneurship should be taught in schools. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
- “Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of promoting entrepreneurship among young people.”
- “In some countries, there are programs to support young entrepreneurs. Do you think the benefits of these programs outweigh the drawbacks?”
To improve your writing skills, try crafting your own essay on the topic we’ve discussed today. Feel free to share your essay in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This practice will help you develop the skills needed to tackle similar questions in your IELTS exam.
For more insights on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:
- Financial Literacy Among Young Adults
- How to Address the Challenges of Youth Unemployment
- Economic Impacts of the Creative Economy
Remember, consistent practice and exposure to a variety of topics will help you excel in your IELTS Writing Task 2. Keep exploring different aspects of youth entrepreneurship and related economic issues to broaden your understanding and improve your essay-writing skills.