Labor shortages during economic recovery have become a pressing issue in recent years, particularly in the aftermath of global events like the COVID-19 pandemic. This topic has gained significant attention in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations, appearing with increasing frequency. Based on trends observed in past IELTS exams and current economic discussions, it’s likely that questions related to labor shortages and economic recovery will continue to be prevalent in future tests.
Let’s examine a relevant IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject:
In many countries, there is a shortage of workers in key industries as the economy recovers from the pandemic. Some people think the government should encourage workers to fill these positions, while others believe companies should make the jobs more attractive. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question addresses the issue of labor shortages in the context of post-pandemic economic recovery. It presents two potential solutions:
- Government intervention to encourage workers
- Companies making jobs more attractive
The task requires you to discuss both viewpoints and provide your personal opinion. This is a classic example of an opinion essay where you need to consider multiple perspectives before concluding with your stance.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Economic recovery following the global pandemic has brought to light a critical issue: labor shortages in key industries. While some advocate for government intervention to address this problem, others believe the onus should be on companies to make their positions more appealing. In my opinion, a combination of both approaches is necessary to effectively tackle this complex challenge.
Those who support government intervention argue that the state has the resources and authority to implement wide-reaching policies that can encourage workers to fill vacant positions. For instance, governments could offer training programs or subsidies to workers willing to transition into industries facing shortages. Additionally, they could implement immigration policies that attract skilled foreign workers to fill gaps in the domestic labor market. These measures could potentially address shortages more quickly and comprehensively than relying solely on individual companies.
On the other hand, proponents of company-led solutions contend that businesses are best positioned to understand and address the specific needs of their workforce. By making jobs more attractive through improved salaries, benefits, and working conditions, companies can naturally draw more applicants to their vacancies. This approach not only fills immediate openings but also creates a more sustainable and satisfied workforce in the long term. Moreover, it encourages companies to innovate and adapt their business models to remain competitive in the labor market.
In my view, the most effective solution lies in a collaborative effort between governments and businesses. While companies should indeed strive to make their positions more appealing, government support can provide the necessary framework and resources to facilitate this process. For example, governments could offer tax incentives to companies that invest in worker training or improve working conditions. Simultaneously, they could implement policies that support worker mobility and skill development. This synergistic approach would address both immediate labor shortages and long-term workforce sustainability.
In conclusion, addressing labor shortages in key industries requires a multi-faceted approach. By combining government initiatives with company-led improvements, countries can create a more resilient and adaptable workforce capable of meeting the challenges of economic recovery and beyond.
(Word count: 329)
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
The shortage of workers in important industries during economic recovery after the pandemic is a big problem in many countries. Some people think the government should help workers to take these jobs, while others say companies should make the jobs better. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
On one hand, the government can do a lot to help solve this problem. They can create training programs to teach people new skills for jobs that need workers. Also, the government can give money to people who move to areas where there are more job opportunities. This could encourage more people to take jobs in industries that have shortages.
On the other hand, companies can also do things to attract more workers. They can offer higher salaries and better benefits like health insurance or flexible working hours. If jobs are more attractive, more people will want to do them. This could help fill the empty positions in important industries.
In my opinion, both the government and companies need to work together to solve this problem. The government can provide support and create good policies, while companies can improve their job offers. This way, we can have a better chance of filling all the empty jobs and helping the economy recover faster.
To conclude, solving the worker shortage problem needs efforts from both the government and businesses. By working together, they can create more opportunities for workers and help key industries grow during economic recovery.
(Word count: 249)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced thesis statement.
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Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions, such as “onus,” “tackle this complex challenge,” and “synergistic approach.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still conveys the main ideas effectively.
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Grammar: The higher band essay demonstrates a wider range of complex structures, including conditional sentences and passive voice. The Band 6-7 essay uses mostly simple and compound sentences.
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Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and a more balanced discussion of both viewpoints.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated linking words and phrases, creating a smoother flow between ideas. The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler connectors but still maintains logical progression.
Challenging Vocabulary to Remember
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Labor shortage (noun) /ˈleɪbər ˈʃɔːrtɪdʒ/ – A situation where there are not enough workers to fill available jobs.
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Economic recovery (noun phrase) /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk rɪˈkʌvəri/ – The process of an economy regaining its strength after a period of decline.
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Intervention (noun) /ˌɪntərˈvenʃən/ – The action of becoming involved in a situation in order to improve it or prevent it from getting worse.
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Subsidies (noun) /ˈsʌbsɪdiz/ – Money given by a government or organization to help reduce the cost of a product or service.
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Resilient (adjective) /rɪˈzɪliənt/ – Able to quickly recover from difficulties.
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Synergistic (adjective) /ˌsɪnərˈdʒɪstɪk/ – Relating to the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect greater than the sum of the individual elements.
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Onus (noun) /ˈəʊnəs/ – The responsibility or duty to do something.
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Incentives (noun) /ɪnˈsentɪvz/ – Things that motivate or encourage someone to do something.
In conclusion, the topic of managing labor shortages during economic recovery is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might explore related themes such as the impact of automation on labor shortages, the role of education in addressing skill gaps, or the ethical considerations of relying on foreign workers to fill domestic labor needs.
To further improve your writing skills, try composing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you apply the strategies and vocabulary discussed in this article, enhancing your preparation for the IELTS Writing Task 2.