Gender equality is a critical topic in today’s global discourse, especially in the context of developing nations. As an IELTS Writing Task 2 expert, I’ve noticed an increasing trend in questions related to this subject. Based on my analysis of past IELTS exams and current global issues, there’s a high probability that you may encounter a question about promoting gender equality in developing countries in your upcoming IELTS test.
Let’s dive into a sample question and explore how to craft compelling essays that can help you achieve different band scores.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that promoting gender equality in developing nations is crucial for their progress. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Provide reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
This question is asking for your opinion on the importance of gender equality in the development of nations. It’s an agree/disagree type question, which means you need to clearly state your position and support it with well-developed arguments and examples.
Sample Essays for Different Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay
Gender equality is undeniably a cornerstone for the progress of developing nations. I strongly agree with the statement that promoting gender equality is crucial for their advancement, as it unlocks a nation’s full potential by utilizing the talents and contributions of its entire population.
Firstly, promoting gender equality in education is fundamental for a nation’s development. When girls and women have equal access to education, it leads to a more skilled and diverse workforce. For instance, in Bangladesh, increased female education has contributed significantly to the country’s economic growth over the past two decades. Educated women are more likely to enter the workforce, start businesses, and contribute to innovation, thus driving economic progress.
Secondly, gender equality in the workplace is essential for economic growth. When women have equal opportunities in employment and entrepreneurship, it boosts productivity and economic output. Rwanda, for example, has made remarkable strides in gender equality, with women now making up 61% of its parliament. This inclusive approach has contributed to Rwanda’s rapid economic growth and social development since the 1994 genocide.
Moreover, promoting gender equality in healthcare is crucial for overall societal well-being. When women have equal access to healthcare services, it leads to better health outcomes for families and communities. In India, efforts to improve maternal health care have resulted in a significant decrease in maternal mortality rates, contributing to overall population health and productivity.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that promoting gender equality in developing nations faces challenges such as deeply ingrained cultural norms and limited resources. Overcoming these obstacles requires sustained effort, policy changes, and societal shifts in attitudes.
In conclusion, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the crucial role of gender equality in the progress of developing nations. By empowering women through education, economic opportunities, and healthcare, these countries can harness the full potential of their entire population, leading to more robust and sustainable development.
(Word count: 309)
Band 6-7 Essay
I agree that promoting gender equality in developing countries is very important for their progress. There are several reasons why I think this is true.
First, when women have the same education opportunities as men, it helps the whole country. For example, in many developing countries, girls are often not sent to school because families think it’s more important to educate boys. But when girls get education, they can get better jobs and help their families and the economy. This has been seen in countries like India, where more educated women are joining the workforce and contributing to economic growth.
Second, gender equality in jobs is good for the economy. When women can work in all types of jobs and get paid the same as men, it means more people are working and earning money. This helps businesses grow and the country’s economy improve. For instance, in some African countries, when women were given more chances to start businesses, it helped reduce poverty in those areas.
Also, gender equality in health is important for a country’s progress. When women have good healthcare, it means healthier families and communities. This is because women often take care of children and older family members. If they are healthy, they can do this better and also work if they want to.
However, changing old ideas about gender roles can be difficult in some cultures. It takes time and effort to change these beliefs.
In conclusion, I strongly believe that promoting gender equality is very important for developing countries to progress. It helps in education, jobs, and health, which are all key areas for a country’s development.
(Word count: 269)
Band 5-6 Essay
I agree that gender equality is important for developing countries to get better. There are some good reasons for this.
First, education for girls is important. When girls can go to school like boys, they can learn and get good jobs later. This helps the country because more people can work and earn money. For example, in my country, more girls are going to school now, and many of them are becoming doctors and engineers.
Second, women should have good jobs too. If women can work in all jobs and get paid the same as men, it’s good for the economy. More people working means more money for the country. I have seen this in my city, where women are now working in shops and offices, and it seems to help the businesses.
Also, women need good health care. When women are healthy, they can take care of their families better. This is good for everyone in the country. In my village, when the health center started giving better care for pregnant women, fewer babies got sick.
But some people think women should only stay at home. This old thinking is hard to change in some places.
To finish, I think gender equality is very important for developing countries. It helps in school, work, and health, which are all needed for a country to get better.
(Word count: 218)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with fully extended and well-supported ideas.
Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Words like “cornerstone”, “undeniably”, and “ingrained” demonstrate advanced vocabulary usage.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are handled with ease.
Examples: The essay provides specific, relevant examples from different countries, demonstrating a broad knowledge base.
Band 6-7 Essay Explanation
This essay shows competence but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but some points are more fully extended than others.
Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some paragraphs are better linked than others.
Lexical Resource: There is a good range of vocabulary, but it’s less sophisticated than the Band 8-9 essay. Some attempts at more advanced vocabulary are present.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with generally good control.
Examples: Examples are provided, but they are less specific and detailed compared to the higher band essay.
Band 5-6 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates a more limited approach:
Task Response: The essay addresses the task, but points are not fully extended.
Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but paragraphs are not always well-linked.
Lexical Resource: Vocabulary is limited but adequate for the task. There are no attempts at sophisticated language.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Sentences are mostly simple, with some attempts at complex structures.
Examples: Examples are provided but are very general and lack specificity.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Gender equality (noun) – /ˈdʒendər iˈkwɒlɪti/ – The state of equal ease of access to resources and opportunities regardless of gender.
Crucial (adjective) – /ˈkruːʃəl/ – Decisive or critical, especially in the success or failure of something.
Empower (verb) – /ɪmˈpaʊər/ – To give (someone) the authority or power to do something.
Workforce (noun) – /ˈwɜːkfɔːs/ – The people engaged in or available for work, either in a country or area or in a particular firm or industry.
Ingrained (adjective) – /ɪnˈɡreɪnd/ – Firmly fixed or established; difficult to change.
Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
Entrepreneurship (noun) – /ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜːʃɪp/ – The activity of setting up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit.
Maternal (adjective) – /məˈtɜːnl/ – Relating to a mother, especially during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth.
Productivity (noun) – /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/ – The effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input.
Societal (adjective) – /səˈsaɪətl/ – Relating to society or social relations.
Promoting gender equality in developing nations
Conclusion
Mastering the art of writing about gender equality in developing nations for IELTS Task 2 requires a deep understanding of the topic, strong analytical skills, and the ability to articulate your thoughts clearly. The sample essays provided demonstrate how to approach this topic at different levels of proficiency.
As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider practicing with similar topics such as:
- The role of education in promoting gender equality
- The impact of gender equality on economic development
- Challenges in implementing gender equality policies in traditional societies
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 receive valuable feedback.
For more insights on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:
- How Education Can Promote Gender Equality
- The Importance of Gender Equality in the Workplace
- The Rise of Digital Finance in Developing Nations
Keep practicing, and you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any IELTS Writing Task 2 question on gender equality and development!