When it comes to IELTS Writing Task 2, topics related to corporate social responsibility and ethical business practices are increasingly common. The subject of “How to promote social responsibility in businesses” is particularly relevant in today’s global economic landscape. This essay topic has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for future tests due to its importance in modern society.
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this theme and explore how to approach it effectively with sample essays for different band scores.
Analyzing the Task
Some people believe that businesses should be required by law to be socially responsible, while others think it should be voluntary. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question presents a classic IELTS Writing Task 2 structure: discussing two opposing viewpoints and then providing a personal opinion. The key aspects to address are:
- The argument for legally mandating social responsibility in businesses
- The case for keeping social responsibility voluntary
- Your personal stance on the issue
Remember to provide relevant examples and explanations to support each point.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Response
In today’s globalized world, the role of businesses in society has come under increasing scrutiny. While some advocate for legal requirements to ensure corporate social responsibility, others argue that it should remain a voluntary initiative. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on this contentious issue.
Proponents of mandatory social responsibility argue that legal enforcement is necessary to ensure businesses contribute positively to society. They contend that without legal obligations, many companies would prioritize profits over social and environmental concerns. For instance, stricter regulations on carbon emissions have forced many industries to adopt greener technologies, resulting in significant environmental benefits. Moreover, legally mandated social responsibility could create a level playing field, preventing socially conscious companies from being at a competitive disadvantage.
On the other hand, those favoring voluntary social responsibility believe that genuine commitment can only come from within the organization. They argue that imposed regulations may lead to mere compliance rather than true engagement with social issues. Companies like Patagonia and Ben & Jerry’s have demonstrated that voluntary social responsibility can be both profitable and impactful. Furthermore, voluntary initiatives often foster innovation and creativity in addressing social challenges, as businesses are free to tailor their approach to their specific strengths and contexts.
In my opinion, while voluntary social responsibility is ideal, a balanced approach combining both voluntary and mandatory elements is most effective. Basic legal requirements can set a minimum standard for all businesses, ensuring a baseline level of social responsibility. However, beyond these basics, companies should be encouraged to voluntarily exceed these standards. This approach would provide the necessary push for reluctant businesses while still allowing room for innovation and genuine commitment from proactive organizations.
In conclusion, promoting social responsibility in businesses requires a nuanced approach. By combining mandatory regulations with incentives for voluntary initiatives, we can create a business environment that balances profitability with positive social impact.
(Word count: 309)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates several key features of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
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Clear structure: The essay follows a logical structure with a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, and a conclusion.
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Cohesive arguments: Each paragraph presents a coherent argument supported by relevant examples.
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Advanced vocabulary: The essay uses sophisticated vocabulary appropriately, such as “scrutiny,” “contentious,” and “nuanced.”
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Complex sentence structures: The writer employs a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences with multiple clauses.
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Clear position: The writer’s opinion is clearly stated and well-supported in the fourth paragraph.
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Relevant examples: The essay provides specific examples like Patagonia and Ben & Jerry’s to illustrate points.
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Coherent conclusion: The conclusion effectively summarizes the main points and restates the writer’s position.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Response
In the modern business world, there is a debate about whether companies should be legally required to be socially responsible or if it should be their choice. This essay will look at both sides of this argument and give my opinion.
Some people think that social responsibility should be enforced by law. They believe that if it’s not required, many businesses will only care about making money and ignore their impact on society and the environment. For example, if there weren’t laws about pollution, some factories might dump waste in rivers to save money. Legal requirements can make sure all companies do their part to help society.
On the other hand, others argue that social responsibility should be voluntary. They say that when companies choose to be socially responsible, they are more committed and creative in their approach. For instance, some companies have started programs to help local communities or protect the environment because they want to, not because they have to. This can lead to more genuine and effective social responsibility efforts.
In my opinion, I think a mix of both approaches is best. There should be some basic legal requirements to make sure all businesses meet a minimum standard of social responsibility. However, companies should also be encouraged to go beyond these basics voluntarily. This way, we can ensure that all businesses contribute to society while still allowing for innovation and genuine commitment.
To conclude, promoting social responsibility in businesses is important, and it can be achieved through a combination of legal requirements and voluntary actions. This approach can help create a better balance between business success and social good.
(Word count: 272)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates several characteristics of a Band 6-7 response:
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Adequate structure: The essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs addressing both views, and a conclusion.
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Relevant ideas: The writer presents relevant arguments for both perspectives.
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Basic vocabulary: The essay uses appropriate vocabulary, though less sophisticated than the Band 8-9 essay.
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Simple sentence structures: The writer mainly uses simple and compound sentences, with fewer complex structures.
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Clear position: The writer’s opinion is stated clearly in the fourth paragraph.
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General examples: The essay provides examples, but they are more general compared to the higher band essay.
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Basic conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the main points but lacks the depth of the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 on Business Social Responsibility
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Corporate social responsibility (CSR) (noun) /ˌkɔːrpərət ˌsoʊʃəl rɪˌspɑːnsəˈbɪləti/: The idea that businesses should act in ways that benefit society.
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Stakeholders (noun) /ˈsteɪkhoʊldərz/: People or groups affected by a company’s actions.
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Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.
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Ethical business practices (noun phrase) /ˈeθɪkəl ˈbɪznəs ˈpræktɪsɪz/: Ways of doing business that are morally correct and fair.
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Philanthropy (noun) /fɪˈlænθrəpi/: The practice of helping others, especially by donating money to good causes.
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Triple bottom line (noun phrase) /ˈtrɪpəl ˈbɑːtəm laɪn/: A way of measuring a company’s success that includes financial, social, and environmental factors.
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Green initiatives (noun phrase) /griːn ɪˈnɪʃətɪvz/: Programs or activities designed to benefit the environment.
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Accountability (noun) /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/: The fact of being responsible for your decisions or actions.
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Transparency (noun) /trænsˈpærənsi/: The quality of being open and honest in business dealings.
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Social impact (noun phrase) /ˈsoʊʃəl ˈɪmpækt/: The effect of a business’s activities on society.
Conclusion
Understanding how to write effectively about promoting social responsibility in businesses is crucial for success in IELTS Writing Task 2. The sample essays provided demonstrate different approaches and levels of proficiency, offering valuable insights into what examiners look for at various band scores.
To further improve your skills, consider practicing with these additional potential topics:
- Discuss the impact of corporate social responsibility on a company’s profitability.
- Some argue that businesses have no responsibility beyond making profits. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- How can governments encourage businesses to be more socially responsible?
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is practice. Try writing your own essay on one of these topics or the main question discussed in this article. Feel free to share your practice essay in the comments section for feedback and further discussion. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.
For more insights on related topics, you might find our articles on the impact of social media on environmental awareness and the role of corporate social responsibility in sustainability helpful in broadening your understanding and vocabulary on these subjects.