Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Promote Social Responsibility in the Corporate Sector

Social responsibility in the corporate sector has become an increasingly important topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This theme frequently appears in various forms, reflecting its growing significance in today’s business world. Based on recent trends, we can expect this subject to continue featuring prominently in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore some relevant question types that have appeared or are likely to appear in IELTS Writing Task 2:

1. Discuss the role of businesses in promoting social responsibility.
2. To what extent should companies prioritize social responsibility over profit?
3. How can governments encourage corporations to be more socially responsible?

For this essay, we’ll focus on a question that combines aspects of corporate social responsibility and its promotion:

Some people believe that companies should focus solely on profit, while others argue that they have a responsibility to benefit society as well. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question presents two contrasting viewpoints on corporate responsibility:

1. Companies should focus only on making profits.
2. Companies have a duty to contribute positively to society.

The task requires us to:

• Discuss both perspectives
• Provide our personal opinion

It’s crucial to address all parts of the question and maintain a balanced approach while clearly stating our stance.

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

Here’s a high-scoring sample essay that effectively addresses the question:

In today’s globalized economy, the role of businesses in society has become a topic of heated debate. While some argue that companies should concentrate exclusively on maximizing profits, others contend that they have a broader responsibility to benefit society. This essay will examine both viewpoints before presenting my own perspective on this complex issue.

Those who believe that businesses should focus solely on profit argue that this is the primary purpose of any commercial enterprise. They contend that by pursuing profit, companies create jobs, drive innovation, and contribute to economic growth, which indirectly benefits society as a whole. Furthermore, proponents of this view argue that social responsibility initiatives can be costly and may divert resources from core business activities, potentially harming competitiveness and shareholder value.

On the other hand, advocates for corporate social responsibility (CSR) argue that businesses have an ethical obligation to consider their impact on society and the environment. They believe that companies should balance profit-making with activities that promote social welfare, such as supporting local communities, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring fair labor practices. This approach, they argue, can lead to long-term sustainability and enhanced brand reputation, which can ultimately contribute to a company’s financial success.

In my opinion, while profit is undoubtedly crucial for a company’s survival and growth, businesses cannot ignore their broader impact on society. I believe that a balanced approach that integrates profit-making with social responsibility is not only ethically sound but also strategically beneficial in the long run. Companies that prioritize CSR often enjoy improved customer loyalty, employee satisfaction, and stakeholder trust, which can translate into sustainable financial performance.

Moreover, in an era of increasing environmental and social challenges, businesses have the resources and influence to make significant positive contributions. By aligning their operations with societal needs, companies can help address pressing issues such as climate change, inequality, and resource scarcity, while also identifying new market opportunities and fostering innovation.

In conclusion, while the profit motive remains fundamental to business operations, I believe that companies have both the capacity and the responsibility to benefit society beyond their financial bottom line. By embracing a more holistic approach to corporate success, businesses can create shared value that benefits both their shareholders and the broader community.

(Word count: 368)

Corporate Social Responsibility

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

Here’s a sample essay that would typically score in the Band 6-7 range:

In the business world today, there is a debate about what companies should focus on. Some people think companies should only try to make money, while others believe they should also help society. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.

People who say companies should only focus on profit have some good reasons. Making money is the main goal of a business, and it helps the economy grow. When companies make profit, they can create jobs and pay taxes, which is good for society. Also, if a company spends too much money on social projects, it might not be able to compete with other businesses.

On the other hand, many people think businesses should do more to help society. They say that companies use resources from the community, so they should give something back. This could mean helping local people, protecting the environment, or treating workers fairly. Some people believe that when companies do good things for society, it can actually help them make more money in the long run because customers will like them more.

In my opinion, I think companies should try to do both – make profit and help society. While it’s important for businesses to make money to survive, they should also think about how they affect the world around them. If companies only care about profit, they might do things that harm the environment or exploit workers, which is not good for anyone in the long term.

I believe that if companies find ways to make money while also doing good things for society, everyone can benefit. For example, a company could make products that are good for the environment, which helps society and also attracts customers who care about these issues.

To conclude, while making profit is important for businesses, I think they should also try to have a positive impact on society. This balanced approach can lead to success for the company and benefits for the community.

(Word count: 329)

Key Points to Note When Writing

1. Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced discussion.

2. Language: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language. Compare “globalized economy” (Band 8-9) with “business world today” (Band 6-7).

3. Argument Development: The higher-band essay provides more detailed explanations and examples, demonstrating a deeper understanding of the topic. The Band 6-7 essay makes valid points but with less elaboration.

4. Coherence and Cohesion: Both essays use linking words, but the Band 8-9 essay achieves better flow between ideas. For example, “On the other hand” in the Band 8-9 essay versus “Also” in the Band 6-7 essay.

5. Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay does so with greater precision and depth.

Vocabulary to Remember

1. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) (noun) /ˌkɔːrpərət ˌsoʊʃəl rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/: A business approach that contributes to sustainable development by delivering economic, social and environmental benefits for all stakeholders.

2. Stakeholder (noun) /ˈsteɪkhoʊldər/: A person, group or organization that has interest or concern in an organization.

3. Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.

4. Ethical obligation (noun phrase) /ˈeθɪkəl ˌɒblɪˈɡeɪʃən/: A moral requirement to follow a certain course of action.

5. Brand reputation (noun phrase) /brænd ˌrepjuˈteɪʃən/: The overall estimation in which a company is held by its internal and external stakeholders.

6. Shareholder value (noun phrase) /ˈʃeərhoʊldər ˈvæljuː/: The value delivered to shareholders because of management’s ability to grow earnings, dividends and share price.

7. Long-term sustainability (noun phrase) /lɔːŋ tɜːrm səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: The ability of a company to maintain its operations and meet its responsibilities in the long run.

8. Holistic approach (noun phrase) /hoʊˈlɪstɪk əˈproʊtʃ/: An approach that takes into account all of the elements or components of something, rather than just a few.

In conclusion, the topic of corporate social responsibility is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The impact of corporate social responsibility on employee motivation
• The role of technology in promoting corporate social responsibility
• Balancing environmental protection with economic growth in business practices

Remember to analyze the question carefully, plan your response, and use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures appropriate to your target band score. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.