Economic restructuring is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This topic has appeared in various forms over the years and is likely to continue being relevant in future exams. Understanding how to approach this subject is crucial for IELTS candidates aiming for high band scores. Let’s examine a specific question related to job protection during economic restructuring and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Analyzing the Question

Some people think that in order to protect jobs, governments should try to keep industries in their countries, rather than having them move to other countries where labor is cheaper. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

This question addresses the challenge of protecting domestic jobs in the face of globalization and economic restructuring. It requires candidates to consider the role of government intervention in retaining industries within national borders versus allowing them to relocate to countries with lower labor costs.

Key points to consider:

• The concept of job protection
• Government intervention in the economy
• The impact of globalization on domestic industries
• The pros and cons of keeping industries within national borders
• The consequences of companies moving to countries with cheaper labor

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

Here’s a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 8-9 range:

In an era of rapid globalization, the question of whether governments should actively intervene to keep industries within their borders to protect jobs is a complex and contentious issue. While I understand the motivation behind such protectionist measures, I largely disagree with this approach, as it can lead to economic inefficiencies and potentially harm long-term economic growth.

Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that job losses due to industries relocating overseas can have severe social and economic consequences. The displacement of workers can lead to increased unemployment, reduced consumer spending, and a host of related social issues. This is particularly true in regions heavily dependent on specific industries. However, artificially maintaining these industries through government intervention is not a sustainable solution.

One of the primary reasons for my disagreement is that such protectionist policies often result in economic inefficiencies. When companies are prevented from seeking more cost-effective production methods, including relocating to countries with lower labor costs, they become less competitive in the global market. This can lead to higher prices for consumers, reduced innovation, and ultimately, a less robust economy. In the long run, this approach may actually result in more job losses as companies struggle to remain profitable in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

Moreover, government efforts to keep industries within national borders can divert resources from more productive uses. Instead of investing in education, research and development, or emerging industries that could create new, high-value jobs, governments may find themselves propping up declining sectors. This misallocation of resources can hinder economic growth and prevent the development of new competitive advantages.

A more effective approach would be for governments to focus on creating an environment that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce adaptability. This could include investing in education and training programs to help workers develop skills that are in demand in the evolving job market. Additionally, governments could provide support for small businesses and startups, which are often significant drivers of job creation and economic growth.

It is also worth noting that the relocation of certain industries to countries with lower labor costs can have positive effects on the global economy. It can lead to economic development in less developed nations, potentially creating new markets for goods and services from more advanced economies. This, in turn, can create new job opportunities in export-oriented sectors and high-value industries.

In conclusion, while the desire to protect jobs is understandable, attempting to artificially maintain industries within national borders is likely to be counterproductive in the long term. A more sustainable approach involves adapting to the realities of global economic restructuring by fostering innovation, investing in human capital, and creating an environment conducive to the development of new, competitive industries.

(Word count: 418)

Economic restructuring and job protection

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

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

In today’s global economy, many countries face the challenge of protecting jobs when companies want to move to places with cheaper workers. Some people think governments should try to keep industries in their own countries to save jobs. I partly agree with this idea, but I also think there are some problems with it.

On one hand, keeping industries in the country can help protect jobs in the short term. When companies stay, workers can keep their jobs and continue to earn money. This is good for the local economy because people have money to spend. It also helps families and communities stay stable. For example, if a big factory stays in a town, many people can keep working and the town stays alive.

However, there are some problems with this approach. First, it can be expensive for the government to keep companies from leaving. They might have to give tax breaks or other benefits, which can cost a lot of money. This money could be used for other important things like schools or hospitals. Also, if companies are forced to stay, they might not be able to compete with other companies in different countries that have lower costs.

Another issue is that stopping companies from moving doesn’t solve the real problem. The world is changing, and some jobs are becoming less needed because of new technology or changes in what people want to buy. Instead of just trying to keep old jobs, governments should help workers learn new skills for different kinds of work. This could include training programs or support for people to start their own small businesses.

It’s also important to think about the long-term effects. If a country tries too hard to keep old industries, it might miss out on new opportunities. For example, instead of trying to keep a factory that makes old-style phones, a country could invest in developing new technology or services that create different kinds of jobs.

In conclusion, while I understand why some people want governments to keep industries in their countries to protect jobs, I think this is only part of the solution. A better approach would be to balance some protection for current jobs with preparing for future changes. This could include helping workers learn new skills, supporting new types of businesses, and finding ways to make the country attractive for different kinds of industries.

(Word count: 374)

Key Points to Remember When Writing

1. Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced argument.

2. Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still effectively communicates ideas.

3. Grammar: The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates a wider range of complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler constructions but maintains grammatical accuracy.

4. Task Response: Both essays address the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides a more comprehensive and critical analysis of the issue.

5. Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay has stronger paragraph links and a more logical flow of ideas compared to the Band 6-7 essay.

Important Vocabulary to Remember

1. Economic restructuring (noun) /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˌriːˈstrʌktʃərɪŋ/: The process of reorganizing an economy’s structure, often in response to changes in technology, markets, or policies.

2. Protectionist measures (noun phrase) /prəˈtekʃənɪst ˈmeʒəz/: Actions taken by governments to restrict international trade to help domestic industries.

3. Globalization (noun) /ˌɡləʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/: The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale.

4. Workforce adaptability (noun phrase) /ˈwɜːkfɔːs əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/: The ability of workers to adjust to new job requirements or changing economic conditions.

5. Economic inefficiencies (noun phrase) /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃənsiz/: Situations where resources are not being used in the best possible way to produce goods or services.

6. Competitive advantage (noun phrase) /kəmˈpetətɪv ədˈvɑːntɪdʒ/: A condition or circumstance that puts a company in a favorable or superior business position.

7. Artificially maintaining (verb phrase) /ˌɑːtɪˈfɪʃəli meɪnˈteɪnɪŋ/: Keeping something in a certain state through unnatural or forced means, rather than allowing natural processes to occur.

Conclusion

Writing about economic restructuring and job protection requires a good understanding of global economic trends and the ability to analyze complex issues. When practicing for the IELTS Writing Task 2, consider exploring related topics such as:

• The impact of automation on employment
• Government policies for retraining displaced workers
• The role of education in preparing for future job markets
• Balancing economic growth with social welfare

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Practice writing essays on these topics and share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with other IELTS candidates. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the IELTS exam.