In recent years, the topic of youth employment during economic recovery has gained significant attention in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This subject is particularly relevant in today’s global context, where many countries are grappling with the aftermath of economic downturns and seeking ways to support their younger workforce. Let’s explore this theme in depth, providing you with valuable insights and sample essays to enhance your IELTS writing skills.
Analyzing the Topic
The issue of youth employment during economic recovery is a complex and multifaceted one. It touches on various aspects of economics, social policy, and education. In IELTS exams, this topic often appears in different forms, asking candidates to discuss government policies, educational reforms, or the role of businesses in supporting young job seekers.
Based on recent trends, we can expect to see questions related to this theme in future IELTS exams. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past tests:
Some people think that the government should provide assistance to all young people who are looking for their first job. Others believe that the government should only help young people who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that government assistance should be provided to all young job seekers.
- Examine the opposing view that only disadvantaged youth should receive government help.
- Present and justify their own opinion on the matter.
The key challenge here is to present balanced arguments for both viewpoints while clearly stating and supporting your personal stance.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
In the contemporary job market, the question of government support for young job seekers is a topic of considerable debate. While some advocate for universal assistance, others argue for targeted support to those from disadvantaged backgrounds. In my opinion, a balanced approach that primarily focuses on disadvantaged youth but also provides some level of support to all young job seekers is the most effective strategy.
Those who support universal government assistance for young job seekers argue that it levels the playing field and provides equal opportunities to all. They contend that the transition from education to employment is challenging for everyone, regardless of background. Universal support, such as job training programs, career counseling, and internship opportunities, can help all young people navigate this crucial phase. Moreover, this approach can prevent potential discrimination and ensure that no deserving candidate falls through the cracks due to arbitrary classifications of disadvantage.
On the other hand, proponents of targeted assistance argue that resources are limited and should be directed where they are most needed. They believe that young people from disadvantaged backgrounds face more significant barriers to employment, such as lack of social networks, financial constraints, or inadequate education. By focusing on these groups, the government can address social inequalities and provide a more substantial boost to those who might otherwise struggle to enter the job market. This targeted approach is seen as more efficient and impactful in addressing socio-economic disparities.
In my view, while both arguments have merit, a nuanced approach that prioritizes disadvantaged youth while offering some support to all is ideal. The government should allocate a larger portion of resources to programs specifically designed for disadvantaged young people, such as intensive skills training, mentorship programs, and financial aid for further education or entrepreneurship. This targeted support can help level the playing field and provide those facing the greatest challenges with the tools they need to succeed.
However, I also believe that some level of universal support is beneficial. This could include basic career guidance services, job search assistance, and information on labor market trends available to all young job seekers. Such universal services can ensure that no one is left entirely without support and can help identify individuals who might need more intensive assistance.
In conclusion, while the debate between universal and targeted support for young job seekers is complex, a balanced approach that prioritizes disadvantaged youth while providing some universal services offers the best solution. This strategy can effectively address socio-economic inequalities while ensuring that all young people have access to at least basic support as they enter the workforce.
(Word count: 420)
Band 6-7 Essay
The question of whether the government should help all young people looking for their first job or only those from disadvantaged backgrounds is a difficult one. Both views have their merits, and I will discuss them before giving my own opinion.
On one hand, providing assistance to all young job seekers can be beneficial. This approach ensures that everyone gets an equal chance to start their career, regardless of their background. It can include services like career counseling, job training programs, and help with writing resumes. This universal support can be particularly helpful because finding a first job is often challenging for all young people, not just those from poor families.
On the other hand, focusing government help on disadvantaged youth also makes sense. These young people often face more obstacles in finding employment, such as lack of education, poor social connections, or financial problems. By concentrating resources on this group, the government can make a bigger difference where it’s most needed. This targeted approach might be more effective in reducing social inequality and giving opportunities to those who might otherwise struggle.
In my opinion, I believe that the government should primarily focus on helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, but also provide some basic support for all young job seekers. The main reason for this is that disadvantaged youth typically need more help to overcome the barriers they face. However, I think it’s also important to offer some level of assistance to all young people, as entering the job market can be difficult for everyone.
A good solution could be to have intensive support programs for disadvantaged youth, including things like specialized training, mentorship, and financial aid. At the same time, the government could offer general services like online job search tools and basic career advice to all young people looking for their first job.
In conclusion, while both views have their strengths, I believe a combined approach that focuses more on disadvantaged youth but doesn’t completely ignore others is the best way to support young people entering the job market.
(Word count: 329)
Supporting youth employment
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 provides more detailed arguments and a more nuanced conclusion.
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Language: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures. For example, phrases like “levels the playing field” and “address socio-economic disparities” demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Both essays use linking words and phrases to connect ideas, but the Band 8-9 essay does this more effectively, creating a smoother flow between paragraphs and ideas.
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Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more in-depth analysis and a more well-reasoned personal opinion.
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Development of Ideas: The Band 8-9 essay develops ideas more fully, providing specific examples and more detailed explanations for each point.
Vocabulary to Remember
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Socio-economic disparities (noun phrase) – /ˌsəʊsiəʊ ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk dɪˈspærətiz/ – Differences in social and economic conditions between different groups in society.
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Targeted approach (noun phrase) – /ˈtɑːɡɪtɪd əˈprəʊtʃ/ – A strategy that focuses on specific groups or issues rather than being general.
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Universal support (noun phrase) – /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl səˈpɔːt/ – Assistance or help that is available to everyone without restrictions.
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Level the playing field (idiom) – /ˈlevl ðə ˈpleɪɪŋ fiːld/ – To create a situation where everyone has an equal chance of succeeding.
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Nuanced approach (noun phrase) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst əˈprəʊtʃ/ – A strategy that takes into account subtle differences and complexities.
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Internship opportunities (noun phrase) – /ˈɪntɜːnʃɪp ˌɒpəˈtjuːnətiz/ – Chances for students or recent graduates to gain work experience in their field of study.
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Career counseling (noun phrase) – /kəˈrɪə ˈkaʊnsəlɪŋ/ – Professional guidance in choosing and pursuing a career path.
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Mentorship programs (noun phrase) – /ˈmentəʃɪp ˈprəʊɡræmz/ – Initiatives where experienced professionals guide and advise less experienced individuals.
Conclusion
The topic of supporting youth employment during economic recovery is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To excel in writing about this topic, focus on developing balanced arguments, using sophisticated vocabulary, and providing well-reasoned opinions. Practice writing essays on related topics, such as:
- The role of education in preparing youth for the job market during economic recovery.
- The responsibility of businesses in supporting youth employment.
- The effectiveness of government policies in addressing youth unemployment.
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Feel free to practice writing an essay on the question provided in this article and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice will significantly improve your IELTS writing skills.
