Economic sanctions and their effects on global trade have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. As an experienced IELTS instructor, I’ve noticed a rising trend in questions related to this subject. Let’s dive into a comprehensive analysis of this theme, complete with sample essays and expert tips to help you excel in your IELTS writing task.
Analyzing the Topic and Its Relevance
The impact of economic sanctions on global trade is a complex and timely issue that often appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Its frequency in recent exams suggests it will likely continue to be a popular topic. This subject allows test-takers to demonstrate their understanding of international relations, economics, and global politics.
Based on my research of past IELTS exams and current global events, I’ve identified a highly probable question that aligns with this theme:
Some people believe that economic sanctions are an effective way to pressure countries to change their policies, while others argue that sanctions mainly harm ordinary citizens. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Let’s break down this question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the effectiveness of economic sanctions in changing national policies
- Explore the potential negative impacts on ordinary citizens
- Provide your personal opinion on the matter
Remember to address all parts of the question to achieve a high score.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
Economic sanctions have long been a tool in international diplomacy, aimed at pressuring nations to alter their policies. While some argue for their effectiveness, others contend that these measures predominantly affect ordinary citizens. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of economic sanctions argue that they can be a powerful means of influencing a country’s behavior without resorting to military intervention. By targeting a nation’s economy, sanctions can create significant pressure on governments to reconsider their actions. For instance, the sanctions imposed on South Africa in the 1980s played a crucial role in ending the apartheid regime. Additionally, sanctions can send a strong message to the international community about unacceptable practices, potentially deterring other nations from similar behavior.
However, critics argue that sanctions often fail to achieve their intended goals and instead cause undue suffering among ordinary citizens. The impact on the general population can be severe, with shortages of essential goods, increased poverty, and deteriorating public services. A prime example is the sanctions against Iraq in the 1990s, which led to widespread malnutrition and a collapse of the healthcare system, while the ruling elite remained largely unaffected. Furthermore, sanctions can sometimes strengthen authoritarian regimes by allowing them to blame external forces for domestic problems, thereby rallying nationalist sentiment.
In my opinion, while economic sanctions can be effective in certain circumstances, their use should be carefully considered and implemented. A more nuanced approach, such as targeted sanctions against specific individuals or sectors, could potentially mitigate the negative impact on ordinary citizens while still exerting pressure on decision-makers. Additionally, sanctions should be part of a broader diplomatic strategy, including incentives for positive change, to maximize their effectiveness and minimize unintended consequences.
In conclusion, the debate over economic sanctions highlights the complex nature of international relations and the challenges of influencing state behavior. While sanctions can be a powerful tool, their potential to harm innocent populations cannot be ignored. A balanced approach, considering both the potential benefits and drawbacks, is essential in employing this diplomatic instrument effectively.
(Word count: 323)
Band 6-7 Essay
Economic sanctions are a controversial topic in international relations. Some people think they are good for changing country policies, but others say they hurt normal people more. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
People who support sanctions believe they can make countries change without using military force. When a country’s economy is affected, its government might decide to change its behavior. For example, sanctions helped end apartheid in South Africa. Sanctions also show other countries what is not acceptable in the international community.
On the other hand, many people argue that sanctions often don’t work and cause problems for ordinary citizens. When sanctions are used, regular people can’t get important things they need, like food and medicine. This happened in Iraq in the 1990s, where many people suffered because of sanctions. Also, sometimes sanctions can make people support their government more because they blame other countries for their problems.
I think that economic sanctions can work sometimes, but we need to be careful about using them. It might be better to use sanctions that only target specific people or parts of the economy instead of the whole country. This could help avoid hurting innocent people. Also, sanctions should be used along with other diplomatic methods to make them more effective.
In conclusion, economic sanctions are a difficult issue. They can be useful for changing country policies, but they can also cause a lot of problems for normal people. We need to think carefully about how to use sanctions in a way that achieves goals without causing too much harm to innocent people.
(Word count: 269)
Key Writing Tips
When addressing this topic, consider the following:
- Balanced argument: Ensure you discuss both sides of the debate thoroughly.
- Specific examples: Use real-world examples to support your points, as demonstrated in the sample essays.
- Personal opinion: Clearly state your own view, ideally in the conclusion or a dedicated paragraph.
- Cohesion: Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly.
- Vocabulary: Employ a range of topic-specific vocabulary related to economics and international relations.
Essential Vocabulary
Here are some key terms to remember when writing about economic sanctions and global trade:
- Sanctions (noun) /ˈsæŋkʃənz/ – penalties imposed on a country to force compliance with international law
- Embargo (noun) /ɪmˈbɑːrɡəʊ/ – an official ban on trade or other commercial activity with a particular country
- Diplomatic (adjective) /ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk/ – concerning the management of international relations
- Deterrent (noun) /dɪˈterənt/ – something that discourages or prevents an action
- Authoritarian (adjective) /ɔːˌθɒrɪˈteəriən/ – enforcing strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom
- Regime (noun) /reɪˈʒiːm/ – a government, especially an authoritarian one
- Nationalist (adjective) /ˈnæʃənəlɪst/ – having strong patriotic feelings, especially with the belief that your country is superior to others
- Incentive (noun) /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – something that motivates or encourages someone to do something
Conclusion
The impact of economic sanctions on global trade is a complex and nuanced topic that requires careful consideration. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, practice addressing different aspects of this issue. You might encounter variations of this question, such as:
- Discuss the long-term effects of economic sanctions on international relations.
- Compare the effectiveness of economic sanctions to other forms of diplomatic pressure.
- Evaluate the role of economic sanctions in promoting human rights globally.
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use relevant examples, and demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the topic. We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
For more insights on related topics, you might find our articles on the effects of economic sanctions on global trade and the impact of economic inequality on global stability helpful in expanding your knowledge and vocabulary.