Economic sanctions have become an increasingly common tool in international relations, with significant implications for global markets. This topic has appeared in several IELTS Writing Task 2 questions over the past few years and is likely to remain relevant in future exams. Let’s examine a real IELTS question on this subject and analyze sample essays for different band scores.
Some people think that economic sanctions (ban on trade and other commercial activities) are essential to force countries to behave better. Others, however, believe that sanctions are ineffective and only harm ordinary people. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to discuss two contrasting views on the effectiveness and impact of economic sanctions. It’s crucial to:
- Explain both perspectives clearly
- Provide relevant examples or arguments for each view
- Present your own opinion with supporting reasons
Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring response.
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
Economic sanctions have long been a contentious issue in international relations, with proponents arguing for their necessity and critics highlighting their potential drawbacks. While both sides present valid arguments, I believe that sanctions can be effective when carefully implemented, though their impact on civilians must be carefully considered.
Those in favor of economic sanctions argue that they are a powerful non-violent tool to influence a country’s behavior. By restricting trade and financial transactions, sanctions can put significant pressure on a government to change its policies or actions. For instance, sanctions against South Africa in the 1980s played a role in ending apartheid. Additionally, proponents contend that sanctions demonstrate international disapproval and can deter other nations from similar misconduct.
On the other hand, critics argue that sanctions often fail to achieve their intended goals and primarily harm ordinary citizens. They point out that authoritarian regimes can often circumvent sanctions or shift the burden onto their population. The sanctions against Iraq in the 1990s, for example, led to severe humanitarian consequences without effectively changing the government’s behavior. Furthermore, sanctions can sometimes strengthen the targeted regime by fostering a “rally around the flag” effect, as seen in countries like Cuba and North Korea.
In my opinion, while sanctions can be effective in certain circumstances, their implementation requires careful consideration and targeted approaches. Smart sanctions that focus on specific individuals or sectors, rather than blanket bans, can minimize harm to civilians while still exerting pressure on decision-makers. Moreover, sanctions should be part of a broader diplomatic strategy, including clear objectives and exit strategies.
In conclusion, economic sanctions are a complex tool with both potential benefits and drawbacks. While they can be effective in influencing state behavior, their impact on ordinary people cannot be ignored. A nuanced approach that balances these concerns is essential for sanctions to be both ethical and effective in the realm of international relations.
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay demonstrates several characteristics of a high-scoring response:
- Clear structure: The essay has a well-organized introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, and a conclusion.
- Balanced argument: Both perspectives are thoroughly explained with relevant examples.
- Personal opinion: The writer’s view is clearly stated and supported with reasoning.
- Cohesion and coherence: Ideas flow logically, with appropriate use of linking words.
- Lexical resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately (e.g., “contention”, “circumvent”, “foster”).
- Grammatical range and accuracy: Complex sentence structures are used correctly throughout the essay.
Now, let’s examine a sample essay for a lower band score.
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
Economic sanctions are a topic of debate in international relations. Some people think they are necessary to make countries behave better, while others believe they are not effective and harm ordinary people. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
People who support sanctions say they are important to change a country’s behavior. When trade and business are stopped, it can put pressure on a government to change its actions. For example, sanctions helped end apartheid in South Africa. Also, sanctions show that other countries don’t agree with what a country is doing.
However, other people argue that sanctions don’t work well and mostly hurt normal citizens. They say that governments can often find ways around sanctions, but ordinary people suffer. For instance, sanctions on Iraq in the 1990s caused many problems for regular people but didn’t change the government much. Also, sometimes sanctions can make people support their government more, like in Cuba.
The effects of economic sanctions on global markets can be significant and far-reaching, affecting not only the targeted country but also its trading partners and the global economy as a whole.
In my opinion, sanctions can be useful in some situations, but they need to be used carefully. It’s important to think about how they will affect normal people. Maybe sanctions that only target specific people or parts of the economy could be better than stopping all trade.
To conclude, economic sanctions have both good and bad points. They can sometimes help change a country’s behavior, but they can also cause problems for innocent people. I think we need to be careful when using sanctions and think about all the effects they might have.
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a mid-range score:
- Structure: The essay follows the basic structure but lacks some sophistication in organization.
- Argument: Both views are presented, but the explanation and examples are less detailed than in the higher-scoring essay.
- Personal opinion: The writer’s view is stated but could be more fully developed.
- Cohesion and coherence: Ideas are generally connected, but the essay could benefit from more varied linking words.
- Lexical resource: Vocabulary is appropriate but less varied and sophisticated than in the higher-scoring essay.
- Grammatical range and accuracy: Sentences are generally correct but less complex than in the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Economic sanctions (noun) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈsæŋkʃənz/ – punitive economic measures imposed by one country on another
- Detrimental (adjective) – /ˌdetrɪˈmentl/ – tending to cause harm
- Efficacy (noun) – /ˈefɪkəsi/ – the ability to produce a desired or intended result
- Circumvent (verb) – /ˌsɜːkəmˈvent/ – find a way around (an obstacle)
- Humanitarian (adjective) – /hjuːˌmænɪˈteəriən/ – concerned with or seeking to promote human welfare
- Authoritarian (adjective) – /ɔːˌθɒrɪˈteəriən/ – favoring or enforcing strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom
- Diplomatic (adjective) – /ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk/ – concerning the management of international relations
- Regime (noun) – /reɪˈʒiːm/ – a government, especially an authoritarian one
- Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
- Implement (verb) – /ˈɪmplɪment/ – put (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect
Conclusion
The impact of economic sanctions on markets is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. To excel in answering such questions, focus on presenting balanced arguments, using specific examples, and expressing your opinion clearly. Practice writing essays on related topics, such as the impact of economic inequality on global stability or how financial crises affect international relations. These themes are likely to appear in future IELTS exams, so being well-prepared on various economic and international relations topics will be beneficial.
Remember to use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures in your essays. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.