Tariffs and their impact on domestic production is a topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and current economic discussions, there’s a high probability of encountering questions related to this subject in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that governments should impose high tariffs on imported products to protect domestic industries. Others argue that free trade is more beneficial for the economy. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the perspective of those who support high tariffs
- Explore the viewpoint of free trade advocates
- Present and justify their own opinion on the matter
Let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality to understand how to approach this topic effectively.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The debate over protectionism versus free trade has been a contentious issue in global economics for decades. While some argue for high tariffs to safeguard domestic industries, others advocate for unrestricted trade. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of high tariffs assert that such measures are crucial for protecting local businesses and jobs. They argue that tariffs shield infant industries from overwhelming foreign competition, allowing them to develop and eventually compete on a global scale. Furthermore, tariffs can preserve traditional sectors that may otherwise be decimated by cheaper imports, thus maintaining cultural heritage and local expertise. For instance, many European countries impose high tariffs on certain agricultural products to protect their traditional farming practices and rural communities.
On the other hand, advocates of free trade contend that open markets lead to greater economic prosperity. They argue that free trade encourages competition, innovation, and efficiency, ultimately benefiting consumers through lower prices and higher-quality products. Moreover, unrestricted trade can foster international cooperation and reduce the likelihood of conflicts between nations. The success of trading blocs like the European Union in promoting peace and economic growth is often cited as evidence for this view.
In my opinion, while protectionist measures may offer short-term benefits to specific industries, the long-term advantages of free trade are more significant for overall economic well-being. However, I believe that a nuanced approach is necessary. Governments should gradually reduce tariffs while simultaneously investing in education, research, and infrastructure to enhance their domestic industries’ competitiveness. This balanced strategy can help nations reap the benefits of global trade while mitigating its potential negative impacts on vulnerable sectors.
In conclusion, while both high tariffs and free trade have their merits, a carefully managed transition towards open markets, coupled with supportive domestic policies, is likely to yield the best outcomes for national economies in the long run.
(Word count: 309)
Tariffs vs Free Trade Economic Debate
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a comprehensive understanding of the topic, warranting a high band score:
Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting the writer’s own opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (e.g., “On the other hand”, “Moreover”, “However”).
Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “contentious”, “decimated”, “foster”, “nuanced approach”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a variety of complex structures used accurately (e.g., “While some argue for…”, “Proponents of high tariffs assert that…”).
Critical Thinking: The essay demonstrates sophisticated analysis and evaluation of the issue, considering multiple perspectives and long-term implications.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of whether governments should use high tariffs to protect domestic industries or embrace free trade is a complex issue. This essay will discuss both sides of the argument and give my opinion.
Some people believe that high tariffs are necessary to protect local businesses. They say that tariffs help keep local companies competitive against foreign products that might be cheaper. This can save jobs and help important industries survive. For example, if a country has a small car industry, high tariffs on imported cars could help the local car makers stay in business.
However, others argue that free trade is better for the economy. They believe that free trade leads to more competition, which can result in lower prices for consumers and better quality products. Free trade also allows countries to specialize in what they’re best at producing. For instance, a country with a good climate for growing coffee might focus on that, while importing other goods they can’t produce as efficiently.
In my opinion, while protecting some industries might be important in the short term, free trade is generally better for the economy in the long run. I think that instead of using tariffs, governments should help local industries become more competitive through things like education and technology investment. This way, they can benefit from free trade without losing important industries.
To conclude, both high tariffs and free trade have their advantages, but I believe a careful move towards free trade, along with support for local industries, is the best approach for most countries.
(Word count: 269)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the discussion and personal opinion could be more developed.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is appropriate but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences but lacks the variety and sophistication of the Band 8-9 essay.
Critical Thinking: The essay shows good understanding of the issue but could delve deeper into the implications and complexities of the topic.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowdays, there is a big debate about tariffs and free trade. Some people think governments should use high tariffs to protect local industries, but others say free trade is better. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
First, high tariffs can help local businesses. When imported products are more expensive, people might buy local products instead. This can help local companies make more money and keep jobs. For example, if a country makes clothes, high tariffs on imported clothes can help the local clothes makers.
But free trade also has good points. When there is free trade, people can buy cheaper products from other countries. This is good for customers because they can save money. Also, companies have to work harder to make good products because there is more competition.
I think free trade is better than high tariffs. Even though high tariffs can help some businesses, I believe free trade is better for everyone in the long time. It can make things cheaper and give people more choices. But governments should also help local businesses in other ways, like giving them training or money to improve their products.
In conclusion, both high tariffs and free trade have good and bad points, but I think free trade is better overall.
(Word count: 207)
Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates adequate writing skills but has several limitations:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses the main parts of the task but lacks depth in its discussion and personal opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a basic structure but lacks sophisticated linking words and cohesive devices.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, with some errors in word choice (e.g., “Nowdays” instead of “Nowadays”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay primarily uses simple sentence structures with limited use of complex sentences.
Critical Thinking: The essay presents basic ideas but lacks the depth of analysis seen in higher band essays.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Tariff (noun) /ˈtærɪf/ – a tax imposed on imported goods
- Protectionism (noun) /prəˈtekʃənɪzəm/ – the economic policy of restricting imports to protect domestic industries
- Free trade (noun) /friː treɪd/ – international trade left to its natural course without tariffs, quotas, or other restrictions
- Domestic industry (noun phrase) /dəˈmestɪk ˈɪndəstri/ – businesses and production within a country
- Competition (noun) /ˌkɒmpəˈtɪʃən/ – the activity of trying to win or gain an advantage over others
- Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ – a new idea, method, or device
- Efficiency (noun) /ɪˈfɪʃənsi/ – the ability to do something well or achieve a desired result without wasted energy or effort
- Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle distinctions
- Competitiveness (noun) /kəmˈpetətɪvnəs/ – the quality of being as good as or better than others of a comparable nature
- Specialization (noun) /ˌspeʃəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – the process of concentrating on and becoming expert in a particular subject or skill
In conclusion, the topic of tariffs and their impact on domestic production is a complex and recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. To excel in this topic, candidates should be prepared to discuss the pros and cons of both protectionist policies and free trade, while also developing their own nuanced opinion. Practice writing essays on related topics such as international trade policies and the impact of global trade on local economies to enhance your skills further.
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.