Unemployment and its effects on social cohesion have been recurring themes in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This topic has appeared in various forms over the years, reflecting its relevance to contemporary socio-economic issues. As global economies continue to face challenges, it’s highly likely that questions related to unemployment and its societal impacts will remain prevalent in future IELTS exams.

Let’s explore a common IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject and analyze how to approach it effectively.

Analyzing the Task 2 Question

Some people think that a high rate of unemployment has a negative impact on society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

This question falls under the “agree or disagree” category of IELTS Writing Task 2. It requires you to:

1. Clearly state your position on the issue
2. Provide reasons and examples to support your view
3. Consider potential counterarguments
4. Draw a conclusion that reinforces your stance

The key aspects to address are:

• The concept of “high rate of unemployment”
• The “negative impact on society”
• The extent of your agreement or disagreement

Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Unemployment is undeniably one of the most pressing issues facing modern societies, and I firmly believe that high unemployment rates have a profoundly negative impact on the social fabric. This essay will explore the multifaceted ways in which widespread joblessness can erode social cohesion and lead to a range of societal problems.

Firstly, high unemployment can exacerbate income inequality, leading to social stratification and tension. When a significant portion of the population is out of work, the gap between the employed and unemployed widens, not just economically but also in terms of social status and opportunities. This disparity can foster resentment and mistrust between different segments of society, undermining the sense of community and shared purpose that is crucial for social cohesion.

Moreover, prolonged unemployment often correlates with increased crime rates and social unrest. Individuals facing financial hardship due to joblessness may resort to illegal activities to make ends meet, leading to a rise in property crimes and petty theft. Additionally, the frustration and disillusionment stemming from long-term unemployment can fuel social discontent, potentially manifesting in protests or even civil unrest, further straining social bonds.

Furthermore, high unemployment rates can lead to a “brain drain” phenomenon, where skilled individuals migrate to areas with better job prospects. This exodus of talent can deprive communities of valuable human capital, hindering local development and innovation. The resulting demographic shifts can disrupt established social networks and community structures, weakening the overall social fabric.

However, it is important to acknowledge that some argue unemployment can foster solidarity, as communities come together to support those in need. While this may occur in some instances, I contend that the overall negative impacts far outweigh any potential positive outcomes.

In conclusion, the detrimental effects of high unemployment on society are extensive and far-reaching. From exacerbating inequality and crime to triggering demographic shifts, joblessness poses a significant threat to social cohesion. Therefore, I strongly agree that high unemployment rates negatively impact society, and addressing this issue should be a priority for policymakers aiming to maintain social harmony and progress.

(Word count: 329)

Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)

This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:

1. Task Response: The essay clearly addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed argument with relevant examples.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The ideas flow logically, with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (“Firstly”, “Moreover”, “Furthermore”).

3. Lexical Resource: The essay employs a wide range of vocabulary with precision (“exacerbate”, “stratification”, “exodus”, “demographic shifts”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Complex sentence structures are used accurately throughout, demonstrating a high level of grammatical control.

5. Critical Thinking: The essay shows depth of analysis, considering multiple aspects of the issue and even acknowledging a potential counterargument.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

I strongly agree that high unemployment rates have a negative effect on society. This essay will discuss the main reasons why I believe this to be true.

Firstly, when many people are out of work, it can lead to more poverty in society. Unemployed individuals often struggle to pay for basic necessities like food and housing. This can result in increased homelessness and reliance on social welfare programs, which puts a strain on government resources and taxpayers.

Secondly, high unemployment can cause a rise in crime rates. People who can’t find jobs might turn to illegal activities to make money. This makes communities less safe and can create a cycle of poverty and crime that is hard to break.

Another negative impact is on mental health. Being unemployed for a long time can lead to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. This not only affects individuals but also their families and communities. It can create a general feeling of hopelessness in society.

However, some might argue that unemployment can bring communities together, as people help each other in tough times. While this may be true to some extent, I believe the overall impact is still negative.

In conclusion, high unemployment rates have serious negative consequences for society, including increased poverty, crime, and mental health issues. Governments should focus on creating job opportunities and providing support for the unemployed to minimize these negative effects.

(Word count: 234)

Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)

This essay demonstrates good skills but falls short of the highest band scores:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the task and presents a clear position with some supporting ideas.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear paragraphing, but could use more sophisticated linking words.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but less varied and sophisticated compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control, but lacks the sophistication of higher band scores.

5. Development of Ideas: While the main points are relevant, they could be developed more fully with more specific examples or deeper analysis.

Impact of Unemployment on Society

Key Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 on Unemployment and Social Cohesion

1. Social cohesion (noun) /ˈsəʊʃəl kəʊˈhiːʒən/: The willingness of members of a society to cooperate with each other in order to survive and prosper.

2. Unemployment rate (noun) /ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪmənt reɪt/: The percentage of the total labor force that is unemployed but actively seeking employment and willing to work.

3. Income inequality (noun) /ˈɪnkʌm ˌɪnɪˈkwɒləti/: The extent to which income is distributed in an uneven manner among a population.

4. Social stratification (noun) /ˈsəʊʃəl ˌstrætɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/: The classification of society members into groups based on socioeconomic factors.

5. Brain drain (noun) /breɪn dreɪn/: The emigration of highly trained or intelligent people from a particular country.

6. Social welfare (noun) /ˈsəʊʃəl ˈwelfeə(r)/: Government programs that provide assistance to needy individuals and families.

7. Socioeconomic (adjective) /ˌsəʊsɪəʊˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk/: Relating to or concerned with the interaction of social and economic factors.

8. Demographic shift (noun) /ˌdeməˈɡræfɪk ʃɪft/: A change in the composition of a population.

9. Social fabric (noun) /ˈsəʊʃəl ˈfæbrɪk/: The composite demographics, values, and relationships that exist within a community.

10. Economic disparity (noun) /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk dɪˈspærəti/: A significant difference in economic well-being between individuals or groups.

Conclusion

The impact of unemployment on social cohesion is a critical topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. To excel in essays on this subject, it’s essential to understand the multifaceted effects of unemployment on society and be able to articulate these ideas clearly and coherently.

For practice, consider writing an essay on the following potential future IELTS question:

Some people believe that government policies aimed at reducing unemployment can sometimes have negative effects on social cohesion. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Remember to structure your essay well, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare for the actual test.