In recent years, the topic of human rights protection in our increasingly interconnected world has become a frequent subject in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. This trend reflects the growing global awareness of human rights issues and their significance in international relations. Based on past exam patterns and current global discussions, we can expect this theme to continue appearing in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore a sample question and provide a comprehensive essay response to help you prepare for this crucial topic.
Analyzing the Task
Some people believe that in the era of globalization, it is more important than ever to protect human rights. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question asks for your opinion on the importance of protecting human rights in our globalized world. It’s an agree/disagree type question, which means you need to clearly state your position and support it with well-developed arguments and examples.
Key points to consider:
- The concept of globalization and its impact on human rights
- The increased interconnectedness of nations and cultures
- The potential benefits and challenges of globalization in relation to human rights
- Specific examples of human rights issues in a global context
Band 8-9 Essay Sample
Here’s a high-scoring essay that addresses the question effectively:
In today’s interconnected world, the protection of human rights has become more crucial than ever before. I strongly agree with the statement that globalization has heightened the importance of safeguarding these fundamental rights. This essay will explore the reasons behind this view and provide examples to support this stance.
Firstly, globalization has significantly increased our awareness of human rights violations across the globe. With the advent of social media and instant communication, information about human rights abuses can spread rapidly, mobilizing international support and intervention. For instance, the Arab Spring in 2011 was largely fueled by social media, which allowed protesters to share their experiences and garner global attention. This interconnectedness has made it harder for oppressive regimes to hide their actions, thereby increasing the pressure to uphold human rights standards.
Moreover, the global economy has created complex supply chains that can inadvertently support human rights violations. Multinational corporations often source materials or labor from countries with poor human rights records. Without proper protection mechanisms, this can lead to exploitation of workers, child labor, and other abuses. For example, the collapse of the Rana Plaza garment factory in Bangladesh in 2013 highlighted the need for better working conditions and stricter regulations in global supply chains. This incident led to the creation of the Bangladesh Accord, demonstrating how protecting human rights has become an integral part of responsible global business practices.
Furthermore, the increasing movement of people across borders due to globalization has brought human rights issues to the forefront. Migrants and refugees often face discrimination, exploitation, and lack of legal protection in host countries. The Syrian refugee crisis, for instance, has challenged many nations to balance their border security concerns with their humanitarian obligations. This situation underscores the need for stronger international cooperation and human rights frameworks to protect vulnerable populations in our globalized world.
However, it is important to acknowledge that globalization also presents challenges to human rights protection. The race for economic competitiveness can sometimes lead countries to compromise on labor rights or environmental standards. Additionally, the spread of global terrorism has prompted some nations to implement security measures that infringe on civil liberties. These complexities further emphasize the need for robust human rights protections in our interconnected world.
In conclusion, the era of globalization has undoubtedly intensified the importance of protecting human rights. As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, the responsibility to uphold these fundamental rights extends beyond national borders. It is imperative that governments, international organizations, and individuals work together to ensure that globalization advances, rather than undermines, human rights for all.
(Word count: 413)
Band 6-7 Essay Sample
Now, let’s look at a sample essay that would typically score in the Band 6-7 range:
In the modern world, globalization has become a significant factor in many aspects of our lives. I agree that protecting human rights is more important than ever in this globalized era. This essay will discuss the reasons why I believe this is true.
Firstly, globalization has made the world more connected. People can easily learn about what is happening in other countries through the internet and social media. This means that human rights violations in one country can quickly become known worldwide. For example, when there are protests against unfair government actions in one country, people in other countries can see this news and support the protestors. This global attention can put pressure on governments to respect human rights.
Secondly, many companies now operate in multiple countries. These companies need to be careful about how they treat workers in different parts of the world. If a company is found to be using child labor or having unsafe working conditions in one country, it can damage their reputation globally. This shows that protecting human rights is important for businesses in a globalized world.
Another reason is that more people are moving between countries for work or as refugees. These people can be vulnerable to human rights abuses in their new countries. For instance, migrant workers might face discrimination or unfair treatment. Protecting the rights of these people is very important in our globalized world.
However, globalization can also make it harder to protect human rights in some ways. For example, some countries might try to attract businesses by having fewer worker protections. Also, concerns about terrorism have led some countries to reduce personal freedoms. These issues show that we need to work harder to protect human rights in the globalized world.
In conclusion, I believe that protecting human rights is very important in our globalized world. As we become more connected, we need to make sure that everyone’s rights are respected, no matter where they live or work.
(Word count: 309)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced conclusion.
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Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases such as “heightened the importance,” “inadvertently support,” and “intensified the importance.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still effectively communicates the ideas.
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Examples: Both essays provide relevant examples, but the Band 8-9 essay offers more specific and detailed examples, such as the Arab Spring and the Rana Plaza incident.
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Complexity of Ideas: The Band 8-9 essay presents more complex arguments and considers counterarguments, while the Band 6-7 essay sticks to more straightforward points.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Both essays use linking words and phrases, but the Band 8-9 essay demonstrates more sophisticated coherence and cohesion throughout.
Challenging Vocabulary to Remember
- Interconnected (adjective) /ˌɪntəkəˈnektɪd/ – mutually joined or related
- Safeguarding (noun) /ˈseɪfɡɑːdɪŋ/ – the act of protecting something from harm or damage
- Mobilizing (verb) /ˈməʊbəlaɪzɪŋ/ – organizing and encouraging people to take action
- Inadvertently (adverb) /ˌɪnədˈvɜːtəntli/ – without intention; accidentally
- Exploitation (noun) /ˌekspləɪˈteɪʃn/ – the action of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work
- Underscore (verb) /ˌʌndəˈskɔː/ – emphasize; draw attention to
- Competitiveness (noun) /kəmˈpetətɪvnəs/ – the quality of being as good as or better than others of a comparable nature
- Infringe (verb) /ɪnˈfrɪndʒ/ – actively break the terms of (a law, agreement, etc.)
Conclusion
The topic of human rights protection in a globalized world is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of international organizations in protecting human rights
- The impact of technology on human rights in the digital age
- Balancing national security and individual rights in a globalized world
- The responsibility of multinational corporations in upholding human rights standards
Remember to analyze the importance of free speech in a globalized world and consider how it relates to human rights protection. Additionally, understanding the role of international organizations in global governance can provide valuable insights for your essays on this topic.
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for your IELTS exam.