The topic of international organizations and their role in promoting human rights is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exams and current global trends, this subject is likely to appear frequently in future tests. Its relevance to global affairs and human rights issues makes it a prime candidate for IELTS essay questions. Let’s explore a sample question and provide model essays for different band scores.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that international organizations play a crucial role in promoting human rights worldwide, while others think they are ineffective. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that international organizations are crucial for promoting human rights
- Discuss the opposing view that these organizations are ineffective
- Provide and justify their own opinion on the matter
Model Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
In today’s globalized world, the role of international organizations in promoting human rights is a topic of significant debate. While some argue that these entities play a vital role in advancing human rights globally, others contend that their efforts are largely ineffective. In my opinion, while international organizations face challenges, they remain crucial in the fight for human rights worldwide.
Proponents of international organizations argue that these bodies provide essential frameworks and mechanisms for promoting human rights. The United Nations, for instance, has established the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which serves as a global standard for human rights protection. Moreover, organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch play crucial roles in monitoring human rights abuses and bringing them to international attention. These efforts often lead to diplomatic pressure and sanctions against offending nations, potentially curbing human rights violations.
On the other hand, critics argue that international organizations lack the power to enforce their recommendations effectively. They point out that many countries routinely flout international human rights laws without facing significant consequences. For example, despite widespread condemnation from international bodies, some nations continue to engage in practices such as arbitrary detention, censorship, and discrimination against minorities. This perceived lack of teeth in enforcement mechanisms leads some to question the overall effectiveness of these organizations.
In my view, while the challenges faced by international organizations are significant, their role in promoting human rights remains indispensable. These bodies serve as important platforms for dialogue, setting global standards, and raising awareness about human rights issues. The very existence of international human rights frameworks puts pressure on governments to improve their practices, even if progress is sometimes slow. Furthermore, the documentation and reporting carried out by these organizations provide valuable resources for activists, policymakers, and concerned citizens working towards human rights improvements.
In conclusion, while international organizations may not always achieve immediate or dramatic results in promoting human rights, their long-term impact is substantial. By continuing to refine their approaches, collaborate with local actors, and leverage diplomatic and economic pressures, these organizations can enhance their effectiveness in the global fight for human rights.
(Word count: 339)
Band 6-7 Essay
The role of international organizations in promoting human rights is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think these organizations are very important, while others believe they don’t really work well. I will discuss both sides and give my own thoughts on this issue.
People who support international organizations say that they do a lot of good work for human rights. For example, the United Nations has made rules about human rights that many countries follow. Organizations like Amnesty International tell the world when human rights are being violated somewhere. This can make countries change their behavior because they don’t want to look bad to other nations.
However, there are also people who think these organizations are not effective. They say that even when international groups say a country is doing something wrong, that country often doesn’t change. Some countries ignore what these organizations say and keep doing things like putting people in jail unfairly or not letting people speak freely. This makes people think that international organizations don’t have real power to make things better.
In my opinion, I think international organizations are important for human rights, even if they’re not perfect. They help make rules that countries can follow and they tell the world when bad things are happening. Even if they can’t always make countries change right away, they keep reminding everyone that human rights are important. This can slowly make things better over time.
To conclude, while international organizations face challenges in promoting human rights, I believe they play a necessary role. They set standards for countries to follow and raise awareness about human rights issues around the world. Even if change is slow, these organizations help keep human rights as an important global issue.
(Word count: 298)
Band 5-6 Essay
International organizations and human rights is a big topic these days. Some people think these organizations are very good and helpful, but others think they don’t do much. I will talk about both sides and say what I think.
First, some people say international organizations are very important for human rights. They make rules about how countries should treat people. For example, the UN talks to countries about human rights. Also, groups like Amnesty International tell everyone when a country is doing bad things to its people. This can make countries want to do better.
But other people think these organizations don’t really help. They say that even when these groups say a country is doing wrong things, the country often doesn’t listen. Some countries keep putting people in jail for no reason or not letting people say what they think. This makes people think the international organizations can’t really change anything.
I think international organizations are good for human rights, even if they’re not perfect. They try to make the world better, and sometimes they help. Even if they can’t always make big changes, they keep telling everyone that human rights are important. This might make things better slowly.
In the end, I believe international organizations do help with human rights. They might not always make big changes quickly, but they keep trying to make the world better. They tell everyone about problems and try to get countries to be nicer to their people.
(Word count: 241)
Analysis of Essays
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that justify a high band score:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion with justification.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a central topic, and ideas are logically connected.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Complex phrases like “globalized world,” “diplomatic pressure,” and “arbitrary detention” are used effectively.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately. Complex sentences are used throughout, showing sophistication in language use.
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay shows good qualities but with some limitations:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the linking between ideas is sometimes less smooth.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but less sophisticated than the Band 8-9 essay. Some attempts at more complex vocabulary are made.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, with generally good control of grammar, though not as varied as the higher band essay.
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates basic competence but with notable limitations:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the task, but ideas are underdeveloped and the opinion is less clear.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a basic structure, but paragraphing and linking of ideas are less effective.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, with fewer attempts at using complex words.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay relies more on simple sentences and basic grammatical structures, with some errors present.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Globalized (adjective) /ˈɡləʊbəlaɪzd/ – characterized by worldwide integration and interdependence
- Arbitrary (adjective) /ˈɑːbɪtrəri/ – based on random choice or personal whim, rather than reason or system
- Condemnation (noun) /ˌkɒndemˈneɪʃn/ – the expression of very strong disapproval
- Indispensable (adjective) /ˌɪndɪˈspensəbl/ – absolutely necessary
- Flout (verb) /flaʊt/ – openly disregard (a rule, law, or convention)
- Censorship (noun) /ˈsensəʃɪp/ – the suppression or prohibition of any parts of books, films, news, etc. that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable, or a threat to security
- Diplomatic (adjective) /ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk/ – concerning the management of international relations
- Leverage (verb) /ˈliːvərɪdʒ/ – use (something) to maximum advantage
Conclusion
The role of international organizations in promoting human rights is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. To excel in essays on this subject, candidates should be prepared to discuss the effectiveness of these organizations, their challenges, and their overall impact on global human rights. Practice writing essays on related topics such as the United Nations’ role in peacekeeping, the impact of NGOs on social issues, or the challenges of implementing international law.
We encourage readers to practice writing their own essays on this topic and share them in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam. Remember to analyze your own work critically, considering the four marking criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
If you found this article helpful, you might also be interested in exploring related topics such as the role of education in reducing poverty levels or the role of international trade in global economic development, which can further enhance your understanding of global issues often featured in IELTS Writing Task 2.