Social enterprises and their impact on job creation have become increasingly relevant topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. This theme combines elements of economics, social responsibility, and employment, making it a rich subject for examination. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see more questions related to this topic in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a sample question and develop high-quality essays to help you prepare effectively.
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that the main role of social enterprises should be to create jobs for disadvantaged people, while others believe they should focus on generating profits to support social causes. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question presents two contrasting views on the primary purpose of social enterprises:
- Creating jobs for disadvantaged people
- Generating profits to support social causes
The task requires you to discuss both perspectives and provide your personal opinion. Let’s break down the key elements:
- Social enterprises: Organizations that apply commercial strategies to maximize improvements in human and environmental well-being
- Job creation: Focusing on employing disadvantaged individuals
- Profit generation: Earning money to fund social initiatives
- Disadvantaged people: Individuals facing social or economic challenges
Sample Essay (Band 8-9)
Social enterprises have emerged as powerful tools for addressing societal challenges, but their primary focus remains a topic of debate. While some argue that these organizations should prioritize job creation for disadvantaged individuals, others contend that generating profits to support various social causes should be their main objective. In my opinion, a balanced approach that combines both aspects is the most effective strategy for social enterprises to maximize their positive impact.
Those who advocate for job creation as the principal role of social enterprises emphasize the direct and immediate impact on individuals’ lives. By providing employment opportunities to disadvantaged people, these organizations can break cycles of poverty and social exclusion. For instance, companies like Grameen Danone in Bangladesh not only produce nutritious yogurt but also create jobs for local communities, empowering individuals who might otherwise struggle to find work. This approach not only improves the economic situation of employees but also enhances their skills, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.
On the other hand, proponents of profit generation argue that by focusing on financial sustainability, social enterprises can support a wider range of social causes more effectively. The rationale behind this view is that a profitable social enterprise can reinvest its earnings into various initiatives, potentially reaching a broader audience and addressing multiple societal issues simultaneously. For example, TOMS Shoes, while providing employment, primarily uses its profits to donate shoes to children in need and support other charitable causes. This model allows for a more diversified impact and potentially greater long-term sustainability.
In my view, the most effective social enterprises are those that strike a balance between job creation and profit generation. By creating a sustainable business model that prioritizes both employment for disadvantaged individuals and financial viability, these organizations can achieve a multiplier effect in their social impact. This dual focus allows them to address immediate needs through job creation while also building capacity for broader, long-term societal improvements through strategic reinvestment of profits.
In conclusion, while both job creation and profit generation are crucial aspects of social enterprises, I believe that the most successful organizations will be those that integrate both objectives. By providing employment opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and generating profits for reinvestment in social causes, these enterprises can create a sustainable model for positive change. As the sector continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more innovative approaches that combine these two goals in increasingly effective ways.
(Word count: 420)
Sample Essay (Band 6-7)
Social enterprises are becoming more important in our society, and people have different ideas about what they should focus on. Some think they should mainly create jobs for people who are disadvantaged, while others believe making profits to help social causes is more important. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, creating jobs for disadvantaged people is very important. When social enterprises give jobs to people who have a hard time finding work, it can really change their lives. These people can earn money, learn new skills, and feel more confident. For example, a company that hires homeless people to make and sell products can help them get back on their feet. This direct help can make a big difference in people’s lives quickly.
On the other hand, some people think social enterprises should focus on making profits to support social causes. The idea is that if a social enterprise makes more money, it can help more people in different ways. For instance, a company might sell products and use the profits to fund education programs or healthcare services. This way, they can help a lot of people with different needs, not just by giving jobs.
In my opinion, I think social enterprises should try to do both things. They can create jobs for disadvantaged people and also try to make profits to support other causes. This way, they can help people directly by giving them jobs and also have money to support other important social projects. I believe this balanced approach is the best way for social enterprises to make a big positive impact on society.
To conclude, while both creating jobs and making profits for social causes are important goals for social enterprises, I think the best approach is to combine both. By giving jobs to disadvantaged people and using profits to support other causes, social enterprises can help in many different ways and make a real difference in society.
(Word count: 317)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each view, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. The band 8-9 essay demonstrates more sophisticated paragraph development and transitions.
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Vocabulary: The higher band essay uses more advanced vocabulary and collocations (e.g., “cycles of poverty,” “financial sustainability,” “multiplier effect”), while the band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.
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Grammar: The band 8-9 essay showcases a wider range of complex structures, including conditionals and relative clauses. The band 6-7 essay uses mainly simple and compound sentences but is still effective in conveying ideas.
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Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the higher band essay provides more detailed examples and a more nuanced opinion.
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Cohesion and Coherence: The band 8-9 essay demonstrates smoother transitions between ideas and paragraphs, while the band 6-7 essay is more straightforward in its progression.
Challenging Vocabulary to Remember
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Social enterprise (noun) /ˈsəʊʃəl ˈentəpraɪz/: An organization that applies commercial strategies to maximize improvements in human and environmental well-being.
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Disadvantaged (adjective) /ˌdɪsədˈvɑːntɪdʒd/: In unfavorable circumstances, especially with regard to financial or social opportunities.
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Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.
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Empowerment (noun) /ɪmˈpaʊəmənt/: The process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights.
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Diversified (adjective) /daɪˈvɜːsɪfaɪd/: Showing a great deal of variety; very different.
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Reinvestment (noun) /ˌriːɪnˈvestmənt/: The action of investing money again or in something else.
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Multiplier effect (noun) /ˈmʌltɪplaɪə ɪˈfekt/: An economic term referring to the increase in final income arising from any new injection of spending.
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Innovative (adjective) /ˈɪnəvətɪv/: Featuring new methods; advanced and original.
In conclusion, mastering essays on the role of social enterprises in job creation requires a deep understanding of the complex interplay between social impact and business sustainability. As you practice writing on this topic, consider exploring related themes such as the role of entrepreneurship in economic growth or the impact of digital innovation on job creation. These interconnected topics will help you develop a well-rounded perspective on the evolving landscape of social enterprises and employment.
To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on the given topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will not only help you refine your writing abilities but also allow you to engage with other learners and receive valuable feedback. Remember, consistent practice and exposure to diverse perspectives are key to achieving success in IELTS Writing Task 2.