IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays: Should Countries Collaborate to Address Rising Unemployment?

Unemployment is a pressing global issue that has been exacerbated in recent years due to various factors such as economic downturns, technological advancements, and the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the topic of international collaboration to address rising unemployment has become increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. Based on the analysis of past IELTS exams and current global trends, it is highly likely that questions related to this theme will continue to appear in future tests.

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

Analyzing the Question

Some people believe that countries should work together to tackle the problem of increasing unemployment. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

This question falls under the “agree or disagree” category of IELTS Writing Task 2. It requires you to present your opinion on whether international cooperation is necessary to address rising unemployment rates. Your response should include:

1. A clear stance on the issue
2. Well-developed reasons and examples to support your position
3. A balanced discussion of both sides of the argument (if applicable)
4. A logical structure with coherent paragraphs

Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, along with explanations of why they received their respective scores.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In today’s interconnected global economy, I strongly agree that countries should collaborate to address the growing problem of unemployment. This cooperation is essential for several reasons, including the sharing of resources and expertise, the creation of international job markets, and the development of globally competitive workforces.

Firstly, international collaboration allows countries to pool their resources and expertise to tackle unemployment more effectively. Developed nations can share their knowledge of successful job creation strategies, while developing countries can offer insights into emerging markets and industries. For example, Germany’s dual education system, which combines apprenticeships with vocational training, has been successfully adopted by countries like South Korea and Morocco, leading to reduced youth unemployment in these nations.

Secondly, cooperation between countries can facilitate the creation of international job markets, providing more opportunities for job seekers. By harmonizing qualifications and work permits, nations can enable their citizens to seek employment across borders more easily. The European Union’s free movement of workers is a prime example of this, allowing EU citizens to work in any member state without restrictions.

Furthermore, collaborative efforts can lead to the development of globally competitive workforces. As industries become increasingly globalized, it is crucial for countries to work together to ensure their labor forces possess the skills needed in the international job market. Joint training programs and skill-sharing initiatives can help address skill gaps and prepare workers for the jobs of the future. For instance, the ASEAN Economic Community has implemented various regional skills recognition frameworks to enhance workforce mobility and competitiveness across Southeast Asia.

However, it is important to acknowledge that some may argue that unemployment is a domestic issue that should be addressed individually by each country. While this perspective has merit, the interconnected nature of the global economy means that unemployment in one country can have ripple effects on others. Therefore, a collaborative approach is more likely to yield comprehensive and lasting solutions.

In conclusion, the benefits of international cooperation in tackling unemployment far outweigh any potential drawbacks. By working together, countries can leverage their collective strengths to create more job opportunities, develop skilled workforces, and build resilient economies that can withstand future challenges.

(Word count: 340)

Explanation for Band 8-9 Score

This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that justify a high band score:

1. Task Response: The essay presents a clear position and fully addresses all parts of the task. It provides well-developed reasons and examples to support the argument for international collaboration.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and ideas are logically connected using appropriate linking words and phrases.

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Complex phrases like “interconnected global economy,” “harmonizing qualifications,” and “skill-sharing initiatives” demonstrate a sophisticated command of English.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly. Complex sentences are used effectively without hindering comprehension.

5. Development and Support: Each main point is well-elaborated with relevant examples, such as Germany’s dual education system and the EU’s free movement of workers.

6. Balanced Argument: The essay acknowledges the counterargument briefly, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of the issue.

International collaboration to address unemployment

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

I agree that countries should work together to solve the problem of rising unemployment. This is important because unemployment is a global issue that affects many nations, and cooperation can lead to better solutions.

One reason why countries should collaborate is that they can share ideas and successful strategies. Some countries might have found good ways to create jobs or train workers, and these ideas can be helpful for other nations. For example, if one country has a successful program for teaching new skills to unemployed people, other countries could learn from this and start similar programs.

Another benefit of working together is that countries can create more job opportunities across borders. When nations cooperate, they can make it easier for people to work in different countries. This can help reduce unemployment by giving people more choices for finding jobs. The European Union is a good example of this, where people can move between countries to work.

Additionally, collaboration can help countries prepare their workers for global jobs. Many companies now operate in multiple countries, so it’s important for workers to have skills that are useful internationally. If countries work together to develop training programs, they can make sure their workers are ready for these global jobs.

However, some people might say that each country should focus on its own unemployment problems. They might think that domestic issues are more important than international cooperation. While this view has some merit, I believe that in today’s connected world, working together is more effective than trying to solve problems alone.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that countries should collaborate to address unemployment. By sharing ideas, creating more job opportunities, and preparing workers for global jobs, nations can work together to reduce unemployment more effectively than they could on their own.

(Word count: 298)

Explanation for Band 6-7 Score

This essay demonstrates good qualities that justify a band score of 6-7:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position. However, the ideas could be more fully developed and supported with more specific examples.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with a clear overall progression. Paragraphing is logical, and basic cohesive devices are used, although they could be more sophisticated.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with some attempts at using less common words. However, the range could be wider, and there’s room for more precision in word choice.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control. There are no major grammatical errors that impede understanding.

5. Development and Support: Each main point is supported with reasons and examples, although these could be more detailed and specific.

6. Balanced Argument: The essay briefly acknowledges the opposing view, which is good, but could explore this perspective more thoroughly.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Collaboration (noun) – /kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃn/ – The action of working with someone to produce something
2. Unemployment rate (noun) – /ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪmənt reɪt/ – The percentage of the workforce that is unemployed
3. Globalization (noun) – /ˌɡləʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence
4. Workforce (noun) – /ˈwɜːkfɔːs/ – The people engaged in or available for work
5. Skill gap (noun) – /skɪl ɡæp/ – A mismatch between the skills that employers want and the skills that job seekers possess
6. Economic downturn (noun) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈdaʊntɜːn/ – A period of reduced economic activity
7. Job creation (noun) – /dʒɒb kriˈeɪʃn/ – The process of providing new jobs, especially in areas with high unemployment
8. Cross-border employment (noun) – /krɒs ˈbɔːdər ɪmˈplɔɪmənt/ – Working in a country different from one’s country of residence
9. Vocational training (noun) – /vəʊˈkeɪʃənl ˈtreɪnɪŋ/ – Education that prepares people to work in various jobs such as a trade, a craft, or as a technician
10. Labor market (noun) – /ˈleɪbə ˈmɑːkɪt/ – The availability of employment and labor, in terms of supply and demand

Conclusion

Addressing rising unemployment through international collaboration is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. To excel in writing about this subject, focus on developing clear arguments, providing specific examples, and using a range of sophisticated vocabulary and grammatical structures.

For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones, such as:

• The role of technology in creating and eliminating jobs globally
• The impact of economic globalization on local job markets
• The effectiveness of government policies in reducing unemployment

Remember to structure your essay well, use relevant examples, and showcase your language skills. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!