IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays: Should People Be Allowed to Sell Their Organs?

The topic of organ selling is a controversial and thought-provoking subject that has appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams in the past. While not extremely common, it has been known to surface occasionally, particularly in questions related to ethics, healthcare, and social issues. Given its complex nature and the ongoing debates surrounding organ donation and transplantation, there’s a possibility it may appear in future IELTS exams. Let’s examine a relevant question that has been reported in past IELTS tests:

Some people believe that it should be made legal for people to sell their organs, such as kidneys or eyes, to those who need transplants. Others argue that this practice should remain illegal. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question asks candidates to discuss two opposing viewpoints on the legalization of organ selling. It requires a balanced approach, exploring arguments for and against the practice, before presenting a personal opinion. Key aspects to consider include:

1. Ethical implications of organ selling
2. Potential benefits for those in need of transplants
3. Risks of exploitation and inequality
4. Impact on current organ donation systems
5. Legal and regulatory challenges

Let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality, addressing this topic.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

The debate over legalizing organ sales is a complex and contentious issue that touches on fundamental ethical, social, and medical considerations. While proponents argue that it could alleviate organ shortages and save lives, opponents contend that such a practice would lead to exploitation and exacerbate existing inequalities. After careful consideration of both perspectives, I believe that organ selling should remain illegal due to the significant risks it poses to vulnerable populations and the potential to undermine the altruistic nature of organ donation.

Those in favor of legalizing organ sales often point to the chronic shortage of organs for transplantation and the potential to save lives through a regulated market. They argue that individuals should have the autonomy to make decisions about their own bodies, including the right to sell organs. Furthermore, a legal market could potentially reduce illegal organ trafficking by providing a regulated alternative. Proponents also suggest that financial compensation could incentivize more people to become organ donors, thereby increasing the overall supply of organs available for transplantation.

However, the arguments against legalizing organ sales are compelling and multifaceted. Firstly, such a system would inevitably exploit the poor and vulnerable, who may feel compelled to sell their organs out of financial desperation. This could lead to a situation where the wealthy can effectively purchase better health outcomes, while the less fortunate risk their well-being for short-term financial gain. Moreover, the commercialization of organ donation could erode the altruistic foundation of the current system, potentially reducing overall donation rates as people begin to view organs solely as commodities.

There are also significant practical and ethical challenges to implementing a regulated organ market. Ensuring fair pricing, preventing coercion, and maintaining quality control would be extremely difficult. The medical community may face ethical dilemmas in balancing the interests of organ sellers against the best practices for patient care. Additionally, legalizing organ sales in one country could lead to “transplant tourism,” exacerbating global health inequalities.

In conclusion, while the shortage of organs for transplantation is a pressing issue, legalizing organ sales is not an appropriate solution. The risks of exploitation, the potential to widen health disparities, and the erosion of altruistic donation outweigh the potential benefits. Instead, efforts should focus on improving existing organ donation systems, increasing public awareness, and exploring innovative medical technologies such as xenotransplantation and artificial organs. By addressing the organ shortage through ethical and equitable means, we can save lives without compromising our fundamental values or exploiting vulnerable populations.

(Word count: 398)

Ethical considerations of organ selling

Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)

This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that align with Band 8-9 criteria:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position while discussing both views in depth.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect, and ideas are logically linked.

3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Complex ideas are expressed with precision.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are used effectively.

Key strengths:

• Comprehensive exploration of both viewpoints
• Nuanced argumentation considering multiple facets of the issue
• Sophisticated vocabulary and phrasing (e.g., “exacerbate existing inequalities,” “erode the altruistic foundation”)
• Effective use of topic sentences and cohesive devices
• Clear personal stance supported by well-reasoned arguments

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The question of whether people should be allowed to sell their organs is a difficult one. There are arguments on both sides, and in this essay, I will discuss the pros and cons before giving my own opinion.

On the one hand, some people believe that organ selling should be legal. The main reason for this is that it could help solve the problem of organ shortages. Many people die while waiting for organ transplants, and if more organs were available, more lives could be saved. Additionally, people argue that individuals should have the right to do what they want with their own bodies, including selling organs if they choose to do so. This could also provide a way for poor people to make money in emergency situations.

On the other hand, there are strong arguments against legalizing organ sales. One major concern is that it would lead to exploitation of poor people, who might feel forced to sell their organs due to financial pressure. This could create a system where only the rich can afford to buy organs, while the poor risk their health by selling them. There are also worries about the quality and safety of organs in a commercial system, as people might lie about their health to sell organs. Furthermore, it could reduce voluntary organ donation as people might expect payment instead.

In my opinion, I believe that organ selling should remain illegal. While I understand the arguments in favor, I think the risks and potential for abuse are too high. Instead of allowing organ sales, I think we should focus on improving the current organ donation system and encouraging more people to become voluntary donors. This could involve better education about organ donation and making it easier for people to register as donors.

In conclusion, although legalizing organ sales might increase the supply of organs, the negative consequences outweigh the potential benefits. We should find other ways to address organ shortages that don’t involve commercializing human body parts.

(Word count: 329)

Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)

This essay demonstrates good qualities that align with Band 6-7 criteria:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and offering a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear progression. Paragraphing is logical, but the use of cohesive devices could be more sophisticated.

3. Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used, though some repetition is evident. The language is generally appropriate for the task.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used with good control. There are no major grammatical errors, but the range could be wider.

Key strengths and areas for improvement:

• Clear structure with distinct paragraphs for each viewpoint and personal opinion
• Relevant main points are presented for both sides of the argument
• Some use of topic-specific vocabulary (e.g., “organ shortages,” “voluntary organ donation”)
• Ideas could be more fully developed with specific examples or deeper analysis
• Use of cohesive devices and more sophisticated vocabulary could enhance the overall quality

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Nowadays, some people think it’s okay to sell organs like kidneys or eyes to people who need them. But others say this should not be allowed. I will talk about both sides and give my opinion.

First, some people say selling organs should be legal. They think it can help solve the problem of not having enough organs for sick people. If more organs are available, more lives can be saved. Also, some poor people might want to sell their organs to get money for their families. They say it’s their body, so they should be allowed to do what they want with it.

But other people disagree and say selling organs should stay illegal. They worry that poor people will be forced to sell their organs because they need money. This is not fair. Also, if people can buy organs, only rich people will be able to get them. This is also not fair. There might also be problems with organ quality if people lie about their health to sell organs.

In my opinion, I think selling organs should not be allowed. It’s too dangerous and can cause many problems. Instead, we should try to get more people to donate organs after they die. We can teach people about organ donation and make it easier to become a donor.

To conclude, even though selling organs might help some people, I think it’s too risky. We should find better ways to get more organs for people who need them without selling them.

(Word count: 253)

Essay Analysis (Band 5-6)

This essay demonstrates qualities that align with Band 5-6 criteria:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the task, presenting both views and offering a personal opinion. However, the ideas are limited in scope and depth.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a basic structure, but the progression of ideas is sometimes unclear. Paragraphing is evident, but cohesive devices are limited.

3. Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, with some repetition. The language is simple but generally appropriate for the task.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mainly simple sentences are used with some attempts at more complex structures. There are some grammatical errors, but they do not impede communication.

Key strengths and areas for improvement:

• Basic structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
• Attempts to present arguments for and against organ selling
• Simple language is used effectively to convey main ideas
• Ideas could be more fully developed with specific examples or deeper analysis
• More varied vocabulary and more complex sentence structures would improve the essay
• Use of cohesive devices could be improved to enhance overall coherence

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Organ donation (noun) – /ˈɔːɡən dəʊˈneɪʃən/ – The practice of giving one’s organs for transplant after death or while alive.

2. Exploitation (noun) – /ˌeksplɔɪˈteɪʃən/ – The action of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work or situation.

3. Altruistic (adjective) – /ˌæltruˈɪstɪk/ – Showing a selfless concern for the well-being of others.

4. Transplantation (noun) – /ˌtrænspla:nˈteɪʃən/ – The process of transferring an organ from one person to another.

5. Commercialization (noun) – /kəˌmɜːʃəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – The process of managing or running something principally for financial gain.

6. Xenotransplantation (noun) – /ˌzenəʊtrænsplɑːnˈteɪʃən/ – The process of transplanting organs or tissues from one species to another.

7. Coercion (noun) – /kəʊˈɜːʃən/ – The practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats.

8. Inequalities (noun) – /ˌɪnɪˈkwɒlətiz/ – Differences in size, degree, circumstances, etc.; lack of equality.

9. Ethical dilemma (noun phrase) – /ˈeθɪkəl dɪˈlemə/ – A situation that involves conflicting moral principles.

10. Autonomy (noun) – /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/ – The right or condition of self-government; freedom from external control or influence.

Organ donation awareness campaign

In conclusion, the topic of organ selling remains a complex and controversial issue in the realm of IELTS Writing Task 2. While it may not be among the most frequently occurring topics, its ethical, social, and medical implications make it a relevant and challenging subject for test-takers. To prepare effectively, candidates should practice writing balanced arguments, considering multiple perspectives, and developing their own well-reasoned opinions on this and similar ethical dilemmas.

For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:

1. The ethics of mandatory organ donation after death
2. The impact of artificial organs on healthcare and society
3. The role of government in regulating organ transplantation

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.