The topic of a global minimum wage is an increasingly relevant and frequently discussed issue in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on an analysis of past IELTS exams and current global economic trends, this topic has a high probability of appearing in future tests. Let’s explore this subject through sample essays for different band scores, along with detailed analysis and vocabulary breakdown.
Analyzing the Task
Some people believe that there should be a global minimum wage to ensure fair pay for workers worldwide. Others argue that this would be impractical and harmful to developing economies. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the arguments for a global minimum wage
- Explore the counterarguments
- Provide your own perspective on the issue
Let’s examine three sample essays addressing this topic, each targeting a different band score.
Global Minimum Wage Concept
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The concept of implementing a global minimum wage has gained traction in recent years as a potential solution to address income inequality and ensure fair compensation for workers worldwide. While proponents argue that it could elevate living standards globally, critics contend that such a policy would be impractical and potentially detrimental to developing economies. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Advocates of a global minimum wage assert that it would establish a baseline for fair compensation, regardless of geographical location. This approach could potentially reduce exploitation of workers in low-income countries and mitigate the race to the bottom in terms of labor costs. Furthermore, a universal wage floor might encourage multinational corporations to prioritize worker welfare over profit maximization, leading to improved working conditions and increased global economic stability.
On the other hand, opponents argue that a one-size-fits-all approach to wages ignores the vast disparities in living costs and economic conditions across different countries. Implementing a global minimum wage could render many businesses in developing nations uncompetitive, potentially leading to increased unemployment and economic stagnation. Moreover, enforcing such a policy would require unprecedented levels of international cooperation and oversight, which many consider unfeasible given the current geopolitical landscape.
In my opinion, while the intention behind a global minimum wage is commendable, its implementation would be fraught with challenges and potential unintended consequences. A more nuanced approach, such as regional minimum wages that account for local economic conditions, might be more effective in addressing wage disparities while preserving economic competitiveness. Additionally, focusing on strengthening labor laws, promoting fair trade practices, and investing in education and skills development could yield more sustainable improvements in worker welfare globally.
In conclusion, the debate over a global minimum wage highlights the complex interplay between worker rights, economic development, and international cooperation. While a universal wage floor may not be the optimal solution, the discussion it generates can lead to more targeted and effective measures to ensure fair compensation and improved living standards for workers worldwide.
(Word count: 329)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates the qualities expected of a high band score:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting the writer’s own opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (“On the other hand”, “Moreover”, “In conclusion”).
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (“gained traction”, “mitigate the race to the bottom”, “geopolitical landscape”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly (“While proponents argue”, “could potentially reduce”, “might be more effective”).
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The idea of a global minimum wage has become a topic of debate in recent years. Some people think it’s a good way to ensure fair pay for workers around the world, while others believe it would cause problems, especially for developing countries. This essay will look at both sides of the argument and give my opinion.
Those who support a global minimum wage say it would help protect workers from being exploited. They argue that it would stop companies from moving jobs to countries with the lowest wages and improve living standards for many people. It might also reduce inequality between rich and poor countries.
However, those against the idea point out that different countries have very different costs of living and economic situations. A wage that seems low in one country might be quite high in another. They worry that a global minimum wage could make some businesses in poorer countries unable to compete, leading to job losses. It would also be very difficult to enforce such a rule across all countries.
In my opinion, while the idea of a global minimum wage has good intentions, it would be very hard to implement in practice. I think a better approach would be to focus on improving working conditions and labor laws in individual countries. International organizations could help by setting guidelines and supporting countries to develop their own fair wage policies.
To conclude, the issue of a global minimum wage is complex. While it aims to help workers, it could have negative effects on some economies. Instead of a single global wage, we should work towards improving labor standards worldwide in ways that suit each country’s situation.
(Word count: 276)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates the qualities expected of a mid-range band score:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and the writer’s opinion, but with less depth and development compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but uses simpler linking words and phrases (“However”, “In my opinion”, “To conclude”).
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but less sophisticated than the Band 8-9 essay (“topic of debate”, “improve living standards”, “difficult to enforce”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences accurately, but with less variety than the higher band essay.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowadays, some people think there should be a global minimum wage for all workers in the world. But other people say this is not a good idea. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
People who like the idea of a global minimum wage say it will help workers get fair pay. They think it will stop companies from paying very low wages in poor countries. This could make life better for many workers around the world.
But other people think a global minimum wage will cause problems. They say that different countries have different costs of living, so a wage that is good in one country might be too high in another. They also think it would be very hard to make all countries follow this rule.
In my opinion, I think a global minimum wage might be too difficult to do. Instead, I think each country should have its own minimum wage that is right for its economy. Rich countries can help poor countries make better laws to protect workers.
To sum up, while a global minimum wage might seem like a good idea, it has many problems. It’s better for each country to find its own way to make sure workers get fair pay.
(Word count: 203)
Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates the qualities expected of a lower mid-range band score:
Task Response: The essay addresses the task, presenting both views and an opinion, but lacks depth and development.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a basic structure but uses very simple linking words (“But”, “Instead”, “To sum up”).
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, with simple word choices (“good idea”, “cause problems”, “better laws”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses mainly simple sentences with limited complexity.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Income inequality (noun) – /ˈɪnkʌm ɪnɪˈkwɒlɪti/ – The extent to which income is distributed unevenly in a group of people
Exploitation (noun) – /ˌeksplɔɪˈteɪʃn/ – The action of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work
Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – To make something less severe, serious, or painful
Geopolitical (adjective) – /ˌdʒiːəʊpəˈlɪtɪkl/ – Relating to politics, especially international relations, as influenced by geographical factors
Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
Disparities (noun) – /dɪˈspærətiz/ – Differences, especially ones related to unfair treatment
Stagnation (noun) – /stæɡˈneɪʃn/ – Lack of activity, growth, or development
Unfeasible (adjective) – /ʌnˈfiːzəbl/ – Not possible to do easily or conveniently; impracticable
Commendable (adjective) – /kəˈmendəbl/ – Deserving praise
Interplay (noun) – /ˈɪntəpleɪ/ – The way in which two or more things have an effect on each other
Conclusion
The topic of a global minimum wage is complex and multifaceted, making it an excellent subject for IELTS Writing Task 2. As you’ve seen from the sample essays, the key to achieving a higher band score lies in addressing all aspects of the question, using sophisticated vocabulary and grammatical structures, and presenting a well-organized and coherent argument.
For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones such as:
- The impact of globalization on workers’ rights
- The role of multinational corporations in ensuring fair labor practices
- The effectiveness of international labor standards in protecting workers
Remember to post your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!