Telework and its effects on corporate culture have become increasingly relevant topics in recent years, especially with the global shift towards remote work. This theme has appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions multiple times, and its frequency is likely to increase given the current work trends. Let’s explore this topic through a carefully selected question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Analyzing the Question
Let’s examine a relevant IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people believe that the increasing trend of working from home (teleworking) is having a negative impact on both individuals and society as a whole. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
This question addresses the broader implications of telework, touching on its impact on individuals and society. It requires a balanced approach, considering both positive and negative aspects of remote work.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Response
The rise of teleworking has sparked debates about its effects on individuals and society. While some argue that this trend has detrimental consequences, I largely disagree with this viewpoint and believe that the benefits of remote work outweigh its drawbacks.
Admittedly, working from home can present challenges for some individuals. The lack of face-to-face interaction with colleagues may lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, potentially impacting mental health. Moreover, the blurred boundaries between work and personal life can result in longer working hours and increased stress levels. From a societal perspective, the reduction in daily commutes might affect local businesses that rely on office workers, such as cafes and restaurants.
However, I contend that the advantages of teleworking are more significant. On an individual level, remote work offers greater flexibility, allowing employees to balance their professional and personal responsibilities more effectively. This can lead to improved job satisfaction and overall well-being. Additionally, the time saved from commuting can be redirected towards productive activities or leisure, enhancing quality of life. From a broader societal standpoint, teleworking contributes to reduced traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions, aligning with environmental sustainability goals.
Furthermore, the shift towards remote work has accelerated technological advancements and digital literacy. This progress benefits society by fostering innovation and preparing the workforce for an increasingly digital future. It also opens up employment opportunities for individuals in remote areas or those with mobility limitations, promoting inclusivity in the job market.
In conclusion, while teleworking may present some challenges, I believe its positive impact on individuals and society far outweighs the negatives. As we continue to adapt to this new work paradigm, it is crucial to address the potential drawbacks while maximizing the benefits of remote work for a more flexible, sustainable, and inclusive future.
(Word count: 295)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy, meriting a Band 8-9 score:
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with well-developed ideas and relevant examples.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
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Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including less common words and phrases (e.g., “detrimental consequences,” “blurred boundaries,” “accelerated technological advancements”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of complex structures used accurately, with only minor errors.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Response
In recent years, working from home has become more popular, but some people think it has negative effects on individuals and society. I partly agree with this view because there are both advantages and disadvantages to teleworking.
On the negative side, working from home can be challenging for some people. They might feel lonely without colleagues around and find it hard to separate work time from personal time. This could lead to stress and unhappiness. Also, when people work from home, they don’t go out as much, which might affect local shops and restaurants that depend on office workers.
However, there are also positive aspects of teleworking. Many people enjoy the flexibility it offers, allowing them to manage their time better and spend more time with family. They don’t have to waste time commuting, which can make them happier and more productive. For society, less commuting means less traffic and pollution, which is good for the environment.
Another benefit is that teleworking can help companies save money on office space. This could lead to more job opportunities as businesses can afford to hire more people. It also allows people who live far from cities or have disabilities to find jobs more easily.
In conclusion, while working from home does have some drawbacks, I believe the advantages are also significant. It’s important for companies and individuals to find ways to make teleworking successful, such as maintaining regular communication and setting clear work hours. By doing this, we can enjoy the benefits of remote work while minimizing its negative impacts.
(Word count: 269)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy, suitable for a Band 6-7 score:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task, presenting a balanced view with some supporting ideas. However, the development of ideas is less thorough compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear overall progression. Paragraphing is logical, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated.
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Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used appropriately, with some attempts at less common words (e.g., “teleworking,” “commuting”). However, the lexical range is more limited compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control. There are fewer complex structures compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Teleworking (noun) – /ˈtelɪwɜːrkɪŋ/ – The practice of working from home using technology to communicate with colleagues and clients.
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Corporate culture (noun) – /ˈkɔːrpərət ˈkʌltʃər/ – The beliefs, values, and attitudes that characterize a company and guide its practices.
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Work-life balance (noun) – /wɜːrk laɪf ˈbæləns/ – The equilibrium between one’s job and personal life.
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Productivity (noun) – /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/ – The efficiency of productive effort, especially in industry, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input.
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Collaboration (noun) – /kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃn/ – The action of working with someone to produce or create something.
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Digital literacy (noun) – /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈlɪtərəsi/ – The ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information.
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Inclusivity (noun) – /ˌɪnkluːˈsɪvəti/ – The practice or policy of including people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized.
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Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.
In conclusion, the impact of telework on corporate culture is a highly relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. As remote work continues to evolve, candidates may encounter variations of this theme, such as questions about the long-term effects of telework on urban development, the role of technology in remote work, or the challenges of managing remote teams. To prepare, practice writing essays on these related topics and consider posting your attempts in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you develop the skills needed to tackle a wide range of IELTS Writing Task 2 questions effectively.