Trade tariffs and their impact on global supply chains have become increasingly relevant topics in recent years. This subject has appeared in several IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, reflecting its significance in international trade and economics. Given the current global economic climate, it’s likely that this theme will continue to feature prominently in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a potential question on this topic and analyze sample essays at different band levels.
Some people believe that imposing trade tariffs is necessary to protect domestic industries, while others argue that it disrupts global supply chains and harms international trade. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the viewpoint that trade tariffs are necessary for protecting domestic industries
- Explore the opposing view that tariffs disrupt global supply chains and harm international trade
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your personal stance.
Sample Essay – Band 8
International trade policies, particularly the imposition of tariffs, have long been a subject of debate among economists and policymakers. While some advocate for tariffs as a means of safeguarding domestic industries, others argue that such measures ultimately disrupt global supply chains and impede international commerce. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint on this complex issue.
Proponents of trade tariffs often argue that these measures are essential for protecting local businesses and jobs from foreign competition. By increasing the cost of imported goods, tariffs can make domestic products more competitive in the local market. For instance, when the United States imposed tariffs on Chinese steel imports in 2018, it aimed to bolster its domestic steel industry and preserve employment in that sector. Additionally, tariffs can be seen as a tool for addressing unfair trade practices and encouraging countries to negotiate more equitable trade agreements.
On the other hand, critics of tariffs contend that these measures can have far-reaching negative consequences on global supply chains and international trade. In today’s interconnected world, many products are assembled using components sourced from multiple countries. Imposing tariffs on these components can increase production costs, leading to higher prices for consumers and potentially reduced demand. Furthermore, retaliatory tariffs from affected countries can escalate into trade wars, causing economic instability and disrupting established trade relationships. For example, the US-China trade war resulted in significant disruptions to global supply chains, forcing companies to reconsider their sourcing strategies and impacting industries beyond those directly targeted by the tariffs.
In my opinion, while tariffs may offer short-term protection for certain domestic industries, their long-term drawbacks outweigh the potential benefits. The interconnected nature of modern economies means that protectionist measures often have unintended consequences that ripple through global supply chains. Instead of relying on tariffs, I believe countries should focus on fostering innovation, investing in workforce development, and negotiating multilateral trade agreements that promote fair competition. This approach would allow domestic industries to become more competitive naturally while maintaining the benefits of free trade and global economic integration.
In conclusion, while the debate over trade tariffs is likely to continue, it is crucial to consider the complex implications of such policies on both domestic and international scales. As the global economy evolves, policymakers must strive to balance the protection of national interests with the realities of an interconnected world.
Infographic showing The Impact Of Trade Tariffs On Global Supply Chains
Band 8 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to its high band score:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (e.g., “On the other hand”, “Furthermore”, “In conclusion”).
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Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “safeguarding”, “impede”, “retaliatory”, “interconnected”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors (e.g., “While some advocate for tariffs as a means of safeguarding domestic industries, others argue that such measures ultimately disrupt global supply chains and impede international commerce.”).
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of the topic.
Sample Essay – Band 6
Trade tariffs are a controversial topic in international trade. Some people think they are important to protect local industries, while others believe they harm global trade. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support trade tariffs say they are necessary to protect domestic businesses from foreign competition. When a country puts tariffs on imported goods, it makes them more expensive. This can help local companies sell more of their products. For example, if a country puts a tariff on foreign cars, people might buy more cars made in their own country. This can create jobs and help the local economy.
However, other people argue that tariffs are bad for international trade and global supply chains. Many products today are made using parts from different countries. If there are tariffs on these parts, it can make the final product more expensive. This can lead to fewer sales and job losses. Also, when one country puts tariffs on another country’s goods, that country might do the same in return. This can start a trade war, which is bad for everyone.
In my opinion, I think tariffs can be helpful in some situations, but they can also cause problems. While they might protect some local businesses in the short term, they can make things more expensive for consumers and harm international relationships. I believe countries should try to find other ways to support their industries, like improving education and technology.
To conclude, trade tariffs are a complex issue with both advantages and disadvantages. Governments need to think carefully about the long-term effects before deciding to use them.
Band 6 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates several characteristics of a Band 6 performance:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the treatment of the topic is somewhat superficial.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical (e.g., frequent use of “However” and “Also”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate but lacks sophistication. There is some repetition of words and phrases.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are some errors and awkward phrasings.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented but not fully developed. Examples are general rather than specific.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Trade tariffs (noun): Taxes imposed on imported goods
Pronunciation: /treɪd ˈtærɪfs/ -
Global supply chains (noun phrase): The worldwide network of suppliers, manufacturers, warehouses, and distribution centers
Pronunciation: /ˈɡləʊbəl səˈplaɪ tʃeɪnz/ -
Protectionist (adjective): Relating to the economic policy of restricting imports to protect domestic industries
Pronunciation: /prəˈtekʃənɪst/ -
Retaliation (noun): The action of returning a military attack; counterattack
Pronunciation: /rɪˌtælɪˈeɪʃən/ -
Multilateral (adjective): Involving more than two nations or parties
Pronunciation: /ˌmʌltɪˈlætərəl/ -
Interconnected (adjective): Mutually connected or interrelated
Pronunciation: /ˌɪntəkəˈnektɪd/ -
Escalate (verb): Increase rapidly
Pronunciation: /ˈeskəleɪt/ -
Disrupt (verb): Interrupt by causing a disturbance or problem
Pronunciation: /dɪsˈrʌpt/
Illustration depicting the debate on global trade policies
In conclusion, the topic of trade tariffs and their impact on global supply chains is a complex and nuanced issue that requires careful consideration. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, it’s essential to practice writing essays on this topic and related subjects such as international trade dynamics, economic policies, and global energy markets.
To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on the following related topic:
In an increasingly globalized world, some argue that countries should prioritize self-sufficiency in key industries over international trade dependence. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
Practice writing your response and consider sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Remember to apply the structures and vocabulary you’ve learned from the sample essays while developing your own unique perspective on the issue.
