Trade wars and their effects on employment have become increasingly relevant in recent years, making it a popular topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared in various forms in past exams and is likely to continue being a significant theme in future tests. Let’s explore this topic through a sample question and provide essay examples for different band scores.
Analyzing the Topic
The Impact Of Trade Wars On Employment is a complex issue that touches on international economics, politics, and social welfare. It’s crucial to understand the various aspects of this topic to write a comprehensive essay. Let’s examine a relevant IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people believe that trade wars between countries can lead to job losses, while others argue that they can create new employment opportunities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to explore both positive and negative impacts of trade wars on employment, as well as provide your personal perspective.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Here’s a high-quality essay that would likely score in the Band 8-9 range:
Trade wars, characterized by countries imposing tariffs and other trade barriers on each other, have become a contentious issue in global economics. While some argue that these conflicts inevitably lead to job losses, others contend that they can actually create new employment opportunities. In my opinion, while trade wars may offer short-term benefits for certain sectors, their overall impact on employment is largely negative.
Proponents of trade wars often argue that they can boost domestic industries and create jobs. By imposing tariffs on foreign goods, governments can make imported products more expensive, potentially increasing demand for locally produced alternatives. This could lead to expansion in domestic industries and, consequently, more job opportunities. For instance, when the United States imposed tariffs on Chinese steel in 2018, some American steel manufacturers reported increased production and hiring.
However, the opposing view, which I find more convincing, is that trade wars ultimately result in net job losses. This occurs through several mechanisms. Firstly, retaliatory tariffs from other countries can harm export-dependent industries, leading to layoffs. Secondly, increased costs of imported raw materials can force companies to cut jobs to maintain profitability. Lastly, the overall economic slowdown caused by reduced trade can lead to widespread job losses across various sectors. A prime example is the estimated loss of 300,000 jobs in the U.S. due to the 2018-2019 trade war with China, as reported by Moody’s Analytics.
Moreover, the jobs created by trade wars are often outweighed by those lost, both in number and quality. While protectionist measures might create some manufacturing jobs, they often lead to losses in more advanced, higher-paying sectors that rely on global supply chains and international markets. This can result in a net decrease in the overall quality of available jobs.
In conclusion, while trade wars may offer some short-term job creation in protected industries, their overall impact on employment is predominantly negative. The job losses in export-oriented sectors, combined with the broader economic slowdown, typically outweigh any gains. Therefore, policymakers should prioritize diplomatic solutions and free trade agreements over protectionist measures to ensure sustainable job growth and economic prosperity.
(Word count: 345)
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Here’s an essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:
Trade wars between countries have become a big topic in recent years. Some people think these trade wars cause job losses, while others believe they can create new jobs. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, trade wars can lead to job losses. When countries put high taxes on each other’s products, it can make it hard for companies to sell their goods in other countries. This can cause some companies to lose money and have to fire workers. For example, when the US put taxes on Chinese goods, some American companies that buy parts from China had to pay more, and this made it harder for them to keep all their workers.
On the other hand, some people say trade wars can create new jobs. They think that when foreign products become more expensive because of taxes, people will buy more local products. This could help local companies grow and hire more workers. For instance, if a country puts taxes on foreign cars, local car makers might sell more cars and need to hire more people to make them.
However, I think that overall, trade wars cause more job losses than they create new jobs. While some local companies might benefit, many other companies that depend on international trade will suffer. Also, when countries fight over trade, it can make the whole economy slower, which is bad for jobs in all areas.
In conclusion, although trade wars might create some new jobs in certain areas, I believe they cause more harm than good for employment. Countries should try to work together on trade instead of fighting, as this is better for creating jobs and helping the economy grow.
(Word count: 280)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Ensure your essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each body paragraph should focus on a single main idea.
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Balance: For this type of question, it’s crucial to discuss both viewpoints before giving your own opinion.
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Examples: Use specific examples to support your points. This demonstrates a deeper understanding of the topic.
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Vocabulary: Use a range of vocabulary related to economics and employment. Higher band scores require more sophisticated language use.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly.
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Grammar: Vary your sentence structures and use complex sentences where appropriate. Accuracy is key for higher band scores.
Important Vocabulary to Remember
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Trade war (noun) /treɪd wɔːr/ – a situation in which countries try to damage each other’s trade, typically by imposing tariffs or quotas on imports.
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Tariff (noun) /ˈtærɪf/ – a tax or duty to be paid on a particular class of imports or exports.
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Protectionist (adjective) /prəˈtekʃənɪst/ – relating to the theory or practice of shielding a country’s domestic industries from foreign competition.
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Retaliation (noun) /rɪˌtælɪˈeɪʃn/ – the action of returning a military attack; counterattack.
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Economic slowdown (noun phrase) /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈsləʊdaʊn/ – a decrease in economic growth.
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Global supply chain (noun phrase) /ˈɡləʊbl səˈplaɪ tʃeɪn/ – the network of organizations, people, activities, information, and resources involved in supplying a product or service to a consumer.
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Domestic industry (noun phrase) /dəˈmestɪk ˈɪndəstri/ – businesses that operate within a country, as opposed to those that operate internationally.
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Export-oriented (adjective) /ˈekspɔːt ˈɔːrientɪd/ – focused on producing goods and services for export.
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Free trade agreement (noun phrase) /friː treɪd əˈɡriːmənt/ – a pact between two or more nations to reduce barriers to imports and exports among them.
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Economic prosperity (noun phrase) /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk prɒˈsperəti/ – the state of having a thriving economy and financial success.
Conclusion
The impact of trade wars on employment is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. Understanding both perspectives – job losses and job creation – is crucial for writing a well-balanced essay. Remember to support your arguments with specific examples and use appropriate economic vocabulary.
As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider practicing with similar topics such as the challenges of global poverty eradication or the influence of global markets on local industries. These related subjects can help broaden your understanding of global economic issues.
To further improve your writing skills, try composing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you apply the techniques and vocabulary discussed in this article, preparing you for success in your IELTS Writing Task 2.