The topic of workplace diversity has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in various forms over the past few years. Recent examination trends suggest this theme will continue to be significant, particularly as organizations worldwide emphasize importance of cultural diversity in the workplace. Let’s analyze a common question type on this topic and examine sample responses across different band scores.
Diverse group of professionals collaborating in modern office meeting
Analysis of Task Question
Some people believe that companies should hire employees from different nationalities and cultural backgrounds. Others say companies should only employ local workers. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question directly addresses importance of workplace diversity while requiring a balanced discussion of opposing viewpoints. The task demands:
- Discussion of benefits and drawbacks of diverse hiring
- Analysis of local-only employment policies
- Personal stance with supporting arguments
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The debate over workforce composition has gained significant attention in today’s globalized economy. While some advocate for international hiring practices, others prefer maintaining a local workforce. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my view.
Those who support diverse hiring practices argue that multicultural teams bring innovative solutions and broader market understanding. When companies employ people from various nationalities, they gain insights into different markets and consumer behaviors. For example, multinational corporations like Google have demonstrated how diverse teams can develop products that succeed across cultural boundaries. Furthermore, international employees often bring unique skill sets and perspectives that can enhance problem-solving and creativity within the organization.
Conversely, proponents of local hiring emphasize the importance of supporting domestic employment and maintaining cultural cohesion. They contend that prioritizing local workers helps reduce unemployment rates and strengthens the community. Additionally, local employees typically understand regional markets better and face fewer language or cultural barriers. This approach can lead to more efficient communication and smoother operations within the company.
In my opinion, while both arguments have merit, the benefits of importance of cultural diversity in economic development outweigh the limitations. Companies that embrace diversity often demonstrate greater adaptability and innovation in the global marketplace. However, I believe the ideal approach involves maintaining a balanced workforce that combines both international and local talent.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Nowadays, many companies have to decide whether to hire workers from different countries or just local people. This essay will discuss both sides of this issue.
Some people think companies should hire employees from different countries. First, foreign workers can bring new ideas and ways of thinking. For example, when people from different cultures work together, they can share different solutions to problems. Also, international workers help companies understand foreign markets better.
However, other people believe companies should only hire local workers. They think this is better because local workers know the local culture and language well. Also, hiring local people helps the local economy by giving jobs to people who live there. Sometimes, communication can be difficult when workers come from different countries.
In my view, I think companies should try to hire both local and international workers. This way, they can get the benefits of both groups. Companies can understand different markets while also helping the local community.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay Analysis
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “globalized economy,” “multicultural teams,” “cultural boundaries”
- Complex sentence structures with appropriate linking
- Clear progression of ideas
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Balanced discussion with clear personal stance
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic sentence structures
- Adequate organization
- Limited development of ideas
- Some repetition in language use
Key Vocabulary
- workforce composition (n) /ˈwɜːkfɔːs kɒmpəˈzɪʃən/ – the makeup of employees
- multicultural (adj) /ˌmʌltiˈkʌltʃərəl/ – involving several cultures
- cohesion (n) /kəʊˈhiːʒən/ – unity, working well together
- adaptability (n) /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ – ability to adjust to new conditions
- innovative (adj) /ˈɪnəvətɪv/ – introducing new ideas
For further exploration of this topic, consider how Multicultural education and diversity training impacts workplace success, and examine whether should companies have diversity quotas.
Consider practicing with these related topics:
- The role of technology in promoting workplace diversity
- Cultural sensitivity training in multinational companies
- Impact of remote work on workplace diversity
Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion with fellow learners.
