Diplomacy plays a crucial role in resolving international conflicts, making it a popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests. Let’s explore a real IELTS question on this subject and analyze sample essays for different band scores.
Some people believe that diplomacy is the best way to solve international conflicts. Others think that military action is sometimes necessary. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to discuss two contrasting viewpoints on resolving international conflicts: diplomacy versus military action. It’s crucial to:
- Explain both perspectives
- Provide examples or reasons supporting each view
- Present your own opinion
- Maintain a balanced approach throughout the essay
Now, let’s examine sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
International conflicts have been a persistent challenge throughout history, and the debate between diplomatic and military solutions continues to be relevant. While some argue that diplomacy is the most effective approach, others believe military intervention is sometimes necessary. In my opinion, diplomacy should always be the first course of action, but military measures may be required in extreme circumstances.
Proponents of diplomacy argue that it offers a peaceful and sustainable way to resolve conflicts. Through negotiations, countries can address their differences, find common ground, and work towards mutually beneficial solutions. For instance, the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 was successfully defused through diplomatic channels, averting a potential nuclear war. Diplomacy also helps maintain international relationships and fosters cooperation, which is crucial for long-term peace and stability.
On the other hand, those who advocate for military action argue that there are situations where diplomacy alone is insufficient. In cases of severe human rights violations or imminent threats to global security, military intervention may be necessary to protect innocent lives and maintain international order. The international community’s intervention in Kosovo in 1999 is often cited as an example where military action helped prevent further atrocities and ultimately led to a peaceful resolution.
In my view, diplomacy should always be the primary approach to conflict resolution. It is a cost-effective, humane, and often more sustainable method of addressing international disputes. However, I also recognize that in extreme cases, where diplomatic efforts have been exhausted and there is an immediate threat to human lives or global security, carefully considered military action may be necessary as a last resort.
Diplomacy vs Military Action in International Conflicts
To conclude, while diplomacy should be prioritized in resolving international conflicts, a balanced approach that considers both diplomatic and, in rare cases, military options may be necessary to address the complexities of global challenges. The international community must carefully weigh the consequences of each approach and strive for peaceful resolutions whenever possible.
(Word count: 367)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Paragraphing is well-managed, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Examples include “sustainable,” “mutually beneficial,” and “imminent threats.”
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures accurately. There is good control of grammar and punctuation throughout.
Examples: Relevant examples (Cuban Missile Crisis, Kosovo intervention) are used to support arguments effectively.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In today’s world, international conflicts are a big problem. Some people think that diplomacy is the best way to solve these conflicts, while others believe that sometimes military action is necessary. In this essay, I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Firstly, many people believe that diplomacy is the best solution for international conflicts. They think that by talking and negotiating, countries can solve their problems peacefully. Diplomacy can help countries understand each other better and find solutions that work for everyone. For example, many trade agreements between countries are made through diplomatic talks. This way, countries can avoid fighting and work together instead.
However, some people argue that military action is sometimes needed. They say that in some situations, talking is not enough to stop violence or protect people. For instance, if a country is attacking another country or hurting its own people, other nations might need to use military force to stop them. Some people think this is necessary to save lives and keep peace in the world.
In my opinion, I believe that diplomacy should always be tried first. It is safer and can lead to long-lasting peace. But I also think that in very serious situations, when diplomacy has failed and many lives are in danger, military action might be needed as a last option. It’s important to be careful and think about all the consequences before using military force.
To conclude, while diplomacy is usually the best way to solve international conflicts, sometimes military action might be necessary in extreme cases. It’s important for countries to work together and try to solve problems peacefully whenever possible.
(Word count: 292)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates competence in several areas but has room for improvement:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and stating the writer’s opinion. However, the ideas could be developed more fully.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is sometimes repetitive (e.g., frequent use of “For example” and “However”).
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but there is limited evidence of less common lexical items. The language is sometimes repetitive.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
Examples: The essay provides some examples, but they are general rather than specific, which limits their impact.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Diplomacy (noun) – /dɪˈploʊməsi/ – the art of dealing with people in a sensitive and tactful way
- Negotiate (verb) – /nɪˈɡoʊʃieɪt/ – to try to reach an agreement by formal discussion
- Intervention (noun) – /ˌɪntərˈvenʃn/ – the action of becoming involved in a difficult situation in order to improve it or prevent it from getting worse
- Atrocity (noun) – /əˈtrɒsəti/ – an extremely wicked or cruel act, typically one involving physical violence or injury
- Imminent (adjective) – /ˈɪmɪnənt/ – about to happen
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Defuse (verb) – /diːˈfjuːz/ – to make a dangerous or tense situation calmer
- Consequences (noun) – /ˈkɒnsɪkwənsɪz/ – the results or effects of an action or condition
In conclusion, the topic of diplomacy and military action in resolving international conflicts is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as global economic cooperation, international environmental agreements, or the role of international organizations in maintaining peace. Remember to analyze the question carefully, provide balanced arguments, and support your points with specific examples.
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.