International law plays a crucial role in addressing refugee crises, and this topic has become increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and historical data from official IELTS sources, we can expect this theme to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a sample question and analyze high-scoring essays to help you prepare for this challenging topic.
Refugee Crisis
Analyzing the Question
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:
Some people believe that international law is the most effective way to address refugee crises, while others think individual countries should have more control over their borders. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the effectiveness of international law in solving refugee crises
- Explore the argument for individual countries having more border control
- Present your own opinion on the matter
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9
The global refugee crisis has sparked intense debate about the most effective approach to managing the influx of displaced people. While some advocate for the primacy of international law, others argue for increased national sovereignty in border control. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on this complex issue.
Proponents of international law argue that a coordinated global approach is essential for addressing the refugee crisis effectively. They contend that international agreements, such as the 1951 Refugee Convention, provide a framework for protecting the rights of refugees and ensuring fair treatment across borders. Moreover, international organizations like the UNHCR can coordinate resources and expertise on a global scale, potentially leading to more efficient and humane solutions. For instance, the successful resettlement of Vietnamese refugees in the late 20th century demonstrates how international cooperation can mitigate humanitarian crises.
On the other hand, those favoring national control over borders argue that individual countries are best equipped to manage their own immigration policies. They maintain that each nation has unique economic, social, and security concerns that may not be adequately addressed by one-size-fits-all international regulations. Furthermore, they contend that excessive international intervention may undermine a country’s sovereignty and its ability to protect its citizens’ interests. The recent rise of populist movements in Europe, partly fueled by concerns over immigration, illustrates the potential backlash against perceived loss of national control.
In my opinion, a balanced approach that combines international law with respect for national sovereignty is the most effective way to address the refugee crisis. While international laws and organizations provide crucial frameworks and resources for managing large-scale displacement, individual countries must retain some flexibility to adapt policies to their specific circumstances. This could involve setting reasonable quotas for refugee acceptance based on a country’s capacity, while still adhering to core international principles of human rights and non-refoulement.
In conclusion, the complexity of the refugee crisis demands a nuanced solution that harnesses the strengths of both international cooperation and national governance. By striking a balance between these approaches, we can work towards a more effective and compassionate response to one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
(Word count: 349)
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: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (e.g., “Moreover”, “On the other hand”, “Furthermore”).
Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “influx”, “primacy”, “mitigate”, “populist movements”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors.
Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7
The refugee crisis is a big problem in the world today. Some people think international law is the best way to solve it, but others believe countries should control their own borders. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
International law can help with the refugee crisis in several ways. First, it provides rules that all countries should follow when dealing with refugees. This can make sure refugees are treated fairly no matter where they go. Also, international organizations like the UN can help coordinate efforts between different countries. For example, they can help distribute refugees to different countries so that no one country has too many.
However, some people think individual countries should have more control over their borders. They say that each country has different situations and problems, so they should be able to decide how many refugees they can accept. They also worry that too many refugees might cause problems with jobs or security in their country. For instance, some European countries have struggled to integrate large numbers of refugees, which has led to social tension.
In my opinion, we need both international law and some control for individual countries. International law is important because it sets standards for how to treat refugees humanely. But countries should also have some say in how many refugees they can realistically accept based on their resources and situation. I think a balanced approach would work best.
To conclude, the refugee crisis is a complex problem that needs both international cooperation and consideration of individual countries’ needs. By finding a balance between these two approaches, we can hopefully find better solutions for refugees and the countries that host them.
(Word count: 295)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates competence but falls short of excellence in several areas:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated (e.g., frequent use of “Also” and “However”).
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences but with less variety than the Band 8-9 essay.
Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant but less fully extended or supported with specific examples.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Refugee crisis (noun) – /ˌrefjuˈdʒiː ˈkraɪsɪs/ – A situation in which a large number of people are forced to leave their homes due to war, persecution, or natural disasters.
International law (noun) – /ˌɪntəˈnæʃənəl lɔː/ – The system of rules that nations agree to follow in their relations with one another.
Sovereignty (noun) – /ˈsɒvrənti/ – The authority of a state to govern itself or another state.
Non-refoulement (noun) – /nɒn rɪˈfuːlmənt/ – The practice of not forcing refugees or asylum seekers to return to a country where they are likely to face persecution.
Resettlement (noun) – /ˌriːˈsetlmənt/ – The process of moving refugees from an asylum country to another country that has agreed to admit them and ultimately grant them permanent residence.
Integration (noun) – /ˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃən/ – The process of refugees becoming part of the new society in which they now live.
Humanitarian (adjective) – /hjuːˌmænɪˈteəriən/ – Concerned with or seeking to promote human welfare.
Asylum seeker (noun) – /əˈsaɪləm ˌsiːkə/ – A person who has left their home country as a political refugee and is seeking asylum in another.
Displacement (noun) – /dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/ – The forced movement of people from their locality or environment and occupational activities.
Border control (noun) – /ˈbɔːdə kənˈtrəʊl/ – Measures taken by a country to monitor or regulate its borders.
Conclusion
The role of international law in solving refugee crises is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key arguments and developing your vocabulary on this subject, you can prepare effectively for questions related to refugee issues, international cooperation, and national sovereignty.
For further practice, consider writing your own essay on this topic or variations such as:
- “Should wealthy nations be obliged to accept more refugees?”
- “How can the international community better address the root causes of refugee crises?”
- “Is it possible to balance national security concerns with humanitarian obligations towards refugees?”
Remember to post your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and deepen your understanding of this critical global issue.