IELTS Writing Task 2: Mastering Essays On Trade Agreements And Local Economies With Sample Band 7-9 Responses

Trade agreements and their impact on local economies have been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This topic has appeared in various forms over the past few years, and its relevance in today’s globalized world suggests it will continue to be a popular choice for examiners. Let’s explore this subject in depth, providing you with high-quality sample essays and comprehensive analysis to help you excel in your IELTS writing task.

Analyzing the Topic: Trade Agreements And Local Economies

Before we dive into sample essays, it’s crucial to understand the complexity of this topic. Trade agreements are international treaties that reduce barriers to trade between countries. They can have far-reaching effects on local economies, both positive and negative. This makes it an ideal subject for IELTS Task 2, as it allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to discuss complex issues from multiple perspectives.

Trade Agreements Impact on Local Economies

Sample Essay Question

Let’s focus on a specific question that encapsulates the essence of this topic:

Some people believe that international trade agreements are harmful to local economies, while others argue that they bring more benefits than drawbacks. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question requires you to:

Discuss the view that international trade agreements harm local economies
Discuss the opposing view that these agreements are beneficial
Provide your own opinion on the matter

Remember to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced argument before stating your position.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

International trade agreements have been a subject of heated debate in recent years, with proponents and critics presenting compelling arguments. While some believe these agreements pose a threat to local economies, others maintain that the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering a personal stance on the issue.

Those who oppose international trade agreements often argue that they can lead to job losses in certain sectors of the local economy. When trade barriers are lowered, domestic industries may struggle to compete with cheaper imported goods, potentially resulting in layoffs or even the closure of local businesses. Furthermore, critics contend that these agreements can lead to a race to the bottom in terms of labor standards and environmental regulations, as countries may be tempted to lower their standards to attract foreign investment.

On the other hand, supporters of trade agreements highlight the numerous benefits they can bring to local economies. By opening up new markets for exports, these agreements can create job opportunities in industries where a country has a competitive advantage. Additionally, increased competition can lead to lower prices for consumers and incentivize local businesses to innovate and improve efficiency. Proponents also argue that trade agreements can foster economic growth by attracting foreign investment and facilitating the transfer of technology and knowledge between countries.

In my opinion, while international trade agreements can indeed pose challenges to certain sectors of the local economy, their overall impact is largely positive. The key lies in implementing these agreements thoughtfully, with measures in place to support affected industries and workers during the transition period. Governments should invest in education and retraining programs to help workers adapt to changing economic landscapes. Moreover, trade agreements should include provisions to uphold labor and environmental standards, ensuring that increased trade does not come at the cost of social and ecological well-being.

In conclusion, international trade agreements, when properly managed, have the potential to bring significant benefits to local economies. While it is crucial to address the concerns of those who may be negatively affected, the long-term advantages of increased trade and cooperation between nations cannot be overlooked. By striking a balance between openness to global markets and protection of local interests, countries can harness the power of international trade to drive sustainable economic growth and prosperity.

(Word count: 373)

Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)

This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that would likely earn it a Band 8 or 9 score:

Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. Ideas are logically sequenced, and cohesive devices are used effectively throughout.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is sophisticated and precise. Examples include “heated debate,” “proponents and critics,” “race to the bottom,” and “foster economic growth.”
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of complex structures used accurately. It includes various sentence types and demonstrates excellent control over grammar and punctuation.
Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Balanced Argument: The essay presents a balanced view of both perspectives before offering a nuanced personal opinion.
Conclusion: The conclusion effectively summarizes the main points and reinforces the writer’s position.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

International trade agreements are a big topic in today’s world. Some people think they are bad for local economies, while others believe they bring more good than bad. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.

People who don’t like trade agreements say they can cause job losses. When countries open their markets, local businesses might not be able to compete with cheaper products from other countries. This can lead to people losing their jobs. Also, some worry that companies might move to countries with lower standards to save money, which could be bad for workers and the environment.

On the other hand, supporters of trade agreements say they can help local economies. They argue that these agreements open new markets for local products, which can create new jobs. They also say that more competition can lead to lower prices for people buying things. Additionally, trade agreements can bring new technology and knowledge to a country.

In my opinion, trade agreements can be good for local economies if they are done right. It’s important for governments to help workers and businesses that might be affected negatively by these agreements. They should provide training programs to help people learn new skills. Also, trade agreements should include rules to protect workers and the environment.

To conclude, I believe that international trade agreements can bring more benefits than drawbacks to local economies. While there are challenges, the potential for economic growth and improved living standards makes these agreements worthwhile. However, it’s crucial to implement them carefully and with consideration for all parts of society.

(Word count: 269)

Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)

This essay demonstrates good qualities that would likely earn it a Band 6 or 7 score:

Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a personal opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is organized with clear paragraphing. Ideas are generally well-connected, though the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is generally appropriate, though less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay. There’s a mix of simple and more complex terms.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences. There are no major grammatical errors, but the range is not as wide as in the Band 8-9 essay.
Development of Ideas: Main points are developed, though not as fully as in the higher band essay.
Balanced Argument: The essay presents both perspectives before offering a personal opinion.
Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the main points and restates the writer’s position, though less elaborately than the Band 8-9 essay.

Key Vocabulary for IELTS Essays on Trade Agreements And Local Economies

Trade agreement (noun) /treɪd əˈɡriːmənt/: A contract between two or more countries that outlines the terms of trade between them.
Local economy (noun) /ˈləʊkl ɪˈkɒnəmi/: The economic system of a particular area or region.
Globalization (noun) /ˌɡləʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃn/: The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale.
Competitive advantage (noun) /kəmˈpetɪtɪv ədˈvɑːntɪdʒ/: A condition or circumstance that puts a company in a favorable or superior business position.
Foreign investment (noun) /ˈfɒrɪn ɪnˈvestmənt/: The investment of foreign assets into domestic structures, equipment, and organizations.
Economic growth (noun) /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ɡrəʊθ/: An increase in the amount of goods and services produced per head of the population over a period of time.
Labor standards (noun) /ˈleɪbə ˈstændədz/: The conditions of employment, including wages, working time, and health and safety.
Tariff (noun) /ˈtærɪf/: A tax or duty to be paid on a particular class of imports or exports.
Free trade (noun) /friː treɪd/: International trade left to its natural course without tariffs, quotas, or other restrictions.
Protectionism (noun) /prəˈtekʃənɪzəm/: The theory or practice of shielding a country’s domestic industries from foreign competition by taxing imports.

Conclusion

Mastering essays on trade agreements and their impact on local economies is crucial for success in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the complexities of this topic and practicing with high-quality sample essays, you can improve your ability to craft well-structured, coherent, and insightful responses.

To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on the following potential future topic:

Some argue that developing countries should prioritize protecting their local industries over participating in international trade agreements. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

Practice writing your essay and consider sharing it in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and prepare you for success in your IELTS exam.

For more insights on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:

Remember, consistent practice and exposure to a variety of perspectives on this topic will greatly enhance your ability to tackle similar questions in your IELTS Writing Task 2.

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