Trade agreements and their impact on local employment have become increasingly prominent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. This theme reflects the growing global concern about economic policies and their consequences on job markets. Based on recent trends and historical data from reputable IELTS preparation websites, we can expect this topic to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS exams and analyze it in depth.
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that governments should invite international companies to open offices and factories in their countries to create more jobs. Others believe that governments should focus on helping local companies. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question addresses the debate between attracting foreign investment and supporting local businesses, with a focus on job creation. It requires candidates to:
- Discuss the advantages of inviting international companies
- Explore the benefits of supporting local companies
- Present a balanced argument
- Provide a personal opinion
Let’s examine three sample essays that demonstrate different levels of proficiency in addressing this topic.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In today’s globalized economy, the question of whether governments should prioritize attracting international companies or supporting local businesses to create jobs is a subject of intense debate. While both approaches have their merits, I believe a balanced strategy that combines the two is most effective for sustainable economic growth and employment.
Proponents of inviting international companies argue that this strategy can rapidly inject capital and create a significant number of jobs. Multinational corporations often bring advanced technologies and management practices, which can lead to skill transfer and productivity improvements in the local workforce. Moreover, the presence of international firms can stimulate the local economy through supply chain demands and increased consumer spending. For instance, when Toyota established factories in various countries, it not only created direct employment but also supported a network of local suppliers and service providers.
On the other hand, advocates for supporting local companies contend that this approach leads to more sustainable and culturally aligned economic development. Local businesses are often more attuned to domestic needs and market conditions, potentially resulting in more stable long-term employment. Additionally, profits from local companies are more likely to be reinvested in the community rather than repatriated to foreign headquarters. A prime example is the success of South Korea’s chaebols, such as Samsung and Hyundai, which have become global players while maintaining strong local roots and contributing significantly to national employment.
In my opinion, the most effective strategy is to cultivate a symbiotic relationship between international and local companies. Governments should create policies that attract foreign investment while simultaneously providing support and incentives for local businesses to grow and compete globally. This balanced approach can maximize job creation, foster innovation through knowledge exchange, and ensure long-term economic resilience. For example, Singapore has successfully implemented this strategy, becoming a hub for multinational corporations while also nurturing local enterprises through initiatives like the Enterprise Singapore program.
In conclusion, while both attracting international companies and supporting local businesses have their advantages in job creation, a nuanced approach that leverages the strengths of both strategies is likely to yield the best results for sustainable economic growth and employment.
(Word count: 329)
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 providing a clear personal opinion.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: The ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the essay uses a variety of cohesive devices effectively.
-
Lexical Resource: The essay employs a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Examples include “globalized economy,” “sustainable economic growth,” “inject capital,” and “symbiotic relationship.”
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are used effectively, and there are no noticeable errors.
-
Examples and Evidence: The essay provides specific, relevant examples to support its points, such as Toyota’s impact on local economies and Singapore’s balanced approach to economic development.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The debate about whether governments should focus on attracting international companies or supporting local businesses to create jobs is an important one. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, and I will discuss them in this essay.
On one hand, inviting international companies to open offices and factories can bring many benefits. These companies often have a lot of money to invest and can create many jobs quickly. They also bring new technologies and ways of working that can help improve the skills of local workers. For example, when big car companies open factories in developing countries, they not only employ many people but also teach them new skills.
On the other hand, helping local companies has its own advantages. Local businesses understand the local market better and may be more committed to the community. They are less likely to leave when economic conditions change, which can provide more stable employment. Additionally, the profits from local companies usually stay in the country, which can help the local economy grow. For instance, many small businesses in my country have grown to become successful national brands, creating jobs and contributing to the economy.
In my opinion, the best approach is to do both. Governments should try to attract international companies while also supporting local businesses. This way, they can get the benefits of foreign investment and technology while also building a strong local economy. They could offer incentives to international companies to invest, but also provide training and financial support to help local businesses grow and compete.
To conclude, while both strategies have their merits, a balanced approach that combines attracting international companies and supporting local businesses is likely to be most effective in creating jobs and promoting economic growth.
(Word count: 295)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good competence in several areas but falls short of the highest band scores:
-
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task and presents a clear position. 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 mechanical.
-
Lexical Resource: There is a good range of vocabulary, but it lacks the sophistication and precision of the Band 8-9 essay. Some attempts at less common vocabulary are made, such as “committed to the community” and “economic conditions.”
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control. There are no major errors, but the range is not as wide as in the Band 8-9 essay.
-
Examples and Evidence: The essay provides some examples, but they are more general and less specific than those in the higher band essay.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowadays, there is a big question about how governments can make more jobs. Some people think it’s good to invite big foreign companies to come. Others say it’s better to help local companies. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
First, inviting international companies can be good. These companies are often very big and rich. They can make many jobs quickly when they open new offices or factories. Also, they bring new ideas and ways of working. This can help local people learn new skills. For example, when a big computer company comes to a country, many people can get jobs and learn about technology.
However, helping local companies is also important. Local businesses know what local people want. They understand the culture and the market better. Also, local companies usually stay in the country even when things get difficult. This means the jobs they make are more stable. For example, in my town, there are many small shops that have been here for a long time and they always give jobs to local people.
I think both ways are important. Governments should try to bring in big international companies and also help local businesses. This way, there can be many different types of jobs. The government could give some help to foreign companies to come, but also give money and training to local businesses to help them grow.
In conclusion, I believe that a mix of international and local companies is the best way to create jobs. This can help the country’s economy grow and give people more chances to find work.
(Word count: 269)
Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates adequate but limited competence:
-
Task Response: The essay addresses the task and presents a position, but the ideas are underdeveloped and sometimes repetitive.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall structure, but paragraphing is not always logical, and cohesive devices are basic and repetitive (e.g., frequent use of “also”).
-
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task but limited in range and sometimes repetitive. There are attempts at less common vocabulary (e.g., “stable”), but these are infrequent.
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, but there is limited flexibility. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
-
Examples and Evidence: The examples provided are very general and lack specificity.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
-
Globalized economy (noun phrase) – /ˈɡləʊbəlaɪzd iˈkɒnəmi/ – An interconnected worldwide economic system.
-
Multinational corporations (noun phrase) – /mʌltiˈnæʃənl kɔːpəˈreɪʃnz/ – Companies that operate in multiple countries.
-
Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
-
Symbiotic relationship (noun phrase) – /ˌsɪmbɪˈɒtɪk rɪˈleɪʃnʃɪp/ – A mutually beneficial connection between different people or groups.
-
Economic resilience (noun phrase) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk rɪˈzɪlɪəns/ – The ability of an economy to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
-
Inject capital (verb phrase) – /ɪnˈdʒekt ˈkæpɪtl/ – To introduce money or resources into a business or economy.
-
Repatriated (verb) – /riːˈpætrieɪtɪd/ – Sent back to one’s own country (often referring to profits or earnings).
-
Nuanced approach (noun phrase) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst əˈprəʊtʃ/ – A strategy that takes into account subtle differences or variations.
-
Skill transfer (noun phrase) – /skɪl ˈtrænsfɜː/ – The process of passing expertise from one person or group to another.
-
Economic growth (noun phrase) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ɡrəʊθ/ – An increase in the amount of goods and services produced per head of the population over a period of time.
Conclusion
The topic of trade agreements’ effects on local jobs is a complex and frequently occurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. By studying these sample essays and understanding the key elements that contribute to different band scores, you can improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the exam.
To further enhance your preparation, consider practicing with similar topics such as:
- The impact of automation on employment
- The role of government in job creation
- The balance between economic growth and environmental protection
- The effects of globalization on local cultures and economies
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is practice and reflection. Try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you internalize the essay structure, improve your vocabulary, and refine your ability to present balanced arguments – all crucial skills for achieving a high band score in IELTS Writing Task 2.