Trade unions have been a recurring topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately once every 6-8 months in actual tests. Based on analysis of past exam papers, questions about labor unions often focus on their relevance, effectiveness, and impact on economic development. Let’s examine one common question type that has appeared in recent tests.
Question Analysis
Some people think that trade unions are no longer necessary in today’s workplace environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question requires candidates to evaluate the contemporary relevance of trade unions and present a clear position supported by relevant examples and reasoning.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
In recent decades, some have argued that trade unions have become obsolete in modern workplaces. However, I strongly disagree with this viewpoint and believe that labor unions continue to play a vital role in protecting workers’ rights and maintaining industrial harmony.
Trade unions remain essential in ensuring fair treatment of employees in several crucial ways. Firstly, despite improved labor laws, many workers still face workplace challenges such as unfair dismissal, wage discrimination, and unsafe working conditions. In countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam, unions have been instrumental in securing better wages and safer working environments in the manufacturing sector. Additionally, with the rise of gig economy platforms and temporary employment contracts, workers need collective representation more than ever to negotiate fair terms and prevent exploitation.
Furthermore, unions contribute significantly to economic stability and growth. They facilitate constructive dialogue between employers and employees, helping prevent industrial disputes that could harm productivity. For example, in South Korea, strong labor unions have helped maintain industrial peace while securing reasonable wage increases that benefit both workers and companies. They also play a crucial role in skills development and training programs, enhancing workforce productivity and adaptability.
The emergence of new workplace challenges actually reinforces the importance of trade unions. Issues like automation, artificial intelligence, and remote working arrangements require organized representation to ensure that technological advancement doesn’t compromise workers’ interests. Unions help negotiate fair transition policies and advocate for reskilling programs to protect workers affected by technological changes.
In conclusion, rather than becoming obsolete, trade unions have evolved to address contemporary workplace challenges. Their role in protecting workers’ rights, promoting social dialogue, and managing technological transitions remains as crucial as ever in modern economies.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Some people think trade unions are not important anymore in today’s workplace. I disagree with this idea because unions still help workers in many ways.
First, trade unions help workers get better pay and working conditions. Many companies try to save money by paying low wages or making people work in bad conditions. For example, in many factories in China, workers need unions to fight for better safety rules and fair pay. Without unions, workers cannot protect themselves from bad treatment.
Second, unions help workers when they have problems with their boss. If a worker is fired unfairly or faces discrimination, the union can help them. Also, when companies want to fire many workers because of new technology, unions can help negotiate better deals for workers who lose their jobs.
Another reason is that unions help workers learn new skills. Many unions provide training programs for their members. This is very important because jobs are changing quickly because of new technology. Workers need to learn new skills to keep their jobs.
However, some people say unions make trouble for businesses and slow down economic growth. But I think this is not true because when workers are treated well, they work better and companies make more money.
In conclusion, I believe trade unions are still very necessary today. They protect workers’ rights and help them deal with new challenges in the workplace.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay Analysis:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear organization with well-developed ideas
- Effective use of examples from multiple countries
- Strong cohesion between paragraphs
- Balanced argument with nuanced discussion
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic paragraph structure
- Limited use of complex sentences
- Some repetition in ideas
- Examples are general rather than specific
Key Vocabulary
- obsolete (adj) /ˌɒbsəˈliːt/ – no longer useful or necessary
- industrial harmony (n) /ɪnˈdʌstriəl ˈhɑːməni/ – peaceful relationship between workers and management
- collective representation (n) /kəˈlektɪv ˌreprɪzenˈteɪʃən/ – group advocacy for workers
- exploitation (n) /ˌeksplɔɪˈteɪʃən/ – unfair treatment for benefit
- reskilling (n) /riːˈskɪlɪŋ/ – learning new job skills
- industrial disputes (n) /ɪnˈdʌstriəl dɪˈspjuːts/ – conflicts between workers and management
- discrimination (n) /dɪˌskrɪmɪˈneɪʃən/ – unfair treatment based on prejudice
Consider practicing with these related topics:
- The role of unions in protecting workers during economic crises
- Trade unions’ influence on workplace automation policies
- The relationship between union strength and economic development
Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion.