Whistleblowing and corporate transparency have become increasingly significant topics in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in various forms over the past decade. Based on analysis of past exam questions, this theme commonly appears in essays about business ethics, workplace rights, and corporate governance. Let’s examine a recent example that represents the type of question candidates might encounter.
Sample Question Analysis
Some people believe that employees should be loyal to their companies and never reveal internal problems to the public. Others argue that whistleblowing is necessary for maintaining transparency and preventing corruption. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Examine both perspectives on whistleblowing
- Consider the balance between employee loyalty and public interest
- Present and justify their own viewpoint
- Provide relevant examples and supporting evidence
Band 8 Sample Essay
Whistleblowing has emerged as a crucial mechanism for exposing corporate misconduct, yet it remains controversial due to conflicting views about employee obligations. While some argue for unconditional loyalty to employers, I believe whistleblowing serves an essential role in maintaining corporate accountability and protecting public interests.
Those who oppose whistleblowing often emphasize the importance of organizational trust and confidentiality. They contend that employees have a moral and contractual duty to protect company information and resolve issues internally. For instance, revealing internal problems could damage a company’s reputation, lead to financial losses, and potentially harm other employees’ job security. Moreover, critics argue that unauthorized disclosures might be motivated by personal grievances rather than genuine public interest.
However, I strongly support the view that whistleblowing is necessary for several compelling reasons. Firstly, internal reporting mechanisms often prove inadequate when dealing with serious misconduct, especially when senior management is involved in wrongdoing. The exposure of major scandals, such as financial fraud in multinational corporations or safety violations in manufacturing plants, has frequently resulted from brave employees speaking out. Furthermore, the threat of public exposure serves as a powerful deterrent against corporate malpractice and encourages organizations to maintain higher ethical standards.
To balance these concerns, I believe whistleblowing should be governed by clear guidelines and protections. Employees should first attempt to address issues through internal channels and only resort to public disclosure when facing serious violations that threaten public safety or constitute criminal behavior. Additionally, legal frameworks must protect legitimate whistleblowers from retaliation while preventing malicious or unfounded allegations.
In conclusion, while employee loyalty is important, the benefits of responsible whistleblowing in preventing corruption and protecting public interests outweigh the potential drawbacks. Society must continue to support and protect those who expose wrongdoing, while ensuring such actions are guided by proper procedures and genuine public interest.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Nowadays, there is a debate about whether employees should keep company problems secret or report them to outside authorities. This essay will discuss both sides of this issue and provide my opinion.
On one side, many people think workers should always be loyal to their companies. They believe that internal problems should be solved within the organization because making them public can hurt the company’s image and business. For example, if an employee tells the media about problems in their company, it might lose customers and money, and other workers might lose their jobs. Also, some people think whistleblowers are just trying to get revenge on their bosses.
However, other people say whistleblowing is important to stop bad things from happening in companies. When workers see illegal activities or dangerous situations, they should tell authorities to protect the public. For instance, if a factory is polluting the environment or a company is cheating customers, someone needs to stop it. Many big company scandals were only discovered because workers spoke up about what was happening.
I think whistleblowing is necessary but should be done carefully. Workers should first try to fix problems by talking to their managers or using company complaint systems. But if the company doesn’t listen or the problem is very serious, then they should tell outside authorities. Also, governments should make laws to protect honest whistleblowers from losing their jobs.
In conclusion, while company loyalty is important, I believe stopping dangerous or illegal activities is more important. Society needs brave people who will speak up about serious problems, but they should do it in the right way.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear, logical organization with smooth transitions
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Balanced discussion with clear personal stance
- Appropriate academic tone throughout
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic organizational structure
- Some development of ideas but less sophisticated
- More general examples
- Occasional informal expressions
Key Vocabulary
- Whistleblowing (n) /ˈwɪsəlbləʊɪŋ/ – reporting wrongdoing within an organization
- Corporate misconduct (n) /ˈkɔːpərət mɪsˈkɒndʌkt/ – unethical business behavior
- Accountability (n) /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/ – responsibility to justify actions
- Deterrent (n) /dɪˈterənt/ – something that discourages certain behavior
- Malpractice (n) /mælˈpræktɪs/ – improper professional behavior
- Retaliation (n) /rɪˌtæliˈeɪʃən/ – revenge against someone
- Internal channels (n) /ɪnˈtɜːnəl ˈtʃænəlz/ – official procedures within an organization
- Public disclosure (n) /ˈpʌblɪk dɪsˈkləʊʒə/ – revealing information to the public
Consider practicing with these similar topics:
- Corporate social responsibility and ethical business practices
- The role of media in exposing business corruption
- Employee rights and workplace ethics
- Public interest versus business confidentiality
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion.