Fair trade and its impact on global equality is an increasingly relevant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent exam trends, this theme has appeared in various forms, often focusing on the economic and social implications of fair trade practices. Let’s explore a sample question and provide model essays to help you prepare for this potential topic.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that fair trade is essential for promoting global equality. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question asks for your opinion on the relationship between fair trade and global equality. It’s crucial to:
- Clearly state your position
- Provide well-supported arguments
- Consider potential counterarguments
- Use relevant examples
Let’s look at two sample essays addressing this question, one targeting a Band 8-9 score and another for a Band 6-7 score.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Fair trade has emerged as a powerful mechanism to address global inequalities, and I strongly agree that it plays a vital role in promoting a more equitable world. This essay will explore how fair trade contributes to global equality through economic empowerment, social development, and environmental sustainability.
Firstly, fair trade significantly contributes to economic equality by ensuring that producers in developing countries receive a fair price for their goods. This financial stability allows farmers and artisans to invest in their businesses, improve their living standards, and break the cycle of poverty. For instance, coffee farmers in Ethiopia who participate in fair trade programs often earn up to 20% more than those in conventional trade systems, enabling them to send their children to school and access better healthcare.
Moreover, fair trade promotes social equality by enforcing strict labor standards and prohibiting exploitative practices such as child labor and forced labor. These policies help create safer working conditions and foster respect for human rights across global supply chains. The Fair Trade Foundation reports that over 1.7 million workers and farmers across 73 countries now benefit from fair trade standards, showcasing its widespread impact on social equality.
Additionally, fair trade contributes to environmental sustainability, which is intrinsically linked to global equality. By promoting organic farming and sustainable production methods, fair trade helps preserve ecosystems in developing countries, ensuring long-term resource availability and reducing the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. This approach not only protects the environment but also safeguards the livelihoods of millions who depend on agriculture for survival.
However, it is important to acknowledge that fair trade alone cannot solve all global inequalities. Critics argue that its impact is limited to specific sectors and regions, and that broader systemic changes are necessary to achieve true global equality. While these points have merit, they do not negate the significant positive impact that fair trade has on participating communities.
In conclusion, fair trade plays a crucial role in promoting global equality through its multifaceted approach to economic empowerment, social development, and environmental sustainability. While it may not be a panacea for all global inequalities, its positive impact on millions of lives makes it an essential tool in the pursuit of a more equitable world.
(Word count: 365)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
I agree that fair trade is important for global equality. This essay will discuss how fair trade helps make the world more equal in different ways.
First, fair trade helps farmers and workers in poor countries earn more money. When people buy fair trade products, the producers get a better price for their goods. This means they can have a better life and send their children to school. For example, banana farmers in Ecuador who sell their products through fair trade earn more than those who don’t.
Second, fair trade improves working conditions in factories and farms. It doesn’t allow child labor or dangerous working conditions. This helps workers stay safe and healthy. Many clothing companies now use fair trade practices to make sure their workers are treated well.
Third, fair trade is good for the environment. It encourages farmers to use methods that don’t harm nature. This is important because poor countries often suffer more from environmental problems. By protecting the environment, fair trade helps these countries in the long term.
However, some people say that fair trade doesn’t help everyone. It only works for certain products and in some places. Also, not all consumers want to pay more for fair trade products, which can limit its impact.
In conclusion, I believe fair trade is very important for making the world more equal. It helps poor farmers and workers earn more money, improves working conditions, and protects the environment. While it may not solve all problems, it is a good step towards a fairer world.
(Word count: 254)
Key Points to Note When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced conclusion.
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Language: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.
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Arguments: Both essays present clear arguments, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and considers counterarguments more thoroughly.
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Coherence: The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates stronger coherence with smoother transitions between ideas and paragraphs.
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Task Response: Both essays directly address the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides a more comprehensive and nuanced response.
Important Vocabulary to Remember
- Fair trade (noun) /feə treɪd/ – a way of buying and selling products that ensures the original producer receives a fair price
- Global equality (noun phrase) /ˈɡləʊbəl ɪˈkwɒləti/ – the state of equal rights and opportunities worldwide
- Economic empowerment (noun phrase) /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ɪmˈpaʊəmənt/ – the process of improving people’s economic status
- Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – able to continue over a period of time without damaging the environment
- Exploitative (adjective) /ɪkˈsplɔɪtətɪv/ – using someone unfairly for your own advantage
- Disproportionate (adjective) /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːʃənət/ – too large or too small in comparison with something else
- Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
- Panacea (noun) /ˌpænəˈsiːə/ – something that will solve all problems
- Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – all the living things in an area and the way they affect each other and the environment
- Livelihood (noun) /ˈlaɪvlihʊd/ – the way someone earns money to live
Conclusion
Understanding the importance of fair trade in promoting global equality is crucial for tackling this IELTS Writing Task 2 topic effectively. Remember to clearly state your position, provide well-supported arguments, and use relevant examples. Practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of consumers in promoting fair trade
- Government policies to support fair trade practices
- The impact of fair trade on developing economies
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This exercise will help you apply the strategies and vocabulary discussed in this article, improving your IELTS Writing skills.
For more information on fair trade and its impact on global markets, you can visit this comprehensive guide on fair trade and global markets.