Topics related to workplace diversity and inclusion have consistently appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2, particularly in the last 5 years. Based on analysis of past exam questions, questions about inclusive workplace policies frequently appear in forms discussing benefits, challenges, or comparing different approaches. Let’s examine one recent actual IELTS task 2 question on this topic.
IELTS Writing Task 2 question about inclusive workplace policies
Some people believe that companies should be required to have policies that ensure workplace diversity and equal opportunities for all employees. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
Question Analysis
This is an agree/disagree essay that requires:
- A clear position on whether workplace diversity policies should be mandatory
- Discussion of benefits and potential challenges of such policies
- Relevant examples and supporting evidence
- A well-structured argument leading to a logical conclusion
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
Many argue that organizations should be legally obligated to implement inclusive workplace policies, and I strongly agree with this perspective for several compelling reasons.
The primary benefit of mandating workplace diversity policies is that they help create more equitable access to employment opportunities. When companies are required to maintain inclusive hiring practices and promotion systems, it prevents discrimination based on factors like gender, ethnicity, age or disability. For instance, The benefits of flexible education policies have shown that structured inclusion policies lead to significantly higher representation of minority groups in leadership positions.
Furthermore, diverse workplaces tend to be more innovative and profitable. Research has consistently demonstrated that teams with varied backgrounds and perspectives generate more creative solutions and better business outcomes. According to studies examining how can cultural diversity be promoted in global workplaces, companies with strong diversity policies outperform their competitors by up to 35% in terms of financial returns.
While some argue that such policies create additional bureaucracy for businesses, the long-term benefits far outweigh these minor administrative challenges. Similar to how the benefits and drawbacks of living in a multicultural society demonstrate net positive outcomes, workplace diversity initiatives ultimately strengthen organizational performance and social cohesion.
In conclusion, mandatory workplace diversity policies are essential for creating fairer, more productive work environments that benefit both employees and organizations. Companies should embrace these requirements as opportunities for growth rather than viewing them as regulatory burdens.
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
I agree that companies should have policies for workplace diversity and equal opportunities because this brings many advantages.
Firstly, diversity policies help stop discrimination at work. When companies must follow fair rules for hiring and promoting people, they cannot treat people differently because of their background. This is similar to What are challenges and benefits of gender equality in education and work, where clear policies help create more opportunities.
Secondly, having different kinds of people working together makes companies work better. When employees come from various backgrounds, they can share different ideas and solve problems in new ways. Many successful companies show that diverse teams help them make more money and be more creative.
However, some businesses might find it hard to follow these rules at first. They may need to spend time and money to change their practices. But in the long term, these changes will help them succeed more.
In conclusion, I believe workplace diversity policies should be required because they help both workers and companies, even though there might be some challenges at the start.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear position with nuanced arguments
- Coherent paragraphing with smooth transitions
- Relevant examples and evidence
- Academic tone throughout
Band 6-7 Essay Features:
- Good but simpler vocabulary
- Clear basic argument structure
- Some complex sentences
- Basic examples
- Occasional informal expressions
Key Vocabulary
- inclusive (adj) /ɪnˈkluːsɪv/ – involving all groups of people
- mandatory (adj) /ˈmændətɔːri/ – required by law
- equitable (adj) /ˈekwɪtəbl/ – fair and impartial
- bureaucracy (n) /bjʊəˈrɒkrəsi/ – administrative system
- cohesion (n) /kəʊˈhiːʒn/ – unity between parts
- outperform (v) /ˌaʊtpəˈfɔːm/ – to perform better than others
- innovation (n) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – new ideas or methods
- discrimination (n) /dɪˌskrɪmɪˈneɪʃn/ – unfair treatment
Future practice questions might focus on:
- The role of technology in promoting workplace inclusion
- Comparing different approaches to diversity management
- Measuring the success of inclusion policies
- Balancing diversity goals with business needs
Feel free to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments for feedback and discussion.
