In recent years, the topic of job stability in a globalized economy has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. This subject reflects the growing concerns about employment security in an interconnected world. Based on trends observed in past IELTS tests and the current global economic landscape, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to appear in future examinations. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS tests:

In a globalized economy, many companies are outsourcing their work to other countries where labor is cheaper. What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest to deal with this situation?

Analyzing the Question

This question addresses a critical aspect of globalization – the practice of outsourcing. It requires candidates to discuss:

1. The problems caused by outsourcing to countries with cheaper labor.
2. Potential solutions to address these issues.

The question is a problem-solution type, demanding a balanced approach to both aspects. Candidates should aim to provide at least two problems and two corresponding solutions, ensuring a well-rounded response.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Globalization has led to a significant increase in outsourcing, where companies transfer their operations to countries with lower labor costs. While this practice offers economic benefits to businesses, it also creates several problems. This essay will discuss these issues and propose potential solutions.

The primary problem caused by outsourcing is job loss in developed countries. When companies move their operations overseas, local workers often find themselves unemployed, leading to increased economic hardship and social instability. Additionally, outsourcing can result in a skills gap in the home country, as certain industries and expertise diminish over time.

Another significant issue is the exploitation of workers in developing countries. Companies may take advantage of lax labor laws and poor working conditions in these nations, leading to unfair treatment and substandard wages for employees. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and inequality on a global scale.

To address these problems, governments and businesses must work together to implement effective solutions. One approach is to invest in education and retraining programs for workers in developed countries. This would help them acquire new skills relevant to emerging industries, reducing unemployment and bridging the skills gap.

Furthermore, implementing stricter international labor standards and enforcing them through trade agreements could help protect workers in developing countries. This would ensure that outsourcing practices adhere to ethical guidelines and provide fair compensation and working conditions for all employees.

In conclusion, while outsourcing presents challenges for both developed and developing nations, proactive measures can mitigate its negative impacts. By focusing on education, retraining, and enforcing global labor standards, we can work towards a more equitable and stable global economy.

(Word count: 275)

Outsourcing in the Global Economy

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

In today’s global economy, many companies are moving their work to other countries where they can pay workers less money. This causes some problems, but there are also ways to fix these issues.

One big problem is that people in rich countries lose their jobs. When companies move work to other places, workers in the original country don’t have jobs anymore. This can make people angry and cause economic problems. Another issue is that workers in poor countries might be treated badly. Companies might not give them good working conditions or fair pay.

To solve these problems, we can do a few things. First, governments should help workers learn new skills. This way, people who lose their jobs can find new ones in different industries. Also, countries should make rules about how workers should be treated. This can help make sure that workers in poor countries are treated fairly.

Companies can also help by being more responsible. They should think about how their decisions affect workers in all countries. Maybe they can find ways to keep some jobs in their home country while still saving money.

In conclusion, outsourcing causes problems for workers in both rich and poor countries. But if we work on teaching new skills and making fair rules, we can make the situation better for everyone.

(Word count: 218)

Key Writing Tips

1. Vocabulary: Use a range of vocabulary related to economics and employment. For higher band scores, incorporate more sophisticated terms and phrases.

   Band 8-9: “economic hardship”, “social instability”, “perpetuate a cycle of poverty”
   Band 6-7: “lose their jobs”, “treated badly”, “save money”

2. Grammar: Employ a variety of sentence structures and tenses to demonstrate language proficiency.

   Band 8-9: Use complex sentences and advanced structures like “While this practice offers economic benefits to businesses, it also creates several problems.”
   Band 6-7: Use simpler structures but still maintain variety, such as “When companies move work to other places, workers in the original country don’t have jobs anymore.”

3. Coherence and Cohesion: Ensure a logical flow of ideas and use appropriate linking words.

   Band 8-9: Use sophisticated connectors like “Furthermore” and “Additionally”
   Band 6-7: Use simpler connectors like “First” and “Also”

4. Task Response: Address all parts of the question thoroughly, providing clear problems and solutions.

5. Paragraphing: Use clear paragraphs to organize your ideas effectively.

Essential Vocabulary

1. Outsourcing (noun) /ˈaʊtˌsɔːsɪŋ/ – The practice of obtaining goods or services from an outside supplier
2. Globalization (noun) /ˌɡləʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – The process of businesses operating on an international scale
3. Labor costs (noun phrase) /ˈleɪbə kɒsts/ – The amount of money paid to workers
4. Economic hardship (noun phrase) /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈhɑːdʃɪp/ – Financial difficulty or suffering
5. Skills gap (noun phrase) /skɪlz ɡæp/ – A mismatch between the skills workers have and those needed by employers
6. Exploitation (noun) /ˌeksplɔɪˈteɪʃn/ – The action of treating someone unfairly for one’s own benefit
7. Retraining programs (noun phrase) /ˌriːˈtreɪnɪŋ ˈprəʊɡræmz/ – Courses designed to teach new skills to workers
8. Labor standards (noun phrase) /ˈleɪbə ˈstændədz/ – Rules and regulations governing working conditions and worker rights

In conclusion, the topic of ensuring job stability in a globalized economy is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Candidates should be prepared to discuss various aspects of this issue, including outsourcing, worker rights, and potential solutions to economic challenges. Practice writing essays on related topics such as:

• The impact of automation on employment
• The role of government in protecting local jobs
• The benefits and drawbacks of economic globalization

We encourage readers to practice writing their own essays on this topic and share them in the comments section below. This active engagement will help improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in the IELTS exam.