The topic of global human rights has consistently appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2, particularly in the last 5 years. Based on analysis of past exam questions, this theme appears approximately once every 3-4 months, making it a high-frequency topic that test-takers should prepare for. Let’s examine some relevant questions that have appeared in recent tests.
The importance of human rights protection remains a critical focus in IELTS writing assessments, as demonstrated by this frequently tested question:
Some people believe that protecting human rights should be the main priority of international organizations, while others think there are more important matters to focus on. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analysis of the Question
- Topic: Global human rights protection vs other international priorities
- Task: Discussion + opinion
- Key areas to cover: Different perspectives on international priorities, reasons for prioritizing human rights, competing priorities, personal stance
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The debate over whether human rights protection should be the primary focus of international bodies has garnered significant attention. While some argue for its paramount importance, others contend that different global challenges deserve more attention. In my view, safeguarding human rights should indeed be the cornerstone of international cooperation, though not to the exclusion of other crucial matters.
Those who prioritize human rights protection argue that it forms the foundation of human dignity and societal progress. Without basic rights such as freedom of expression, access to education, and protection from discrimination, other developmental goals become meaningless. For instance, The need for indigenous rights protection has shown how protecting minority rights leads to better social cohesion and economic development.
However, opponents contend that issues like climate change, poverty alleviation, and global health crises demand immediate attention and resources. They argue that addressing these challenges would naturally improve human rights conditions. For example, The need for global vaccination programs demonstrates how health initiatives can simultaneously address both humanitarian and human rights concerns.
In my opinion, human rights protection should be prioritized precisely because it intersects with and underpins all other global challenges. When human rights are secured, societies become more resilient and better equipped to tackle other problems. Nevertheless, this approach should be integrated with, rather than separate from, other international priorities.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Many people have different opinions about what international organizations should focus on most. Some think human rights are the most important, while others believe there are other more important things to deal with. I think both human rights and other issues are important.
People who support human rights say it is very important because it helps protect people from bad treatment. When people have their rights protected, they can live better lives and have more opportunities. For example, when women have equal rights, they can get better jobs and education.
On the other hand, some people think problems like climate change and poverty are more urgent. They say these problems affect everyone and need to be solved quickly. If we don’t solve these problems, many people will suffer from natural disasters and hunger.
I believe human rights and other problems are connected. When we protect human rights, we also help solve other problems. For example, when people have better rights, they can also help fight against climate change and poverty. Therefore, international organizations should work on both human rights and other issues together.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “cornerstone,” “paramount,” “societal progress”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear progression of ideas
- Strong cohesion and coherence
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic sentence structures
- Some repetition
- Limited use of complex language
- Basic development of ideas
Key Vocabulary
- paramount (adj) /ˈpærəmaʊnt/ – of greatest importance
- cornerstone (n) /ˈkɔːnəstəʊn/ – fundamental element
- societal (adj) /səˈsaɪətl/ – relating to society
- resilient (adj) /rɪˈzɪliənt/ – able to recover quickly
- underpins (v) /ˌʌndəˈpɪn/ – supports or forms the basis
Advanced Sentence Structures
- Complex with relative clause: “Those who prioritize human rights protection argue that it forms the foundation of human dignity.”
- Conditional structure: “Without basic rights such as freedom of expression, other developmental goals become meaningless.”
- Concession structure: “While some argue for its paramount importance, others contend that different global challenges deserve more attention.”
Consider practicing with this topic by writing your own essay and sharing it in the comments section for feedback.