IELTS Writing Task 2: International Trade (Agree Disagree) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers
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The Prompt
Some people believe that international trade is essential for economic growth, while others argue that it leads to exploitation. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Model Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
While international trade has benefits, it also has drawbacks. On the one hand, trade allows countries to access goods and services they cannot produce themselves, which can lead to economic growth. For example, a country with a warm climate can export fruits and vegetables to colder countries. On the other hand, trade can lead to exploitation, as wealthier countries may take advantage of poorer ones. For instance, multinational corporations may pay low wages to workers in developing countries. In my opinion, the benefits of trade outweigh the drawbacks, but regulations are needed to prevent exploitation.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR) 5.0: Presents a position but lacks development.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC) 6.0: Ideas are logically organized but lack clear progression.
- Lexical Resource (LR) 6.0: Uses some less common vocabulary but with some inaccuracies.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA) 6.0: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but with frequent errors.
Band 7.0 Answer
The role of international trade in economic development is a contentious issue. Proponents argue that trade fosters economic growth by enabling countries to specialize in products they can produce efficiently. For example, countries rich in natural resources can export these resources to other countries in exchange for manufactured goods. However, critics contend that trade can lead to exploitation, as developed countries may impose unfair trade practices on developing nations. For instance, trade agreements may favor the interests of wealthier countries, leaving poorer nations at a disadvantage. In my view, while trade can be beneficial, it is crucial to establish fair trade practices to ensure mutual benefits.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR) 7.0: Presents a clear position with some development.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC) 7.0: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression.
- Lexical Resource (LR) 7.0: Uses a range of vocabulary but with some less precise usage.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA) 7.0: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors.
Band 8.0 Answer
International trade is a double-edged sword, offering both opportunities and challenges for economic growth. Advocates of trade emphasize its role in promoting economic development by allowing countries to access a wider range of goods and services. For instance, trade enables countries to import technology and expertise they lack domestically, thereby enhancing their productive capabilities. Conversely, opponents argue that trade can lead to exploitation, as powerful nations may impose unfavorable trade terms on less developed countries. For example, trade agreements may include clauses that favor the interests of wealthier nations, leaving poorer countries at a disadvantage. In my opinion, while trade can be beneficial, it is essential to establish equitable trade practices to ensure that all parties involved reap the benefits.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR) 8.0: Presents a clear position with thorough development.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC) 8.0: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource (LR) 8.0: Uses a wide range of vocabulary with flexibility and precision.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA) 8.0: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with occasional errors.
Band 9.0 Answer
The debate surrounding the impact of international trade on economic growth is multifaceted, with proponents and critics presenting compelling arguments. Proponents contend that trade fosters economic development by enabling countries to specialize in products they can produce efficiently, thereby maximizing resource utilization. For example, countries with abundant natural resources can export these resources to other countries in exchange for manufactured goods, leading to mutual economic benefits. Conversely, critics argue that trade can lead to exploitation, as powerful nations may impose unfavorable trade terms on less developed countries. For instance, trade agreements may include clauses that favor the interests of wealthier nations, leaving poorer countries at a disadvantage. In my view, while trade can be beneficial, it is crucial to establish fair trade practices to ensure that all parties involved reap the benefits. This can be achieved through international cooperation and the implementation of equitable trade policies.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR) 9.0: Presents a clear position with thorough development and relevant, extended, and supported arguments.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC) 9.0: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource (LR) 9.0: Uses a wide range of vocabulary with flexibility and precision.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA) 9.0: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with occasional errors.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Contentious (adjective): Controversial, causing disagreement.
- Example: The role of international trade in economic development is a contentious issue.
- Proponents (noun): People who support or advocate for a particular cause or belief.
- Example: Proponents argue that trade fosters economic development.
- Exploitation (noun): The act of using someone or something in a way that is unfair or harmful.
- Example: Critics contend that trade can lead to exploitation.
- Equitable (adjective): Fair and just.
- Example: It is crucial to establish equitable trade practices.
- Mutual (adjective): Shared or reciprocal.
- Example: Trade enables countries to import technology and expertise they lack domestically, thereby enhancing their productive capabilities.
- Specialization (noun): The process of focusing on a specific area of activity or expertise.
- Example: Trade enables countries to specialize in products they can produce efficiently.
- Resource utilization (noun): The effective use of available resources.
- Example: Trade fosters economic development by enabling countries to specialize in products they can produce efficiently, thereby maximizing resource utilization.
- Implement (verb): To put something into effect; to carry out.
- Example: This can be achieved through international cooperation and the implementation of equitable trade policies.
- Cooperation (noun): The act of working together towards a common goal.
- Example: This can be achieved through international cooperation and the implementation of equitable trade policies.
- Productive capabilities (noun): The ability to produce goods and services efficiently.
- Example: Trade enables countries to import technology and expertise they lack domestically, thereby enhancing their productive capabilities.
- Unfavorable (adjective): Not advantageous; disadvantageous.
- Example: Critics argue that trade can lead to exploitation, as powerful nations may impose unfavorable trade terms on less developed countries.
- Clauses (noun): A group of words that contains a subject and a verb but is not a complete sentence.
- Example: Trade agreements may include clauses that favor the interests of wealthier nations.
- Maximizing (verb): To make something as large or as great as possible.
- Example: Trade fosters economic development by enabling countries to specialize in products they can produce efficiently, thereby maximizing resource utilization.
- Reciprocal (adjective): Given, felt, or done in return.
- Example: Trade enables countries to import technology and expertise they lack domestically, thereby enhancing their productive capabilities.
- Contend (verb): To maintain or assert a position in an argument or dispute.
- Example: Critics contend that trade can lead to exploitation.
- Favor (verb): To treat someone or something with partiality; to show bias towards.
- Example: Trade agreements may include clauses that favor the interests of wealthier nations.
- Disadvantage (noun): A condition or circumstance that puts someone in a worse position than others.
- Example: Trade agreements may include clauses that favor the interests of wealthier nations, leaving poorer countries at a disadvantage.
- Domestically (adverb): Within a country; internally.
- Example: Trade enables countries to import technology and expertise they lack domestically.
- Enhancing (verb): To increase or improve something.
- Example: Trade enables countries to import technology and expertise they lack domestically, thereby enhancing their productive capabilities.
- International cooperation (noun): The act of working together towards a common goal by different countries.
- Example: This can be achieved through international cooperation and the implementation of equitable trade policies.
Common Mistakes
- Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position in their essays, leading to a lower score in the Task Response criterion.
- Inadequate Development of Ideas: Students often present ideas without sufficient development, resulting in a lack of depth in their arguments.
- Poor Use of Vocabulary: Using vague or inappropriate vocabulary can lead to a lower score in the Lexical Resource criterion.
- Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can detract from the overall quality of the essay, affecting the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.
- Lack of Coherence and Cohesion: Poor organization of ideas and ineffective use of cohesive devices can result in a lower score in the Coherence and Cohesion criterion.
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