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IELTS Writing Task 2:
International Trade - Band 9.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

Get a Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer on international trade. Full scoring breakdown, vocabulary, and common mistakes to avoid.

IELTS Writing Task 2: International Trade - Band 9.0 Sample with Full Breakdown | English AIdol Blog

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Get a Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer on international trade. Full scoring breakdown, vocabulary, and common mistakes to avoid.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: International Trade - Band 9.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

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Prompt

Some people believe that international trade is beneficial to a country, while others think it can damage the economy. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 9.0

The global exchange of goods and services has become a cornerstone of economic development, yet its impact remains a contentious issue. Proponents argue that international trade fosters economic growth and innovation, while critics contend that it can undermine domestic industries and exacerbate inequality.

On one hand, international trade stimulates economic growth by expanding market access and promoting specialization. According to the World Trade Organization, countries that engage in global trade experience higher GDP growth rates and increased employment opportunities. For instance, developing nations often benefit from exporting raw materials and labor-intensive products, which can drive industrialization and infrastructure development. Additionally, trade encourages innovation as companies compete to meet international standards and consumer demands. A prime example is the technological advancements in South Korea's electronics industry, which have been fueled by global trade.

Conversely, international trade can have detrimental effects on domestic economies. Small businesses and local industries often struggle to compete with cheaper imports, leading to job losses and economic instability. For example, the textile industry in the United States has declined significantly due to competition from low-cost producers in countries like China and Bangladesh. Furthermore, trade agreements can favor wealthier nations, exacerbating global economic disparities. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) initially led to job losses in Mexico's agricultural sector, as local farmers could not compete with subsidized U.S. imports.

In my opinion, the benefits of international trade outweigh the drawbacks, provided that policies are implemented to protect vulnerable industries and workers. Governments should invest in education and vocational training to equip their workforce with the skills needed to compete in a global market. Additionally, fair trade practices and international cooperation can help mitigate the negative impacts of trade imbalances.

Band 8.0

International trade is a significant aspect of the global economy, but its effects are not universally positive. While it can boost economic growth, it can also harm local industries.

On the positive side, international trade allows countries to access a wider range of goods and services. This can lead to lower prices and more choices for consumers. Additionally, trade can help countries specialize in areas where they have a competitive advantage, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. For example, countries with abundant natural resources can export these resources to other countries, while importing manufactured goods that they cannot produce as efficiently. This mutual exchange benefits all parties involved.

However, international trade can also have negative consequences. One major concern is the potential for job losses in domestic industries that cannot compete with cheaper imports. For instance, the steel industry in the United States has faced significant challenges due to competition from countries with lower labor costs. This can lead to economic instability and social unrest. Additionally, trade can sometimes lead to the exploitation of workers and resources in developing countries, as companies seek to minimize costs and maximize profits.

In conclusion, while international trade has many benefits, it is essential to address its potential drawbacks. Governments should implement policies to protect vulnerable industries and workers, while also promoting fair trade practices. By doing so, countries can maximize the benefits of international trade while minimizing its negative impacts.

Band 7.0

International trade is a topic that has been debated for many years. Some people think it is good for the economy, while others believe it can cause problems.

Those who support international trade argue that it helps countries grow economically. By selling goods to other countries, a nation can earn more money and create more jobs. Additionally, trade allows countries to get products that they cannot produce themselves, such as certain types of food or technology. For example, Japan imports a lot of food because it does not have enough farmland to grow all the food its people need. This helps the Japanese economy and provides better options for consumers.

On the other hand, some people think international trade can be bad. One reason is that it can hurt local businesses. If a country imports cheaper goods from another country, local businesses may not be able to compete and could go out of business. This can lead to job losses and economic problems. Another concern is that trade can sometimes lead to unfair practices, such as child labor or environmental damage, as companies try to cut costs.

In my view, international trade is generally beneficial, but it should be regulated to ensure fairness. Governments should make sure that trade agreements protect workers and the environment. By doing this, countries can enjoy the benefits of trade without causing harm to their own economies or to other countries.

Band 6.0

International trade is when countries buy and sell things to each other. Some people say it is good, but others say it is bad.

People who like international trade say it helps the economy. Countries can sell things they make to other countries and make money. This can create jobs and help people. Also, countries can buy things they need from other countries. For example, a country that does not have oil can buy it from another country. This helps both countries.

But some people think international trade is bad. They say it can hurt local businesses. If a country buys cheap things from another country, local businesses may not be able to sell their products. This can make people lose their jobs. Also, sometimes companies do bad things to make money, like using child labor or polluting the environment.

I think international trade is good, but it should be controlled. Governments should make rules to protect workers and the environment. This way, trade can help everyone.

Scoring Breakdown

Band 9.0

Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position throughout the response. Presents, extends, and supports main ideas. Provides a logical argument with relevant examples.

Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Uses cohesive devices effectively. Paragraphs are logically organized. Ideas flow naturally and are easy to follow.

Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precision. Uses less common lexical items appropriately. Uses collocations naturally and accurately.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a variety of complex sentence forms. Uses grammar accurately with only very occasional errors.

Band 8.0

Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position but could be more detailed. Provides relevant examples but could extend ideas further.

Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Uses cohesive devices effectively but could improve paragraph organization. Ideas are clear but could flow more smoothly.

Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a range of vocabulary but could use more sophisticated words and collocations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences. Grammar is generally accurate but has some errors.

Band 7.0

Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position but lacks depth. Provides relevant examples but could extend ideas further.

Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Uses cohesive devices but could improve paragraph organization. Ideas are clear but could flow more smoothly.

Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a range of vocabulary but could use more sophisticated words and collocations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences. Grammar is generally accurate but has some errors.

Band 6.0

Task Response (TR): Presents a basic position but lacks depth and detail. Provides some examples but does not extend ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Uses some cohesive devices but paragraph organization is weak. Ideas are clear but could flow more smoothly.

Lexical Resource (LR): Uses basic vocabulary and collocations. Could use a wider range of words.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses simple sentences with some complex structures. Grammar has noticeable errors.

Vocabulary Highlights

  1. Cornerstone (n): A fundamental part or basis of something. Example: International trade has become a cornerstone of economic development.
  2. Contentious (adj): Causing or likely to cause an argument. Example: The impact of international trade remains a contentious issue.
  3. Proponent (n): A person who supports a particular idea, policy, or way of doing something. Example: Proponents argue that international trade fosters economic growth.
  4. Exacerbate (v): To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse. Example: Trade can exacerbate global economic disparities.
  5. Subsidize (v): To provide financial support for something. Example: The textile industry in the United States has declined significantly due to competition from subsidized imports.
  6. Mutual (adj): Shared or experienced by two or more parties. Example: This mutual exchange benefits all parties involved.
  7. Exploitation (n): The action or fact of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work. Example: Trade can sometimes lead to the exploitation of workers and resources.
  8. Vulnerable (adj): Exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally. Example: Governments should implement policies to protect vulnerable industries and workers.
  9. Specialization (n): The process of becoming more skilled or knowledgeable in a particular area. Example: Trade encourages specialization as companies compete to meet international standards.
  10. Efficiency (n): The state or quality of being efficient, or able to perform tasks with minimal waste of time and effort. Example: Trade can lead to increased efficiency and productivity.
  11. Industrialization (n): The development of industries in a country or region on a wide scale. Example: Exporting raw materials can drive industrialization and infrastructure development.
  12. Technological advancements (n): The development of new technologies or the improvement of existing ones. Example: Technological advancements in South Korea's electronics industry have been fueled by global trade.
  13. Competitive advantage (n): A condition or circumstance that puts a company or country in a favorable position compared to its competitors. Example: Countries can specialize in areas where they have a competitive advantage.
  14. Economic instability (n): A state of uncertainty or unpredictability in the economy. Example: Trade can lead to economic instability and social unrest.
  15. Fair trade practices (n): Business practices that are considered reasonable and just. Example: Governments should promote fair trade practices to mitigate the negative impacts of trade imbalances.
  16. Vocational training (n): Education and training for a specific job or career. Example: Governments should invest in vocational training to equip the workforce with necessary skills.
  17. Global market (n): The worldwide market for goods and services. Example: Countries should equip their workforce to compete in a global market.
  18. Trade imbalances (n): A situation in which a country's imports exceed its exports or vice versa. Example: Fair trade practices can help mitigate the negative impacts of trade imbalances.
  19. Mutual exchange (n): The act of giving and receiving something in return. Example: This mutual exchange benefits all parties involved.
  20. Economic disparities (n): Differences in income, wealth, or economic opportunities between different groups or countries. Example: Trade agreements can favor wealthier nations, exacerbating global economic disparities.

Common Mistakes

  1. Lack of Depth: Many students provide a basic position but fail to extend their ideas with relevant examples and analysis.
  2. Poor Organization: Some responses lack clear paragraph organization, making it difficult for the examiner to follow the argument.
  3. Limited Vocabulary: Students often use basic vocabulary and collocations, which can limit their ability to express complex ideas.
  4. Grammatical Errors: Common grammatical errors include subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, and article usage.
  5. Off-Topic Responses: Some students may go off-topic, discussing unrelated issues instead of focusing on the prompt.

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