IELTS Writing Task 2: International Trade (Discussion) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers
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The Prompt
Many countries rely heavily on exports for their economic growth. However, some experts argue that this dependence on international trade creates more problems than benefits. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Model Answers with Scoring Breakdown
Band 6.0 Answer
International trade is very important for many countries, but some people think it causes more problems. I agree with this view because it can lead to economic instability and cultural loss.
Firstly, relying too much on exports makes economies unstable. For example, when global prices change, countries that depend on selling products abroad can suffer. In 2008, many countries experienced economic problems because of the financial crisis. This shows that international trade can create big problems.
Secondly, international trade can lead to cultural loss. When countries focus too much on selling products to other countries, they may forget about their own culture. For instance, some traditional foods and customs are disappearing because people prefer foreign products. This is a big problem because culture is an important part of a country's identity.
In conclusion, while international trade has some benefits, it also creates many problems. Countries should be careful about how much they depend on exports to avoid these issues.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): Addresses the task but with some irrelevant points. The position is clear but not fully developed. (Band 6)
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): The response is organized in paragraphs, but the progression of ideas is sometimes unclear. Cohesive devices are used but not always appropriately. (Band 6)
- Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a limited range of vocabulary, with some errors in word choice and collocation. (Band 6)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses simple and some complex sentence forms, but there are frequent grammatical errors. (Band 6)
Band 7.0 Answer
The role of international trade in economic growth is undeniable, but its potential drawbacks cannot be overlooked. I partially agree with the statement that reliance on exports creates more problems than benefits, as it can lead to economic vulnerability and cultural erosion.
To begin with, over-reliance on exports can make economies vulnerable to global fluctuations. For instance, countries that depend heavily on oil exports, like those in the Middle East, faced severe economic challenges during the 2014 oil price crash. This demonstrates how international trade can expose economies to significant risks.
Moreover, the cultural impact of international trade is a growing concern. As countries prioritize foreign markets, traditional customs and practices may fade. For example, the spread of fast food chains has led to a decline in local dining habits in many countries. This cultural dilution is a worrying trend that should be addressed.
On the other hand, international trade also brings numerous benefits. It facilitates technological exchange, creates jobs, and improves living standards. Therefore, while the problems are real, they can be mitigated with proper policies.
In conclusion, while international trade is beneficial, its drawbacks should not be ignored. A balanced approach is necessary to maximize benefits while minimizing risks.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): Addresses the task with a clear position and relevant arguments. The response is well-developed but could include more extended examples. (Band 7)
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): The response is well-organized with clear paragraphs. Cohesive devices are used appropriately, although some transitions could be smoother. (Band 7)
- Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary, with some less common lexical items. There are some errors in word choice and collocation, but they do not impede understanding. (Band 7)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, with frequent grammatical errors but mostly accurate use of complex structures. (Band 7)
Band 8.0 Answer
The debate surrounding the impact of international trade on economic growth is multifaceted. While it is true that exports drive economic progress, the potential pitfalls of over-reliance on trade warrant serious consideration. I agree that dependence on international trade can create more problems than benefits, as it often leads to economic instability and cultural homogenization.
Primarily, an overdependence on exports renders economies susceptible to external shocks. For example, the 2008 financial crisis highlighted the vulnerability of export-driven economies, as countries like Germany and China experienced significant economic downturns due to a decline in global demand. This illustrates how international trade can exacerbate economic instability.
Additionally, the cultural implications of international trade are profound. As countries prioritize foreign markets, traditional customs and practices may be overshadowed by globalized cultural trends. For instance, the proliferation of multinational corporations has led to a decline in local businesses and cultural practices in many developing countries. This cultural erosion is a concerning trend that necessitates attention.
However, it is essential to acknowledge the benefits of international trade. It fosters technological advancements, creates employment opportunities, and enhances living standards. Therefore, while the problems are significant, they can be managed with prudent policies.
In conclusion, while international trade is beneficial, its drawbacks should not be underestimated. A balanced approach is necessary to harness its benefits while mitigating its risks.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): Addresses the task with a clear position and well-developed arguments. The response includes relevant, extended examples that support the position. (Band 8)
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): The response is well-organized with clear paragraphs and effective use of cohesive devices. The progression of ideas is logical and easy to follow. (Band 8)
- Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of vocabulary, with some sophisticated and less common lexical items. There are some minor errors in word choice and collocation, but they do not affect understanding. (Band 8)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, with frequent grammatical errors but mostly accurate use of complex structures. (Band 8)
Band 9.0 Answer
The role of international trade in fostering economic growth is indubitably significant, yet the potential drawbacks of excessive reliance on exports cannot be trivialized. I firmly believe that dependence on international trade creates more problems than benefits, as it often leads to economic volatility and cultural dilution.
First and foremost, an over-reliance on exports can engender economic instability. For instance, the 2014 oil price crash demonstrated the precariousness of economies heavily dependent on oil exports. Countries like Venezuela and Nigeria faced severe economic turmoil, illustrating how international trade can exacerbate economic fluctuations.
Furthermore, the cultural implications of international trade are profound. As countries prioritize foreign markets, traditional customs and practices may be eclipsed by globalized cultural trends. For example, the ubiquity of fast food chains has led to a decline in local dining habits in many countries. This cultural erosion is a disturbing trend that warrants immediate attention.
However, it is imperative to recognize the benefits of international trade. It facilitates technological exchange, creates employment opportunities, and enhances living standards. Therefore, while the problems are significant, they can be mitigated with judicious policies.
In conclusion, while international trade is beneficial, its drawbacks should not be underestimated. A balanced approach is necessary to harness its benefits while mitigating its risks.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): Addresses the task with a clear, supported, and extended position. The response includes relevant, extended examples that support the position. (Band 9)
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): The response is exceptionally well-organized with clear paragraphs and effective use of cohesive devices. The progression of ideas is logical and easy to follow. (Band 9)
- Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of vocabulary, with sophisticated and less common lexical items used precisely. There are no errors in word choice and collocation. (Band 9)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, with frequent error-free complex structures. (Band 9)
Vocabulary Highlights
- Indubitably (Adverb) - Without doubt; certainly.
- Example: The role of international trade in fostering economic growth is indubitably significant.
- Trivialized (Verb) - To make something seem less important or less serious than it is.
- Example: The potential drawbacks of excessive reliance on exports cannot be trivialized.
- Engender (Verb) - To cause or give rise to a situation or feeling.
- Example: An over-reliance on exports can engender economic instability.
- Precariousness (Noun) - The state of being uncertain or unstable.
- Example: The 2014 oil price crash demonstrated the precariousness of economies heavily dependent on oil exports.
- Eclipsed (Verb) - To surpass or overshadow something else in importance or popularity.
- Example: Traditional customs and practices may be eclipsed by globalized cultural trends.
- Ubiquity (Noun) - The fact of being everywhere, especially at the same time; omnipresence.
- Example: The ubiquity of fast food chains has led to a decline in local dining habits.
- Disturbing (Adjective) - Causing anxiety or unease; worrying.
- Example: This cultural erosion is a disturbing trend that warrants immediate attention.
- Imperative (Adjective) - Of vital importance; crucial.
- Example: It is imperative to recognize the benefits of international trade.
- Judicious (Adjective) - Having, showing, or done with good judgment or sense.
- Example: While the problems are significant, they can be mitigated with judicious policies.
- Mitigating (Verb) - To make something less severe, serious, or painful.
- Example: A balanced approach is necessary to harness its benefits while mitigating its risks.
- Foster (Verb) - To encourage the development of something, especially something desirable.
- Example: International trade fosters technological exchange.
- Precariousness (Noun) - The state of being uncertain or unstable.
- Example: The 2014 oil price crash demonstrated the precariousness of economies heavily dependent on oil exports.
- Eclipsed (Verb) - To surpass or overshadow something else in importance or popularity.
- Example: Traditional customs and practices may be eclipsed by globalized cultural trends.
- Ubiquity (Noun) - The fact of being everywhere, especially at the same time; omnipresence.
- Example: The ubiquity of fast food chains has led to a decline in local dining habits.
- Disturbing (Adjective) - Causing anxiety or unease; worrying.
- Example: This cultural erosion is a disturbing trend that warrants immediate attention.
- Imperative (Adjective) - Of vital importance; crucial.
- Example: It is imperative to recognize the benefits of international trade.
- Judicious (Adjective) - Having, showing, or done with good judgment or sense.
- Example: While the problems are significant, they can be mitigated with judicious policies.
- Mitigating (Verb) - To make something less severe, serious, or painful.
- Example: A balanced approach is necessary to harness its benefits while mitigating its risks.
- Foster (Verb) - To encourage the development of something, especially something desirable.
- Example: International trade fosters technological exchange.
- Harness (Verb) - To control and use something, especially natural resources, to produce energy.
- Example: A balanced approach is necessary to harness its benefits while mitigating its risks.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Overgeneralizing: Students often make broad statements without providing specific examples or data to support their claims. This weakens the argument and reduces the overall score.
- Ignoring the Task: Some students fail to address all parts of the task, focusing only on one aspect of the question. This can lead to a lower Task Response score.
- Poor Organization: Students sometimes present their ideas in a disorganized manner, making it difficult for the examiner to follow their argument. This affects the Coherence and Cohesion score.
- Limited Vocabulary: Using a limited range of vocabulary can result in a lower Lexical Resource score. Students should aim to use a wide range of vocabulary, including some less common lexical items, to demonstrate their language proficiency.
- Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can significantly impact the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score. Students should proofread their essays carefully to minimize errors.
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