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IELTS Writing Task 2:
International Trade (Positive Negative) Band 6-9 Answers

Expert IELTS Writing Task 2 band 9 sample answers on international trade positive/negative essay. Boost your IELTS Writing score with our model responses.

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Expert IELTS Writing Task 2 band 9 sample answers on international trade positive/negative essay. Boost your IELTS Writing score with our model responses.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: International Trade (Positive Negative) Band 6-9 Answers

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The Prompt

Task: Some people argue that international trade benefits all countries, while others claim it only advantages wealthier nations. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

International trade is very important topic. Some people say it helps all countries but others think only rich countries benefit.

On one hand, international trade can help countries. For example, poor countries can sell natural resources to rich countries. Also, trade can create new jobs. People in poor countries can work in factories that make products for export. This is good because they can earn money.

On the other hand, some people say trade only helps rich countries. Rich countries have better technology and can make products more cheaply. They can sell these products to poor countries but poor countries cannot sell their products to rich countries. Also, rich countries can influence poor countries to make laws that help rich countries. This is not fair.

In my opinion, international trade can help all countries but rich countries need to help poor countries more. They should make fair trade agreements and help poor countries develop technology. If they do this, trade can benefit all countries.

Scoring Breakdown:

  • Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but development is limited
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Uses some connecting words but paragraphing needs improvement
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Attempts varied vocabulary but some errors
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Some complex sentence forms but frequent errors

Band 7.0 Answer

The impact of international trade on global economies has sparked considerable debate. While many contend that it fosters mutual growth, others argue that the benefits disproportionately favor wealthy nations.

Proponents of international trade highlight several advantages. Firstly, it enables poorer nations to access advanced technologies and capital from developed countries. For instance, many African nations have seen significant industrial growth through foreign investments facilitated by trade agreements. Secondly, trade creates employment opportunities. The textile industry in Bangladesh, for example, has flourished due to international demand, providing livelihoods for millions.

Conversely, critics point out that international trade often works to the advantage of wealthier nations. Developed countries possess superior infrastructure and technological capabilities, allowing them to produce goods at lower costs. This price advantage enables them to dominate global markets, often at the expense of developing economies. Moreover, trade agreements frequently favor wealthier nations, as they possess greater negotiating power.

In my view, while international trade has the potential to benefit all countries, it is essential to establish fairer trade practices. Wealthier nations should provide more support to developing countries, such as technology transfers and fairer trade terms. Only then can the true benefits of international trade be realized by all.

Scoring Breakdown:

  • Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended support
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but some sequencing issues
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses less common vocabulary but some inaccuracies
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but some errors

Band 8.0 Answer

The role of international trade in global economic development remains a contentious issue, with proponents praising its equitable benefits and critics decrying its inherent inequalities.

Advocates of international trade present compelling arguments. Firstly, it serves as a catalyst for economic growth in developing nations. By participating in global markets, these countries can attract foreign direct investment, which often brings with it advanced technologies and managerial expertise. For example, the electronics manufacturing sector in Vietnam has experienced remarkable growth due to trade liberalization policies. Secondly, trade promotes specialization, enabling countries to focus on producing goods and services in which they have a comparative advantage, thereby optimizing resource allocation.

However, the detractors of international trade present equally persuasive counterarguments. Wealthier nations, equipped with superior infrastructure and technological prowess, often dominate global trade. This disparity is exemplified by the intricate web of intellectual property laws that favor developed countries, making it difficult for developing nations to compete in high-value sectors. Furthermore, trade agreements frequently fail to address labor and environmental standards, exacerbating global inequalities.

In my opinion, while international trade undeniably offers substantial benefits, it is imperative to implement mechanisms that ensure these benefits are more equitably distributed. Wealthier nations should be encouraged to share their technologies and expertise more generously, while international organizations should enforce stricter regulations to protect the interests of developing countries.

Scoring Breakdown:

  • Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with extended and supported arguments
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with clear progression
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses less common vocabulary appropriately with some sophisticated usage
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences

Band 9.0 Answer

The debate surrounding the equitable benefits of international trade has intensified in recent years, with proponents extolling its transformative potential and critics highlighting its systemic inequities.

Those who advocate for international trade present a compelling case. Firstly, it serves as a potent engine for economic development in emerging economies. By integrating into global supply chains, these nations can access advanced technologies and capital, fostering industrial upgrades and job creation. The staggering economic growth of China over the past few decades stands as a testament to the power of trade-driven development. Secondly, trade promotes economic efficiency by encouraging countries to specialize in the production of goods and services that align with their comparative advantages, thereby optimizing global resource allocation.

Conversely, critics of international trade present a persuasive counter-narrative. The asymmetrical power dynamics inherent in global trade often result in wealthier nations dictating terms that favor their own interests. This is evident in the disproportionate influence wielded by developed countries in international trade forums, as well as the skewed nature of many bilateral trade agreements. Furthermore, the absence of robust labor and environmental regulations in global trade frameworks frequently results in the exploitation of workers and the degradation of ecosystems in developing countries.

In my view, while international trade holds immense potential for fostering global economic growth, its benefits are currently distributed in a manifestly inequitable manner. To rectify this, wealthier nations must demonstrate greater commitment to fair trade practices, including the transfer of technology and expertise to developing countries. Moreover, international organizations must enforce stricter regulations to safeguard the interests of less powerful nations and ensure that the benefits of trade are more equitably shared.

Scoring Breakdown:

  • Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with extended and supported arguments
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with a clear progression and sophisticated paragraphing
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with high degree of sophistication and precision
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences

Vocabulary Highlights

| Vocabulary | Definition | Example Collocation | |---|---|---| | Intricate | Having many interrelated parts or elements | Intricate web of laws | | Disparities | Differences, typically those that are seen as unfair | Staggering disparities in wealth | | Catalyst | A person or event that quickly causes change or action | Trade serves as a catalyst for growth | | Comparative advantage | The economic advantage that arises when a country specializes in producing goods and services that it can produce more efficiently than other countries | Countries should focus on their comparative advantages | | Asymmetrical | Lacking symmetry; unequal | Asymmetrical power dynamics | | Counter-narrative | A competing or opposing narrative or story | Critics present a persuasive counter-narrative | | Manifestly | Clearly or obviously | Manifestly inequitable manner | | Rectify | To set right; remedy | Rectify the inequities of trade | | Robust | Strong and healthy; vigorous | Robust labor regulations | | Degradation | The process of deterioration | Degradation of ecosystems | | Transfer of technology | The process of sharing or selling technology to another party | Transfer of technology to developing countries |

Common Mistakes

  1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students present both views without clearly stating their opinion in the conclusion.
  2. Overgeneralization: Students often make sweeping statements like 'Trade is good for all countries' without providing specific examples.
  3. Vague Language: Using vague language such as 'some people say' instead of providing specific evidence.
  4. Repetition: Repeating the same ideas or vocabulary without expanding or varying the language.
  5. Poor Task Response: Focusing too much on one side of the argument and neglecting the other.

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