IELTS Writing Task 2: International Trade (Problem Solution) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers
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The Prompt
Prompt: International trade has become increasingly unequal, with some countries benefiting more than others. What are the problems caused by this situation? What solutions can you suggest?
Model Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
Sample Answer:
The unequal trade between countries is a big problem. Some countries are rich, and others are poor. This causes many issues. First, poor countries cannot develop. They need money to build schools and hospitals. Second, rich countries become too powerful. They can control other countries. This is not fair.
There are solutions to this problem. First, rich countries should help poor countries. They can give money or technology. Second, international organizations should make rules. These rules should make trade fair. All countries should follow these rules.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (4.0): Presents a problem and solutions but lacks depth and development.
- Coherence and Cohesion (5.0): Ideas are connected but with some repetition and lack of clear progression.
- Lexical Resource (5.0): Uses some appropriate vocabulary but with frequent errors and limited range.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (5.0): Sentences are mostly simple with some errors in grammar and punctuation.
Band 7.0 Answer
Sample Answer:
The imbalance in international trade has led to significant issues. Developing nations often struggle to compete with wealthier countries, leading to economic disparities. This situation exacerbates poverty and limits access to essential services such as education and healthcare. Additionally, wealthy nations can exert undue influence over poorer ones, creating political and economic dependencies.
To address these problems, several measures can be taken. Firstly, developed countries should provide financial aid and technological support to developing nations. This can help bridge the economic gap and promote sustainable development. Secondly, international organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO) should enforce fair trade practices. Implementing stricter regulations can ensure that all countries benefit from trade, reducing the imbalance.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (6.0): Presents a clear problem and solutions with some development and examples.
- Coherence and Cohesion (6.0): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and some use of cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource (6.0): Uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary with some less common words and occasional errors.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (6.0): Sentences are mostly complex with some errors in grammar and punctuation.
Band 8.0 Answer
Sample Answer:
The disparity in international trade has resulted in a myriad of challenges. Developing countries often find themselves at a disadvantage, struggling to compete with their wealthier counterparts. This economic imbalance perpetuates poverty, limiting access to essential services such as education and healthcare. Furthermore, the economic dominance of wealthy nations can lead to political and economic dependencies, creating an uneven playing field.
To mitigate these issues, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Firstly, developed countries should provide financial aid and technological support to developing nations. This can help bridge the economic gap and promote sustainable development. Secondly, international organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO) should enforce fair trade practices. Implementing stricter regulations can ensure that all countries benefit from trade, reducing the imbalance. Additionally, educational initiatives can empower developing nations to compete more effectively in the global market.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (7.0): Presents a clear problem and solutions with detailed development and relevant examples.
- Coherence and Cohesion (7.0): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource (7.0): Uses a wide range of appropriate vocabulary with some less common words and occasional errors.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (7.0): Sentences are mostly complex with some errors in grammar and punctuation.
Band 9.0 Answer
Sample Answer:
The inequity in international trade has given rise to a plethora of challenges. Developing nations often find themselves at a significant disadvantage, struggling to compete with their more affluent counterparts. This economic disparity perpetuates poverty, limiting access to essential services such as education and healthcare. Moreover, the economic dominance of wealthy nations can lead to political and economic dependencies, creating an uneven playing field.
To address these issues, a comprehensive strategy is essential. Firstly, developed countries should provide substantial financial aid and technological support to developing nations. This can help bridge the economic gap and promote sustainable development. Secondly, international organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO) should enforce fair trade practices. Implementing stricter regulations can ensure that all countries benefit from trade, reducing the imbalance. Additionally, educational initiatives can empower developing nations to compete more effectively in the global market. Furthermore, fostering regional trade agreements can create a more balanced trading environment, benefiting all parties involved.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (9.0): Presents a clear problem and solutions with detailed development and relevant, extended examples.
- Coherence and Cohesion (9.0): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource (9.0): Uses a wide range of appropriate vocabulary with some less common words and occasional errors.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (9.0): Sentences are mostly complex with some errors in grammar and punctuation.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Disparity (noun): A difference or inequality.
- Example: The disparity in wealth between the two countries is evident.
- Perpetuates (verb): To make something continue indefinitely.
- Example: Poverty perpetuates the cycle of inequality.
- Affluent (adjective): Having a great deal of wealth.
- Example: Affluent nations often have more influence in international trade.
- Dominance (noun): Power and influence over others.
- Example: The economic dominance of wealthy nations can lead to political dependencies.
- Multi-faceted (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
- Example: A multi-faceted approach is necessary to address the issue.
- Mitigate (verb): To make something less severe, serious, or painful.
- Example: Stricter regulations can mitigate the effects of unfair trade practices.
- Sustainable (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
- Example: Financial aid can promote sustainable development.
- Empower (verb): To give someone the authority or power to do something.
- Example: Educational initiatives can empower developing nations.
- Comprehensive (adjective): Including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.
- Example: A comprehensive strategy is essential to address the issue.
- Regional (adjective): Relating to a particular region of a country or the world.
- Example: Regional trade agreements can create a more balanced trading environment.
- Benefiting (verb): Receiving an advantage or profit from something.
- Example: All countries should benefit from trade.
- Implementing (verb): To put a decision, plan, or system into effect.
- Example: Implementing stricter regulations can ensure fair trade practices.
- Economic (adjective): Relating to the production, consumption, and transfer of wealth.
- Example: Economic disparities perpetuate poverty.
- Political (adjective): Relating to the government or public affairs of a country.
- Example: Political dependencies can result from economic dominance.
- Technological (adjective): Relating to the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.
- Example: Technological support can help bridge the economic gap.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Vague Statements: Avoid generalizations without specific examples or details.
- Lack of Development: Ensure each paragraph has a central idea and is developed with relevant points.
- Inconsistent Tense: Maintain consistent verb tenses throughout the essay.
- Poor Vocabulary Choices: Use precise and appropriate vocabulary to convey your ideas effectively.
- Weak Conclusion: Summarize your main points and provide a strong closing statement.
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