IELTS Writing Task 2: International Trade (Two Part Question) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers
Related guides:
The Prompt
Prompt: International trade has become increasingly important in the global economy. Some argue that it brings significant benefits to developing countries, while others believe it primarily advantages developed nations. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Model Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
Text Response:
International trade is very important today. Some people think it helps poor countries, but others say rich countries benefit more. I think both are true.
First, trade helps developing countries. They can sell things like oil or clothes to rich countries. This makes money for the country. For example, many African countries sell oil and use the money to build schools. Also, trade brings new technology. Poor countries can learn from rich countries how to make better products.
But rich countries also benefit. They can buy things cheaply from poor countries. For example, clothes made in Bangladesh are very cheap. Rich countries can sell them for more money. Also, rich countries have better technology. They can make things like computers and sell them to poor countries for high prices.
In my opinion, both sides benefit, but rich countries benefit more. They have more technology and can make more money from trade. Poor countries need help to develop their own technology.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but does not fully address both views.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Ideas are organized but lack clear progression.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses some appropriate vocabulary but with limited range.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Makes frequent errors but meaning is usually clear.
Band 7.0 Answer
Text Response:
The role of international trade in the global economy has become a contentious issue, with proponents arguing that it benefits developing nations, while critics contend that it primarily serves the interests of developed countries. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my own view.
On one hand, international trade can significantly benefit developing countries. Economically, it provides a vital source of revenue through exports. For instance, many African nations rely on oil exports to fund infrastructure projects. Additionally, trade facilitates technology transfer. Developing countries can acquire advanced manufacturing techniques and knowledge from their trading partners, enhancing their industrial capabilities. For example, Vietnam has rapidly developed its electronics industry through trade with South Korea.
Conversely, developed nations also gain substantial advantages from international trade. They can access cheap labor and resources from developing countries, reducing production costs. For example, American companies manufacture goods in China to minimize expenses. Furthermore, developed countries possess advanced technologies that they can sell at premium prices to developing nations, creating a lucrative market.
In my opinion, while both parties benefit, developed countries gain more. They have established economies and superior technology, allowing them to dominate trade agreements and extract greater value. Developing countries often face unequal terms and may become dependent on exports, vulnerable to market fluctuations.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position and addresses both views adequately.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary with some less common lexical items.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors.
Band 8.0 Answer
Text Response:
The phenomenon of international trade has become a cornerstone of the global economy, sparking debate regarding its disparate impacts on developing and developed nations. This essay will critically examine both viewpoints before advocating for a nuanced perspective.
Proponents of international trade highlight its transformative potential for developing countries. Economically, trade serves as a catalyst for growth by generating revenue through exports. For example, Brazil's agricultural exports have funded significant social programs. Moreover, trade fosters technological advancement. Developing nations can access cutting-edge innovations and expertise from their trading partners, accelerating industrial development. Ethiopia's textile industry, for instance, has flourished through collaborations with European firms.
Conversely, critics argue that developed nations reap disproportionate benefits. They exploit cheap labor and resources in developing countries, significantly reducing production costs. For instance, Apple manufactures its products in China to minimize expenses. Additionally, developed countries leverage their technological superiority to sell high-value products, creating an asymmetrical economic relationship. The pharmaceutical industry exemplifies this dynamic, where patents and proprietary knowledge maintain high prices for essential medicines.
In my view, while international trade offers mutual benefits, developed nations hold a strategic advantage. They possess the economic and political leverage to shape trade agreements, often to their favor. Developing countries must navigate complex global markets with limited resources, making them vulnerable to exploitation. To mitigate this imbalance, international trade agreements should incorporate fairer terms and support mechanisms for developing nations.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position and addresses both views with relevant examples.
- 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 frequent error-free sentences.
Band 9.0 Answer
Text Response:
The intricate dynamics of international trade have sparked a contentious debate regarding its differential impacts on developing and developed nations. This essay will meticulously analyze both perspectives before advocating for a balanced approach.
Advocates of international trade underscore its potential to catalyze development in poorer nations. Economically, trade serves as a vital revenue stream, enabling investments in critical infrastructure. For instance, Rwanda's coffee exports have funded extensive educational reforms. Furthermore, trade facilitates the dissemination of technological knowledge. Developing countries can acquire advanced manufacturing techniques and expertise, fostering industrial growth. The success of India's IT sector, driven by collaborations with Silicon Valley, exemplifies this phenomenon.
Conversely, detractors argue that developed nations extract disproportionate benefits. They capitalize on cheap labor and abundant resources in developing countries, significantly reducing production costs. For example, the fashion industry's reliance on Bangladeshi garment workers highlights this exploitative dynamic. Additionally, developed countries leverage their technological dominance to sell high-value products, creating an asymmetrical economic relationship. The aerospace industry, where patents and proprietary knowledge maintain high prices, illustrates this disparity.
In my view, while international trade offers mutual benefits, developed nations hold a strategic advantage. They possess the economic and political leverage to shape trade agreements, often to their favor. Developing countries must navigate complex global markets with limited resources, making them vulnerable to exploitation. To mitigate this imbalance, international trade agreements should incorporate fairer terms, support mechanisms, and technology transfer initiatives for developing nations. Additionally, international organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO) should enforce stricter regulations to prevent exploitative practices and promote equitable trade relationships.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position and addresses both views with relevant, extended, and supported examples.
- 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, including less common lexical items.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences and varied sentence structures.
Key Vocabulary
- Contentious (adj.): causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.
- Example: The issue of international trade remains contentious among economists.
- Proponents (n.): a person who advocates for a cause or proposal.
- Example: Proponents of free trade argue that it boosts economic growth.
- Disparate (adj.): essentially different in kind; not able to be compared.
- Example: The disparate impacts of trade on developing and developed nations are evident.
- Catalyst (n.): a person or event that quickly causes change or action.
- Example: International trade can serve as a catalyst for economic development.
- Dissemination (n.): the act of spreading something, especially information, widely.
- Example: The dissemination of technology through trade is crucial for development.
- Detractors (n.): a person who disparages someone or something.
- Example: Detractors of international trade highlight its exploitative nature.
- Asymmetrical (adj.): not identical on both sides of a central line.
- Example: The asymmetrical economic relationship between developed and developing nations is problematic.
- Leverage (n.): the power to influence a situation to your advantage.
- Example: Developed nations use their economic leverage to shape trade agreements.
- Mitigate (v.): make less severe, serious, or painful.
- Example: Fairer trade terms can mitigate the imbalance in international trade.
- Enforce (v.): cause somebody to do something.
- Example: The WTO should enforce stricter regulations to prevent exploitation.
- Equitable (adj.): fair and impartial.
- Example: Equitable trade relationships are essential for global economic stability.
- Exploitative (adj.): making use of a situation in a way that is unfair or unethical.
- Example: The exploitative nature of international trade must be addressed.
- Revenue (n.): income, especially when of a company or organization and of a substantial nature.
- Example: Trade generates significant revenue for developing countries.
- Infrastructure (n.): the basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society.
- Example: Revenue from trade can fund critical infrastructure projects.
- Collaborations (n.): the situation of two or more people working together to achieve the same thing.
- Example: Collaborations with developed nations can foster technological advancement.
- Exemplifies (v.): to be a typical example of something.
- Example: The success of India's IT sector exemplifies the benefits of international trade.
- Dominance (n.): power and influence over others.
- Example: Developed nations maintain technological dominance in global markets.
- Proprietary (adj.): relating to an owner or ownership.
- Example: Proprietary knowledge maintains high prices for essential medicines.
- Regulations (n.): a rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.
- Example: Stricter regulations can prevent exploitative trade practices.
- Organizations (n.): an organized group of people with a particular purpose.
- Example: International organizations play a crucial role in regulating trade.
Common Mistakes
- Inadequate Addressing of Both Views: Many students fail to fully explore both perspectives, leading to a lower Task Response score.
- Lack of Relevant Examples: Using generic examples or no examples at all weakens the argument and reduces the overall score.
- Poor Organization: A disjointed structure can confuse the reader and negatively impact the Coherence and Cohesion score.
- Limited Vocabulary: Relying on basic vocabulary limits the Lexical Resource score and makes the essay less engaging.
- Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical mistakes can significantly lower the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.
Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol
Practice makes perfect. Get your own IELTS Writing Task 2 response scored by AI on English AIdol and receive detailed feedback to improve your score.