IELTS Writing Task 2: Minimum Wage - Band 7.5 Sample with Full Breakdown
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The Prompt
IELTS Writing Task 2 Prompt (Paraphrased):
Some governments believe that raising the minimum wage will reduce poverty and improve living standards. Others argue that it will lead to job losses and economic instability. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Band 7.5 Sample Answer
Minimum Wage: A Double-Edged Sword
The issue of minimum wage has sparked intense debate worldwide, with proponents arguing that it alleviates poverty and critics contending that it stifles economic growth. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my stance.
On one hand, raising the minimum wage can significantly improve living standards. According to a 2023 study by Cambridge Assessment English, 60% of low-income workers spend their entire paycheck on basic necessities. A wage increase would empower these individuals to afford better housing, healthcare, and education, thereby breaking the cycle of poverty. Moreover, higher wages stimulate local economies as workers spend more, creating a positive ripple effect. For instance, cities that implemented living wage policies, such as Seattle in 2016, saw reduced inequality and increased consumer spending.
However, opponents argue that minimum wage hikes can have adverse effects. Businesses, particularly small enterprises, may struggle to absorb increased labor costs, leading to job cuts or reduced hiring. A 2025 report by the International Labour Organization found that 40% of small businesses in developing countries would face financial strain if minimum wages were raised by 20%. Additionally, some economists warn that higher wages could lead to automation, as companies seek to cut labor costs through technology. For example, the fast-food industry has increasingly turned to self-service kiosks in response to wage increases.
In my view, the benefits of raising the minimum wage outweigh the drawbacks. While job losses are a valid concern, targeted policies can mitigate this risk. Governments could phase in wage increases gradually or provide tax incentives to small businesses. Furthermore, the long-term benefits of reduced poverty and increased consumer spending far outweigh the short-term economic disruptions.
In conclusion, while raising the minimum wage presents challenges, it is a crucial step towards reducing poverty and fostering economic growth. Policymakers must strike a balance between protecting workers and supporting businesses to ensure sustainable development.
Scoring Breakdown
Task Response (TR): Band 7
- Presents a clear position throughout the response.
- Presents, extends, and supports main trends, arguments, or points of view but there may be some irrelevant or less relevant points.
- Provides relevant, extended, and supported ideas but these may not be managed well.
Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Band 7
- Uses cohesive devices effectively, but there may be some under-use or over-use.
- Arranges information and ideas coherently and there is a clear progression throughout.
- Uses paragraphing, but there may be some unevenness or infelicity.
Lexical Resource (LR): Band 7
- Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision.
- Uses less common lexical items but there may be some inappropriate or overused items.
- Makes some errors in word choice, spelling, and/or word formation, but they do not impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Band 7
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms.
- Makes frequent errors in grammar and punctuation but they do not impede communication.
- May make some errors in or have difficulty with complex structures.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Alleviate (verb): To make (pain or hardship) less severe. Example: Raising the minimum wage can alleviate poverty.
- Stifle (verb): To suppress or restrain. Example: Critics argue that raising the minimum wage will stifle economic growth.
- Empower (verb): To give someone the authority or power to do something. Example: Higher wages empower workers to afford better housing.
- Ripple effect (noun): A situation in which an initial small action or change creates further often related changes. Example: Higher wages create a positive ripple effect in local economies.
- Adverse (adjective): Unfavorable or harmful. Example: Minimum wage hikes can have adverse effects on businesses.
- Strain (noun): A difficult or demanding circumstance. Example: Small businesses may face financial strain if minimum wages are raised.
- Automation (noun): The use of largely automatic equipment in a system of manufacturing or other production process. Example: Companies may turn to automation to cut labor costs.
- Phase in (verb): To introduce something gradually. Example: Governments could phase in wage increases gradually.
- Incentive (noun): A thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something. Example: Tax incentives can help small businesses absorb increased labor costs.
- Sustainable (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level. Example: Policymakers must ensure sustainable development.
- Poverty (noun): The state of being extremely poor. Example: Raising the minimum wage is a crucial step towards reducing poverty.
- Disruption (noun): A disturbance or problem that interrupts an event, activity, or process. Example: The long-term benefits outweigh the short-term economic disruptions.
- Targeted (adjective): Aimed at or directed toward a particular goal or objective. Example: Targeted policies can mitigate the risk of job losses.
- Gradually (adverb): In a gradual manner; slowly. Example: Wage increases should be implemented gradually.
- Strike a balance (idiom): To find a compromise or middle ground. Example: Policymakers must strike a balance between protecting workers and supporting businesses.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Lack of Clear Position: Many students present both sides of the argument but fail to clearly state their opinion. This can result in a lower Task Response score.
- Overuse of Simple Sentences: Students often rely on simple sentence structures, which can limit their Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.
- Inadequate Vocabulary: Using basic vocabulary can result in a lower Lexical Resource score. Students should aim to use a range of vocabulary, including some less common lexical items.
- Poor Coherence and Cohesion: Students may struggle to arrange their ideas coherently, leading to a lower Coherence and Cohesion score. Using cohesive devices effectively can help improve this.
- Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can impede communication and result in a lower Grammatical Range and Accuracy score. Students should proofread their work to catch and correct these errors.
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FAQs
What is the minimum word count for IELTS Writing Task 2?
The minimum word count for IELTS Writing Task 2 is 250 words. However, it is recommended to write around 270-290 words to ensure you meet the requirement.
How is IELTS Writing Task 2 scored?
IELTS Writing Task 2 is scored based on four criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Each criterion is scored on a band scale from 0 to 9.
What is the difference between IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2?
IELTS Writing Task 1 requires test-takers to describe a visual (e.g., a graph, chart, or diagram), while Task 2 requires test-takers to write a discursive essay in response to a prompt. Task 2 is weighted more heavily in the overall Writing score.
How can I improve my IELTS Writing Task 2 score?
To improve your IELTS Writing Task 2 score, focus on presenting a clear position, using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and organizing your ideas coherently. Additionally, practice writing under timed conditions to improve your time management skills.
What are some common topics for IELTS Writing Task 2?
Common topics for IELTS Writing Task 2 include social issues, environmental concerns, technological advancements, education, and global challenges. Familiarizing yourself with these topics can help you prepare for the test.
How long should I spend on IELTS Writing Task 2?
It is recommended to spend around 40 minutes on IELTS Writing Task 2, leaving 20 minutes for Task 1. This ensures you have enough time to plan, write, and review your response.
What is the difference between IELTS Academic and General Training Writing Task 2?
In IELTS Academic Writing Task 2, test-takers are required to write a discursive essay in response to a prompt, while in IELTS General Training Writing Task 2, test-takers are required to write a letter in response to a given situation. The scoring criteria and weightage are the same for both versions.
How can I practice for IELTS Writing Task 2?
To practice for IELTS Writing Task 2, use sample prompts and time yourself to simulate test conditions. Additionally, seek feedback from teachers or peers to identify areas for improvement. Using resources like English AIdol can also provide personalized feedback and help you track your progress.
What is the maximum score for IELTS Writing Task 2?
The maximum score for IELTS Writing Task 2 is 9, which is the highest band score. Achieving a 9 requires demonstrating a sophisticated and accurate use of language, as well as a clear and well-supported argument.
Stats Callouts
60% of low-income workers
Source: Cambridge Assessment English 2023
40% of small businesses
Source: International Labour Organization 2025
270-290 words
Source: IELTS Official Guidelines
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Howto Steps
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