IELTS Writing Task 2: Minimum Wage — Band 9.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

Related guides:

• IELTS Writing Task 2 Deforestation Two Part Question Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Renewable Energy Agree Disagree Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Plastic Pollution (Advantages…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Climate Change Discussion Sample Band…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Recycling (Discussion) — Band 6/7/8/9…

Prompt

Some governments believe that raising the minimum wage is the best way to reduce poverty. Others argue that it causes more problems than it solves. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a relevant position but with limited development.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition and lack of clear progression.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a mix of appropriate and inaccurate vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Contains frequent grammatical errors that impede understanding.

Answer

Raising the minimum wage is a good idea because it helps poor people. When workers earn more money, they can buy more things and live better. This can help the economy because people will spend more. However, some say that raising the minimum wage is bad. They think that companies will have to pay more money to workers, so they might fire people or raise prices. This can make things more expensive for everyone. I think raising the minimum wage is good, but it should be done carefully.

Band 7.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and some use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey ideas with some less common lexical items.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors that may impede understanding.

Answer

The issue of raising the minimum wage is a contentious one. Proponents argue that increasing the minimum wage can alleviate poverty by providing workers with more disposable income. This can stimulate economic growth as consumers spend more, benefiting businesses and the overall economy. Additionally, higher wages can reduce income inequality and improve the standard of living for low-income families. On the other hand, critics contend that raising the minimum wage can have adverse effects. Employers may respond by laying off workers or reducing hiring to cut costs, which can increase unemployment. Moreover, businesses might pass on the increased labor costs to consumers through higher prices, potentially offsetting the benefits of higher wages. In my view, raising the minimum wage can be beneficial if implemented gradually and in conjunction with other economic policies to support businesses and workers.

Band 8.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas, demonstrating a logical progression.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with a clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items used appropriately.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors that may impede understanding.

Answer

The debate surrounding the efficacy of raising the minimum wage to combat poverty is multifaceted. Advocates for higher minimum wages contend that it is a direct and effective means of reducing poverty. By increasing the earnings of low-income workers, it can enhance their purchasing power, thereby stimulating economic activity. Furthermore, higher wages can lead to reduced reliance on social welfare programs, as workers become more self-sufficient. Conversely, opponents argue that raising the minimum wage can have unintended negative consequences. Employers may respond by automating jobs, reducing workforce size, or increasing prices to offset higher labor costs. This could lead to higher unemployment rates and inflation, potentially negating the benefits of higher wages. In my opinion, raising the minimum wage can be a useful tool in the fight against poverty, but it should be part of a broader economic strategy that includes education, job training, and support for small businesses.

Band 9.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas, demonstrating a logical progression and a sophisticated argument.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with a clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices, creating a clear and smooth flow of ideas.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precise and sophisticated vocabulary, demonstrating a high degree of lexical resource.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with a high degree of accuracy and sophistication.

Answer

The efficacy of raising the minimum wage as a means to alleviate poverty is a subject of considerable debate. Proponents of higher minimum wages argue that it is a direct and effective mechanism for reducing poverty. By augmenting the earnings of low-income workers, it can enhance their purchasing power, thereby stimulating economic activity and fostering growth. Moreover, higher wages can lead to reduced reliance on social welfare programs, as workers become more self-sufficient and economically stable. Additionally, higher wages can improve worker productivity and morale, leading to a more efficient and motivated workforce. Conversely, detractors contend that raising the minimum wage can have deleterious effects. Employers may respond by automating jobs, reducing workforce size, or increasing prices to offset higher labor costs. This could lead to higher unemployment rates and inflation, potentially negating the benefits of higher wages. Furthermore, small businesses, which often operate on thin margins, may struggle to absorb the increased labor costs, leading to closures and job losses. In my view, raising the minimum wage can be a valuable tool in the fight against poverty, but it should be part of a comprehensive economic strategy that includes education, job training, and support for small businesses. Policymakers should carefully consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of raising the minimum wage and implement it in a manner that maximizes its positive impact while minimizing its negative consequences.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Allevate (verb): to make (something bad or unpleasant) less severe or intense.

• Example: