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IELTS Writing Task 2:
Minimum Wage (Discussion) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

Master IELTS Writing Task 2 with expert Band 6-9 model answers on minimum wage discussion. Get your score with AI feedback on English AIdol.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Minimum Wage (Discussion) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers | English AIdol Blog

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Master IELTS Writing Task 2 with expert Band 6-9 model answers on minimum wage discussion. Get your score with AI feedback on English AIdol.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Minimum Wage (Discussion) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

In some countries, the average wage is very low, and as a result, life becomes difficult for those people who rely on this income. Some people believe that the government should increase the minimum wage to help these people. Others argue that increasing the minimum wage will create negative effects on the economy.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Task Response: Presents a position but lacks development. Coherence & Cohesion: Limited use of cohesive devices. Lexical Resource: Limited range of vocabulary. Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Frequent errors.

Some people think that the government should increase the minimum wage. I agree with this view. The main reason is that people need money to live. If the wage is too low, they cannot afford to pay for housing, food, and other necessities. For example, in some countries, the minimum wage is not enough to cover basic living costs. This can lead to poverty and social problems.

However, others argue that increasing the minimum wage will have negative effects on the economy. They say that businesses will have to pay more to their employees, which will lead to higher prices for goods and services. This could make life more expensive for everyone, not just those on minimum wage.

In conclusion, I believe that the government should increase the minimum wage to help people who are struggling to make ends meet. However, they should also consider the potential negative effects on the economy.

Band 7.0 Answer

Task Response: Presents a clear position with some development. Coherence & Cohesion: Uses cohesive devices but with some inaccuracies. Lexical Resource: Adequate range of vocabulary. Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Occasional errors.

The issue of whether the government should increase the minimum wage is a contentious one. On one hand, proponents argue that a higher minimum wage would alleviate poverty and improve the standard of living for low-income earners. This is particularly relevant in countries where the cost of living is high, and the current minimum wage is insufficient to cover basic necessities. For instance, in urban areas, the cost of housing, healthcare, and education can be prohibitive for those earning the minimum wage.

On the other hand, opponents contend that increasing the minimum wage could have adverse effects on the economy. They argue that businesses, especially small ones, may struggle to afford higher wages, leading to job cuts or even closures. This could result in higher unemployment rates and a decrease in overall economic growth. Additionally, there is a concern that businesses may pass on the increased labor costs to consumers, leading to higher prices for goods and services.

In my opinion, the government should consider a gradual increase in the minimum wage, coupled with measures to support businesses, such as tax incentives. This approach would ensure that low-income earners benefit from a higher wage without causing significant economic disruption.

Band 8.0 Answer

Task Response: Presents a clear position with logical development. Coherence & Cohesion: Uses cohesive devices effectively. Lexical Resource: Wide range of vocabulary. Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Occasional errors.

The debate surrounding the government's role in increasing the minimum wage is multifaceted. Advocates for a higher minimum wage posit that it is a crucial step in reducing income inequality and poverty. They argue that a living wage would enable low-income earners to meet their basic needs and improve their quality of life. For example, countries like Australia and Luxembourg have implemented relatively high minimum wages, which have been linked to lower poverty rates and better social outcomes.

Conversely, critics of increasing the minimum wage warn about the potential economic repercussions. They assert that higher labor costs could lead to reduced hiring, increased automation, and even business closures, particularly among small enterprises. Moreover, there is a risk that businesses may offset the increased wages by raising prices, which could negate the benefits for low-income earners and potentially harm the economy as a whole.

In my view, the government should adopt a balanced approach. This could involve gradually increasing the minimum wage while implementing policies to support businesses, such as tax breaks or subsidies. Additionally, the government should invest in education and job training programs to help low-income earners secure higher-paying jobs in the long term. By taking a comprehensive approach, the government can address the needs of both workers and businesses.

Band 9.0 Answer

Task Response: Presents a clear, supported position with logical development. Coherence & Cohesion: Uses cohesive devices effectively. Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary. Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Rare errors.

The contentious issue of whether governments should increase the minimum wage to alleviate poverty and improve living standards for low-income earners has sparked intense debate. Proponents of this measure argue that a living wage is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity. They contend that a higher minimum wage would stimulate economic growth by increasing consumer spending power, as low-income earners are more likely to spend their additional income on essential goods and services. Furthermore, a living wage could reduce the burden on social welfare systems, as fewer individuals would rely on government assistance to meet their basic needs.

However, detractors of increasing the minimum wage caution that such a policy could have unintended consequences for the economy. They assert that higher labor costs could lead to reduced hiring, increased automation, and even business closures, particularly among small enterprises that operate on narrow profit margins. Additionally, there is a risk that businesses may offset the increased wages by raising prices, which could negate the benefits for low-income earners and potentially harm the economy as a whole. Moreover, some economists argue that a higher minimum wage could exacerbate income inequality by disproportionately affecting low-skilled workers and small businesses.

In my view, the government should adopt a nuanced approach to this issue. This could involve gradually increasing the minimum wage in tandem with targeted measures to support businesses, such as tax incentives or subsidies. Additionally, the government should invest in education and job training programs to help low-income earners secure higher-paying jobs in the long term. By taking a comprehensive approach, the government can address the needs of both workers and businesses, ultimately fostering a more equitable and prosperous society.

Vocabulary Highlights

  1. Allevate (verb): to make something less severe or intense.
  • Example: The government aims to alleviate poverty through various social programs.
  1. Contentious (adjective): causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument.
  • Example: The issue of minimum wage is a contentious one.
  1. Prohibitive (adjective): so expensive that it is impossible or very difficult to afford.
  • Example: The cost of housing in urban areas can be prohibitive for low-income earners.
  1. Adverse (adjective): harmful or unfavorable.
  • Example: Increasing the minimum wage could have adverse effects on the economy.
  1. Gradual (adjective): taking place or progressing slowly or by degrees.
  • Example: A gradual increase in the minimum wage could help mitigate economic disruption.
  1. Stimulate (verb): to encourage or arouse interest or activity in something.
  • Example: A higher minimum wage could stimulate economic growth by increasing consumer spending.
  1. Offset (verb): to balance or counteract something.
  • Example: Businesses may offset increased labor costs by raising prices.
  1. Exacerbate (verb): to make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.
  • Example: A higher minimum wage could exacerbate income inequality.
  1. Nuanced (adjective): showing a sensitive awareness of the finer shades of meaning, expression, or behavior.
  • Example: The government should adopt a nuanced approach to the minimum wage issue.
  1. Equitable (adjective): fair and impartial.
  • Example: A comprehensive approach to the minimum wage issue can foster a more equitable society.
  1. Prosperous (adjective): successful in material terms; flourishing financially.
  • Example: A balanced approach to the minimum wage issue can foster a more prosperous society.
  1. Implement (verb): to put a plan, scheme, or system into action.
  • Example: The government should implement policies to support businesses.
  1. Subsidies (noun): a sum of money granted by the government to assist an economic sector or business.
  • Example: Tax incentives or subsidies can help support businesses.
  1. Automation (noun): the use of largely automatic equipment in a system of manufacturing or other production process.
  • Example: Higher labor costs could lead to increased automation.
  1. Necessity (noun): a thing that you must do or have.
  • Example: A living wage is an economic necessity.
  1. Burden (noun): a heavy load; something that is carried with difficulty.
  • Example: A living wage could reduce the burden on social welfare systems.
  1. Disproportionately (adverb): in a way that is not proportional or fair.
  • Example: A higher minimum wage could disproportionately affect low-skilled workers.
  1. Margins (noun): the difference between the cost of something and the amount of money it sells for.
  • Example: Small enterprises operate on narrow profit margins.
  1. Targeted (adjective): aimed at a specific goal or audience.
  • Example: The government should implement targeted measures to support businesses.
  1. Comprehensive (adjective): including or dealing with all or nearly all aspects of something.
  • Example: A comprehensive approach to the minimum wage issue can address the needs of both workers and businesses.

Common Mistakes

  1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position on the issue, leading to a lower Task Response score.
  2. Weak Vocabulary: Using basic or repetitive vocabulary can limit the Lexical Resource score.
  3. Poor Coherence and Cohesion: Inadequate use of cohesive devices can make the essay difficult to follow.
  4. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical mistakes can significantly lower the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.
  5. Insufficient Development: Failing to develop ideas fully can result in a lower score for Task Response and Coherence and Cohesion.

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