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

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The Prompt

Paraphrased Prompt: Some people argue that increasing the minimum wage improves living standards, while others believe it harms businesses. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response: 5.0 (Presents a position but with some irrelevant points)
• Coherence & Cohesion: 6.0 (Uses some cohesive devices but lacks overall progression)
• Lexical Resource: 6.0 (Limited range of vocabulary with some errors)
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 6.0 (Makes frequent grammatical errors)

Text:

The minimum wage is a topic that many people talk about. Some say it is good because it helps poor people. Others say it is bad because it hurts businesses. I think both sides have good points.

On one hand, a higher minimum wage can help people who are poor. They can buy more things and have a better life. Also, it can make people work harder because they get more money. But on the other hand, businesses might have to pay more money to workers. This can make them go out of business. Also, they might not hire new people because it costs too much.

In my opinion, the government should think carefully about this. They should make sure that the minimum wage is not too high or too low. They should also help businesses so that they do not suffer too much.

Band 7.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response: 7.0 (Presents a clear position with relevant, extended arguments)
• Coherence & Cohesion: 7.0 (Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some lapses)
• Lexical Resource: 7.0 (Uses a mix of appropriate and less precise vocabulary)
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 7.0 (Makes some grammatical errors but generally communicates clearly)

Text:

The debate surrounding the minimum wage is a contentious one, with proponents arguing that it elevates living standards and critics contending that it stifles economic growth. Both perspectives warrant examination.

Advocates for a higher minimum wage posit that it alleviates poverty and stimulates economic activity. With more disposable income, low-wage earners can afford better housing, healthcare, and education, thereby improving their quality of life. Moreover, increased consumer spending can boost local economies. Conversely, detractors argue that a higher minimum wage can lead to job losses and reduced hours, as businesses struggle to absorb the added labor costs. Small businesses, in particular, may find it challenging to compete, potentially leading to closures and job cuts.

In my view, a balanced approach is necessary. Governments should consider implementing gradual increases in the minimum wage, accompanied by policies that support small businesses, such as tax incentives and subsidies. This dual approach can help ensure that the benefits of a higher minimum wage are realized without causing undue harm to businesses.

Band 8.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response: 8.0 (Presents a clear position with well-developed arguments and examples)
• Coherence & Cohesion: 8.0 (Uses cohesive devices effectively with clear progression)
• Lexical Resource: 8.0 (Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some less precise word choices)
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 8.0 (Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors)

Text:

The minimum wage is a contentious issue that polarizes opinions, with proponents advocating for its increase to enhance living standards and critics cautioning against its potential economic repercussions. A nuanced examination of both perspectives is essential.

Proponents of a higher minimum wage argue that it is a potent tool for poverty alleviation. By augmenting the income of low-wage workers, it can stimulate economic activity through increased consumer spending. Furthermore, a higher minimum wage can reduce income inequality and promote social cohesion. For instance, countries like Germany and France have implemented higher minimum wages with notable success in reducing poverty rates.

Conversely, critics contend that a higher minimum wage can have deleterious effects on businesses, particularly small enterprises. Increased labor costs can lead to job cuts, reduced hours, or even business closures. For example, a study by the University of Washington found that Seattle's minimum wage hike led to a reduction in low-wage jobs. Additionally, some argue that a higher minimum wage can lead to inflation, as businesses pass on the increased costs to consumers.

In my view, a balanced approach is necessary. Governments should consider implementing gradual increases in the minimum wage, accompanied by policies that support businesses, such as tax incentives and subsidies. This dual approach can help ensure that the benefits of a higher minimum wage are realized without causing undue harm to businesses.

Band 9.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response: 9.0 (Presents a clear, informed position with fully developed arguments and examples)
• Coherence & Cohesion: 9.0 (Uses cohesive devices effectively with clear progression and paragraphing)
• Lexical Resource: 9.0 (Uses a wide range of vocabulary with full flexibility and precision)
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 9.0 (Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with rare errors)

Text:

The minimum wage debate is a multifaceted issue that elicits divergent viewpoints, with proponents advocating for its augmentation to ameliorate socio-economic disparities and critics warning of its potential adverse economic implications. A comprehensive analysis of both perspectives is imperative.

Proponents of a higher minimum wage posit that it is an efficacious mechanism for poverty alleviation and economic stimulation. By enhancing the remuneration of low-wage workers, it can catalyze economic activity through augmented consumer expenditure. Furthermore, a higher minimum wage can mitigate income inequality and foster social cohesion. For instance, the implementation of a higher minimum wage in countries like Germany and France has been instrumental in reducing poverty rates and promoting economic stability.

Conversely, critics argue that a higher minimum wage can engender deleterious effects on businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. Escalated labor costs can precipitate job cuts, reduced hours, or even business closures. For example, a study by the University of Washington revealed that Seattle's minimum wage hike led to a reduction in low-wage jobs, particularly in the retail and food service sectors. Additionally, some economists contend that a higher minimum wage can exacerbate inflation, as businesses transfer the increased costs to consumers.

In my view, a balanced and incremental approach is necessary. Governments should consider implementing gradual increases in the minimum wage, concomitant with policies that bolster businesses, such as tax incentives, subsidies, and access to low-interest loans. This dual approach can help ensure that the benefits of a higher minimum wage are realized without causing undue harm to businesses. Moreover, governments should invest in education and job training programs to equip workers with the skills needed to secure higher-paying jobs, thereby reducing reliance on minimum wage employment.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contentious (adjective): Causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument.

• Example: The minimum wage is a contentious issue that polarizes opinions.

1. Proponents (noun): A person who advocates for a particular cause or proposal.

• Example: Proponents of a higher minimum wage argue that it is a potent tool for poverty alleviation.

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

• Example: A higher minimum wage can alleviate poverty and stimulate economic activity.

1. Deleterious (adjective): Causing harm or damage.

• Example: A higher minimum wage can have deleterious effects on businesses.

1. Precipitate (verb): To cause (an event or situation, typically a negative one) to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely.

• Example: Escalated labor costs can precipitate job cuts or business closures.

1. Exacerbate (verb): To make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse.

• Example: A higher minimum wage can exacerbate inflation.

1. Concomitant (adjective): Naturally accompanying or associated.

• Example: Governments should implement gradual increases in the minimum wage, concomitant with policies that bolster businesses.

1. Bolster (verb): To support or strengthen.

• Example: Governments should implement policies that bolster businesses.

1. Augment (verb): To make (something) greater by adding to it; increase.

• Example: A higher minimum wage can augment the income of low-wage workers.

1. Mitigate (verb): To make (something bad) less severe, serious, or painful.

• Example: A higher minimum wage can mitigate income inequality.

1. Catalyze (verb): To cause or accelerate (a reaction or event).

• Example: A higher minimum wage can catalyze economic activity.

1. Escalate (verb): To increase rapidly.

• Example: Escalated labor costs can lead to job cuts.

1. Engender (verb): To cause or give rise to (a feeling, situation, or condition).

• Example: A higher minimum wage can engender deleterious effects on businesses.

1. Instrument (noun): A tool or means of achieving an end.

• Example: The implementation of a higher minimum wage has been instrumental in reducing poverty rates.

1. Concomitant (adjective): Naturally accompanying or associated.

• Example: Governments should implement gradual increases in the minimum wage, concomitant with policies that bolster businesses.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Balance: Failing to discuss both sides of the argument equally.
2. Irrelevant Points: Including points that do not directly address the prompt.
3. Weak Examples: Using vague or unsupported examples to illustrate points.
4. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical errors that hinder understanding.
5. Limited Vocabulary: Using a limited range of vocabulary, leading to repetitive language.

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