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IELTS Writing Task 2:
Minimum Wage Problem-Solution (Band 6-9 Answers)

Get Band 9 IELTS Writing Task 2 minimum wage problem-solution model answers. Expert analysis of Band 6-9 responses with scoring breakdowns.

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Get Band 9 IELTS Writing Task 2 minimum wage problem-solution model answers. Expert analysis of Band 6-9 responses with scoring breakdowns.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Minimum Wage Problem-Solution (Band 6-9 Answers)

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The Prompt

IELTS Writing Task 2: Some people argue that increasing the minimum wage will solve poverty, while others believe it will cause more unemployment. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

The minimum wage should be increased to help poor people. However, some say it will make unemployment worse. In my opinion, raising the minimum wage is good.

Firstly, increasing minimum wage helps workers. People with low incomes can buy more things. This makes them happier and healthier. Also, businesses benefit because workers spend more money. Secondly, some people say higher wages cause unemployment. They think companies will fire workers to save money. But this is not true. Studies show that companies can afford small wage increases without laying off people.

In conclusion, I think governments should raise the minimum wage. It helps poor people and does not cause unemployment. Countries like Germany and France have high minimum wages and low unemployment. So, increasing minimum wage is a good solution to poverty.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): Band 6.0 - Presents a position but with limited development.
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Band 6.0 - Uses some cohesive devices but with frequent errors.
  • Lexical Resource (LR): Band 6.0 - Uses some appropriate vocabulary but with errors and limited range.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Band 6.0 - Uses simple sentence forms with frequent errors.

Band 7.0 Answer

The debate over raising the minimum wage to alleviate poverty is contentious, with valid arguments on both sides. I contend that a moderate increase in the minimum wage can mitigate poverty without significantly increasing unemployment.

On one hand, proponents of higher minimum wages argue that it directly addresses income inequality. Workers earning higher wages can afford basic necessities, reducing poverty levels. For instance, studies by the Economic Policy Institute show that minimum wage increases have lifted millions out of poverty. Additionally, higher wages can stimulate local economies as workers spend more, benefiting businesses. On the other hand, critics warn that higher wages may lead to job losses. Employers might reduce staff or automate jobs to cut costs, particularly in industries with tight profit margins. However, evidence from countries like the UK and Canada suggests that moderate increases do not significantly impact employment rates.

In conclusion, while there are valid concerns about job losses, the benefits of raising the minimum wage outweigh the risks. Governments should implement gradual increases, accompanied by policies that support small businesses, to ensure a balanced approach.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): Band 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended arguments.
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Band 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some flaws in organization.
  • Lexical Resource (LR): Band 7.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary with some less precise word choices.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Band 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors.

Band 8.0 Answer

The contentious issue of raising the minimum wage to combat poverty has sparked intense debate. While some argue that it will exacerbate unemployment, I believe that a well-regulated increase can effectively reduce poverty without detrimental economic consequences.

Proponents of higher minimum wages assert that it is a direct means of reducing poverty. According to the International Labour Organization, higher wages improve living standards and reduce income inequality. Additionally, increased consumer spending can boost economic growth, as evidenced by the success of minimum wage hikes in countries like New Zealand. Conversely, opponents contend that higher wages will lead to job losses. They argue that businesses, especially small ones, may struggle to afford higher labor costs, potentially resulting in layoffs or reduced hiring. However, empirical data from the US Federal Reserve suggests that the impact on employment is minimal when increases are gradual and accompanied by supportive policies.

In conclusion, while the risk of job losses cannot be ignored, the benefits of raising the minimum wage are more substantial. Governments should implement incremental increases, paired with measures to support businesses, to ensure a balanced and effective approach to poverty reduction.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): Band 8.0 - Presents a clear position with well-developed, supported arguments.
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Band 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices skillfully, with clear progression and organization.
  • Lexical Resource (LR): Band 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with flexibility and precision.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Band 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with minimal errors.

Band 9.0 Answer

The efficacy of raising the minimum wage as a solution to poverty is a subject of intense debate. While some contend that it will inevitably lead to higher unemployment, I firmly believe that a judiciously implemented increase can alleviate poverty without adversely affecting employment rates.

Advocates for higher minimum wages posit that it is a direct and effective means of reducing poverty. The World Bank highlights that higher wages can lift individuals out of poverty, enhancing their quality of life and contributing to social stability. Furthermore, increased consumer spending can stimulate economic growth, as demonstrated by the positive outcomes of minimum wage increases in countries like Germany. Conversely, detractors argue that higher wages will result in job losses, as businesses may resort to cost-cutting measures such as layoffs or automation. However, comprehensive studies by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) indicate that the impact on employment is negligible when increases are gradual and accompanied by supportive economic policies.

In conclusion, the benefits of raising the minimum wage far outweigh the potential drawbacks. Governments should adopt a phased approach to increases, coupled with measures to support businesses, to ensure a balanced and effective strategy for poverty reduction.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): Band 9.0 - Presents a clear, supported position with fully developed arguments.
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Band 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively, with a clear progression and logical organization.
  • Lexical Resource (LR): Band 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precision and sophistication.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Band 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with minimal errors.

Vocabulary Highlights

  1. Allevate (verb): To make something less severe. Example: Raising the minimum wage can alleviate poverty.
  2. Contentious (adjective): Causing or likely to cause disagreement. Example: The debate over minimum wage is contentious.
  3. Empirical (adjective): Based on observation or experiment. Example: Empirical data suggests minimal impact on employment.
  4. Judiciously (adverb): In a careful and thoughtful way. Example: A judiciously implemented increase can help poverty.
  5. Mitigate (verb): To make something less severe. Example: Governments should mitigate poverty through policy.
  6. Proponent (noun): A person who supports something. Example: Proponents of higher wages argue for poverty reduction.
  7. Stimulate (verb): To encourage something to develop or be more active. Example: Higher wages can stimulate economic growth.
  8. Substantial (adjective): Considerable in amount or importance. Example: The benefits are more substantial than the risks.

Common Mistakes

  1. Lack of Clear Position: Failing to state a clear opinion on the issue.
  2. Overgeneralization: Making broad statements without supporting evidence.
  3. Poor Organization: Not structuring the essay with clear paragraphs and cohesive devices.
  4. Vague Vocabulary: Using imprecise or informal language.
  5. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent mistakes in sentence structure and tense.

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