IELTS Writing Task 2: Multinational Companies - Band 8.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

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Prompt

Some people believe that multinational companies are beneficial to the countries where they operate, while others argue that they exploit these countries. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0

Multinational companies are good for countries because they bring jobs and money. However, some people say they exploit countries by paying low wages and polluting the environment. I think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Multinational companies create jobs for local people. For example, a factory in a developing country can employ hundreds of workers. This helps reduce unemployment and poverty. Additionally, these companies pay taxes, which the government can use for public services like schools and hospitals.

On the other hand, some argue that multinational companies exploit countries. They often pay low wages to workers, which can lead to poor living conditions. Moreover, some companies pollute the environment, causing health problems for local people. For instance, a factory might dump waste into a river, making the water unsafe to drink.

In my opinion, the benefits of multinational companies outweigh the drawbacks. They bring economic growth and development to countries. However, governments should regulate these companies to ensure they treat workers fairly and protect the environment.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response: 5.0 - Presents a clear position but does not fully extend and support ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion: 6.0 - Uses some cohesive devices but may not always use them appropriately.
• Lexical Resource: 6.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate and less accurate vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 6.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors.

Band 7.0

The role of multinational companies in developing countries is a contentious issue. Proponents argue that these corporations bring economic benefits, while critics contend that they exploit local resources and labor. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting a personal stance.

On one hand, multinational companies contribute significantly to economic growth. They create employment opportunities, which can alleviate poverty and improve living standards. For example, a tech company setting up a factory in a developing country can provide thousands of jobs. Additionally, these companies often transfer technology and skills to local workers, enhancing the country's human capital. Furthermore, they pay taxes, which can be used to fund public services and infrastructure.

Conversely, there are valid concerns about exploitation. Multinational companies often pay low wages to local workers, which can lead to poor working conditions and low living standards. Moreover, they may exploit natural resources without adequate compensation, causing environmental degradation. For instance, a mining company might extract minerals without proper environmental safeguards, leading to pollution and health issues.

In my view, the benefits of multinational companies outweigh the drawbacks. However, it is crucial for governments to implement strict regulations to ensure that these companies operate responsibly. This includes fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmental protection measures.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response: 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion: 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively, but there may be some lapses in organization.
• Lexical Resource: 7.0 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey ideas precisely.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors.

Band 8.0

The impact of multinational companies on host countries is a subject of intense debate. While these corporations are often lauded for their economic contributions, they are also criticized for exploitative practices. This essay will critically examine both viewpoints before presenting a nuanced perspective.

Proponents of multinational companies argue that they bring substantial economic benefits. They create employment opportunities, which can significantly reduce unemployment rates and alleviate poverty. For example, a multinational corporation setting up a manufacturing plant in a developing country can provide thousands of jobs, thereby improving living standards. Additionally, these companies often introduce advanced technology and management practices, enhancing the host country's industrial capabilities. Furthermore, they contribute to the local economy through taxes, which can be used to fund essential services such as education and healthcare.

However, critics contend that multinational companies often exploit host countries. They frequently pay low wages to local workers, which can lead to poor working conditions and low living standards. Moreover, they may exploit natural resources without adequate compensation, causing environmental degradation. For instance, a multinational mining company might extract minerals without implementing proper environmental safeguards, leading to pollution and health issues. Additionally, these companies may repatriate profits to their home countries, depriving the host country of much-needed revenue.

In my view, the benefits of multinational companies outweigh the drawbacks. However, it is imperative for governments to implement robust regulations to ensure that these companies operate responsibly. This includes enforcing fair wages, safe working conditions, and stringent environmental protection measures. By doing so, host countries can maximize the benefits of multinational companies while minimizing the negative impacts.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response: 8.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas, demonstrating a clear progression and sustained argument.
• Coherence and Cohesion: 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively, with a clear progression of ideas and a logical organization.
• Lexical Resource: 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precision and sophistication.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 8.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences.

Vocabulary Highlights

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

• Example: The role of multinational companies is a contentious issue.

1. Proponents (noun): a person who advocates for a cause or proposition.

• Example: Proponents argue that these corporations bring economic benefits.

1. Critics (noun): a person who expresses an unfavorable opinion of something.

• Example: Critics contend that they exploit local resources and labor.

1. Alteration (noun): a change or modification.

• Example: The economic alterations brought by multinational companies.

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

• Example: Employment opportunities can alleviate poverty and improve living standards.

1. Exploitation (noun): the act of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from them.

• Example: Critics argue that multinational companies exploit local resources and labor.

1. Degradation (noun): the process of becoming worse or less valuable over time.

• Example: Exploitation of natural resources can lead to environmental degradation.

1. Repatriate (verb): to send someone or something back to their own country.

• Example: Multinational companies may repatriate profits to their home countries.

1. Robust (adjective): strong and healthy; vigorous.

• Example: Governments should implement robust regulations.

1. Enforce (verb): to make sure that something happens or is done.

• Example: Governments must enforce fair wages and safe working conditions.

1. Imperative (adjective): of vital importance; crucial.

• Example: It is imperative for governments to implement robust regulations.

1. Safeguards (noun): a measure taken to protect someone or something.

• Example: Implementing safeguards to protect the environment.

1. Alteration (noun): a change or modification.

• Example: The economic alterations brought by multinational companies.

1. Lap (verb): to flow or fall in a wave-like motion.

• Example: The river laps against the shore.

1. Lapse (noun): a temporary failure; a slip.

• Example: There may be some lapses in organization.

1. Lapse (verb): to fall or slip into a specified state or condition.

• Example: The conversation lapsed into silence.

1. Lapse (noun): a temporary failure; a slip.

• Example: There may be some lapses in organization.

1. Lapse (verb): to fall or slip into a specified state or condition.

• Example: The conversation lapsed into silence.

1. Lapse (noun): a temporary failure; a slip.

• Example: There may be some lapses in organization.

1. Lapse (verb): to fall or slip into a specified state or condition.

• Example: The conversation lapsed into silence.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position on the topic, leading to a lower score in Task Response.
2. Inadequate Support: Some students present ideas but do not support them with relevant examples or explanations.
3. Poor Organization: A lack of logical organization can make the essay difficult to follow, affecting Coherence and Cohesion.
4. Limited Vocabulary: Using a limited range of vocabulary can result in a lower score in Lexical Resource.
5. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can negatively impact the score in Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

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