IELTS Writing Task 2: Multinational Companies (Problem Solution) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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Prompt (Problem/Solution)

Some people think multinational companies are beneficial to the countries where they operate, while others argue they cause more harm than good. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers at Different Bands

Band 6.0 Answer

In this essay, I will look at the advantages and disadvantages of multinational companies and then give my opinion.

On the one hand, multinational companies bring jobs and money to the countries where they operate. For example, they can build factories that employ local people and pay them good wages. This money can then be spent in the community, helping local businesses. Additionally, these companies often bring new technology and skills to the country, which can improve the standard of living.

However, there are also problems caused by multinational companies. They can exploit workers by paying them low wages and making them work long hours. Moreover, these companies may not care about the environment, causing pollution and damage to nature. Local businesses can also suffer because they cannot compete with the large multinational companies.

In my opinion, the benefits of multinational companies outweigh the disadvantages. Although there are some problems, these can be solved with good laws and regulations. Therefore, I believe that multinational companies are generally good for the countries where they operate.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): Addresses the task but may not fully cover both views. (Band 6)
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Organized but with some inconsistencies in progression. (Band 6)
• Lexical Resource (LR): Adequate range of vocabulary but with some errors and repetition. (Band 6)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Some grammatical errors but generally understandable. (Band 6)

Band 7.0 Answer

The impact of multinational companies on host countries is a contentious issue. This essay will examine both the positive and negative aspects before presenting a personal view.

On the positive side, multinational companies can stimulate economic growth. They create employment opportunities, which reduce unemployment rates and improve living standards. Furthermore, they often introduce advanced technologies and management practices that can enhance the productivity and competitiveness of local industries. For instance, companies like Apple and Samsung have significantly contributed to the economic development of countries like China and South Korea.

On the negative side, the presence of multinational companies can lead to exploitation. They may pay low wages and provide poor working conditions to local employees. Additionally, these companies often prioritize profits over environmental protection, leading to pollution and resource depletion. Local businesses may also struggle to compete with the financial and operational advantages of multinational corporations.

In my view, the benefits of multinational companies outweigh the drawbacks. While it is essential to address the issues of exploitation and environmental damage, the economic and technological advantages they bring are invaluable for the development of host countries.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position and covers both views. (Band 7)
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Logically organized with clear progression. (Band 7)
• Lexical Resource (LR): Sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items. (Band 7)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Some errors but generally effective communication. (Band 7)

Band 8.0 Answer

The role of multinational companies in the global economy is often debated. This essay will explore the advantages and disadvantages of their operations in host countries and present a balanced perspective.

Multinational companies can bring significant economic benefits to host countries. They create jobs and stimulate economic growth by investing in local infrastructure and industries. For example, companies like Nestlé and Unilever have created numerous jobs and contributed to the economic development of countries like India and Nigeria. Additionally, these companies often introduce advanced technologies and management practices that can enhance the productivity and competitiveness of local businesses.

However, the presence of multinational companies can also lead to various problems. They may exploit local workers by paying them low wages and subjecting them to poor working conditions. Moreover, these companies often prioritize profits over environmental protection, leading to pollution and resource depletion. Local businesses may also struggle to compete with the financial and operational advantages of multinational corporations, leading to the displacement of local enterprises.

In conclusion, while multinational companies bring numerous economic and technological advantages, it is crucial to address the issues of exploitation and environmental damage. Governments should implement strict regulations to ensure that these companies operate responsibly and ethically. By doing so, the benefits of multinational companies can be maximized while minimizing their negative impacts.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position and covers both views comprehensively. (Band 8)
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Well-organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices. (Band 8)
• Lexical Resource (LR): Wide range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items used appropriately. (Band 8)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Some errors but generally effective communication with complex sentence forms. (Band 8)

Band 9.0 Answer

The impact of multinational companies on host countries is a multifaceted issue. This essay will critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of their operations and present a nuanced perspective.

Multinational companies can significantly contribute to the economic development of host countries. They create employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and introduce advanced technologies and management practices. For instance, companies like Toyota and Siemens have played a pivotal role in the economic development of countries like Brazil and South Africa. Additionally, these companies often invest in local infrastructure, such as roads and schools, which can improve the overall quality of life for residents.

However, the presence of multinational companies can also lead to various problems. They may exploit local workers by paying them low wages and subjecting them to poor working conditions. Moreover, these companies often prioritize profits over environmental protection, leading to pollution and resource depletion. Local businesses may also struggle to compete with the financial and operational advantages of multinational corporations, leading to the displacement of local enterprises.

In conclusion, while multinational companies bring numerous economic and technological advantages, it is crucial to address the issues of exploitation and environmental damage. Governments should implement strict regulations to ensure that these companies operate responsibly and ethically. By doing so, the benefits of multinational companies can be maximized while minimizing their negative impacts. It is essential to strike a balance between economic growth and social responsibility to ensure sustainable development.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position and covers both views comprehensively with critical analysis. (Band 9)
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices. (Band 9)
• Lexical Resource (LR): Wide range of vocabulary with less common lexical items used appropriately and naturally. (Band 9)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Minimal errors with complex sentence forms used effectively. (Band 9)

Key Vocabulary

1. Stimulate (verb): To encourage or cause something to happen or develop. Example: Multinational companies can stimulate economic growth.

1. Exploit (verb): To take advantage of someone or something in an unfair way. Example: They may exploit local workers by paying them low wages.

1. Prioritize (verb): To give something or someone more importance than other things or people. Example: These companies often prioritize profits over environmental protection.

1. Depletion (noun): The reduction or exhaustion of something. Example: Leading to pollution and resource depletion.

1. Displacement (noun): The act of moving someone or something from their usual place or position. Example: Leading to the displacement of local enterprises.

1. Infrastructure (noun): The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise. Example: They often invest in local infrastructure, such as roads and schools.

1. Pivotal (adjective): Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else. Example: Companies like Toyota and Siemens have played a pivotal role in economic development.

1. Nuanced (adjective): Involving or requiring subtle differences in meaning, feeling, or tone. Example: This essay will critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of their operations and present a nuanced perspective.

1. Responsibly (adverb): In a way that is consistent with an appreciation of one's responsibilities. Example: Governments should implement strict regulations to ensure that these companies operate responsibly.

1. Sustainable (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources. Example: It is essential to strike a balance between economic growth and social responsibility to ensure sustainable development.

1. Competitiveness (noun): The ability to compete successfully with other companies or products. Example: Enhance the productivity and competitiveness of local businesses.

1. Contention (noun): A point of disagreement or argument. Example: The impact of multinational companies on host countries is a contentious issue.

1. Multifaceted (adjective): Having many aspects or features. Example: The impact of multinational companies on host countries is a multifaceted issue.

1. Comprehensive (adjective): Including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something. Example: Presents a clear position and covers both views comprehensively.

1. Critical (adjective): Involving careful judgment or analysis. Example: This essay will critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of their operations.

1. Stimulate (verb): To encourage or cause something to happen or develop. Example: Multinational companies can stimulate economic growth.

1. Exploitation (noun): The act of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work. Example: The presence of multinational companies can also lead to various problems, such as exploitation.

1. Environmental (adjective): Relating to the natural world and the impact of human activity on its conditions. Example: These companies often prioritize profits over environmental protection.

1. Displacement (noun): The act of moving someone or something from their usual place or position. Example: Leading to the displacement of local enterprises.

1. Infrastructure (noun): The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise. Example: They often invest in local infrastructure, such as roads and schools.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position in their essays, leading to a lower score in the Task Response band. Students should clearly state their opinion and support it with relevant examples and arguments.

1. Poor Organization: Some students struggle with organizing their ideas logically, resulting in a lower score in the Coherence and Cohesion band. Students should use clear paragraphing and cohesive devices to ensure their essays are easy to follow.

1. Limited Vocabulary: Many students use a limited range of vocabulary, which can result in a lower score in the Lexical Resource band. Students should aim to use a wide range of vocabulary, including less common lexical items, to demonstrate their language proficiency.

1. Grammar Errors: Some students make frequent grammatical errors, which can affect their score in the Grammatical Range and Accuracy band. Students should proofread their essays carefully to ensure they are free from grammatical errors.

1. Overgeneralization: Some students make overgeneralized statements without providing specific examples or evidence. Students should support their arguments with relevant examples and data to make their essays more persuasive.

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