IELTS Writing Task 2: Outsourcing (Agree Disagree) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers
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The Prompt
Paraphrased Prompt: Many companies outsource tasks to other countries to reduce costs. Do you agree or disagree with this practice? Give relevant examples and support your opinion with evidence.
Model Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
Score Breakdown:
- Task Response: 5.0 (Presents a position but with limited development)
- Coherence and Cohesion: 6.0 (Logical but with some unclear progression)
- Lexical Resource: 6.0 (Limited range of vocabulary, some errors)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 6.0 (Frequent errors, some complex sentences)
Answer:
Outsourcing is when companies send jobs to other countries. I agree with this because it is cheaper. For example, call centers in India are cheaper than in the UK. Also, companies can work 24 hours because of time zones. But some people say it is bad because jobs are lost. I think the good things are more important.
Band 7.0 Answer
Score Breakdown:
- Task Response: 7.0 (Presents a clear position with some development)
- Coherence and Cohesion: 7.0 (Logical progression, some cohesive devices)
- Lexical Resource: 7.0 (Sufficient range, some errors)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 7.0 (Some errors, attempts complex sentences)
Answer:
Outsourcing has become a common practice among multinational corporations. I firmly believe that this trend is beneficial for both companies and the global economy. Firstly, outsourcing reduces operational costs significantly. For instance, a tech company in the United States can save up to 60% by outsourcing software development to India. Secondly, it promotes economic growth in developing countries by creating job opportunities. However, critics argue that outsourcing leads to job losses in the home country. While this is true, the overall economic benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Band 8.0 Answer
Score Breakdown:
- Task Response: 8.0 (Presents a clear position with thorough development)
- Coherence and Cohesion: 8.0 (Logical progression, effective use of cohesive devices)
- Lexical Resource: 8.0 (Wide range of vocabulary, few errors)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 8.0 (Few errors, varied sentence structures)
Answer:
The phenomenon of outsourcing has become a contentious issue in contemporary business practices. I strongly concur with the notion that outsourcing is a prudent strategy for companies. Firstly, outsourcing enables corporations to capitalize on lower labor costs in developing economies. For example, manufacturing firms in Europe often outsource production to Vietnam, where labor costs are significantly lower. Secondly, outsourcing fosters economic diversification and growth in host countries. However, it is imperative to acknowledge the detrimental effects on local employment in the home country. Nevertheless, the economic advantages of outsourcing are undeniable.
Band 9.0 Answer
Score Breakdown:
- Task Response: 9.0 (Presents a clear, insightful position with thorough development)
- Coherence and Cohesion: 9.0 (Logical progression, sophisticated use of cohesive devices)
- Lexical Resource: 9.0 (Wide range of vocabulary, precise usage)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 9.0 (Minimal errors, varied and complex sentence structures)
Answer:
The strategic decision to outsource operations has become a cornerstone of modern business practices, eliciting a spectrum of opinions. I am firmly of the conviction that outsourcing is a judicious approach for corporations seeking to optimize efficiency and competitiveness. Firstly, outsourcing allows companies to leverage the comparative advantages of different economies. For instance, pharmaceutical companies often outsource clinical trials to countries with robust healthcare infrastructure and lower operational costs, such as Singapore. Secondly, outsourcing catalyzes economic development in recipient countries by fostering job creation and skill development. However, it is essential to mitigate the adverse impacts on local employment in the home country through strategic planning and investment in reskilling programs. In conclusion, the multifaceted benefits of outsourcing render it an indispensable strategy in the contemporary globalized economy.
Key Vocabulary
- Outsourcing: The practice of hiring an external company or individual to perform tasks, handle operations, or provide services for your company.