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

Related guides:

• IELTS Writing Task 2 Renewable Energy Agree Disagree Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Plastic Pollution (Advantages…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Climate Change Discussion Sample Band…
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Deforestation Two Part Question Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Recycling (Discussion) — Band 6/7/8/9…

The Prompt

Paraphrased version of IELTS Writing Task 2 question:

> Many companies are outsourcing work to developing countries, creating jobs but also causing problems. What are the positive and negative effects of this trend? Suggest possible solutions to these problems.

Model Answers (Side-by-Side Comparison)

Band 6 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Uses some organizing but unclear progression
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Attempts varied vocabulary but with errors
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Has frequent errors that obscure meaning

Answer:

Outsourcing is when companies give work to other countries. This is good because it makes jobs for people there but it also has bad effects. In this essay I will talk about the good and bad things and some solutions.

First, the good things. Companies can save money and people in developing countries can get jobs. For example, call centers in India employ thousands. But there are also problems. Sometimes workers are treated badly and local businesses suffer because they cannot compete.

To solve these problems, governments should make strong laws to protect workers. Also, companies should be fair in their prices so local businesses are not hurt. This way everyone benefits.

In conclusion, outsourcing has good and bad effects. Governments and companies must work together to make sure the bad things are fixed.

Band 7 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 6.5 - Presents a clear position with some development
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Uses paragraphs and some linking devices
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Attempts less common vocabulary with some errors
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Has occasional errors but generally clear

Answer:

The practice of outsourcing has become increasingly common as companies seek to reduce costs and access new markets. While this trend creates employment opportunities in developing nations, it also presents certain challenges. This essay will explore both sides of this issue and propose potential solutions.

The primary advantage of outsourcing is job creation. For instance, many IT services in countries like the Philippines have flourished due to foreign investment. Additionally, companies benefit from lower labor costs and increased efficiency. However, this trend can also lead to exploitation of workers, who may receive low wages and have few protections. Moreover, local industries may struggle to compete with larger foreign corporations.

To mitigate these negative effects, governments should implement stricter labor regulations. Furthermore, international organizations could establish ethical outsourcing standards that companies must adhere to. By doing so, both the economic benefits and the social responsibilities can be balanced.

In summary, outsourcing offers significant economic advantages but also poses ethical dilemmas. A combination of government regulation and corporate responsibility is essential to ensure this practice benefits all parties involved.

Band 8 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 7.5 - Presents a clear position with developed arguments
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses effective paragraphing and linking devices
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a range of vocabulary with few errors
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Has occasional errors but generally accurate

Answer:

Outsourcing has become a global phenomenon, with multinational corporations transferring operations to developing countries to capitalize on lower costs. While this practice stimulates economic growth in recipient nations, it also presents formidable challenges. This essay will critically examine both aspects and propose viable solutions.

One of the most significant benefits of outsourcing is economic growth. For example, countries like Vietnam have seen substantial investment in manufacturing sectors, leading to job creation and poverty reduction. Furthermore, companies can achieve cost savings and operational efficiencies, enhancing their competitiveness. However, the downsides are equally pronounced. Workers in outsourced industries often face substandard working conditions and inadequate wages. Additionally, the influx of foreign businesses can undermine local industries, leading to economic instability.

To address these issues, a multi-faceted approach is required. Governments should enact and enforce labor laws that guarantee fair wages and safe working conditions. Additionally, international cooperation is crucial to establish fair trade practices that protect local industries. Companies, on their part, should adopt ethical outsourcing practices, ensuring that their operations contribute positively to the communities in which they operate.

In conclusion, outsourcing is a double-edged sword, offering both opportunities and challenges. A balanced approach involving governments, international bodies, and corporations is essential to maximize the benefits and minimize the drawbacks of this global trend.

Band 9 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with fully developed arguments
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses effective paragraphing and cohesive devices
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precise usage
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with rare errors

Answer:

The proliferation of outsourcing as a business strategy has profound implications for both multinational corporations and developing economies. While this practice fosters economic development, it also gives rise to a myriad of socio-economic challenges. This essay will delineate the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing and propose pragmatic solutions to address the associated problems.

The most compelling advantage of outsourcing is its potential to catalyze economic growth in developing nations. For instance, the information technology sector in India has burgeoned due to substantial foreign investment, leading to job creation and skill development. Moreover, companies benefit from reduced operational costs and enhanced productivity, thereby increasing their global competitiveness. However, the adverse effects cannot be overlooked. Exploitative labor practices, such as low wages and poor working conditions, are prevalent in outsourced industries. Furthermore, the influx of foreign businesses can stifle local enterprises, leading to economic disparity and social unrest.

To ameliorate these issues, a comprehensive strategy is requisite. Governments should prioritize the enactment of robust labor laws and establish mechanisms for their enforcement. International organizations, such as the International Labour Organization, should facilitate the development of ethical outsourcing frameworks that ensure fair labor practices and protect local industries. Corporations, meanwhile, should integrate corporate social responsibility into their outsourcing strategies, ensuring that their operations contribute positively to the socio-economic fabric of the host countries.

In summation, outsourcing is a multifaceted issue with significant economic and social ramifications. A collaborative effort involving governments, international bodies, and corporations is essential to harness the benefits of outsourcing while mitigating its detrimental effects.

Key Vocabulary for Outsourcing Essays

1. Outsourcing: The practice of hiring an external company or individual to perform tasks, handle operations, or provide services for your company.

• Example: Many companies opt for outsourcing to reduce labor costs.

1. Job creation: The process of generating new employment opportunities.

• Example: Outsourcing has led to significant job creation in developing countries.

1. Economic growth: An increase in the production of goods and services in an economy over a period of time.

• Example: Outsourcing has contributed to economic growth in many developing nations.

1. Labor regulations: Laws and rules that govern the relationship between employers and employees.

• Example: Stricter labor regulations are needed to protect workers in outsourced industries.

1. Ethical outsourcing: The practice of outsourcing in a manner that is fair and beneficial to all parties involved.

• Example: Companies should adopt ethical outsourcing practices to ensure fair labor conditions.

1. Exploitation: The act of treating someone unfairly or unjustly for personal advantage.

• Example: Workers in outsourced industries often face exploitation.

1. Competitiveness: The ability of a company or country to offer products and services that meet the quality standards of international markets at prices that are competitive.

• Example: Outsourcing enhances the competitiveness of multinational corporations.

1. Socio-economic: Relating to the combination of social and economic factors.

• Example: Outsourcing has profound socio-economic implications.

1. Economic disparity: The difference in income and wealth between different groups in a society.

• Example: Outsourcing can lead to economic disparity if local industries are undermined.

1. Corporate social responsibility (CSR): The approach by companies to take responsibility for the effects of their activities on environmental and social well-being.

• Example: Companies should integrate CSR into their outsourcing strategies.

1. Robust laws: Strong and effective laws that can be enforced.

• Example: Governments should enact robust labor laws to protect workers.

1. Enhance productivity: To increase the efficiency and output of workers.

• Example: Outsourcing can enhance productivity for multinational corporations.

1. Foreign investment: The investment of capital in a foreign country.

• Example: Foreign investment in outsourcing has led to economic growth in developing countries.

1. Skill development: The process of improving the abilities and knowledge of workers.

• Example: Outsourcing has contributed to skill development in many developing nations.

1. Global competitiveness: The ability of a company or country to compete in the global market.

• Example: Outsourcing enhances the global competitiveness of multinational corporations.

1. Operational efficiencies: Improvements in the way a business operates to reduce costs and increase productivity.

• Example: Companies benefit from operational efficiencies through outsourcing.

1. Substandard working conditions: Poor or inadequate working conditions that do not meet acceptable standards.

• Example: Workers in outsourced industries often face substandard working conditions.

1. Economic stability: The condition of an economy that is not subject to fluctuations or disruptions.

• Example: Outsourcing can undermine economic stability if local industries are affected.

1. Fair trade practices: Business practices that are fair and beneficial to all parties involved.

• Example: International cooperation is crucial to establish fair trade practices.

1. Socio-economic fabric: The social and economic structure of a community or society.

• Example: Companies should ensure their operations contribute positively to the socio-economic fabric of host countries.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Lack of Clear Structure: Many students fail to organize their essays with clear paragraphs and logical flow, leading to lower coherence and cohesion scores.

1. Inadequate Vocabulary: Using limited or repeated vocabulary can result in a lower lexical resource score. Students should aim to use a range of vocabulary relevant to the topic.

1. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical mistakes can obscure meaning and lower the grammatical range and accuracy score.

1. Overgeneralization: Making broad statements without supporting evidence can weaken the argument and reduce the task response score.

1. Ignoring the Problem-Solution Format: Students often focus only on the problems or solutions without providing a balanced discussion, leading to an incomplete response.

Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol

Ready to practice? Get your own responses scored by AI on English AIdol, the leading AI-powered test prep platform. Our AI provides instant feedback on your writing, helping you improve your IELTS score faster.