IELTS Writing Task 2: Outsourcing (Two Part Question) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers
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The Prompt
Some people believe that outsourcing work to other countries is beneficial for businesses, while others argue that it harms local economies. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Model Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
Introduction
Outsourcing is when companies send jobs to other countries. Some people think this is good for businesses, but others say it is bad for local economies. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Body Paragraph 1
First, outsourcing can help businesses. It is cheaper to hire workers in other countries. Also, businesses can find workers with special skills. For example, a company in the UK might send IT work to India because Indian workers are good at IT and cost less. This helps the business make more money.
Body Paragraph 2
However, outsourcing can hurt local economies. When jobs go to other countries, local people lose their jobs. This can make the local economy worse. For example, if a factory in the US sends jobs to China, American workers might not have jobs. This can cause problems like poverty and crime.
Conclusion
In conclusion, outsourcing has both good and bad effects. I think the bad effects are worse because it hurts local people. Businesses should try to keep jobs in their own countries.
Band 7.0 Answer
Introduction
The practice of outsourcing work to other countries has become increasingly common. While some argue that it benefits businesses, others contend that it negatively impacts local economies. This essay will explore both perspectives and present a personal stance.
Body Paragraph 1
On one hand, outsourcing can be advantageous for businesses. Cost savings are a significant factor, as labor and operational expenses are often lower in developing countries. Additionally, businesses can access a global talent pool, enabling them to find specialized skills that may not be available locally. For instance, many American companies outsource customer service to countries like the Philippines, where English proficiency is high and labor costs are lower. This allows businesses to operate more efficiently and competitively.
Body Paragraph 2
On the other hand, outsourcing can have detrimental effects on local economies. Job losses are a primary concern, as local workers may be laid off to make way for cheaper foreign labor. This can lead to increased unemployment and economic instability. Furthermore, the loss of jobs can result in a decline in local spending and investment, further harming the economy. For example, when a manufacturing plant in Germany outsources production to Vietnam, German workers lose their jobs, and the local economy suffers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while outsourcing offers certain benefits to businesses, the negative impacts on local economies are more significant. Therefore, governments and businesses should consider the long-term consequences and strive to balance the needs of both.
Band 8.0 Answer
Introduction
The phenomenon of outsourcing has sparked considerable debate, with proponents highlighting its benefits for businesses and critics pointing to its adverse effects on local economies. This essay will delve into both viewpoints and present a nuanced argument.
Body Paragraph 1
Proponents of outsourcing argue that it offers substantial advantages for businesses. Primarily, it enables companies to reduce operational costs significantly. By outsourcing to countries with lower labor costs, businesses can allocate resources more efficiently and invest in other areas. Moreover, outsourcing provides access to a diverse talent pool, allowing companies to tap into specialized skills that may not be available domestically. For example, many tech companies in Silicon Valley outsource software development to India, where there is a large pool of highly skilled programmers. This not only reduces costs but also enhances the quality of the final product.
Body Paragraph 2
Conversely, outsourcing can have detrimental effects on local economies. Job displacement is a major concern, as local workers may be laid off to make way for cheaper foreign labor. This can lead to increased unemployment and economic instability. Additionally, the loss of jobs can result in a decline in local spending and investment, further exacerbating economic problems. For instance, when a textile factory in the UK outsources production to Bangladesh, British workers lose their jobs, and the local economy suffers. This can create a ripple effect, impacting other sectors of the economy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while outsourcing offers certain benefits to businesses, the negative impacts on local economies are more significant. Therefore, governments and businesses should consider the long-term consequences and strive to balance the needs of both. Policies should be implemented to support local workers and ensure that the benefits of outsourcing are shared equitably.
Band 9.0 Answer
Introduction
The practice of outsourcing work to other countries has become a contentious issue, with proponents advocating its benefits for businesses and critics highlighting its adverse effects on local economies. This essay will critically examine both perspectives and present a well-reasoned argument.
Body Paragraph 1
Advocates of outsourcing contend that it offers substantial advantages for businesses. Primarily, it enables companies to reduce operational costs significantly. By outsourcing to countries with lower labor costs, businesses can allocate resources more efficiently and invest in other areas. Moreover, outsourcing provides access to a diverse talent pool, allowing companies to tap into specialized skills that may not be available domestically. For example, many pharmaceutical companies outsource clinical trials to countries like Brazil, where there is a large population and a well-established healthcare infrastructure. This not only reduces costs but also enhances the quality of the final product.
Body Paragraph 2
However, outsourcing can have detrimental effects on local economies. Job displacement is a major concern, as local workers may be laid off to make way for cheaper foreign labor. This can lead to increased unemployment and economic instability. Additionally, the loss of jobs can result in a decline in local spending and investment, further exacerbating economic problems. For instance, when a car manufacturer in the US outsources production to Mexico, American workers lose their jobs, and the local economy suffers. This can create a ripple effect, impacting other sectors of the economy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while outsourcing offers certain benefits to businesses, the negative impacts on local economies are more significant. Therefore, governments and businesses should consider the long-term consequences and strive to balance the needs of both. Policies should be implemented to support local workers and ensure that the benefits of outsourcing are shared equitably. By doing so, we can create a more sustainable and inclusive global economy.
Scoring Breakdown
Band 6.0 Answer
Task Response (TR): The answer addresses the task but lacks depth and detail. The introduction and conclusion are present but not well-developed.
Coherence and Cohesion (CC): The ideas are presented in a logical order, but the transitions between paragraphs are not smooth. The use of cohesive devices is limited.
Lexical Resource (LR): The vocabulary is basic and repetitive. There are some errors in word choice and collocation.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): The grammar is simple and contains several errors. Sentence structures are not varied.
Band 7.0 Answer
Task Response (TR): The answer addresses the task adequately. The introduction and conclusion are present and well-developed. The body paragraphs present clear arguments.
Coherence and Cohesion (CC): The ideas are presented in a logical order. The transitions between paragraphs are smooth. The use of cohesive devices is effective.
Lexical Resource (LR): The vocabulary is varied and appropriate. There are few errors in word choice and collocation.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): The grammar is generally accurate but contains some errors. Sentence structures are varied but not always complex.
Band 8.0 Answer
Task Response (TR): The answer addresses the task well. The introduction and conclusion are present and well-developed. The body paragraphs present clear and detailed arguments.
Coherence and Cohesion (CC): The ideas are presented in a logical order. The transitions between paragraphs are smooth. The use of cohesive devices is effective.
Lexical Resource (LR): The vocabulary is varied and sophisticated. There are few errors in word choice and collocation.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): The grammar is generally accurate with few errors. Sentence structures are varied and complex.
Band 9.0 Answer
Task Response (TR): The answer addresses the task fully. The introduction and conclusion are present and well-developed. The body paragraphs present clear, detailed, and nuanced arguments.
Coherence and Cohesion (CC): The ideas are presented in a logical order. The transitions between paragraphs are smooth. The use of cohesive devices is effective.
Lexical Resource (LR): The vocabulary is varied and sophisticated. There are no errors in word choice and collocation.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): The grammar is accurate with no errors. Sentence structures are varied and complex.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Outsourcing: The practice of sending jobs to other countries.
- Example: Many companies outsource customer service to countries like the Philippines.
- Advantageous: Beneficial or favorable.
- Example: Outsourcing can be advantageous for businesses.
- Detrimental: Harmful or damaging.
- Example: Outsourcing can have detrimental effects on local economies.
- Operational costs: The expenses involved in running a business.
- Example: Outsourcing enables companies to reduce operational costs.
- Talent pool: A group of skilled workers available for employment.
- Example: Outsourcing provides access to a diverse talent pool.
- Job displacement: The loss of jobs due to outsourcing.
- Example: Job displacement is a major concern for local economies.
- Economic instability: A state of uncertainty or unpredictability in the economy.
- Example: Outsourcing can lead to economic instability.
- Ripple effect: A series of unrelated but linked causes and effects.
- Example: Outsourcing can create a ripple effect, impacting other sectors of the economy.
- Sustainable: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
- Example: We need to create a more sustainable global economy.
- Inclusive: Including all members of a particular group.
- Example: Policies should ensure that the benefits of outsourcing are shared equitably and inclusively.
- Contentious: Causing or likely to cause an argument.
- Example: Outsourcing is a contentious issue.
- Advocates: People who publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy.
- Example: Advocates of outsourcing highlight its benefits for businesses.
- Clinical trials: Systematic studies designed to answer specific questions about biomedical or behavioral interventions.
- Example: Many pharmaceutical companies outsource clinical trials to countries like Brazil.
- Infrastructure: The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
- Example: Brazil has a well-established healthcare infrastructure.
- Equitably: In a fair and just way.
- Example: The benefits of outsourcing should be shared equitably.
- Nuanced: Characterized by subtle differences or shades of meaning.
- Example: The essay presents nuanced arguments about outsourcing.
- Sophisticated: Having, showing, or involving a great deal of worldly experience and knowledge of fashion and culture.
- Example: The vocabulary in the Band 9 answer is sophisticated.
- Collocation: The habitual juxtaposition of a particular word with another word or words with a frequency greater than chance.
- Example: The Band 9 answer has no errors in collocation.
- Complex: Composed of many interconnected parts; compound.
- Example: The Band 9 answer uses complex sentence structures.
- Nuanced: Characterized by subtle differences or shades of meaning.
- Example: The Band 9 answer presents nuanced arguments about outsourcing.
Common Mistakes
- Lack of Depth: Many students fail to provide detailed arguments and examples, resulting in a lower score for Task Response.
- Poor Coherence and Cohesion: Students often struggle with organizing their ideas logically and using cohesive devices effectively.
- Limited Vocabulary: Using basic and repetitive vocabulary can limit the Lexical Resource score. Students should aim to use a variety of words and phrases.
- Grammatical Errors: Common grammatical errors include subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, and sentence structure issues.
- Off-Topic Responses: Some students may deviate from the topic, resulting in a lower score for Task Response.
- Inadequate Introduction and Conclusion: A weak introduction or conclusion can negatively impact the overall coherence and cohesion of the essay.
- Overuse of Simple Sentences: Using only simple sentence structures can limit the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score. Students should aim to use a variety of sentence structures.
- Incorrect Collocations: Using incorrect word combinations can negatively impact the Lexical Resource score. Students should pay attention to common collocations.
- Lack of Specific Examples: Providing general statements without specific examples can weaken the argument and lower the Task Response score.
- Poor Time Management: Some students may spend too much time on one part of the essay, resulting in a rushed and poorly developed conclusion.
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