IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay: Community work

In recent years, there has been a growing belief that young adults should spend a period of time working for free in the community. This essay will explore the advantages and disadvantages of this suggestion and will argue that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

On the one hand, there are a number of potential drawbacks to young adults undertaking unpaid work in the community. Firstly, there is the issue of time. Many young adults are already struggling to balance their studies or work commitments, and adding further obligations to their schedule could be stressful and lead to burnout. Secondly, there is the question of financial compensation. Young people are often in a precarious financial position and may struggle to meet their basic needs if they are not paid for their work. Finally, there is the potential for exploitation, particularly if young people are asked to undertake work that is beyond their abilities or that puts them in risky situations.

On the other hand, there are a number of benefits that can be gained from young people undertaking unpaid work in the community. Firstly, it provides an opportunity for young people to develop new skills and experiences that they may not otherwise have access to. This can be particularly valuable for those who are interested in pursuing a career in a particular field, as it allows them to gain practical experience and build up their CV. Secondly, it can help young people to develop a sense of responsibility and empathy towards others, which can be beneficial both in their personal and professional lives. Finally, it can help to build a sense of community and promote social cohesion, as young people work alongside others to achieve a common goal.

In conclusion, while there are some potential drawbacks to young people undertaking unpaid work in the community, the benefits outweigh these. By providing young people with the opportunity to develop new skills, gain valuable experiences, and build a sense of responsibility and empathy towards others, unpaid work can help to prepare them for a successful future. Additionally, it can also help to promote social cohesion and build stronger communities. Therefore, it is recommended that all young adults should consider undertaking a period of unpaid work in the community.

Vocabulary Words:

  1. Belief – a feeling of being certain that something exists or is true.
  2. Undertake – commit oneself to and begin (an enterprise or responsibility); take on.
  3. Unpaid – not paid for work done.
  4. Obligations – an act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound; a duty or commitment.
  5. Precarious – not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse.
  6. Compensation – something, typically money, awarded to someone in recognition of loss, suffering, or injury; recompense.
  7. Exploitation – the action or fact of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work.
  8. Access – a means of approaching or entering a place.
  9. Pursuing – follow (someone or something) in order to catch or attack them.
  10. Practical – relating to the practice or action of doing something rather than the theory.
  11. Cohesion – the action or fact of forming a united whole.

Linkers:

  1. In recent years
  2. On the one hand
  3. Firstly
  4. Secondly
  5. Finally
  6. On the other hand
  7. In conclusion
  8. Additionally
  9. Therefore

Explanation:

Linkers are connecting words or phrases that help to organize ideas and make the writing more coherent. They show the relationship between the different parts of an essay or text. In the essay, the linker ‘In recent years’ introduces the topic and sets the context for the discussion. ‘On the one hand’ and ‘On the other hand’ are used to introduce contrasting viewpoints or arguments. ‘Firstly’, ‘Secondly’ and ‘Finally’ are used to indicate the order of ideas or arguments. ‘In conclusion’ is used to summarize the main points and provide a final opinion. ‘Additionally’ is used to add further supporting evidence or ideas, while ‘Therefore’ is used to indicate a conclusion or recommendation.

Vocabulary words, on the other hand, are specific words that are used to convey meaning and explain ideas. In the essay, the vocabulary words used are related to the topic of unpaid work in the community. For example, ‘belief’, ‘undertake’, ‘unpaid’, ‘obligations’, ‘precarious’, ‘compensation’, ‘exploitation’, ‘access’, ‘pursuing’, ‘practical’, and ‘cohesion’ all relate to the topic of unpaid work in some way. They help to explain the advantages and disadvantages of this kind of work and to provide a clear understanding of the topic.

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