IELTS Opinion Essay Employment

Employment-related topics often appear in the IELTS Writing Task 2 section, asking candidates to express opinions or discuss problems about the modern workforce. Common subtopics include job satisfaction, work-life balance, remote working, youth unemployment, retirement age, and the impact of automation on employment. Test-takers may be asked to evaluate whether job security is more important than salary or to discuss how technology is changing the job market. These topics require clear arguments supported by real-world examples and thoughtful reasoning.Find useful IELTS vocabulary for Jobs and Work here.Use Benchmark IELTS Writing Correction service to write error-free IELTS Essays, Letters & Reports.

Task 1

Interviews form the basic selecting procedure for most large companies. However, some people think an interview is not a reliable means of choosing who to employ and there are some other better methods of selection. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

How to approach the essay:

• Identify the key issue: the reliability of interviews in selecting the right candidates.
• Decide your position: fully agree, partially agree, or disagree. This essay partially agrees.

Advantages of InterviewsLimitations of Interviews and Improvements
• Allows face-to-face interaction to assess temperament, attitude, and character
• Helps uncover traits not evident from a resume alone
• Interviews may not reveal practical or technical skills, especially in fields like software or engineering
• Supplementary methods like practical assessments, group tasks, and trial workdays are needed
• Example: Companies like Google and Microsoft use coding challenges and simulations for better evaluation

Model Answer

With fast-paced changes in modern workplaces, virtually all large companies are actively seeking talented individuals with expertise in specific fields. I believe that interviews remain one of the most effective and reliable ways to identify the right candidates; however, the process can certainly be improved.

It is true that large companies often need to recruit many qualified individuals, but may not have the time to thoroughly assess each applicant. As a result, interviews have become one of the most prevalent methods for identifying suitable candidates. They offer several advantages, the most important being the opportunity for employers to engage in direct, face-to-face conversations with applicants. This helps them gauge a candidate’s temperament, attitude, and demeanor. A resume may look impressive on paper, but interviews often reveal the candidate’s true character.

Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that interviews alone may not always reveal a candidate’s full potential or practical skills. In certain industries, such as software development or engineering, relying solely on verbal communication during interviews may overlook candidates who excel in hands-on problem-solving but struggle with verbal expression. As a result, incorporating additional methods such as practical assessments, group tasks, or trial workdays can lead to more accurate hiring decisions. For example, tech companies like Google and Microsoft often include coding challenges or real-world simulations in their recruitment process to evaluate not only technical knowledge but also the ability to work under pressure and think critically.

In conclusion, interviews remain one of the most reliable and effective methods for global companies to identify suitable candidates. However, integrating supplementary evaluation processes could further enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the interview process in the future.

Commentary

Essay Question: Interviews form the basic selecting procedure for most large companies. However, some people think an interview is not a reliable means of choosing who to employ and there are some other better methods of selection. To what extent do you agree or disagree?Introduction
Clarity: Yes – introduces the topic of interviews and candidate selection clearly.
Thesis: Yes – expresses a clear opinion (partial agreement); acknowledges interviews are effective but can be improved.Body Paragraphs
Main Ideas (Pros/Cons):Pros:• Face-to-face interaction helps assess temperament and attitude
• Interviews expose character beyond the resumeCons:• Interviews may miss practical/hands-on skills
• Not ideal for all industries (e.g., tech, engineering)
• Additional methods (e.g., coding tasks, simulations) provide deeper insightCoherence:• Yes – both perspectives (strengths and limitations of interviews) are balanced
• Logical flow with clear topic sentences and examples
• Smooth transitions between paragraphs (e.g., “Nevertheless”)Conclusion
Summary: Yes – restates main points
Opinion: Clearly reaffirms partial agreement and recommends improvements

Vocabulary & Grammar
High-Level Vocabulary:
Prevalent – widely used or common
Temperament – a person’s nature, especially as it affects behavior
Demeanor – outward behavior or appearance
Supplementary – added to enhance or complete something
Simulations – imitations of real-world tasks or processes

Academic Phrases:

• “It is true that…”
• “As a result…”
• “In conclusion…”

Complex Sentences:

• “It is true that large companies often need to recruit many qualified individuals, but may not have the time to thoroughly assess each applicant.”
• “As a result, incorporating additional methods such as practical assessments, group tasks, or trial workdays can lead to more accurate hiring decisions.”

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Task 2

The youth in many countries are unemployed and unskilled, while at the same time, the military services are in need of people. Compulsory military service is beneficial and necessary. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

How to approach the essay:

• Understand the topic: Is compulsory military service a necessary and beneficial solution for unemployed, unskilled youth?
• Decide your stance: Agree, disagree, or partially agree — this essay clearly disagrees.

Arguments for Mandatory Military ServiceArguments Against Mandatory Military Service
• Provides stable income and essential skills training
• Helps disadvantaged youth access structured discipline and job skills (e.g., South Korea)
• Violates fundamental human rights and personal freedom
• Reinforces outdated, government-imposed lifestyle expectations
• Better alternatives include investing in quality education and vocational training

Model Answer

Military recruitment systems differ widely between countries, particularly when it comes to voluntary versus mandatory service. Some argue that young adults could greatly benefit from serving in the military, especially given the high rates of unemployment and lack of skills among youth. However, I strongly disagree with this view, and this essay will explain why.

On one hand, it’s easy to see why supporters of compulsory military service highlight certain advantages. One common argument is that it offers individuals access to basic advantages like a stable income and essential skills training. For instance, people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may struggle to access quality education or stable employment. In such cases, military service could give them useful training and employment opportunities they might not get otherwise. For example, in countries like South Korea, mandatory military service provides young men with structured discipline, technical training, and leadership experience that can enhance their future job prospects.

However, many better alternatives that should be explored. Firstly, mandatory military service infringes upon fundamental human rights, including the right to choose one’s own lifestyle. Forcing citizens into military roles perpetuates a patriarchal notion that individuals should adhere to governmental directives rather than exercise their own autonomy and beliefs. A better approach would be to invest in quality education and strong social support systems. For example, unemployed and under-skilled blue-collar workers would benefit far more from targeted vocational training than being pushed into military roles.

In conclusion, although compulsory military service may offer certain benefits in specific situations, the sacrifice of personal freedom and the greater need to empower individuals through more constructive alternatives make it an unviable solution. This complex issue calls for careful and informed debate.

Commentary

Essay Question: The youth in many countries are unemployed and unskilled, while at the same time, the military services are in need of people. Compulsory military service is beneficial and necessary. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Introduction
Clarity: Yes – the issue of voluntary vs. compulsory military service is clearly introduced.
Thesis: Yes – the writer clearly disagrees and previews the reasoning (“this essay will explain why”).

Body Paragraphs
Main Ideas (Pros/Cons):

Pros:

• Offers stable income and skill training
• Helps disadvantaged youth access job opportunities
• Example: South Korea’s system builds discipline and leadership

Cons:

• Violates personal freedom and human rights
• Reinforces outdated government control over individual choice
• Better alternatives: education and vocational training

Coherence:

• Yes – both sides are addressed
• Paragraphs are balanced and logically developed
• Smooth transitions (e.g., “On one hand…”, “However…”)

Conclusion
Summary: Yes – clearly restates the benefits but emphasizes personal freedom and alternative solutions.
Opinion: Strong and consistent with the thesis — firmly disagrees with compulsory service.

Vocabulary & Grammar
High-Level Vocabulary:

Mandatory – required by law or rules
Socioeconomic – relating to economic and social position
Autonomy – independence or self-governance
Vocational – relating to job-specific skills or trades

Academic Phrases:

• “It’s easy to see why supporters…”
• “There are many better alternatives…”
• “This complex issue calls for careful and informed debate.”

Complex Sentences:

• “Forcing citizens into military roles perpetuates a patriarchal notion that individuals should adhere to governmental directives rather than exercise their own autonomy and beliefs.”
• “Although compulsory military service may offer certain benefits in specific situations, the sacrifice of personal freedom and the greater need to empower individuals through more constructive alternatives make it an unviable solution.”

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