IELTS Agree or Disagree Essay: Gender Equality Topics with Sample Answers
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Gender equality is a frequent theme in IELTS Academic Writing Task 2, often requiring candidates to explore social roles, workplace discrimination, or access to education. Common subtopics include equal pay for men and women, gender roles in parenting, women in leadership, access to sports or military roles, and gender bias in media. These essay tasks test a student’s ability to present balanced arguments on sensitive social issues. A clear structure and relevant examples are key to scoring well on such topics.
Essay Topics
Task 1
In many countries, women and men are working full-time. It is therefore, logical for women and men to share household tasks. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
How to approach the essay:
Form an Opinion: Decide your stance clearly (e.g., fully agree).
| Reasons for Sharing Household Duties Equally | Supporting Examples and Outcomes |
|---|---|
| • Women working full-time cannot manage professional and domestic responsibilities alone • Men’s evolving roles include active participation in cooking, cleaning, and childcare • Equal sharing sets positive examples for children, promoting gender equality from an early age | • Women spend long hours working, commuting, and maintaining daily routines • Governments support equality through policies like shared parental leave • Modern families benefit from more balanced partnerships |
Model AnswerIn today’s world, where both men and women often work full-time jobs, it is only fair and logical that household responsibilities are shared equally. I fully agree with this view, as expecting women to manage both professional and domestic duties alone is neither practical nor equitable.
The gender equality movement is gaining momentum, particularly in Western nations. Advocates of this movement frequently demand equal pay and working hours for women, akin to those of their male counterparts. However, this shift implies that women can no longer devote the same amount of time to household responsibilities as they once did. Working full-time entails that women not only spend eight hours a day on professional commitments but also an average of two hours commuting to the office, in addition to the time required for daily grooming and presentation.
Fortunately, the evolving role of men means that today it is not unusual to see men cooking, cleaning, or taking care of children. Governments too are actively supporting these shifts by, for instance, offering shared parental leave that can be utilized by either parent or even fully taken by fathers. This helps balance the workload and fosters a more equal partnership within families. Moreover, children benefit from seeing both parents actively involved at home, as it models equality and shared responsibility from an early age.
In conclusion, I believe that with both genders working full-time, the fair and sensible approach is to divide household tasks equally. This shift reflects the values of a modern, balanced society and benefits both individuals and families alike.
Commentary
Essay Question: *In many countries, women and men are working full-time. It is therefore logical for women and men to share household tasks. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Introduction
- Clarity: Yes, the topic is introduced clearly.
- Thesis: The writer’s opinion is clearly stated (*fully agree*), without discussing both sides.
Body Paragraphs
Main Ideas (Pros/Cons):
BP1:
- Women have less time for household work due to full-time jobs and long commutes.
- Gender equality movements emphasize equal professional commitments, making unequal domestic expectations unfair.
BP2:
- Men are increasingly involved in domestic duties.
- Government policies (e.g. shared parental leave) support equal responsibility.
- Children benefit by observing shared responsibilities at home.
Coherence:
- Clear and logical structure.
- Paragraphs are well-balanced and transitions are smooth.
Conclusion
- Summary: Yes, it effectively restates the writer’s position and reinforces the argument.
- Opinion: Consistently supports the idea of shared domestic duties throughout.
Vocabulary & Grammar
High-Level Vocabulary:
- *Equitable* – fair and just.
- *Momentum* – increasing strength or development.
- *Commitments* – responsibilities or obligations.
- *Fosters* – promotes or encourages growth.
- *Model (v.)* – to demonstrate behavior for others to follow.
Academic Phrases:
- “It is only fair and logical that…”
- “Governments too are actively supporting these shifts…”
- “This shift reflects the values of a modern, balanced society…”
Complex Sentences:
- “Working full-time entails that women not only spend eight hours a day on professional commitments but also an average of two hours commuting to the office…”
- “Moreover, children benefit from seeing both parents actively involved at home, as it models equality and shared responsibility from an early age.”
Task 2
Many high-level positions in companies are filled by men even though the workforce in many developed countries is more than 50 per cent female. Companies should be required to allocate a certain percentage of these positions to women.To what extent do you agree?
How to approach this IELTS Task 2 essay:
- Break down the question: The topic highlights a gender imbalance in leadership roles and asks whether companies should be required to reserve a percentage of these roles for women.
- Clarify the stance: Decide whether you agree, disagree, or partially agree with mandatory quotas for women in top positions.
| Arguments for Male Dominance in Leadership | Arguments for Greater Female Representation |
|---|---|
| • Men are perceived to have greater physical and mental endurance • Men are seen as better able to work long hours and prioritize work over family | • Women are intelligent and possess strong strategic thinking skills • Women contribute unique financial management and organizational insights • Female leadership enhances corporate success in diverse, global markets |
Model AnswerThere is no doubt that, in today’s world, men still dominate senior roles in companies, even though the female workforce constitutes over 50% in many developed nations. The question arises: should companies be mandated to allocate a certain percentage of these positions to women? In this essay, I will explore both perspectives and ultimately present my conclusion.
To begin with, some people believe that men are naturally better suited for high-level roles within organizations. The main justification for this belief is that men have more physical and mental endurance. For instance, many argue that high-pressure jobs demand people who can work long hours and stay highly committed. From this perspective, men are seen as better able to meet these demands because of their focus and ability to prioritize work over family life.
On the other hand, others believe it is unfair to limit leadership roles to men while women are left with fewer opportunities. Firstly, women are often recognized for their intelligence and strategic thinking. They tend to approach challenges with meticulous attention to detail, which can lead to the achievement of corporate objectives. Secondly, women bring a unique perspective to leadership, as they are often more attuned to financial management and organizational dynamics. This insight can yield substantial benefits for companies, particularly in an increasingly diverse and globalized market.
In conclusion, while men may possess certain qualities that enable them to excel in high-level positions, it is essential to recognize that women are equally capable of fulfilling these roles. Therefore, I strongly believe that companies should introduce policies to ensure a more balanced gender representation in leadership.
Commentary
Essay Question:
Many high-level positions in companies are filled by men even though the workforce in many developed countries is more than 50% female. Companies should be required to allocate a certain percentage of these positions to women. To what extent do you agree?
Introduction
- Clarity: Yes – the topic is introduced clearly, and the issue of gender imbalance in corporate leadership is well stated.
- Thesis: Yes – the writer introduces both sides and hints at their own position (will explore and conclude), though a clearer stance could be made earlier.
Body Paragraphs
Main Ideas (Pros/Cons):
Paragraph 1 (Against Quotas):
- Men are perceived to have more endurance (physical/mental)
- High-level roles require long hours and intense focus
- Men are seen as more committed to work over family
Paragraph 2 (Support for Quotas):
- Women are intelligent and strategic thinkers
- Attention to detail helps meet company goals
- Bring a unique leadership style; strong in financial and team management
- Help companies thrive in diverse, global markets
Coherence:
- Both sides are presented fairly.
- Logical progression from one paragraph to the next.
- Smooth transitions (e.g., “on the other hand,” “to begin with”) aid clarity.
Conclusion
- Summary: Effectively restates both perspectives.
- Opinion: Clear opinion – supports gender quotas for leadership roles and calls for balanced representation.
Vocabulary & Grammar
High-Level Vocabulary:
- Endurance – the ability to sustain effort over time
- Meticulous – showing great attention to detail
- Constitutes – makes up or forms a part of something
- Mandated – officially required
- Strategic – carefully planned to achieve a goal
Academic Phrases:
- “From this perspective…”
- “This insight can yield substantial benefits…”
- “It is essential to recognize…”
Complex Sentences:
- *“While men may possess certain qualities that enable them to excel in high-level positions, it is essential to recognize that women are equally capable of fulfilling these roles.”*
- *“This insight can yield substantial benefits for companies, particularly in an increasingly diverse and globalized market.”*
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