Writing Task 2: Most High level Positions in Companies are Filled

IELTS is one of the English language evaluation exams that millions of candidates take in order to migrate to an English-speaking country. This reflects the importance of the language on a global scale. As a result, the opinion essay, a part of the Writing Task 2 of the IELTS, is discussed here with an outline and vocabulary that will help you to prepare.

Learn some ways to achieve a band score of 8 for Writing Task 2 and check out the essay –Most High level Positions in Companies are Filled – given below.

Before you continue to the sample answer for this particular essay, check out how you can write an opinion essay in just 8 minutes!

You should spend no more than 40 minutes on this task.

You should write at least 250 words.

Outline

Essay Type

Opinion Essay

Introduction

• Introduce the given topic
• I am of the opinion that high-level positions should not be reserved for any person based on gender.

Body

Paragraph 1: High-level jobs require developed skills that might be hampered by reservation.

Paragraph 2: Reserving seats for women might highlight the gender disparity.

Conclusion 

Clearly restate points covered in the essay.

Sample Answer

In recent years, there has been phenomenal growth in the involvement of women in the workforce, as they comprise more than half of the working population. However, it has been observed that men occupy most of the high-level positions, which necessitates reserving a portion of these ranks for women. While it might uplift a particular section, there might be a cascading effect on professionalism in every field, which will be explored further in the upcoming paragraphs.

To begin with, top-level jobs demand critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities, communication prowess, leadership and team-building expertise, etc. When a candidate is hired for such a crucial position based on gender, the focus on these competencies takes a backseat. For example, the quota system in countries like India has led to the recruitment of many candidates based on caste, lobbying, etc., which has vitiated the quality of services offered.

Moreover, retaining positions for a particular section emphasizes that they are underqualified or incapacitated to fight for that standing. Many women have occupied offices of consequence and proved their worth on merit, like Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson of Biocon, Jane Fraser, CEO of Citigroup and many others. They prove that even though underrepresented, women can make a mark on the global market on their merit rather than seeking reservations that prove they are incapable.

Yet, there are inequities at work that women face, like disproportionate pay, harassment of different types, prejudices, etc., which affect the productivity of many women as they leave their jobs. So, instead of holding high-profile positions for women, it will be ideal if a better working environment is created for them to prove their worth and thrive.

To conclude, it is better to provide equal opportunities to men and women in professional spaces and let them grow independently instead of trying to hold them back or offer special facilities.

Vocabulary

1 phenomenal (adjective)

Meaning: unusually great; much more or much better

E.g.: His comeback was a phenomenal success.

2 necessitate (verb)

Meaning: to make necessary; require

E.g.: A well-planned curriculum necessitates a teaching-learning experience.

3 cascading (adjective)

Meaning: a sequence or successive stages

E.g.: When she resigned, it created a cascading effect in the organization that led to a huge loss.

4 prowess (noun)

Meaning: great ability or skill

E.g.: Mario is known for her writing prowess.

5 to take a backseat (phrasal verb)

Meaning: to have or assume a secondary position or status

E.g.: After her baby was born, career took a backseat for her.

6 vitiated (verb)

Meaning: to destroy or damage something

E.g.: Illegal hunting and destruction of biodiversity vitiated the environment of the place.

7 incapacitated (adjective)

Meaning: deprived of capacity or natural power

E.g.: As her manager made her feel incapacitated, she applied for a new job.

8 make a mark (phrasal verb)

Meaning: to have an important effect on something

E.g.: It is motivating to see how women are making a mark in different professional spheres.

9 inequities (noun)

Meaning: unfairness; favoritism or bias

E.g.: Inequities in the office led to general displeasure among the workers.

10 disproportionate (adjective)

Meaning:  uneven or out of balance with something in terms of size, ratio, degree, or extent

E.g.: The house had a disproportionate shape and looked odd.

If you want a Writing Task 2 guide that will provide you with ample practice papers with sample answers along with lots more features, check out Complete Edition of IELTS General Writing or IELTS (Academic) Writing Actual Tests eBook Combo for the respective IELTS exam type that you are going to take!