Plan this opinion essay about work with the ideas and outline below, write it on a 40-minute timer, then compare it with a band-8 model answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Companies should be required by law to employ equal numbers of men and women in senior positions.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
Pick two or three points from one or both columns. You do not need all of them, and your own examples score better than memorised ones.
Spend the first few minutes planning, then write.
0 words of 250 minimum
Your answer stays on this page only. Copy it before you leave.
Write your own answer first, then compare: how it answers the exact question, what each paragraph does, and which phrases you could borrow.
It has been suggested that companies should be required by law to employ equal numbers of men and women in senior positions. I disagree with a strict legal requirement, although I strongly support efforts to improve gender balance.
The case for quotas is understandable. Women remain under-represented in senior roles in most countries, even though they make up around half the workforce and often perform as well in education. Barriers such as unconscious bias, lack of mentors and the difficulties of combining careers with caring responsibilities hold talented women back, and progress through voluntary measures has been slow. A legal quota would force change quickly, provide role models and send a message that leadership is open to everyone. Norway introduced a quota for company boards in 2003, and women's representation rose sharply, and later research found no clear harm to company value.
However, there are serious objections. Appointments should be based on merit, and a fixed equal number might force a company to choose a less suitable candidate simply to meet the target, which could be unfair to the individual men or women involved and could undermine the reputation of those who were appointed. In some industries, such as engineering or nursing, the pool of qualified candidates is heavily dominated by one gender, so a precise 50-50 split would be impractical. Rigid rules may also encourage companies to follow them superficially without improving workplace culture.
A better approach is to remove the obstacles that prevent equal opportunities. Companies can use transparent recruitment and promotion processes, offer flexible hours, parental leave for both parents and mentoring schemes, and set targets with public reporting rather than strict penalties.
In conclusion, gender balance in leadership is a worthy goal, but legally enforced equal numbers are too inflexible, and I believe that fair processes and targeted support will achieve better and more lasting results.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| gender equality | fair treatment of men and women |
| glass ceiling | invisible barrier to promotion |
| merit-based | judged by ability |
| diversity | variety of people |
| senior management | top level of a company |
| quota system | required numbers |
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