IELTS Writing Task 2: Advantages–Disadvantages Essay Questions
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Write about the following topic:
Some people choose to be self-employed rather than work for an employer.
Do you think the advantages of being self-employed outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
The vast majority of people work as employees in a company, but a growing number of people are making the decision to work for themselves. While being self-employed does have its benefits, I believe that they are outweighed by the drawbacks.
There are clear benefits to being self-employed. First of all, those who run their own businesses are usually free to set their own schedules. Unlike employees, there is no requirement for them to work 9 to 5, so those who are more productive in the afternoon, for example, can simply start their workday later. In addition, the self-employed can pick and choose the projects they want to work on and the clients they want to work with. For instance, if a client is fussy or otherwise difficult to work with, business owners can opt not to work with them again. This can give self-employed people a sense of control over their work lives.
However, I am of the opinion that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. A significant drawback is the fact that people who work for themselves tend to have irregular income. Their business earnings inevitably fluctuate month to month, which means they are unable to pay themselves a consistent salary. This can have a detrimental impact on many aspects of their lives, including their ability to make long-term plans and apply for a mortgage. In addition, those who run their own businesses do not enjoy the same benefits as their traditionally employed counterparts. For example, employees are entitled to annual leave and sick pay. Even though self-employed people can take annual leave and sick days if they wish, in practice they rarely do because of fear of losing clients and income. This situation can negatively impact their physical and mental well-being. Finally, many self-employed people find that the lack of structure in their workday makes it difficult to stay motivated. This sometimes means that they end up working longer hours each day to get their work done because of their lack of productivity.
In conclusion, even though there are no doubt advantages of being self-employed, I believe that the significant disadvantages make traditional employment the right choice for most people.
Write about the following topic:
Many parents encourage their teenage children to get a part-time job while they are still in high school.
Do you think the advantages of high school students having a part-time job outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
High school students are often encouraged by their parents to work part-time while they are still at school. Despite the fact that part-time employment has some downsides for students still in high school, I do feel that these are outweighed by the benefits.
A part-time job can come with a number of disadvantages for high school students. Firstly, balancing a part-time job and school commitments can lead to time management challenges, potentially impacting the student’s ability to focus on their studies, complete assignments and perform well academically. The pursuit of a part-time job can also limit a student’s ability to do sport and exercise and reduce the amount of time they have available to spend with family and friends. This can take a toll on their physical and mental well-being.
Despite these challenges, I feel that, on balance, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Firstly, a part-time job provides practical exposure to the world of work, helping students develop important skills such as time management, responsibility and teamwork. This hands-on experience can contribute to their personal growth and preparation for future careers. Additionally, a part-time job can teach financial literacy. High school students with a part-time job learn to manage their earnings and make informed decisions about spending and saving. It also gives them a sense of independence as they no longer have to fully rely on their parents for money. This is an important part of becoming an adult and a first step towards eventually leaving the family home.
In conclusion, while parents and students need to carefully consider the challenges involved in getting a part-time job, I feel that it is a worthwhile pursuit because of the many benefits.