IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.
IELTS Essay # 1230 - Job applicants’ social skills are more important
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some employers believe that job applicants’ social skills are more important than their academic qualifications.
Do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [Agreement] [Band 8/9 level sample answer.]
The hiring process has become more complex in today's competitive job market, and employers often prioritise various qualities when evaluating job applicants. While academic qualifications have traditionally been highly regarded, some employers argue that social skills hold greater importance. This essay will present arguments in support of the belief that social skills are indeed more important than academic qualifications in the eyes of employers, highlighting the significance of effective communication, teamwork, and adaptability in the workplace.
Effective communication is a vital skill in any professional setting. Employers value candidates who can express themselves clearly, listen actively, and interact confidently with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. Strong social skills enable individuals to build rapport, resolve conflicts, and collaborate effectively within teams. For instance, in a customer service role, an employee's ability to communicate empathetically and address customer concerns can significantly impact customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Teamwork is another critical aspect of the modern workplace. Employers often prioritise candidates who can work collaboratively, contribute ideas, and adapt to different team dynamics. Strong social skills facilitate effective teamwork by promoting positive relationships, encouraging open communication, and fostering a supportive work environment. For example, in project-based roles, individuals with strong social skills can facilitate smooth collaboration, delegate tasks efficiently, and inspire team members to achieve shared goals.
While academic qualifications demonstrate a candidate's knowledge and expertise in a particular field, the importance of social skills should not be underestimated in the eyes of employers. Effective communication and teamwork are fundamental to success in today's professional landscape, enabling individuals to thrive in diverse work environments and build meaningful relationships. Job applicants who possess strong social skills, alongside relevant academic qualifications, are more likely to stand out and be considered valuable assets by employers.
Model Answer 2: [Disagreement]
The hiring managers are always on the hunt to recruit the best employees. But, should they put more emphasis on the social skills of job candidates than on their academic qualifications and other skills is open to discussion and debate. For me, the answer is “no”, and this essay will explain why.
We may wonder but can not exactly be sure why there is so much buzz about this “social skills” thing. For better or worse, the scope and benefits of a candidate's social skills - for instance, communication skills, flexibility and cooperation, positive mentality and so on - while ignoring other important qualifications are not exactly defined and accepted universally just as yet, except in some industries like “hospitality” and “healthcare”. And that is exactly why we never really blame or question, for example, an accountant’s “social skills” level when he makes a mistake in preparing a “ledger” or “balance sheet”. Rather, we question or blame his or her commitment, experience, expertise or poor educational background.
Besides, it is still a common practice in the professional world that most employers today first ask about the academic qualifications of a prospective job candidate. And when that prospective candidate meets the minimum academic qualifications and/or experience requirements, then, and only then, the employers go to find out about the “social skills” level of that candidate. It is never the other way around. I found this to be specifically true in my case as well when I applied for several jobs in the past.
In conclusion, the social skills of a job seeker are important, but, such social skills are of very limited value unless they are supported by some good academic qualifications and other important skills.
Sample Answer 3: [Agreement]
In today's competitive job market, there is a growing belief among some employers that the social skills of job applicants are more crucial than their academic qualifications. I strongly agree with this opinion, as social skills are essential for building positive relationships and enhancing the overall productivity of an organisation.
Academic qualifications may make a candidate eligible for a particular job but do not guarantee success in a job. For example, a candidate who has excellent academic qualifications but lacks social skills may face difficulties in working with colleagues and clients, leading to negative consequences for the organisation. This will lead to dissatisfaction by employer and even job temination.
Moreover, employees who possess excellent social skills can contribute significantly to the success of an organisation. They can build better relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders, leading to improved collaboration, increased trust, and better outcomes. For instance, an employee with excellent communication skills can effectively communicate with clients, address their concerns, and ensure customer satisfaction, leading to repeat business for the company.
Finally, employees with better social skills are often more adaptable, empathetic, and emotionally intelligent, which are crucial for working in a team environment. They can handle conflicts better, motivate their team members, and create a positive work environment, leading to increased productivity and higher job satisfaction.
In conclusion, while academic qualifications are necessary for job seekers, social skills are even more important. Employers should prioritise social skills while assessing job candidates to ensure the overall success of their organisation.
Sample Essay 4: [Agreement]
Job applicants’ social skills are often considered more important than their academic qualifications in this modern world. Personally, I agree with the opinion that the social skills of candidates are more vital than their academic results, and in this essay, I will explain the reason for this belief.
The benefits of excellent social skills of a job seeker are apparent. Firstly, communication is the key to career success in modern days. This is primarily because the 21st century is best portrayed by constant interaction with different people, no matter the communication media - in person or online. Secondly, the ability to sell products or services is of paramount significance in any business – this requires strong social skills. For example, an employee with excellent social skills is able to have an impact in front of customers or clients; as a result, products or services can be perceived as high-value. This is why, employers put more emphasis on job seekers' social skills than their educational qualifications in such sectors.
Furthermore, employees with better social skills are generally more easygoing, which is very important to the workplace, including the employer. After all, as the saying goes, “who you work with is as important as what you do”, and an enjoyable work environment needs socially skilful employees. Finally, social skills are important to form a team and for the team to perform better. In the dynamic professional arena of today's world, working individually is almost absent in organisations and offices making it important for people to have social skills to work in a team.
In conclusion, I believe employees’ social skills are of extreme importance for a company or organisation, even more than their educational qualifications. Also, I would suggest employers consider job applicants’ social skills first, which I believe would bring long-term benefits for the company and make a positive impact on its growth.
[This essay was written and submitted by Hope]
On the one hand, social skills are important because they are necessary for effective communication, teamwork, and building relationships with colleagues and clients. In a fast-paced and dynamic work environment, social skills can be the key to success. For example, a salesperson with excellent social skills can build strong relationships with clients, understand their needs, and provide excellent customer service, even if he or she does not have a strong academic background.
On the other hand, academic qualifications are more important because they demonstrate a candidate's knowledge, skills, and expertise. In certain industries, such as medicine or engineering, academic qualifications are essential for ensuring that employees have the necessary technical skills to perform their job safely and effectively. For example, a doctor with a strong academic background is better equipped to diagnose and treat patients, even if he or she does not have excellent social skills.
In my opinion, both social skills and academic qualifications are important for job applicants. However, the relative importance of each will depend on the specific job and industry in question. For some jobs, social skills may be more important, while for others, academic qualifications may be more critical. Additionally, it's important to consider the individual's personality, experience, and career goals when making this assessment.
In conclusion, both social skills and academic qualifications are important for job applicants, and it depends on a specific job and industry. Employers should consider both factors when evaluating job applicants and make hiring decisions that are best for the individual and the organization.
Do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
At present, to get a good job, a university degree is a must. If someone has the required skills in a particular sector with experience and soft skills, he or she will earn a better remuneration and advance faster in professional life. In my opinion, both education and soft skills are important for a company.
These days, most young people start their jobs after completing their university education because prestigious and high-paying jobs require at least a college degree. University education is vital for preparing young minds to get ready to take challenges of their professional responsibilitie s. Moreover, without a university education, it is impossible to start a career that requires specific skills. For instance, without passing the MBBS degree, no one can practice medicine no matter how talented they are or how extensive soft skills they have.
However, just good academic results are not enough for someone to do well in the professional arena as it is far different from the university environment. An employer can engage a person in its business process more efficiently if that person has leadership quality, dedication, eagerness to learn, and is ready to take challenges. In a sense, academic records outline someone's overall academic performance but not other vital qualities that are necessary for doing better in a job. For instance, many professionals with average academic results did remarkably well in the companies where I have worked so far and this was due to fact that they were better employees than their counterparts for their better soft skills and performance in the offices.
In my opinion, a candidate with sound academic tracks and outstanding soft skills becomes a better asset for a company. This is why employers should ask for academic records as the eligibility to apply for a job, but then scrutinise the applicants' soft skills during the interview process. This way, they can have talented and hard-working employees who would contribute to the development of the organisation.
To conclude, both university education and soft skills are important for someone to do well professionally, and employers should look for a combination of both rather than just one from the prospective job seekers.
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