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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Nowadays, some employees give increasing importance to employing people with social skills in addition to good qualifications. So it is widely accepted that social skills are as important as good qualifications. 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.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Nowadays, some employees give increasing importance to employing people with social skills in addition to good qualifications. So it is widely accepted that social skills are as important as good qualifications. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In today's world, there is a growing emphasis on the value of social skills alongside academic qualifications when it comes to hiring employees. Some argue that social skills hold equal significance to good qualifications. In this essay, I will discuss why I agree with this viewpoint, supported by relevant examples.

Firstly, possessing good qualifications undoubtedly demonstrates a person's knowledge and expertise in a particular field. However, it is equally important for employees to have strong social skills. The ability to communicate effectively, work in teams, and handle conflicts is crucial in any work environment. For instance, an individual with excellent technical skills but poor social abilities may struggle to collaborate with colleagues, which can negatively impact overall productivity.

Furthermore, in today's globalized and interconnected world, businesses often require employees to interact with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. This necessitates the need for strong social skills such as empathy, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability. For example, a salesperson with excellent qualifications but lacking in social skills may struggle to understand and connect with customers from different cultural backgrounds, leading to lost business opportunities.

Additionally, in leadership roles, social skills are particularly vital. A manager with exceptional qualifications but poor interpersonal skills may struggle to motivate and inspire their team, leading to a decline in employee morale and performance. On the other hand, a manager with strong social skills can effectively lead and unite their team towards common goals.

In conclusion, while academic qualifications are important, social skills are equally crucial in today's professional world. The ability to communicate effectively, work in diverse teams, and lead with empathy are qualities that can significantly contribute to an individual's success in the workplace. Therefore, I firmly believe that social skills should be given equal importance to good qualifications in the hiring process.

Model Essay #2:

Nowadays, some employees give increasing importance to employing people with social skills in addition to good qualifications. So it is widely accepted that social skills are as important as good qualifications. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

While it is widely acknowledged that social skills are valuable in the workplace, I hold the opinion that they are not as important as good qualifications. In this essay, I will outline my reasons for this viewpoint, supported by relevant examples.

Firstly, possessing good qualifications demonstrates a person's knowledge and expertise in a specific field. Employers often prioritize academic achievements and technical skills when making hiring decisions. For instance, in professions such as engineering, medicine, or finance, employers place a high value on educational qualifications and technical proficiency, as these are essential for performing the job competently.

Moreover, in certain industries, such as research and development or technology, employees are often required to work independently or in specialized roles that prioritize technical proficiency over social skills. For example, a software developer's success is primarily determined by their ability to write efficient code and solve complex technical problems rather than their social prowess.

Additionally, while social skills are beneficial, they can be developed and improved over time through training and experience. On the other hand, qualifications often require years of dedicated study and hard work to attain. For example, a person can enhance their communication and teamwork abilities through workshops and practical experience, but the same cannot be said for acquiring a degree or professional certification within a short period.

In conclusion, while social skills are undoubtedly valuable, I believe that they are not as important as good qualifications in the professional world. Academic qualifications and technical expertise are often the primary factors considered by employers when making hiring decisions, especially in specialized fields. Furthermore, social skills can be developed over time, while qualifications require substantial dedication and effort to achieve. Therefore, I maintain that good qualifications hold greater importance than social skills in the workplace.

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