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Work: IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people think it is best to stay with the same employer for many years, while others believe that changing jobs regularly is better for a person's career. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Question type: Discuss both views · Write at least 250 words · About 40 minutes

How to approach it

You need to explain why some people value staying with one employer, why others prefer to move, and which you think is better. Each view needs its own developed paragraph. Your opinion can depend on factors such as career stage or industry, but it must be stated clearly.

Suggested outline

  1. Intro: paraphrase both views and give your opinion, e.g. changing jobs is useful early in a career, while stability matters more later.
  2. Body 1: the benefits of staying - job security, promotion based on deep knowledge of the company, and strong working relationships.
  3. Body 2: the benefits of changing - faster salary growth, a wider range of skills and a larger professional network; e.g. a graphic designer who moves between agencies to work with new kinds of clients.
  4. Conclusion: restate your opinion and the main reason for it.

View one

  • Long service can lead to promotion and greater responsibility
  • Employees build trust and expert knowledge of one organisation
  • Stable employment makes long-term financial planning easier

View two

  • Moving to a new company is often the quickest way to a higher salary
  • Different workplaces teach a wider range of skills
  • Staying too long can lead to boredom and limited growth

Band 7+ vocabulary

  • job security – confidence that you will not lose your job
  • career progression – moving to higher positions over time
  • climb the career ladder – get promoted step by step
  • a professional network – people you know through work who can help your career
  • transferable skills – abilities that are useful in many different jobs
  • employee loyalty – staying committed to one employer
  • a competitive salary – pay that is as good as or better than other employers offer

Common mistakes on this question

  • Writing about job satisfaction in general rather than staying versus changing jobs.
  • Spelling 'career' as 'carrier', or using 'work' as a countable noun ('a work').
  • Giving a vague opinion such as 'both are good' without explaining when each is better.

Band 8 model answer

Show the model answer (try writing your own first)

People disagree about whether it is wiser to remain with one employer for a long time or to move between companies regularly. I believe that changing jobs is especially useful in the early years of a career, while stability becomes more valuable later on.

Staying with the same organisation has clear benefits. The most obvious is job security: long-serving employees understand how the company works, are trusted by their managers and are usually less likely to be dismissed when times are difficult. Their detailed knowledge of the company's products, customers and systems can also help them climb the career ladder internally, because they are often the natural choice when a senior position becomes available. In addition, years of working with the same colleagues build strong relationships, which make teamwork smoother and the working day more enjoyable.

On the other hand, moving between employers can accelerate a person's development. Changing jobs is frequently the quickest way to obtain a pay rise, since new employers often have to offer more to attract experienced staff. Each new role also brings different challenges and develops transferable skills. For example, a graphic designer who moves from one agency to another may work for a fashion brand, then a bank, and then a charity, building a far wider portfolio than someone who serves the same clients for a decade. Along the way, this person builds a professional network that can lead to future opportunities.

In conclusion, both approaches have merit, but their value depends on the stage of a person's working life. In my view, young employees benefit most from changing jobs, as this helps them discover their strengths and progress quickly, whereas people with more experience and family responsibilities may reasonably prefer the security of a long-term position.

Written for StudyChat as an example of a high-band answer. Word count: 293.

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