Strikes
Some feel that individuals should have the right to strike in all jobs while others feel there are exceptions. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
The issue of whether individuals should be allowed to strike in all professions is a topic of much debate. On the one hand, some believe that all workers should have the right to protest for their own working conditions, while others argue that there are exceptions. In this essay, I will explore both sides of this argument and provide my own opinion.
Opponents of strikes in the workforce often point to high-earning professions that offer lucrative financial compensation. They argue that individuals in these professions, such as business managers, investment bankers, and executives, earn substantial fixed incomes, as well as added benefits in the form of bonuses, incentives, dividends, or securities. These remunerations, they contend, justify potentially strenuous working conditions and prolonged pressure, which in turn alleviate the possibility of protests for additional benefits.
However, I believe that everyone should be entitled to the right to strike, regardless of any existing benefits. While money is an important contributor to job satisfaction, other factors are often overlooked, such as working conditions. During times of societal or economic crises, like the Covid-19 pandemic, medical professionals, including nurses, healthcare professionals, and general practitioners, protested heavily due to severe labor shortages, lack of equipment, and extremely long working hours, leading to unprecedented exhaustion and fatigue. Although this event may have undermined public security, it is difficult not to justify their right to protest.
In conclusion, while strikes are not common in high-earning jobs, everyone should have the right to public protests. Ultimately, it is up to individuals to decide on the appropriate course of action.
(261 words)
Essay Breakdown
Structure
Introduction
[1] The issue of whether individuals should be allowed to strike in all professions is a topic of much debate. [2] On the one hand, some believe that all workers should have the right to protest for their own working conditions, while others argue that there are exceptions. [3] In this essay, I will explore both sides of this argument and provide my own opinion.
1. A ‘hook’ sentence providing a background for the topic
2. Paraphrase the given topic and give my opinion
3. A clear opinion stating my personal viewpoint
Body
Paragraph 1
[1] Opponents of strikes in the workforce often point to high-earning professions that offer lucrative financial compensation. [2] They argue that individuals in these professions, such as business managers, investment bankers, and executives, earn substantial fixed incomes, as well as added benefits in the form of bonuses, incentives, dividends, or securities. [3] These remunerations, they contend, justify potentially strenuous working conditions and prolonged pressure, which in turn alleviate the possibility of protests for additional benefits.
1. A topic sentence showing the main idea
2. Explain the main point by giving examples
3. Keep developing the main point
Paragraph 2
[1] However, I believe that everyone should be entitled to the right to strike, regardless of any existing benefits. [2] While money is an important contributor to job satisfaction, other factors are often overlooked, such as working conditions. [3] During times of societal or economic crises, like the Covid-19 pandemic, medical professionals, including nurses, healthcare professionals, and general practitioners, protested heavily due to severe labor shortages, lack of equipment, and extremely long working hours, leading to unprecedented exhaustion and fatigue. [4] Although this event may have undermined public security, it is difficult not to justify their right to protest.
1. A topic sentence expressing the main idea in favour of the right to strike
2. Provide an explanation
3. Further develops the main point by providing examples
4. Keep developing the main point and provide an end result
Conclusion
[1] In conclusion, while strikes are not common in high-earning jobs, everyone should have the right to public protests. [2] Ultimately, it is up to individuals to decide on the appropriate course of action.
1. Restate my opinion
2. Extend the viewpoint by stating a final thought
Vocabulary
The issue of whether individuals should be allowed to strike in all professions is a topic of much debate. On the one hand, some believe that all workers should have the right to protest for their own working conditions, while others argue that there are exceptions. In this essay, I will explore both sides of this argument and provide my own opinion.
Opponents of strikes in the workforce often point to high-earning professions that offer lucrative financial compensation. They argue that individuals in these professions, such as business managers, investment bankers, and executives, earn substantial fixed incomes, as well as added benefits in the form of bonuses, incentives, dividends, or securities. These remunerations, they contend, justify potentially strenuous working conditions and prolonged pressure, which in turn alleviate the possibility of protests for additional benefits.
However, I believe that everyone should be entitled to the right to strike, regardless of any existing benefits. While money is an important contributor to job satisfaction, other factors are often overlooked, such as working conditions. During times of societal or economic crises, like the Covid-19 pandemic, medical professionals, including nurses, healthcare professionals, and general practitioners, protested heavily due to severe labor shortages, lack of equipment, and extremely long working hours, leading to unprecedented exhaustion and fatigue. Although this event may have undermined public security, it is difficult not to justify their right to protest.
In conclusion, while strikes are not common in high-earning jobs, everyone should have the right to public protests. Ultimately, it is up to individuals to decide on the appropriate course of action.
Vocabulary Highlight
- The issue of: introducing a topic for discussion or consideration
- Workers should have the right to protest: the right to publicly express dissatisfaction with their working conditions
- Opponents of strikes: those who disagree with workers going on strike
- Financial compensation: payment or benefits received for work done
- Fixed incomes: a regular salary or payment that doesn’t change
- Added benefits: extra perks or advantages offered in addition to a regular salary
- Potentially strenuous working conditions: working conditions that may be difficult or demanding
- Job satisfaction: how happy or fulfilled someone feels in their job
- Working conditions: the environment and circumstances in which a person works
- Societal or economic crises: a period of instability or danger affecting society or the economy
- Public protests: demonstrations or protests that take place in public
- The appropriate course of action: the most suitable or reasonable action to take in a given situation
Grammar Gems:
COMPLEX SENTENCE + PASSIVE VOICE
“While money is an important contributor to job satisfaction, other factors are often overlooked, such as working conditions.”
This sentence uses a complex sentence structure with a subordinate clause (“While money is an important contributor to job satisfaction”) followed by a main clause (“other factors are often overlooked, such as working conditions”). This structure allows the writer to express a contrast between two ideas in a clear and concise manner. Additionally, the use of the passive voice in the second clause (“are often overlooked”) can help IELTS learners understand how to express an idea without explicitly stating who is responsible for the action.
Reading
Further reading can be found here:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/psac-strike-2023-issues-talks-news-updates-1.6813502
Listening
Further listening can be found here:
