2018年雅思写作真题详解：社交技能vs学术资格，职场成功的双刃剑

2018年雅思写作真题详解：社交技能vs学术资格，职场成功的双刃剑

引用

新东方

等

9

来源

1.

https://ielts.xdf.cn/202112/11293975.html

2.

https://ielts.xdf.cn/202012/11133930.html

3.

https://www.sohu.com/a/461864345_99954822

4.

http://www.laokaoya.com/8018.html

5.

https://www.forwardpathway.com/129849

6.

https://bj.xhd.cn/ielts/ysxz/627591.html

7.

http://sh.yuloo.com/ielts/writing/187258.html

8.

http://www.dioenglish.com/writing/englishtest/ielts/58401.html

9.

https://www.michaelpage.com.cn/advice/career-advice/career-progression/9-ways-make-yourself-more-marketable

Many employers think that the social skills as important as good qualifications for employing people. To what extent do you agree that social skills are as important as good qualifications for success in the job?

This essay question from the IELTS exam in November 2018 touches on a critical issue in today's job market: the relative importance of social skills versus academic qualifications. As the workplace becomes increasingly complex and interconnected, both employers and employees are reevaluating the balance between these two sets of competencies.

Understanding the Question and Building an Argument

The question asks for your opinion on the extent to which social skills are as important as good qualifications for job success. To answer this effectively, you need to consider several aspects:

1. Definition of Terms:

   • Social Skills: Abilities such as communication, teamwork, networking, and emotional intelligence.
   • Good Qualifications: Formal education, professional certifications, and technical expertise.

2. Stakeholders' Perspectives:

   • Employers: What do they value more when hiring?
   • Employees: How do these skills affect career progression?
   • Educational Institutions: How are they adapting their curricula?

3. Contextual Factors:

   • Industry-Specific Requirements: Tech vs. Sales vs. Management
   • Cultural Differences: Individualistic vs. Collectivistic societies
   • Economic Conditions: Boom vs. Recession

Analyzing the Model Essay

The model essay provided offers a balanced view, arguing that both social skills and qualifications are equally important. Let's break down its structure and key points:

1. Introduction:

   • Clearly states the topic and the writer's position.
   • Uses a formal tone suitable for academic writing.

2. Body Paragraphs:

   • Paragraph 1: Focuses on the importance of academic qualifications.
     • Highlights the need for specialized knowledge and skills.
     • Mentions the role of qualifications in securing job opportunities.
   • Paragraph 2: Discusses the growing importance of social skills.
     • Emphasizes teamwork, communication, and networking.
     • Provides examples of how social skills enhance workplace efficiency.
   • Paragraph 3: Integrates both perspectives.
     • Shows how qualifications and social skills complement each other.
     • Uses real-world examples to illustrate the point.

3. Conclusion:

   • Summarizes the main arguments.
   • Reiterates the balanced view.

Enhancing Your Essay with Real-World Data

To make your essay more compelling, you can incorporate recent studies and statistics:

1. LinkedIn's 2021 Global Talent Trends Report:

   • Soft skills are the top priority for 92% of talent professionals.
   • 89% say a lack of soft skills is the biggest gap in the workforce.

2. World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2020:

   • The top 10 skills required by 2025 include critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-management.
   • Technical skills will still be important, but they must be combined with social skills.

3. Case Studies:

   • Google's Project Oxygen: Found that the top eight qualities of their best managers are all soft skills.
   • Microsoft's Transformation: Shifted from a technical focus to a culture that values empathy and collaboration.

Writing Tips for a High-Scoring Essay

1. Use Complex Sentence Structures:

   • Relative clauses: "Academic qualifications, which are acquired through years of study, are essential for securing a job."
   • Conditional sentences: "If employees lack social skills, they may struggle to work effectively in teams."

2. Vary Your Vocabulary:

   • Instead of "important", use "crucial", "essential", "vital", or "significant".
   • Instead of "skills", use "competencies", "abilities", or "capabilities".

3. Include Counterarguments:

   • Acknowledge the opposing view: "While some argue that qualifications are more important, recent trends suggest otherwise."

4. Use Transition Words:

   • To add information: "Furthermore", "In addition"
   • To contrast: "However", "On the other hand"
   • To conclude: "In summary", "To conclude"

5. Maintain a Formal Tone:

   • Avoid contractions (use "do not" instead of "don't").
   • Use passive voice where appropriate.

Conclusion

In today's rapidly changing job market, the debate over the importance of social skills versus qualifications is more relevant than ever. While academic qualifications provide the necessary knowledge base, social skills enable individuals to apply that knowledge effectively in collaborative environments. As the model essay demonstrates, achieving a balance between these two sets of competencies is key to success in the modern workplace.

By understanding the nuances of this argument and incorporating real-world data, you can craft a well-rounded essay that not only addresses the IELTS question but also provides valuable insights for your own career development.