EN Understanding

IELTS Model Answers

Unpaid Internships

Academic

Writing Task 2

WorkSociety

Question

Unpaid internships are common in many industries. Some argue they offer valuable experience to beginners, while others say they exclude talented people who cannot afford to work for free. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answer

Young graduates often need experience to get a first job, and can open doors. Companies say they cannot train everyone for a salary. But only richer students can accept unpaid roles, which is unfair. In my opinion, short unpaid placements are acceptable if they are truly educational, but long unpaid work should be illegal.

Glossary

unpaid internships

Temporary work placements without salary, often for students or graduates.

labour standards

Rules and laws that protect workers' rights, pay, and conditions.

mutually beneficial

Something that helps both sides involved.

class advantage

Social or economic benefits linked to family background or wealth.

I contend that

A formal way to state a strong position you will argue for.

minimum wage

The lowest hourly pay that employers may legally pay workers.

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