Some people think that when recruiting, companies should aim to take on people who are innovative and able to work independently while others consider they should recruit people who are able to work in a team and follow instructions. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Sample Response
The hiring process is a critical aspect of organizational success, and different approaches to recruitment have been widely debated. Some argue that companies should prioritize candidates who display innovation and independent work capabilities, while others advocate for recruiting individuals who excel in teamwork and are adept at following instructions. This essay will explore both perspectives and assert that while innovation and independent work skills are essential, recruiting individuals who can collaborate effectively and follow directions is more conducive to overall organizational growth and success.
Proponents of recruiting innovative and independent individuals believe that such employees can bring fresh ideas and creative solutions to the table. These candidates are often self-motivated and capable of tackling challenges independently, leading to potential breakthroughs and efficiency gains within the organization. For example, a company that values innovation might prioritize hiring a software engineer with a track record of developing novel applications, demonstrating their ability to drive technological advancements.
On the other hand, others argue that a cohesive and well-functioning team is the backbone of any successful organization. They keep expressing that team players can collaborate effectively, leveraging their diverse skills and perspectives to solve complex problems collectively. Moreover, individuals who are receptive to following instructions contribute to streamlined processes and consistency in output. For instance, a manufacturing company may seek employees who are willing to adhere to established protocols to maintain high product quality and safety standards.
As far as I am concerned, while innovative and independent employees are valuable assets, fostering a team-oriented culture can significantly enhance an organization's performance. A cohesive team can achieve more together than a group of talented individuals working independently. Collaboration fosters creativity through the exchange of ideas, and cohesive teamwork can produce well-rounded solutions to complex challenges.
In conclusion, the debate over whether companies should prioritize hiring innovative and independent individuals versus team players who follow instructions is multifaceted. I think that while innovation and independent work skills are essential for progress, the success of an organization heavily relies on effective teamwork and the ability to follow instructions coherently.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Use a natural ability phrase Original: display innovation Suggested revision: demonstrate innovative thinking Why it matters: People demonstrate innovative thinking rather than display the abstract quality 'innovation'.
- 2. Use a direct ability clause Original: independent work capabilities Suggested revision: the ability to work independently Why it matters: The clause is clearer and more natural than the abstract noun stack.
- 3. Use a direct technology verb Original: drive technological advancements Suggested revision: advance technology Why it matters: The direct verb expresses the same contribution more concisely.
- 4. Use a reporting verb Original: They keep expressing that Suggested revision: They argue that Why it matters: 'Keep expressing' is unnatural for presenting a general viewpoint.
- 5. Remove redundant wording Original: solve complex problems collectively Suggested revision: solve complex problems Why it matters: 'Collaborate effectively' already conveys collective action.
- 6. Use a direct willingness phrase Original: receptive to following instructions Suggested revision: willing to follow instructions Why it matters: The replacement expresses compliance more naturally.
- 7. Use a concise noun phrase Original: consistency in output Suggested revision: consistent output Why it matters: The adjective construction is more direct.
- 8. Use a concise stance marker Original: As far as I am concerned Suggested revision: In my view Why it matters: The shorter marker states the writer's perspective directly.
- 9. Remove the redundant adverb Original: achieve more together Suggested revision: achieve more Why it matters: A cohesive team already implies that members act together.
- 10. Use the whether-or pair Original: versus Suggested revision: or Why it matters: The structure beginning with 'whether' requires the coordinating alternative 'or'.
- 11. Place the adverb naturally Original: heavily relies on Suggested revision: relies heavily on Why it matters: The degree adverb normally follows the verb before its prepositional complement.
- 12. Use a suitable manner adverb Original: coherently Suggested revision: consistently Why it matters: Instructions are followed consistently or accurately, not coherently.
Suggested Rewrites
- display innovation demonstrate innovative thinking
- independent work capabilities the ability to work independently
- drive technological advancements advance technology
- They keep expressing that They argue that
- solve complex problems collectively solve complex problems
- receptive to following instructions willing to follow instructions
Why this response received Band 8.0
The response’s strongest feature is its full, balanced treatment of both recruitment priorities, supported by well-chosen workplace examples and a clear preference for teamwork. Its main limitation is slight repetition in the later discussion and a few awkward expressions; the highest-priority improvement is to make the final evaluation more incisive by explaining when each employee profile is most valuable and why teamwork should ultimately prevail.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
Both views are fully addressed with relevant explanation and examples, while a clear opinion is maintained and justified throughout.
Add a sharper qualification about roles or situations in which independent innovation should take priority over teamwork.
Coherence and Cohesion
The response progresses logically through distinct viewpoints, the writer’s evaluation, and a concise conclusion with effective paragraphing.
Reduce minor repetition of teamwork benefits between the opinion paragraph and conclusion to make progression even tighter.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is wide, precise, and appropriately formal, with only isolated awkward choices such as “keep expressing.”
Refine the few unnatural collocations so the otherwise sophisticated wording remains consistently idiomatic.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A wide range of complex structures is used accurately and flexibly, with only rare non-impeding lapses.
Polish minor phrasing and modifier choices to make already controlled complex sentences fully effortless.
Write this task while it is fresh
Try the same task now. It helps you remember the feedback and write better next time.
IELTS Writing Task 2
Some people think that when recruiting, companies should aim to take on people who are innovative and able to work independently while others consider they should recruit people who are able to work in a team and follow instructions. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.