IELTS Writing Task 2: Forecast and practice exercises: Dress vs Work Quality

Forecast Task Question:

Some people claim that employers should not be concerned about the way employees dress, but only about the quality of their work. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (Work)

View a list of IELTS Forecast Essay Task 2 Questions for June 2023 here.

Topic Vocabulary Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: For this exercise, you will need to form new words based on the given root words. These words will be related to the topic of work and dress. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate form of the word in parentheses.

1. The __________ (employ) should evaluate the employees based on their performance rather than their appearance.
2. The company has implemented a strict __________ (dress) code to maintain professionalism.
3. The __________ (employ) have the right to set certain standards for employee attire.
4. The __________ (fashion) industry plays a significant role in influencing workplace dress codes.
5. The employees should __________ (adapt) to the dress code requirements of their workplace.
6. The __________ (decide) to allow casual dress in the office has improved employee morale.
7. The employees should be __________ (responsibility) for their appearance at work.
8. The company’s dress policy can have an impact on its __________ (reputation) among clients.
9. Dressing appropriately can create a positive __________ (impress) during job interviews.
10. The employees should maintain a professional __________ (appear) in all interactions with clients.

Answers:

1. employer
2. dress
3. employers
4. fashion
5. adapt
6. decision
7. responsible
8. reputation
9. impression
10. appearance

Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word or phrase related to the topic of work and dress.

1. Some people argue that a person’s __________ at work should be solely judged based on their performance.
2. The way employees __________ can influence their professional image.
3. Employers should focus on the __________ of their employees rather than their appearance.
4. Dressing appropriately for work demonstrates __________ and respect for the job.
5. __________ dress codes can help create a more relaxed work environment.
6. The __________ of dress codes can vary depending on the industry and company culture.
7. Employers should consider the __________ of their employees when setting dress code policies.
8. The __________ of an employee’s work should not be determined by their attire.
9. Dressing professionally can enhance an employee’s __________ and confidence.
10. The __________ of an employee’s work should be the primary concern for employers.

Answers:

1. performance
2. dress
3. quality
4. professionalism
5. Casual
6. enforcement
7. comfort
8. evaluation
9. appearance
10. quality

Reasoning Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Matching Supporting Opinions

In this exercise, you will be provided with a set of supporting opinions related to the task question. Your task is to match each opinion with the corresponding viewpoint (agree/disagree). Choose the appropriate letter (A, B, C, or D) for each opinion.

Opinions:

A. Employers should focus on both the quality of work and the way employees dress as they both contribute to a professional work environment.

B. Appearance is not a reliable indicator of an employee’s competence or ability to perform their job effectively.

C. Evaluating employees solely based on the quality of their work is more important than their dress as it enhances productivity and efficiency.

D. Dress code policies are necessary to maintain a certain level of professionalism and consistency in the workplace.

Viewpoints:

1. Strongly agree
2. Partially agree
3. Partially disagree
4. Strongly disagree

Answer:

Opinion A: 2. Partially agree

Opinion B: 4. Strongly disagree

Opinion C: 1. Strongly agree

Opinion D: 3. Partially disagree

Exercise 2: Exercise: Matching Supporting Details

In this exercise, you will be provided with a set of supporting details related to the main ideas in the task question. Your task is to match each supporting detail with the corresponding main idea. Choose the appropriate letter (A, B, C, or D) for each detail.

Supporting Details:

A. Employees’ dress can impact their confidence and overall performance.

B. Dress code policies can lead to a more professional and cohesive work environment.

C. Appearance is subjective and should not be the sole basis for evaluating employees’ capabilities.

D. Employers should prioritize the quality of work over employees’ external appearance.

Main Ideas:

1. Dress code policies contribute to a professional work environment.
2. Appearance should not be the sole determinant of evaluating employees’ performance.
3. Employee confidence and performance can be influenced by their dress.
4. The quality of work should be the primary concern for employers.

Answers:

Supporting Detail A: 3. Employee confidence and performance can be influenced by their dress.

Supporting Detail B: 1. Dress code policies contribute to a professional work environment.

Supporting Detail C: 2. Appearance should not be the sole determinant of evaluating employees’ performance.

Supporting Detail D: 4. The quality of work should be the primary concern for employers.

Exercise 3: Matching Explanations

In this exercise, you will be provided with a set of explanations that support the main ideas in the task question. Your task is to match each explanation with the corresponding main idea. Choose the appropriate letter (A, B, C, or D) for each explanation.

Explanations:

A. Employees’ dress can be a matter of personal expression and may not necessarily impact their work performance.

B. Focusing solely on the quality of work allows employees to feel valued and motivated to excel in their tasks.

C. Appearance is often subjective and can vary across cultures, making it an unreliable measure of work performance.

D. Evaluating employees based on their dress can lead to biases and discrimination in the workplace.

Main Ideas:

1. Evaluating employees based on the quality of their work promotes fairness and impartiality.
2. Dress does not necessarily correlate with work performance.
3. Appearance-based judgments can result in negative consequences such as biases and discrimination.
4. Prioritizing the quality of work boosts employee motivation and productivity.

Answers:

Explanation A: 2. Dress does not necessarily correlate with work performance.

Explanation B: 4. Prioritizing the quality of work boosts employee motivation and productivity.

Explanation C: 3. Appearance-based judgments can result in negative consequences such as biases and discrimination.

Explanation D: 1. Evaluating employees based on the quality of their work promotes fairness and impartiality.

Exercise 4: Match the main ideas with the appropriate statistics.

Main Ideas:

A. Dress code does not directly affect the quality of work.

B. Dress code influences the perception of professionalism.

C. Dress code impacts customer/client satisfaction.

Statistics:

1. According to a survey conducted by XYZ Company, 75% of employees believe that their dressing style does not affect their productivity.
2. A study by the University of ABC found that 85% of respondents agreed that employees’ appearance affects the perception of professionalism in the workplace.
3. Research conducted by ZXY Consultancy revealed that 90% of customers stated that they were more likely to trust and be satisfied with a company’s services if the employees were dressed professionally.

Answers:

1-A, 2-B, 3-C

Detailed Outline 1: for IELTS Writing Task 2: Agree

Introduction:

• Introduce topic and writer’s opinion.
• Present thesis statement disagreeing with the given opinion.

Body 1

Topic sentence: Dressing affects professionalism and creates a positive work environment.

• Explain: Dressing reflects professionalism and impresses clients/customers.
• Example: Studies show professionally dressed employees are seen as competent and trustworthy.
• Reason: Well-dressed workforce enhances company’s reputation and attracts clients/customers.
• Hypothesis: Allowing casual dress may harm professional atmosphere and productivity.
• Counterargument and Rebuttal: focusing solely on work quality is more important
  • Appropriate dressing boosts employee morale and pride, increasing productivity.
  • Counterargument: Some prioritize work quality, but neglecting attire impacts company image.

Body 2

Topic Sentence: Enforcing a dress code fosters team unity and improves efficiency in the workplace.

• Explanation: Standardized dress code promotes unity among employees.
• Example: Teams with shared dress code exhibit better collaboration and communication.
• Reason: Dress code reduces distractions from inappropriate attire, improving focus.
• Benefit: By setting clear guidelines for attire, a dress code ensures that employees present themselves consistently and professionally.
• Counterargument: Dress code limits individuality
• Rebuttal: benefits of cohesion and efficiency outweigh personal preferences.

Conclusion:

• Recap writer’s opinion and main points discussed.
• Restatement emphasizing significance of employee attire in the workplace.

IELTS Model Essay 1

The significance of employee attire in the contemporary workplace is a subject of contention. While some argue that employers should only focus on work quality, I hold a firm disagreement. This essay will illustrate how employees’ dressing choices impact professionalism, cultivate a positive work atmosphere, promote team solidarity, and enhance efficiency.

The manner in which employees dress profoundly influences professionalism and the overall work environment. Appropriate attire reflects professionalism and leaves a lasting impression on clients and customers. Research consistently supports this notion, demonstrating that professionally attired employees are perceived as competent and trustworthy. Additionally, a well-dressed workforce elevates the company’s reputation, rendering it more attractive to potential clients and customers. Allowing a casual dress code in the workplace may jeopardize the professional ambiance and diminish productivity. Although some argue that prioritizing work quality is paramount, it is crucial to acknowledge that appropriate dressing directly influences employee morale and pride. When employees feel confident in their appearance, it augments their productivity. Neglecting attire can also detrimentally impact the company’s image, which should not be underestimated.

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The implementation of a dress code in the workplace plays a pivotal role in nurturing team unity and improving efficiency. A standardized dress code fosters a sense of unity among employees, cultivating a cohesive work environment. When teams adhere to a shared dress code, collaboration and communication are significantly enhanced. This is because a dress code minimizes distractions stemming from inappropriate attire, enabling employees to maintain focus on their tasks. By establishing clear attire guidelines, a dress code ensures that employees consistently present themselves in a professional manner. While some argue that a dress code curtails individuality, it is imperative to recognize that the advantages of cohesion and efficiency outweigh personal preferences. Ultimately, a dress code contributes to the creation of a harmonious workplace where productivity and teamwork thrive.

In conclusion, employees’ attire plays a significant role in the workplace, impacting professionalism, the work environment, team unity, and efficiency. By implementing a dress code aligned with the company’s values and objectives, employees can enhance their company’s reputation, boost productivity, and foster a cohesive work environment.

350 words

Detailed Outline 2: for IERLTS Writing Task 2: Disagree

Introduction:

• Topic: Importance of employee dress code and its correlation with work quality.
• Writer’s opinion: Agree that employers should focus on the quality of work, not employee dress.

Body 1

Topic sentence: Dress code does not determine work quality.

• Reasons:
  • Subjective and varies across cultures/industries.
  • Employee focus on appearance can distract from work.
• Comparison: Strict dress codes hinder diversity and inclusion.
• Benefits: Comfortable dressing boosts confidence and creativity.
• Example: Google and Facebook’s relaxed dress codes foster innovation/productivity.
• Counterargument: Professional dress code enhances company image.
• Rebuttal: Image important, but quality of work crucial for customer satisfaction and reputation.

Body 2

Topic sentence: Evaluating employees based on work quality promotes fairness/efficiency.

• Reasons:
  • Objective assessment ensures consistent standards.
  • Motivates employees to improve skills/performance.
• Comparison: Prioritizing work quality leads to focused/results-driven workforce.
• Explanation: Valued employees are more likely to stay loyal.
• Example: Emphasizing work quality reduces turnover costs, increases retention rates.
• Counterargument: Dress code reflects professionalism/dedication.
• Rebuttal: Work output should outweigh dress code; achievements contribute to fair assessment.

Conclusion:

• Recap main points: Dress code irrelevant to work quality, benefits of focusing on performance.
• Reiterate writer’s opinion: Quality of work should be prioritized over appearance.

IELTS Model Essay 2

The relationship between employee attire and work performance is a subject that continues to be debated. There are some who argue that employers should disregard dress and focus solely on the quality of work. I completely agree with this standpoint, as I believe that evaluating employees based on their output rather than their appearance brings more advantages for individuals and organizations.

First and foremost, the quality of work cannot be determined solely by the dress code, as it varies across cultures and industries. Emphasizing appearance excessively diverts employees’ attention from their tasks and reduces productivity. Allowing comfortable attire fosters confidence and creativity, as seen in companies like Google and Facebook with their relaxed dress codes, leading to increased innovation and productivity. While a professional dress code enhances a company’s image, it should not overshadow work quality. Ultimately, the employees’ output directly impacts customer satisfaction and the company’s reputation. A well-dressed employee may create a positive impression initially, but lacking work quality undermines customer satisfaction and the company’s reputation. Hence, the focus should be on cultivating a workforce that consistently delivers high-quality work.

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Furthermore, evaluating employees based on work quality promotes fairness and efficiency within an organization by applying objective assessment criteria to all employees, regardless of their appearance. This motivates individuals to continuously enhance their skills, knowing that their efforts will be acknowledged and rewarded based on merit. By prioritizing work quality, companies foster a results-driven workforce focused on achieving outcomes. Recognizing valued employees for their output increases loyalty, reduces turnover costs, and improves retention rates. While opponents argue that dress code reflects professionalism and dedication, it should not be the primary factor in assessing contributions. Evaluating employees based on their achievements and value ensures a fair assessment. Minor deviations from a strict dress code should not overshadow the excellence of a high-performing employee. Prioritizing work quality encourages employees to reach their full potential in an equitable evaluation process.

In conclusion, the quality of work should be given priority over employee appearance. I strongly believe that dress code regulations have limited relevance to work performance and can even distract employees from their tasks.

354 words