Recent IELTS Writing Task 2 Question – 16 May 2026

IELTS Writing Task 2 | Evening Slot | India

Reported IELTS Essay Question

In several countries, some companies tend to employ more men than women for particular jobs. Some people think employers should be made to recruit an equal number of male and female workers in every field. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Essay Type

This is an opinion essay. You should clearly state whether you agree or disagree with the idea of forcing companies to hire equal numbers of men and women in every profession.

Suggested Band 7+ Essay

In many countries, men and women are not represented equally in all types of jobs. While some people believe that companies should be legally required to hire the same number of male and female employees in every sector, I do not fully agree with this view. In my opinion, employers should provide equal opportunities, but recruitment should mainly depend on skills, qualifications, and suitability for the job.

On the one hand, there are good reasons why some people support equal recruitment policies. In certain industries, especially engineering, construction, technology, and leadership roles, women are often underrepresented. This may happen because of social stereotypes, lack of encouragement, or unfair hiring practices. If companies are encouraged to hire more women in such fields, it can help reduce discrimination and create a more inclusive workplace.

Moreover, gender diversity can benefit companies. Men and women may bring different experiences, ideas, and communication styles to the workplace. A balanced team can improve decision-making and help companies understand a wider range of customers. Therefore, businesses should make serious efforts to remove bias from their recruitment process.

However, making it compulsory to hire equal numbers of men and women in every field may not be practical. Different professions naturally attract different levels of interest from men and women. For example, more women may choose nursing or early childhood education, while more men may apply for jobs in heavy physical labour or mechanical fields. If employers are forced to meet strict gender quotas, they may have to choose candidates based on gender rather than ability.

This could create unfairness for qualified applicants. A person with better experience and stronger skills might lose an opportunity simply because the company needs to balance numbers. Such a system may reduce efficiency and create dissatisfaction among employees. Instead of focusing on exact numbers, governments and employers should focus on fair interviews, transparent selection methods, equal pay, and career guidance for both genders.

In conclusion, gender equality in employment is extremely important, but forcing every company to hire the same number of men and women in all fields is not the best solution. I believe the main aim should be equal opportunity, where candidates are selected according to their talent, training, and performance rather than their gender.

Useful Vocabulary for This Topic

Vocabulary	Meaning
Gender equality	Equal rights and opportunities for men and women
Recruitment	The process of hiring employees
Gender quota	A fixed number or percentage of jobs reserved for a gender
Merit-based selection	Choosing someone based on ability and qualifications
Workplace diversity	Having people from different backgrounds in a workplace

Important Ideas to Use in This Essay

• Equal opportunity is better than forced equal numbers.
• Companies should avoid discrimination during recruitment.
• Some fields may naturally attract more men or more women.
• Hiring should be based on qualifications, experience, and ability.
• Education and training can encourage both genders to enter non-traditional careers.

English Guru Campus Tip

For opinion essays, always give your clear position in the introduction and repeat it in the conclusion. Avoid giving only general ideas. Support your answer with examples and logical explanations.

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