Essay 126 – Unemployment remains the biggest challenge to school-leavers

GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 126

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Unemployment remains the biggest challenge to school-leavers in most countries.

How far do you agree with this assessment? What other challenges face young people today?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer: [Agreement]

The cut-throat competition for having a decent job has become extremely tough, and it is even more difficult for those who did not finish school. Unemployment is a major problem for these youths across the world and I subscribe to this view. Besides, they face other adversities to fit into society and the job market.

For a start, many small firms and large corporations have been hit hard by the recession. In consequence, the labour market has shrunk resulting in severe competition in the job market. Which is why the qualification requirement of a job-seeker is high and competitive. In this adverse context, school-leavers find it difficult to compete with their counterparts who have better academic qualifications. Besides, high-powered jobs are available only for those who are eligible to the occupations such as doctors, nurses, engineers, accountants and so on.

However, apart from the lack of employment opportunities, these school leavers, these days, face many other challenges. Lack of affordable housing, treatment and further education opportunity are some of the few issues they often face. Due to pressure from family, and needs for money to support a decent life, they often get involved in crimes. Moreover, they often fall victim to extremism, negative stereotypes and scams. Many countries have soaring crime rates because of the increasing number of unemployed school leavers.

To conclude, school-leavers’ unemployment has reached epic proportions, which in turn translates into social instability all around the world. Their unemployment is crucial for social and economic stability and productivity. Therefore, employers should take the necessary initiatives to ameliorate the condition.