1) Question:
People in senior positions should be compensated with significantly higher salaries than people in lower positions in the same company.
Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience
2) Answer:
Compensation is a critical element in employee performance and retention. Senior positions in companies often come with higher salaries, but the extent of this gap has been a source of debate. While some argue that senior executives should be given significantly higher salaries than their lower-level colleagues, others believe in creating a more equitable compensation system that values employee contributions irrespective of their rank in the company. In my opinion, rather than a rank or title, compensation should be based on the value that a person delivers to the organisation.
One argument for compensating senior executives with higher salaries is that they carry more significant responsibilities and accountability than lower-level employees. Moreover, senior executives have often accrued years of experience and developed a unique set of skills that are not found in lower-level employees, which again supports compensation based on the seniority of employees in the company. In many companies there are managers who worked their way up and have contributed many years until they were promoted to the positions they are currently in; it is reasonable that they earn more than junior employees who are just starting out.
On the other hand, there are those who believe that excessive compensation gaps lead to inequality and can cause lower-level employees to lose morale and productivity. While it is true that senior executives carry a larger load of responsibilities, massive gaps in compensation can lead to resentment and dissatisfaction among the workforce. Furthermore, lower-level employees are often the ones responsible for the day-to-day operations of a company, which means that they contribute to the company's overall success, and therefore, they should also receive fair compensation.
To conclude, there are compelling arguments for both sides of the compensation debate. Senior executives should be compensated fairly for the unique skills and increased responsibilities that come with their position, and to attract top-level talent to companies. However, this does not mean that lower-level employees should be denied the opportunity to earn a fair wage. Compensation, therefore, should be based on the value that an employee brings to the organization, rather than their rank or title.
Chat GPT Examiner:
Overall, the writing response appears to be well-organized and effectively addresses the topic of compensation in employee performance and retention. The writer presents a clear stance and provides supporting arguments for both sides of the debate.
Task Achievement (TA): 8
The response effectively addresses the task, providing a clear opinion on the topic of compensation and discussing both viewpoints. The writer considers the arguments for compensating senior executives with higher salaries and the potential drawbacks of excessive compensation gaps. The concluding paragraph provides a balanced summary of the main points presented in the essay.
Sentence showcasing clear opinion and addressing the topic: "In my opinion, rather than a rank or title, compensation should be based on the value that a person delivers to the organization."
Sentence discussing both viewpoints: "One argument for compensating senior executives with higher salaries is that they carry more significant responsibilities and accountability than lower-level employees."
Sentence discussing the opposing viewpoint: "On the other hand, there are those who believe that excessive compensation gaps lead to inequality and can cause lower-level employees to lose morale and productivity."
Sentence providing a balanced conclusion: "To conclude, there are compelling arguments for both sides of the compensation debate. Senior executives should be compensated fairly for the unique skills and increased responsibilities that come with their position, and to attract top-level talent to companies. However, this does not mean that lower-level employees should be denied the opportunity to earn a fair wage. Compensation, therefore, should be based on the value that an employee brings to the organization, rather than their rank or title."
Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8
The essay is well-structured with a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing the two perspectives, and a concluding paragraph. Within each paragraph, the writer presents ideas in a logical manner, and there is good use of linking words and phrases to connect different parts of the essay. Overall, the flow of ideas is smooth, contributing to the overall coherence of the response.
Sentence introducing the topic and stating the main opinion: "Compensation is a critical element in employee performance and retention."
Sentence linking the first argument with the second viewpoint: "Moreover, senior executives have often accrued years of experience and developed a unique set of skills that are not found in lower-level employees, which again supports compensation based on the seniority of employees in the company."
Sentence providing a transition to the opposing viewpoint: "On the other hand, there are those who believe that excessive compensation gaps lead to inequality and can cause lower-level employees to lose morale and productivity."
Sentence concluding the essay and summarizing the main points: "To conclude, there are compelling arguments for both sides of the compensation debate."
Lexical Resource (LR): 8
The writer demonstrates a good range of vocabulary, using appropriate words and phrases to express ideas clearly. The essay includes some less common terms and expressions, enhancing the overall lexical variety. Additionally, there are no significant issues with word choice or word form, and the essay effectively conveys the intended meaning.
Sentence demonstrating a good range of vocabulary: "While some argue that senior executives should be given significantly higher salaries than their lower-level colleagues, others believe in creating a more equitable compensation system that values employee contributions irrespective of their rank in the company."
Sentence using less common terms: "In many companies, there are managers who worked their way up and have contributed many years until they were promoted to the positions they are currently in; it is reasonable that they earn more than junior employees who are just starting out."
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8
The sentence structures are diverse and varied, showcasing a good range of grammatical structures. The majority of sentences are well-formed with minor errors, if any, which do not impede understanding. The writer also shows control over complex sentences and uses them effectively throughout the essay.
Sentence with a complex grammatical structure: "While it is true that senior executives carry a larger load of responsibilities, massive gaps in compensation can lead to resentment and dissatisfaction among the workforce."
Sentence showcasing well-formed grammar: "Compensation, therefore, should be based on the value that an employee brings to the organization, rather than their rank or title."
Overall, the essay demonstrates a strong command of the English language and effectively addresses the task requirements. It presents a clear and well-supported opinion, showcasing a good range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Therefore, I would score this Task 2 writing response an 8.
3) Things-to-learn:
Vocabulary:
Compensation: Đền bù, bồi thường.
Retention: Giữ lại, duy trì.
Source of debate: Nguồn gốc tranh luận.
Executives: Ban điều hành, nhà quản lý cấp cao.
Irrespective: Bất kể, không xem xét.
Accountability: Trách nhiệm, sự chịu trách nhiệm.
Accrued: Tích lũy, chồng chất.
Work their way up: Đi lên từng bước, tiến thân từng bước.
Excessive gap: Khoảng cách quá lớn.
Morale: Tinh thần, khí thế.
Resentment: Sự oán giận, hận thù.
Workforce: Lực lượng lao động, nhân viên.
Compelling: Thuyết phục, hấp dẫn.
Good writing:
To conclude, there are compelling arguments for both sides of the .... debate.
Employee ==> senior executives ==> lower-level colleagues.
References: