IELTS Task 2: Limiting High Salaries Guide

This guide explains how to approach IELTS Writing Task 2 questions about maximum wage limits. You will learn how to structure opinion and discussion essays, develop balanced economic arguments, use precise academic vocabulary, and present clear reasoning to achieve a higher band score.

Keynote – Sample Answer Quick Overview

For this essay, discuss both the arguments for setting a maximum wage limit (such as promoting fairness, reducing the wealth gap, and funding social programs) and against it (including rewarding talent, encouraging innovation, and avoiding talent loss). Clearly state your opinion and support it with logical reasoning.

Key Points to Remember:

• Analyze both sides: fairness/equality versus motivation/economic progress

• Use a clear structure: Introduction, one body paragraph for each view, and a well-justified conclusion

• Support arguments with real-world examples or logical scenarios

• Use academic and precise vocabulary instead of repeating “money,” “problem,” or “limit”

• Maintain a balanced, formal tone and avoid one-sided reasoning

• Always state and support your personal opinion clearly

I. Task 2 Question Overview for "Maximum Wage Limit"

The topic “maximum wage limit” is a popular subject in IELTS Writing Task 2, typically framed as an opinion or discussion essay question. Candidates are asked to consider whether there should be a cap on salaries—especially for extremely high earners such as company executives and celebrities—and to present arguments either in support of or against this policy, along with their own viewpoint.

Typical Task 2 Question:

• Some people believe that governments should set a maximum limit on the salaries that individuals can earn.

• Others think that people who earn very high salaries have a positive effect on society.

• Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

To explore all formats, refer to IELTS writing task 2 question types.

Essay Type: Discussion + Opinion (Discuss both views and give your own opinion)

Primary Requirements:

• Analyze the arguments for introducing a maximum wage cap (e.g., greater income equality, fairer society, reduce social unrest)

• Consider the arguments against limiting salaries (e.g., rewards for hard work/talent, economic progress, motivation for innovation)

• Clearly present your personal view and justify it with logical reasons or examples

This question is a classic “Discuss both views and give your opinion” Task 2 prompt, testing your ability to understand social and economic issues, present balanced arguments, and take a clear personal stance.

To understand this format better, review IELTS writing task 2 discussion essay.

II. Band 5.5–6.5 Sample for Maximum Wage Limit

Below is a sample essay at the Band 5.5–6.5 level for the topic of setting a maximum wage limit. This example demonstrates how an average IELTS candidate may address the discussion + opinion question, using basic structure and vocabulary. 

1. Band 5.5–6.5 Sample Essay with Paragraph Analysis

Sample Essay:

Some people think that the government should stop people from earning very high salaries by making a maximum limit. Others say that people with high salaries help society. This essay will discuss both sides and give my opinion.

On one hand, if there is a maximum wage, it can make society more equal. The difference between rich and poor will not be so big. Also, the government will have more money from taxes to spend on hospitals and schools. It can help reduce problems such as jealousy or anger from people who earn less money.

On the other hand, people who earn a lot often work very hard or are very talented. If there is a limit, smart people or top managers may go to other countries to get better pay. Big companies may not want to stay if their leaders cannot get good salaries. High earners can also pay more tax, which helps the country.

In my opinion, it is not a good idea to set a maximum wage limit. Instead, governments should use taxes and social programs to help people with low income, but people who work hard should be able to earn as much as they can.

Paragraph Analysis:

• Introduction:

  • Paraphrases the prompt, states both sides, and signals a personal opinion.

  • Sentence structure is clear but basic.

• Body Paragraph 1:

  • Explains arguments for a wage cap: more equality, less social tension, more tax for public services.

  • Ideas are presented simply, with little detail or development.

• Body Paragraph 2:

  • Argues against a limit: high earners deserve reward, may leave the country, their taxes help society.

  • Covers the points but with surface logic and limited real-life example.

• Conclusion:

  • Personal view is given clearly.

  • Suggests an alternative (taxes/social help) but does not expand.

Band 5.5–6.5 Features:

• Structure is logical and complete (intro, both sides, opinion).

• Vocabulary is basic (“work very hard,” “good salaries,” “help society”).

• Sentences are mostly simple or compound.

• Lacks strong examples or academic collocations.

• Explanation and reasoning are clear but remain general and undeveloped.

2. Common Vocabulary and Expressions (Band 5.5–6.5)

At Band 5.5–6.5, candidates use straightforward and commonly taught vocabulary for topics like salary limits and income inequality.While this language is generally correct and easy to understand, it tends to be repetitive and may lack precise, academic tone.

Useful Vocabulary

Common Expressions and Phrases

• “Some people think there should be a maximum wage.”

• “The government can use tax money to help people.”

• “If there is a wage limit, people may not work hard.”

• “This can reduce the gap between rich and poor.”

• “It is not fair to stop people from earning a lot of money.”

• “People who work hard deserve more money.”

• “A maximum salary can make society more equal.”

Notes for Band 5.5–6.5:

• Vocabulary is often repeated (“money,” “tax,” “problem,” “help”).

• May use “very,” “a lot,” “too much/few,” and basic superlatives.

• Lacks paraphrase for “limit,” “earn,” “rich,” and “poor.”

• Collocations are simple and familiar rather than academic.

3. Grammar & Sentence Structures (Band 5.5–6.5)

At the Band 5.5–6.5 level, grammar is generally clear but mostly simple. Candidates use a mix of short sentences and basic linking, but often struggle with variety and accuracy in more complex structures.

Common Sentence Patterns

Frequent Grammar Mistakes

Style and Linking

• Linking mainly with “and,” “but,” “because,” and a few “first/second/also”

• Repetition of structures and starters like “There is/are…,” “It is…,” “People think…”

• Rare use of complex or conditional sentences

III. Band 7.0+ Model for Maximum Wage Limit

The following section provides a high Band 7.0+ sample essay on whether governments should implement a maximum wage limit, together with a detailed paragraph analysis. This model demonstrates advanced argument development, academic vocabulary, and flexible grammar that examiners expect in top-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 answers.

1. Band 7.0+ Model Essay with Paragraph Analysis

Sample Essay:

Many governments around the world are debating whether a legal cap should be placed on personal incomes, particularly those of high-earning executives and celebrities. While proponents argue that a maximum wage limit would promote greater social equality, others believe that imposing such restrictions would harm economic performance and undermine individual incentive. This essay will evaluate both perspectives before presenting my own view.

On the one hand, advocates of a wage ceiling contend that unchecked income disparities can lead to widespread social resentment and instability. By setting a maximum salary, governments can narrow the gap between rich and poor, potentially alleviating poverty and social tension. Moreover, the additional revenue from taxing high incomes could be allocated to healthcare, education, or infrastructure. For example, some European nations have introduced marginal tax rates upwards of 50% for the highest earners, using these funds to improve public services and reduce inequality. Therefore, salary limits are seen as a tool for promoting both fairness and social welfare.

Conversely, critics claim that income caps may discourage ambition, entrepreneurship, and innovation—all of which drive economic growth. Many individuals who possess extraordinary talent, skills, or business acumen deserve to be rewarded commensurately. Imposing artificial barriers could prompt the best and brightest to relocate to countries with more competitive pay, leading to a potential loss of talent and investment. Historical evidence shows that excessive salary controls can drive skilled professionals abroad, as was the case in some Scandinavian countries during the 1970s.

In my view, rather than establishing a rigid salary ceiling, governments should design progressive tax systems to ensure those who earn more contribute proportionally to society, while still encouraging excellence and hard work. This approach maintains economic dynamism without ignoring calls for greater fairness.

Paragraph Analysis:

• Introduction:

  • Restates and paraphrases the question.

  • Introduces both perspectives and signals a thoughtful, balanced approach.

• Body Paragraph 1:

  • Presents strong arguments for a salary cap (fairness, social stability, funding social goods).

  • Provides precise academic language (“income disparities,” “alleviating poverty”) and a relevant real-world example.

• Body Paragraph 2:

  • Explores drawbacks (disincentivizing ambition, potential talent drain).

  • Supports argument with historical reference and advanced vocabulary (“commensurately,” “artificial barriers”).

• Conclusion:

  • Takes a nuanced personal view (progressive taxation, not wage ceilings).

  • Balances incentives for growth with social responsibility.

Band 7.0+ Features Highlighted:

• Cohesive, logically sequenced argument

• Use of advanced linkers, academic and topic-specific vocabulary

• Real examples and evidence to support points

• Variety in complex sentence types (conditionals, relative clauses, passive voice)

• Opinion is clear, nuanced, and well-supported

2. Advanced Vocabulary & Collocations for the Topic

To achieve a Band 7.0+ in an essay about maximum wage limits, it is essential to use precise, academic language and sophisticated collocations relating to economics, social issues, and governance. 

To expand your range, explore learn IELTS writing vocabulary.

Academic Vocabulary & Collocations

Useful Expressions & Sentence Starters

• “Set an upper limit on executive compensation…”

• “Alleviate disparities between rich and poor…”

• “Result in a loss of competitiveness on a global scale…”

• “Redistributive fiscal policies can increase social cohesion…”

• “Imposing salary caps may backfire if…”

• “It is argued that extraordinary achievement deserves extraordinary reward…”

• “Rather than capping earnings, governments should…”

Idiomatic and Academic Phrases

• “Level the playing field” (promote fairness)

• “A brain drain of skilled professionals”

• “High earners should pay their fair share”

• “To curb excessive profiteering”

• “Government intervention in the labor market”

3. Grammar & Sentence Structures (Band 7.0+)

At Band 7.0 and above, your grammatical choices must demonstrate flexibility, range, and control. In essays about economic and social policy topics like the maximum wage limit, effective use of complex structures, passive voice, and nuanced sentence starters will help you clearly express both arguments and evaluation.

Complex & Compound Sentences

Advanced Linking & Cohesive Devices

• Contrasting: “Nevertheless,” “Nonetheless,” “On the other hand,” “Conversely,” “While it is true that…”

• Adding points: “Furthermore,” “In addition,” “Moreover,” “Another argument against/for…”

• Introducing examples/evidence: “For instance,” “A case in point is…,” “This can be seen when…”

• Summing up: “All things considered,” “Ultimately,” “In summary…”

Academic & Formal Starters

• “It is widely believed/argued that…”

• “There is growing concern about…”

• “One argument in favor of/Opposition to salary caps is that…”

• “Despite positive intentions, the policy may lead to unintended consequences…”

• “A long-term solution could involve…”

Other Band 7+ Features

• Correct use of relative clauses, noun phrases, and apposition:

  • “High-earning executives, many of whom drive significant economic output, argue that…”

• Parallel structures for balanced, sophisticated argument:

  • “Not only would a wage cap minimize disparities, but it could also reduce motivation.”

• Clear referencing for cohesion (“such a policy,” “this approach,” “these individuals,” etc.)

IV. Examiner’s Comments: Maximum Wage Limit Essays

When assessing essays on topics like maximum wage limits, IELTS examiners look for more than just grammatical accuracy—they focus on argument development, lexical resource, and the ability to engage critically with the question. 

• Task Response: The essay presents both views with depth and balance, extends ideas with real-world examples or nuanced analysis, and gives a clear, well-supported personal opinion.

• Coherence and Cohesion: Logical sequencing of ideas, clear topic sentences for each paragraph, smooth transitions (“however,” “on the other hand,” “for instance”), and effective grouping of arguments.

• Lexical Resource: Wide range of topic-specific and academic vocabulary (e.g., “statutory income ceiling,” “progressive tax,” “retain top talent,” “widen/narrow the wealth gap”), with natural paraphrasing and precise word choice.

• Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Consistent use of complex sentences, conditionals, and passive forms; errors are rare and do not reduce clarity or meaning.

Suggestions for Band Improvement:

• Always address both views in detail before stating your own opinion.

• Link points smoothly with advanced discourse markers and avoid lists.

• Develop your arguments with evidence, examples, or a clear rationale.

• Vary your vocabulary—paraphrase “limit,” “salary,” “problem,” and “fair.”

• Show a nuanced understanding rather than a black-and-white answer (consider economic and social context, intended and unintended consequences).

To reach Band 7+, follow the formula for IELTS writing band 7.

This article provides the IELTS Writing Task 2 Maximum wage limit at band 7.0+, compiled by top-tier teachers at PREP. Carefully review this to effectively prepare for the IELTS Writing exam at home!