📋 Written Ability Test (WAT)/Essay Analysis Guide

Should Businesses Implement Equal Pay Policies to Close the Gender Pay Gap?

🌐 Understanding Equal Pay Policy’s Importance

The gender pay gap undermines economic growth, workplace morale, and gender equality. Addressing this issue aligns businesses with ethical standards, legal requirements, and broader societal goals.

🕒 Effective Planning and Writing

• Time Allocation:
  • Planning: 5 minutes
  • Writing: 20 minutes
  • Review: 5 minutes
• Preparation Tips:
  • Use verified data like ILO reports and corporate case studies.
  • Structure the essay to balance achievements, challenges, and recommendations.

📜 Introduction Techniques for Essays

• Contrast Approach: “While women perform 66% of the world’s work, they earn only 77% of men’s wages. Equal pay policies can correct this injustice and promote inclusive growth.”
• Solution-Based Approach: “Equal pay policies, supported by audits and transparency, can address systemic wage disparities and foster fair workplaces.”

📂 Structuring the Essay Body

1. Achievements:

• Highlight countries like Iceland achieving near-equal pay.
• Corporate successes like Salesforce’s wage correction demonstrate feasibility.

2. Challenges:

• Discuss bias in pay negotiations, lack of pay transparency, and occupational segregation.

3. Future Outlook:

• Recommend mandatory pay audits, corporate reporting on pay structures, and global collaborations for policy benchmarking.

✍️ Concluding Effectively

• Balanced Approach: “Equal pay policies are essential for fostering inclusive and ethical workplaces but require cultural and systemic transformations to succeed.”
• Global Comparison: “Iceland and Sweden showcase that equal pay initiatives not only close wage gaps but also enhance economic growth and workplace harmony.”

📊 Analyzing Successes and Shortcomings

• Key Achievements: Iceland’s pay audits, Salesforce’s corporate correction, and UN-led awareness.
• Ongoing Challenges: Bias in wage systems, transparency gaps, and enforcement issues.
• Global Context: Sweden’s salary transparency serves as a model for policy-driven solutions.

📌 Recommendations for Sustainable Progress

• Mandatory pay audits to identify and address gaps.
• Transparent reporting of pay structures.
• Gender-neutral evaluation systems for promotions and compensation.

📄 Sample Short Essays

Essay 1: Balanced Perspective

“While equal pay policies alone cannot solve deep-rooted gender biases, they are a crucial step toward workplace fairness. Countries like Iceland and companies like Salesforce highlight the success of proactive wage audits in closing gaps.”

Essay 2: Solution-Oriented

“Implementing mandatory pay audits, transparent reporting, and gender-neutral evaluations can help businesses eliminate the gender pay gap, fostering fairness and boosting productivity.”

Essay 3: Global Comparison

“Countries like Iceland and Sweden have proven that equal pay policies reduce wage gaps, drive economic growth, and inspire businesses globally to follow suit.”