IELTS Writing Task 2: Small Businesses (Agree Disagree) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

Related guides:

• IELTS Writing Task 2 Deforestation Two Part Question Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Renewable Energy Two Part Question…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Climate Change Discussion Sample Band…
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Renewable Energy Agree Disagree Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Plastic Pollution (Advantages…

Prompt

Some people believe that small businesses are more beneficial for the economy than large companies. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Small business is good for economy but big companies are better because they can do more things and have more money to invest. I agree with this.

In my opinion, big companies are more beneficial than small businesses. First, they can produce more products and services. For example, a big company like Apple can make many iPhones and sell them all over the world. Small businesses cannot do this because they do not have enough money or workers. Second, big companies can invest more money in research and development. This means they can make new products that help the economy grow. For example, big companies spend millions of dollars on research to make new technologies.

Some people say small businesses are good because they create jobs for local people. However, big companies can create more jobs. For example, a big company like Amazon needs thousands of workers to work in their warehouses and deliver products. So, big companies can create more jobs than small businesses.

In conclusion, big companies are more beneficial for the economy than small businesses because they can produce more, invest more, and create more jobs.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5 — Presents a clear position but with limited development and support
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6 — Uses some cohesive devices but often inappropriately or mechanically
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6 — Uses some less common vocabulary but with frequent errors and basic collocations
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6 — Uses simple sentence forms with frequent errors

Band 7.0 Answer

While small businesses contribute significantly to local economies, large corporations generally benefit economies more due to their scale and resources.

Large companies often have a greater positive impact on economies than small businesses. This is primarily due to their ability to scale operations and invest in innovation. For instance, multinational corporations like Tesla can produce electric vehicles at a much larger scale than small local car manufacturers. This not only meets global demand but also drives technological advancements. Additionally, large corporations tend to have more financial resources, allowing them to invest in research and development. This investment can lead to breakthroughs that benefit the entire economy, such as new medical treatments or sustainable energy solutions.

However, small businesses also play a crucial role in economic development. They often provide unique products and services that cater to niche markets. Moreover, small businesses can foster a sense of community and local pride. For example, a small bakery in a neighborhood can become a beloved local institution, attracting customers and contributing to the local economy. Small businesses also tend to create more jobs per unit of investment compared to large corporations, which is beneficial for local employment rates.

In conclusion, while both small businesses and large corporations have their merits, large corporations generally have a more significant positive impact on economies due to their scale and resources. Small businesses, however, should not be overlooked as they contribute to local economies in unique ways.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 7 — Presents a clear position with relevant, extended support
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7 — Uses cohesive devices effectively but may occasionally use them inappropriately
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7 — Uses a mix of common and less common vocabulary with some less frequent errors
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7 — Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors

Band 8.0 Answer

The economic benefits of large corporations often outweigh those of small businesses, although the latter play a vital role in community development.

Large corporations typically yield greater economic benefits compared to small businesses, primarily due to their capacity for large-scale production and substantial investments. For example, companies like Microsoft can produce software and hardware at a scale that small businesses cannot match, thereby driving economic growth through increased productivity and job creation. Furthermore, large corporations often possess the financial resources to invest heavily in research and development, leading to innovative products and technologies that can transform entire industries. This innovation can stimulate economic growth and enhance a country's competitive edge in the global market.

However, small businesses should not be undermined, as they contribute significantly to local economies and community development. Small businesses often provide unique products and services that cater to specific local needs, fostering a sense of community and local pride. For instance, a small bookstore in a neighborhood can become a cultural hub, attracting locals and tourists alike. Additionally, small businesses tend to create more jobs per unit of investment compared to large corporations, which is crucial for maintaining low unemployment rates in local communities.

In conclusion, while large corporations generally have a more substantial positive impact on economies due to their scale and resources, small businesses play a vital role in community development and should be supported to ensure a balanced and thriving economy.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 8 — Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported arguments
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8 — Uses cohesive devices effectively to guide the reader through the response
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8 — Uses a range of vocabulary with a mix of common and less common vocabulary and some sophisticated vocabulary
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8 — Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors but generally maintains grammatical accuracy

Band 9.0 Answer

While small businesses are the backbone of local economies, large corporations drive macroeconomic growth through innovation and scale.

The economic impact of large corporations often surpasses that of small businesses due to their unparalleled capacity for large-scale production and substantial investments in innovation. Multinational enterprises like Google exemplify this phenomenon, as their extensive resources enable them to develop groundbreaking technologies that revolutionize industries and create high-value jobs. Furthermore, the financial clout of large corporations allows them to invest significantly in research and development, leading to technological advancements that can propel entire economies forward. For instance, the development of renewable energy technologies by large corporations has the potential to mitigate climate change and create new economic opportunities.

Nevertheless, small businesses are indispensable to the fabric of local economies and community development. They often provide specialized products and services that cater to unique local demands, thereby fostering a sense of community and local identity. For example, a small artisanal coffee shop can become a cherished community gathering place, contributing to the local economy and cultural scene. Additionally, small businesses are more likely to create jobs that are accessible to local residents, thereby reducing unemployment and promoting social cohesion.

In conclusion, while large corporations are pivotal in driving macroeconomic growth through innovation and scale, small businesses are the lifeblood of local economies and community development. A balanced approach that supports both is essential for sustainable economic growth.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 9 — Presents a clear, informed position with relevant, extended, and supported arguments
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9 — Uses cohesive devices effectively and flexibly to guide the reader through the response
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9 — Uses a wide range of vocabulary with a mix of common and less common vocabulary and some sophisticated vocabulary
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9 — Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with a high degree of grammatical accuracy

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Benefit (n): An advantage or profit gained from something. Example: The benefits of small businesses include job creation and community development.

1. Scale (n): The size or extent of something. Example: Large corporations operate on a much larger scale than small businesses.

1. Invest (v): To put money into financial schemes, shares, property, or commercial ventures with the expectation of achieving a profit. Example: Large corporations invest heavily in research and development.

1. Innovation (n): The introduction of new ideas, methods, or products. Example: Innovation is crucial for economic growth and competitiveness.

1. Stimulate (v): To encourage development or increase in something. Example: Government policies can stimulate economic growth.

1. Niche (n): A specialized segment of the market. Example: Small businesses often cater to niche markets.

1. Foster (v): To encourage the development of something. Example: Small businesses can foster a sense of community.

1. Transform (v): To change something significantly or dramatically. Example: Technological advancements can transform entire industries.

1. Unparalleled (adj): Having no parallel or equal; unrivaled. Example: Large corporations have unparalleled resources for large-scale production.

1. Clout (n): Influence or power, especially in politics or business. Example: The financial clout of large corporations allows them to invest significantly in research and development.

1. Mitigate (v): To make something less severe, serious, or painful. Example: Renewable energy technologies can mitigate climate change.

1. Indispensable (adj): Absolutely necessary. Example: Small businesses are indispensable to the fabric of local economies.

1. Artisanal (adj): Made in a traditional or non-mechanized way, often by hand. Example: A small artisanal coffee shop can become a cherished community gathering place.

1. Cohesion (n): The act of forming a united whole. Example: Cohesive devices are essential for guiding the reader through a response.

1. Flexibly (adv): In a way that allows for adaptation or change. Example: Effective writing uses cohesive devices flexibly and appropriately.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to clearly state their position in the introduction, leading to a lower score in Task Response.

1. Inadequate Support: Some students provide only one or two sentences to support their arguments, which is insufficient for higher bands.

1. Overuse of Simple Sentences: Students often rely too heavily on simple sentence structures, which limits their score in Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

1. Incorrect Collocations: Common collocations are often misused, such as "do more things" instead of "achieve more."

1. Poor Cohesion: Some students struggle with using cohesive devices effectively, leading to a disjointed response.

Get Your Response Scored by AI

Practice makes perfect. Get your own IELTS Writing Task 2 response scored by AI on English AIdol.