IELTS Writing Task 2: Small Businesses - Band 7.5 Sample with Full Breakdown

Related guides:

• IELTS Writing Task 2 Renewable Energy Agree Disagree Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Recycling (Discussion) — Band 6/7/8/9…
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Deforestation Two Part Question Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Climate Change Discussion Sample Band…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Plastic Pollution (Advantages…

The Prompt

Some people think that small businesses are more beneficial to the economy than large corporations. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Band 7.5 Sample Answer

The Role of Small Businesses in Economic Development

Small businesses play a pivotal role in economic development, and I firmly believe that they are more beneficial than large corporations. This is primarily due to their ability to foster local economic growth, create jobs, and drive innovation.

Firstly, small businesses contribute significantly to local economies. They tend to source materials and services locally, which keeps money within the community. According to the International Council for Small Business, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for over 90% of businesses worldwide and contribute significantly to employment and GDP. In contrast, large corporations often outsource materials and services globally, which can lead to a drain on local resources. For instance, a local bakery will likely purchase ingredients from nearby farms, whereas a multinational food corporation may import ingredients from overseas.

Secondly, small businesses create jobs and stimulate economic activity. They often provide employment opportunities for local residents, including those who may face barriers to employment in larger corporations. Moreover, small businesses tend to pay wages locally, which further circulates money within the community. A study by the World Bank found that SMEs are responsible for creating around 70% of jobs in developing countries.

Lastly, small businesses drive innovation. They are often more agile and adaptable than large corporations, allowing them to respond quickly to changing market demands. This can lead to the development of new products and services that cater to local needs. For example, a small tech startup may develop an app that solves a specific problem for local residents, whereas a large tech corporation may focus on developing products with global appeal.

In conclusion, small businesses are more beneficial to the economy than large corporations due to their ability to foster local economic growth, create jobs, and drive innovation. Governments should therefore prioritize policies that support and promote small businesses.

Scoring Breakdown

Task Achievement (Band 7)

• Presents a clear position throughout the response.
• Presents, extends, and supports main ideas, but some ideas are not fully developed.
• Uses less common lexical items with some flexibility and some less common collocations.
• Makes occasional errors in word choice.
• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, but some sentences are awkwardly structured.
• Uses cohesive devices effectively, but some are mechanical or overused.
• Makes some errors in referencing and substitution.

Coherence and Cohesion (Band 7)

• Arranges information and ideas coherently and logically.
• Uses cohesive devices effectively, but some are mechanical or overused.
• Makes some errors in referencing and substitution.

Lexical Resource (Band 7)

• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, but some sentences are awkwardly structured.
• Uses a range of vocabulary, but some word choices are repetitive or inappropriate.
• Makes occasional errors in word choice.
• Uses some less common lexical items with some flexibility and some less common collocations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (Band 7)

• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, but some sentences are awkwardly structured.
• Makes some errors in grammar and punctuation, but these do not impede understanding.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Pivotal (adjective): of crucial importance in the success or development of something.

• Example: Small businesses play a pivotal role in economic development.

1. Foster (verb): encourage the development of something.

• Example: Small businesses foster local economic growth.

1. Agile (adjective): able to move quickly and easily.

• Example: Small businesses are often more agile than large corporations.

1. Adaptable (adjective): able to adjust to new conditions.

• Example: Small businesses tend to be more adaptable than large corporations.

1. Circulate (verb): move or cause to move in a circle or circuit.

• Example: Small businesses tend to circulate money within the community.

1. Outsource (verb): obtain (goods or a service) from an outside or foreign supplier.

• Example: Large corporations often outsource materials and services globally.

1. Drive (verb): give impetus or incentive to.

• Example: Small businesses drive innovation.

1. Respond (verb): say something in reply to someone or something.

• Example: Small businesses can respond quickly to changing market demands.

1. Cater (verb): provide what is needed or desired.

• Example: Small businesses can cater to local needs.

1. Prioritize (verb): designate or treat (an item of business) as very important.

• Example: Governments should prioritize policies that support small businesses.

1. Promote (verb): support or actively encourage (a cause, venture, etc.).

• Example: Governments should promote small businesses.

1. Stimulate (verb): encourage or arouse interest or activity in.

• Example: Small businesses stimulate economic activity.

1. Barriers (noun): an obstacle or impediment.

• Example: Small businesses provide employment opportunities for those who may face barriers to employment in larger corporations.

1. Demands (noun): a pressing necessity or requirement.

• Example: Small businesses can respond quickly to changing market demands.

1. Global (adjective): relating to the whole world; worldwide.

• Example: Large corporations may focus on developing products with global appeal.

1. Local (adjective): relating or restricted to a particular area or one's own town or district.

• Example: Small businesses tend to source materials and services locally.

1. Innovation (noun): the action or process of innovating.

• Example: Small businesses drive innovation.

1. Corporation (noun): a large company or group of companies authorized to act as a single entity and recognized as such in law.

• Example: Large corporations often outsource materials and services globally.

1. Multinational (adjective): operating or functioning in several countries.

• Example: A multinational food corporation may import ingredients from overseas.

1. Startup (noun): a new business or venture.

• Example: A small tech startup may develop an app that solves a specific problem for local residents.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Failing to present a clear position: Some students may present a balanced argument without clearly stating their position. This can result in a lower score for Task Achievement.

1. Using repetitive vocabulary: Students may use the same words or phrases repeatedly, which can limit their lexical resource score. It's important to use a range of vocabulary and to use less common lexical items where appropriate.

1. Making errors in grammar and punctuation: Students may make errors in grammar and punctuation that impede understanding. This can result in a lower score for Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

1. Failing to use cohesive devices effectively: Students may fail to use cohesive devices effectively, which can result in a lower score for Coherence and Cohesion. It's important to use a range of cohesive devices and to use them appropriately.

1. Failing to extend and support ideas: Students may present ideas but fail to extend and support them with relevant examples or evidence. This can result in a lower score for Task Achievement.

Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol

Practice makes perfect. Get your own IELTS Writing Task 2 response scored by AI on English AIdol and receive personalized feedback to help you improve your score.

FAQs

What is the difference between a small business and a large corporation?

A small business is typically independently owned and operated, with fewer employees and lower revenue than a large corporation. Large corporations, on the other hand, are typically publicly traded companies with thousands of employees and high revenue.

Why are small businesses important to the economy?

Small businesses are important to the economy because they foster local economic growth, create jobs, and drive innovation. They also tend to source materials and services locally, which keeps money within the community.

What is the role of governments in supporting small businesses?

Governments can support small businesses by providing access to funding, offering tax incentives, and creating policies that promote entrepreneurship. They can also provide resources and support to help small businesses grow and succeed.

What are some examples of successful small businesses?

Examples of successful small businesses include local bakeries, coffee shops, and tech startups. These businesses have been able to cater to local needs and respond quickly to changing market demands.

How can small businesses compete with large corporations?

Small businesses can compete with large corporations by focusing on their unique strengths, such as their ability to be more agile and adaptable. They can also cater to local needs and provide personalized customer service.

What are some challenges faced by small businesses?

Some challenges faced by small businesses include access to funding, competition from large corporations, and regulatory burdens. They may also face challenges in attracting and retaining talented employees.

How can small businesses drive innovation?

Small businesses can drive innovation by responding quickly to changing market demands and developing new products and services that cater to local needs. They can also foster a culture of creativity and experimentation.

What is the future of small businesses?

The future of small businesses looks bright, as they continue to play a pivotal role in economic development. With the right support and resources, small businesses can continue to thrive and contribute to the economy.

Stats Callouts

90% of businesses worldwide are SMEs

Source: International Council for Small Business

70% of jobs in developing countries are created by SMEs

Source: World Bank

Small businesses contribute significantly to employment and GDP

Source: International Council for Small Business

Target Keywords

• IELTS Writing Task 2 small businesses band 7.5 sample answer
• IELTS Writing Task 2 small businesses sample answer
• IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer band 7.5
• IELTS Writing Task 2 small businesses
• IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer

Internal Link Suggestions

• IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Get Band 7.5 or Higher
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Common Mistakes to Avoid
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Vocabulary Highlights
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Scoring Breakdown
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Tips and Strategies
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Answers
• IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Improve Your Score
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Understanding the Rubric
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Common Topics
• IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Plan Your Response

Howto Steps

[empty array, as this is not a how-to page]