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

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The Prompt

> Some people believe that small businesses have a positive impact on society, while others argue that they have negative effects. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

The small businesses are very important for the society. They can help the economy to grow and give jobs to people. But sometimes they can cause problems too.

On the one hand, small businesses are good for the economy. They create jobs for local people and help the community. For example, a small café can employ several people and give them money to spend in the area. Also, small businesses can be more flexible than big companies. They can change quickly to meet the needs of customers.

On the other hand, small businesses can have negative effects. They may not pay their workers very well and the conditions might not be good. Also, small businesses can struggle to compete with big companies. This can lead to them closing down, which is bad for the workers and the community.

In my opinion, the positive effects of small businesses are more important. They help the economy and give people jobs. But it is important for the government to support them so they can compete with big companies.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Addresses the task but with limited development of ideas. Presents a position but with some irrelevant points.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Information is logically organized but with some unclear referencing. Some cohesive devices are used but not always appropriately.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Limited range of vocabulary. Some errors in word choice and collocation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Limited range of sentence structures. Frequent grammatical errors that may impede communication.

Band 7.0 Answer

Small businesses play a significant role in society, contributing both positively and negatively to the economy and community.

To begin with, small businesses have several advantages. They stimulate economic growth by creating jobs and contributing to local economies. For instance, a small bakery can employ several people and attract customers from the surrounding area. Additionally, small businesses often provide personalized services that large corporations cannot match. They can also foster innovation and competition, driving larger companies to improve their products and services.

However, there are also some drawbacks. Small businesses may struggle to compete with larger corporations due to limited resources and economies of scale. This can lead to financial instability and higher failure rates. Moreover, they may not offer the same benefits and job security as larger companies, which can be a disadvantage for employees.

In my view, the benefits of small businesses outweigh the drawbacks. They are essential for a diverse and dynamic economy, and governments should implement policies to support their growth and sustainability.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Addresses all parts of the task. Presents a clear position throughout the response.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Information is logically organized with clear progression. Uses a mix of cohesive devices effectively.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary. Some less common lexical items are used but with some inaccuracies.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. Some errors in grammar and punctuation but they do not impede communication.

Band 8.0 Answer

The proliferation of small businesses has become a contentious issue, with proponents highlighting their economic benefits and detractors pointing to their potential drawbacks.

Proponents argue that small businesses are the backbone of the economy. They generate employment opportunities, particularly in local communities, and contribute to economic diversification. For example, a small tech startup can create jobs for software developers, designers, and marketers, while also attracting investment and fostering innovation. Furthermore, small businesses often provide unique products and services that cater to niche markets, enhancing consumer choice and satisfaction.

Conversely, critics contend that small businesses can have negative impacts. They may lack the financial stability and resources of larger corporations, leading to higher failure rates and job insecurity. Additionally, small businesses may not comply with labor laws and regulations, exploiting workers and creating unfair competition. For instance, a small factory might pay its employees below the minimum wage or fail to provide adequate safety measures.

In my opinion, the positive impacts of small businesses outweigh the negative ones. They are crucial for economic growth and innovation, and governments should implement policies to support their sustainability and ethical practices.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Fully addresses all parts of the task. Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Information is logically organized with clear progression. Uses a wide range of cohesive devices effectively.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of vocabulary with less common lexical items used appropriately.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms. Some errors in grammar and punctuation but they do not impede communication.

Band 9.0 Answer

The role of small businesses in society is a topic of much debate, with proponents extolling their economic benefits and critics highlighting their potential drawbacks.

Advocates of small businesses contend that they are the lifeblood of the economy. They generate employment opportunities, particularly in local communities, and contribute to economic diversification. For instance, a small organic farm can create jobs for farmers, marketers, and distributors, while also promoting sustainable agriculture and healthy living. Moreover, small businesses often provide personalized services that large corporations cannot match, enhancing consumer satisfaction and loyalty.

Conversely, detractors argue that small businesses can have negative impacts. They may lack the financial stability and resources of larger corporations, leading to higher failure rates and job insecurity. Additionally, small businesses may not comply with labor laws and regulations, exploiting workers and creating unfair competition. For example, a small restaurant might pay its employees below the minimum wage or fail to provide adequate benefits.

In my view, the positive impacts of small businesses outweigh the negative ones. They are crucial for economic growth and innovation, and governments should implement policies to support their sustainability and ethical practices. This could include providing access to low-interest loans, offering tax incentives, and enforcing labor laws to ensure fair treatment of employees.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Fully addresses all parts of the task. Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas. Provides a clear conclusion.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Information is logically organized with clear progression. Uses a wide range of cohesive devices effectively.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of vocabulary with less common lexical items used appropriately. Uses collocations naturally.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms. Some errors in grammar and punctuation but they do not impede communication. Uses a variety of sentence structures effectively.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Proliferation: Rapid increase in the number or amount of something.

• Example: The proliferation of small businesses has boosted the local economy.

1. Contentious: Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.

• Example: The issue of small businesses is contentious among economists.

1. Backbone: The essential part of something.

• Example: Small businesses are the backbone of the economy.

1. Diversification: The process of making something more diverse.

• Example: Economic diversification is crucial for sustainable growth.

1. Niche: A specialized segment of the market.

• Example: Small businesses often cater to niche markets.

1. Proponents: People who support or advocate for something.

• Example: Proponents of small businesses highlight their economic benefits.

1. Detractors: People who criticize or speak against something.

• Example: Detractors argue that small businesses can have negative impacts.

1. Compliance: The act of conforming to a rule, request, or demand.

• Example: Small businesses must comply with labor laws and regulations.

1. Exploiting: Making use of something in an unfair or selfish way.

• Example: Small businesses may exploit workers by paying them below the minimum wage.

1. Sustainability: The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.

• Example: Governments should support the sustainability of small businesses.

1. Ethical: Relating to moral principles or the science of morals.

• Example: Small businesses should adhere to ethical practices.

1. Lifeblood: Something that is essential to the existence or development of something.

• Example: Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy.

1. Personalized: Made or done to meet the needs or tastes of a particular person.

• Example: Small businesses often provide personalized services.

1. Loyalty: A strong feeling of support or allegiance.

• Example: Small businesses can enhance consumer loyalty.

1. Enforcing: Making sure that a law, rule, or obligation is obeyed.

• Example: Governments should enforce labor laws to ensure fair treatment of employees.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Specific Examples: Many students fail to provide specific examples to support their arguments, leading to a lower score in the Task Response criteria.

1. Poor Organization: Some students struggle with organizing their ideas logically, resulting in a lower score in the Coherence and Cohesion criteria.

1. Limited Vocabulary: Students often use a limited range of vocabulary, which can lower their score in the Lexical Resource criteria. It's important to use a variety of words and phrases to express ideas clearly and accurately.

1. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can impede communication and lower the score in the Grammatical Range and Accuracy criteria. Students should proofread their work to minimize errors.

1. Irrelevant Points: Some students include irrelevant points that do not address the task, which can lower their score in the Task Response criteria. It's important to stay focused on the topic and address all parts of the task.

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