IELTS Writing Task 2: Small Businesses (Two Part Question) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Prompt: Some people believe that small businesses are more beneficial to the economy than large corporations. Others argue that large corporations are more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but lacks clear development
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses some less common vocabulary but with some errors
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Makes frequent grammatical errors

Answer:

Small businesses and large corporations both have benefits for the economy. Small businesses are good because they create jobs for local people and help the community. They also offer unique products that big companies do not have. However, large corporations are important too because they can produce goods at a lower cost and sell them worldwide. They also have more money to invest in research and development.

In my opinion, small businesses are more beneficial. They support local economies and provide personalized services. Big companies often move jobs to other countries, which can hurt local communities. Small businesses also encourage competition, which is good for consumers.

Band 7.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with some development
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a mix of common and less common vocabulary appropriately
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Makes some grammatical errors but they do not impede understanding

Answer:

The role of small businesses versus large corporations in the economy is a contentious issue. Proponents of small businesses argue that they foster local economic growth and provide tailored services. Conversely, advocates for large corporations contend that they drive innovation and efficiency through economies of scale.

Small businesses indeed play a pivotal role in job creation and community development. They often cater to niche markets and provide personalized customer service. For instance, local cafes and shops contribute to the unique character of neighborhoods. However, large corporations also offer significant advantages. They can achieve lower production costs through mass manufacturing and distribute products globally, benefiting consumers with affordable goods.

In my view, small businesses are more beneficial. They foster a sense of community and encourage healthy competition. Large corporations, while efficient, often prioritize profit over local welfare. Therefore, governments should implement policies that support small businesses, such as tax incentives and grants.

Band 8.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with thorough development
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and cohesive devices
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a range of vocabulary with precision and flexibility
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with minimal errors

Answer:

The debate surrounding the economic impact of small businesses versus large corporations is multifaceted. While small businesses are lauded for their role in local economic development, large corporations are praised for their efficiency and global reach. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting a personal stance.

On one hand, small businesses are instrumental in fostering local economic growth. They create jobs for residents and contribute to the unique character of communities. For example, artisanal bakeries and boutique clothing stores not only provide employment but also enhance the cultural fabric of neighborhoods. Additionally, small businesses often offer personalized services that cater to specific customer needs, fostering a sense of loyalty and trust.

On the other hand, large corporations bring significant advantages to the economy. They can achieve economies of scale, reducing production costs and making goods more affordable for consumers. Moreover, they have the resources to invest in research and development, driving innovation and technological advancements. For instance, companies like Apple and Tesla have revolutionized their respective industries through substantial investments in R&D.

In my opinion, small businesses are more beneficial. They foster a sense of community and encourage healthy competition. Large corporations, while efficient, often prioritize profit over local welfare. Therefore, governments should implement policies that support small businesses, such as tax incentives and grants. By doing so, they can ensure a balanced and thriving economy that benefits both local communities and the broader society.

Band 9.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with thorough, supported, and extended development
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and sophisticated cohesive devices
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precision and sophistication
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with rare errors

Answer:

The economic landscape is increasingly dominated by the dichotomy between small businesses and large corporations, each offering distinct advantages. While small businesses are celebrated for their role in local economic development and community building, large corporations are lauded for their efficiency, innovation, and global reach. This essay will critically evaluate both perspectives before presenting a nuanced stance.

Proponents of small businesses argue that they are the backbone of local economies. They create jobs for residents, contribute to the unique character of communities, and often provide personalized services that cater to specific customer needs. For instance, local farmers' markets not only offer fresh produce but also support sustainable agriculture and reduce carbon footprints. Moreover, small businesses foster a sense of community and encourage healthy competition, which benefits consumers through a diverse range of products and services.

Conversely, large corporations bring significant advantages to the economy. They can achieve economies of scale, reducing production costs and making goods more affordable for consumers. Additionally, they have the resources to invest in research and development, driving innovation and technological advancements. For example, pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer have revolutionized healthcare through substantial investments in R&D, leading to groundbreaking medical discoveries.

In my view, small businesses are more beneficial. They foster a sense of community and encourage healthy competition. Large corporations, while efficient, often prioritize profit over local welfare. Therefore, governments should implement policies that support small businesses, such as tax incentives and grants. By doing so, they can ensure a balanced and thriving economy that benefits both local communities and the broader society. Furthermore, supporting small businesses can lead to a more sustainable and equitable economic landscape, where the benefits of economic growth are distributed more evenly.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contentious (adj.) - causing or likely to cause people to argue

• Example: The role of small businesses versus large corporations is a contentious issue.

1. Proponents (n.) - a person who advocates for a cause or proposal

• Example: Proponents of small businesses argue that they foster local economic growth.

1. Tailored (adj.) - made or adapted for a particular purpose or person

• Example: Small businesses often provide tailored services that cater to specific customer needs.

1. Economies of scale (n.) - cost advantages that enterprises obtain due to their scale of operation

• Example: Large corporations can achieve economies of scale, reducing production costs.

1. Artisanal (adj.) - made by hand or using traditional methods

• Example: Artisanal bakeries contribute to the unique character of neighborhoods.

1. Boutique (n.) - a small store selling fashionable clothes or accessories

• Example: Boutique clothing stores enhance the cultural fabric of communities.

1. Innovation (n.) - the introduction of new ideas, methods, or products

• Example: Large corporations drive innovation through substantial investments in R&D.

1. Sustainable (adj.) - able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources

• Example: Local farmers' markets support sustainable agriculture.

1. Carbon footprints (n.) - the amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly and indirectly support human activities

• Example: Local farmers' markets reduce carbon footprints.

1. Equitable (adj.) - fair and impartial

• Example: Supporting small businesses can lead to a more equitable economic landscape.

1. Dichotomy (n.) - a division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as opposing or entirely different

• Example: The economic landscape is increasingly dominated by the dichotomy between small businesses and large corporations.

1. Lauded (adj.) - praised highly

• Example: Large corporations are lauded for their efficiency and global reach.

1. Nuanced (adj.) - characterized by subtle differences in meaning or expression

• Example: This essay will critically evaluate both perspectives before presenting a nuanced stance.

1. Substantial (adj.) - of considerable importance, size, or worth

• Example: Pharmaceutical companies have made substantial investments in R&D.

1. Groundbreaking (adj.) - introducing radically new and important ideas or methods

• Example: Pharmaceutical companies have led to groundbreaking medical discoveries.

1. Advancements (n.) - the process of moving forward in a purposeful way

• Example: Large corporations drive advancements through substantial investments in R&D.

1. Sustainable agriculture (n.) - farming in a way that protects the environment, public health, human communities, and animal welfare

• Example: Local farmers' markets support sustainable agriculture.

1. Carbon footprints (n.) - the amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly and indirectly support human activities

• Example: Local farmers' markets reduce carbon footprints.

1. Equitable (adj.) - fair and impartial

• Example: Supporting small businesses can lead to a more equitable economic landscape.

1. Dichotomy (n.) - a division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as opposing or entirely different

• Example: The economic landscape is increasingly dominated by the dichotomy between small businesses and large corporations.

Common Mistakes

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

1. Inadequate Development: Some answers present a position but lack sufficient development, resulting in a lower score for Task Response and Coherence and Cohesion.

1. Repetition: Repeating ideas without adding new information can lower the Coherence and Cohesion score.

1. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can significantly impact the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.

1. Limited Vocabulary: Using only common vocabulary can limit the Lexical Resource score. Students should aim to use a range of vocabulary, including less common words and phrases.

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