The topic of taxing online shopping has become increasingly relevant in recent years, particularly as e-commerce continues to grow rapidly. This subject has appeared in various forms in past IELTS Writing Task 2 questions and is likely to remain a popular topic in future exams. Based on analysis of previous test papers and current trends, we can expect questions related to online shopping taxation to appear with moderate frequency.
Let’s examine a sample question that closely resembles those seen in actual IELTS exams:
Some people believe that online shopping should be taxed to protect local businesses. Others think that this would be unfair to consumers. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments in favor of taxing online shopping
- Discuss arguments against taxing online shopping
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, focusing on structure, vocabulary, and argumentation.
Sample Essay for Band 8
Online commerce has revolutionized the way people shop, leading to debates about whether it should be subject to additional taxation. While some argue that such measures are necessary to safeguard local businesses, others contend that it would unfairly burden consumers. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own stance on this contentious issue.
Proponents of taxing online shopping assert that it levels the playing field for brick-and-mortar stores. Local businesses often struggle to compete with e-commerce giants due to higher operational costs, including rent and staffing expenses. By imposing taxes on online purchases, governments could potentially create a more equitable marketplace, allowing physical stores to remain competitive. Moreover, this additional revenue could be reinvested in local communities, supporting infrastructure and public services.
On the other hand, opponents argue that taxing online shopping would be detrimental to consumers. E-commerce often offers lower prices and greater convenience, which are significant benefits for many shoppers, particularly those in remote areas or with limited mobility. Implementing new taxes could erode these advantages, potentially leading to higher costs and reduced accessibility for consumers. Furthermore, in an increasingly digital world, such measures might be seen as regressive and out of touch with modern shopping habits.
In my opinion, while the concerns of local businesses are valid, imposing blanket taxes on online shopping is not the most effective solution. Instead, a more nuanced approach is needed. Governments could consider targeted support for small local businesses, such as tax incentives or grants for digital transformation. Additionally, large online retailers could be encouraged to contribute to local economies through corporate social responsibility initiatives or partnerships with local vendors.
In conclusion, the debate over taxing online shopping highlights the complex interplay between supporting local economies and embracing technological progress. Rather than implementing across-the-board taxation, policymakers should strive for balanced solutions that protect local businesses while preserving the benefits of e-commerce for consumers. (309 words)
Illustration of online shopping taxation debate
Band 8 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent control of language and addresses all parts of the question effectively:
Task Response (Band 8-9): The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended ideas and a clear position.
Coherence and Cohesion (Band 8): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
Lexical Resource (Band 8): A wide range of vocabulary is used with flexibility and precision. Uncommon lexical items are used naturally, with only occasional minor errors.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (Band 8-9): A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and control. Errors are rare and difficult to spot.
Sample Essay for Band 7
The rise of online shopping has sparked a debate about whether it should be taxed to protect local businesses. While some people support this idea, others believe it would be unfair to consumers. This essay will discuss both viewpoints and provide my opinion on this matter.
Those in favor of taxing online shopping argue that it would help local businesses compete more fairly. Physical stores have higher costs such as rent and staff wages, which online retailers often avoid. By adding taxes to online purchases, the price difference between online and offline shopping might decrease, encouraging more people to buy from local stores. This could help keep local businesses alive and maintain jobs in the community.
On the other hand, opponents of this idea claim that it would be unfair to consumers. Online shopping offers convenience and often lower prices, which many people rely on, especially those living in remote areas or with limited mobility. Adding taxes to online purchases could make shopping more expensive and less accessible for these individuals. Moreover, in today’s digital age, many argue that online shopping should be treated the same as traditional shopping.
In my opinion, while I understand the need to support local businesses, imposing taxes solely on online shopping may not be the best solution. Instead, governments could look at ways to help local businesses adapt to the digital marketplace, such as providing training or grants for creating online stores. This approach could help local businesses compete without disadvantaging consumers who prefer online shopping.
In conclusion, the issue of taxing online shopping is complex, with valid arguments on both sides. Rather than simply adding taxes, a more balanced approach that supports local businesses while respecting consumer choice would be more beneficial for everyone. (276 words)
Band 7 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates good control of language and addresses all parts of the question:
Task Response (Band 7): The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some aspects are covered more thoroughly than others. The writer’s position is clear.
Coherence and Cohesion (Band 7): Information and ideas are organized logically, with clear progression throughout. Paragraphing is generally well-managed.
Lexical Resource (Band 7): A sufficient range of vocabulary is used with some flexibility and precision. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (Band 7): A variety of complex structures is used with good control. Occasional errors do not impede communication.
Sample Essay for Band 6
Nowadays, many people like to shop online. Some think online shopping should be taxed to help local shops, but others say this is not fair for customers. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who want to tax online shopping say it will help local shops. Local shops have to pay for buildings and workers, which makes their prices higher. If online shopping has taxes, the prices might be more similar, and people might buy more from local shops. This could help keep local shops open and give jobs to people in the area.
But people against taxing online shopping think it’s not fair for customers. Online shopping is easy and often cheaper, which is good for people who live far away or can’t go to shops easily. If online shopping has more taxes, it might become more expensive and harder for these people to buy things they need. Also, some people think that in today’s world, online shopping should be treated the same as normal shopping.
I think that taxing online shopping might not be the best way to help local shops. Instead, the government could help local shops learn how to sell things online too. This way, local shops can still do well, and people can still choose where they want to buy things.
In conclusion, taxing online shopping is a difficult issue. There are good reasons for both sides. I believe we should find a way to help local shops without making things harder for people who like to shop online. (252 words)
Band 6 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates an adequate control of language and addresses the main parts of the question:
Task Response (Band 6): The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some points are underdeveloped. The writer’s position is discernible but not always clear.
Coherence and Cohesion (Band 6): Information and ideas are generally arranged coherently, and there is a clear overall progression. Basic cohesive devices are used, though not always appropriately.
Lexical Resource (Band 6): An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task. Errors in word choice and spelling occur but do not impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (Band 6): A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. Errors occur, but the message remains clear for the most part.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- E-commerce (noun) /ˈiːkɒmɜːs/ – commercial transactions conducted electronically on the internet
- Brick-and-mortar (adjective) /brɪk ənd ˈmɔːtə/ – denoting a business with physical premises, rather than one that operates over the internet
- Level the playing field (idiom) – to make conditions fair so that everyone has an equal chance of succeeding
- Operational costs (noun) /ˌɒpəˈreɪʃənl kɒsts/ – the expenses incurred in the day-to-day functioning of a business
- Reinvest (verb) /riːɪnˈvest/ – to invest money or profits again, especially in a business
- Regressive (adjective) /rɪˈɡresɪv/ – taking a proportionally greater amount from those on lower incomes
- Corporate social responsibility (noun) /ˈkɔːpərət ˈsəʊʃl rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ – a company’s initiatives to assess and take responsibility for its effects on social and environmental wellbeing
- Digital transformation (noun) /ˈdɪdʒɪtl trænsfəˈmeɪʃn/ – the adoption of digital technology by an organization
In conclusion, the topic of taxing online shopping presents a complex issue that requires careful consideration of various perspectives. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, remember to practice addressing similar topics that balance economic concerns with consumer interests. Some potential future questions might include:
- Should governments impose stricter regulations on large e-commerce companies to protect small businesses?
- How can countries balance the growth of online retail with the need to maintain vibrant local economies?
- In what ways can traditional brick-and-mortar stores adapt to compete in an increasingly digital marketplace?
We encourage you to practice writing essays on these topics and share them in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.