The topic of online versus in-person business meetings has become increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2, particularly since 2020. Based on analysis of past exam questions, this theme appears in approximately 15% of recent tests, often within broader topics like technology in workplace or changing business practices. Let’s examine a frequently appearing question type on this subject.
Question Analysis
Some people believe that business meetings should be conducted online instead of in person because it saves time and money. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This is an agree/disagree essay question that requires candidates to:
- Take a clear position on the statement
- Provide balanced arguments
- Support ideas with relevant examples
- Conclude with a firm stance
Modern professionals participating in online business meeting using video conferencing
Band 8.5 Sample Essay
In recent years, the shift towards online business meetings has sparked considerable debate regarding their effectiveness compared to traditional face-to-face interactions. While I partially agree that virtual meetings offer significant cost and time benefits, I believe a hybrid approach combining both methods is most beneficial for businesses.
Online meetings undeniably provide substantial advantages in terms of resource efficiency. Companies can dramatically reduce travel expenses and accommodation costs that were previously necessary for international business meetings. Additionally, virtual conferences eliminate commuting time, allowing participants to join from any location with an internet connection, thereby increasing productivity and enabling more flexible scheduling.
However, in-person meetings remain irreplaceable for certain business contexts. Face-to-face interactions facilitate stronger relationship building through non-verbal cues and casual conversations that often occur before or after formal meetings. Moreover, complex negotiations or sensitive discussions typically benefit from physical presence, as it allows for better emotional connection and reduces the risk of miscommunication.
Furthermore, some business activities require hands-on collaboration or physical product demonstrations that cannot be effectively replicated in virtual environments. Technical limitations such as unstable internet connections or time zone differences can also hinder the effectiveness of online meetings, potentially leading to misunderstandings or delayed decision-making.
In conclusion, while online meetings offer clear advantages in terms of cost and time efficiency, their effectiveness depends largely on the meeting’s purpose and context. A balanced approach, utilizing both virtual and in-person formats based on specific business needs, would be most advantageous for modern organizations.
Business professionals engaged in traditional face-to-face meeting
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Nowadays, many companies are using online meetings instead of face-to-face meetings. I agree that online meetings are better because they help save money and time for businesses.
Firstly, online meetings are cheaper than traditional meetings. Companies don’t need to pay for travel costs or hotel rooms when people join meetings from their computers at home or office. Also, businesses can save money on meeting rooms and refreshments. This is very important for small companies that don’t have much money.
Secondly, online meetings save lots of time. People don’t have to travel to different places for meetings, so they can use this time to do other work. Also, it’s easier to schedule meetings because everyone can join from anywhere. For example, my friend works in a company where team members are in different countries, but they can easily have meetings online.
However, online meetings also have some problems. Sometimes the internet connection is bad, which makes it difficult to communicate properly. Also, some people prefer meeting face-to-face because it’s easier to understand each other and build relationships. When people meet in person, they can see body language and facial expressions better.
In conclusion, I think online meetings are generally better than in-person meetings because they save money and time. However, companies should sometimes have face-to-face meetings when they need to build stronger relationships or discuss very important things.
Essay Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear position with nuanced arguments
- Coherent paragraphing with smooth transitions
- Relevant examples and thorough development
- Academic tone throughout
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic argument structure
- Some development of ideas
- Personal examples
- Occasional informal expressions
Key Vocabulary
- virtual conferences (n) /ˈvɜːtʃuəl ˈkɒnfərəns/ – online meetings
- irreplaceable (adj) /ˌɪrɪˈpleɪsəbl/ – cannot be substituted
- non-verbal cues (n) /nɒn ˈvɜːbəl kjuːz/ – body language signals
- miscommunication (n) /ˌmɪskəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃn/ – failed communication
- time zone differences (n) /taɪm zəʊn ˈdɪfrəns/ – variations in time between regions
- hybrid approach (n) /ˈhaɪbrɪd əˈprəʊtʃ/ – combined method
- resource efficiency (n) /rɪˈsɔːs ɪˈfɪʃnsi/ – optimal use of resources
- technical limitations (n) /ˈteknɪkl ˌlɪmɪˈteɪʃnz/ – technological constraints
For practice, try writing your own essay about the advantages and disadvantages of virtual team-building activities compared to traditional in-person team events. Share your essay in the comments for feedback and discussion.
