Automation and its effects on small businesses is a highly relevant topic in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. This theme has appeared in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject due to its global significance. Based on analysis of past exam questions and current trends, here are two potential task prompts related to this topic:
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Some people believe that automation will benefit small businesses, while others think it will lead to their downfall. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
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To what extent do you agree or disagree that small businesses should embrace automation to remain competitive?
Let’s focus on the first prompt for our sample essays, as it provides a balanced approach to discussing the topic.
Analyzing the Task
Some people believe that automation will benefit small businesses, while others think it will lead to their downfall. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the positive impacts of automation on small businesses
- Examine the potential negative consequences of automation for small businesses
- Present and justify their personal stance on the issue
A well-structured response should include an introduction, two body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint, a paragraph expressing the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Automation has become a pivotal factor in the business world, sparking debates about its impact on small enterprises. While some argue that it offers significant advantages, others contend that it poses existential threats to small businesses. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of automation argue that it can substantially benefit small businesses by enhancing efficiency and competitiveness. By implementing automated systems, small companies can streamline their operations, reduce human error, and allocate resources more effectively. For instance, a small retail store could use inventory management software to optimize stock levels and automate reordering processes, thereby minimizing costs and improving customer satisfaction. Moreover, automation can enable small businesses to compete with larger corporations by leveling the playing field in terms of productivity and service quality.
On the other hand, critics assert that automation may lead to the downfall of small businesses due to high implementation costs and potential job losses. The initial investment required for automated systems can be prohibitively expensive for small enterprises with limited capital, potentially forcing them into debt or bankruptcy. Furthermore, automation may lead to workforce reductions, which could damage the community relationships that many small businesses rely on for their success. This could result in a loss of the personal touch that often distinguishes small businesses from their larger counterparts.
In my opinion, while automation presents challenges, its benefits for small businesses outweigh the drawbacks if implemented thoughtfully. Small enterprises can adopt automation gradually, focusing on areas that offer the most significant improvements without compromising their unique strengths. For example, a family-owned restaurant could automate its reservation and ordering systems while maintaining personalized customer service. By striking this balance, small businesses can harness the power of automation to enhance their operations while preserving their distinctive character and community connections.
In conclusion, automation’s impact on small businesses is complex, offering both opportunities and risks. However, with careful planning and strategic implementation, small enterprises can leverage automation to boost their competitiveness and ensure long-term sustainability in an increasingly technology-driven marketplace.
(Word count: 329)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Nowadays, automation is becoming more and more popular in many industries. Some people think it will help small businesses, but others believe it will cause problems for them. In this essay, I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
On the one hand, automation can be good for small businesses. It can help them work faster and better, which means they can compete with bigger companies. For example, a small shop can use a computer system to manage their inventory, so they always know what products they have and what they need to order. This saves time and money. Also, automation can help small businesses provide better service to customers, like using chatbots to answer questions quickly.
However, there are also some negative effects of automation on small businesses. The main problem is that it can be very expensive to buy and set up automated systems. Many small businesses don’t have a lot of money, so they might not be able to afford these new technologies. Another issue is that automation might replace some workers, which could be bad for the local community and the business’s reputation.
In my opinion, I think automation can be good for small businesses if they use it carefully. They should start by automating things that will give them the most benefits without spending too much money. For instance, a small restaurant could use an automated ordering system but still have human waiters to talk to customers. This way, they can improve their business but still keep the personal touch that makes them special.
To sum up, automation has both advantages and disadvantages for small businesses. While it can help them become more efficient and competitive, it also comes with challenges like high costs and potential job losses. I believe that if small businesses use automation wisely, they can benefit from it and stay successful in the future.
(Word count: 309)
Explaining the Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent command of the English language and addresses all parts of the task effectively. It presents a well-developed response with clear progression throughout, using a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures accurately. The essay showcases:
- A clear introduction that outlines the topic and the essay’s structure
- Well-developed paragraphs that thoroughly discuss both viewpoints
- A balanced and nuanced personal opinion
- Relevant examples to support arguments (e.g., inventory management software, family-owned restaurant)
- Sophisticated vocabulary (e.g., “pivotal,” “existential threats,” “prohibitively expensive”)
- Complex sentence structures and cohesive devices
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay addresses the task adequately but with less sophistication than the Band 8-9 essay. It presents relevant ideas but with less depth and precision. The essay demonstrates:
- A clear overall structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
- Discussion of both viewpoints with some supporting examples
- A personal opinion that is clearly expressed
- Some range in vocabulary, though less precise than the higher band essay
- Mostly correct grammar with some complex sentences, but less variety
- Adequate cohesion and paragraphing
The main differences between the two essays lie in the depth of analysis, range of vocabulary, and complexity of language structures. The Band 8-9 essay offers a more nuanced discussion with more sophisticated language use, while the Band 6-7 essay presents a simpler, more straightforward approach to the topic.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Automation (noun) – /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃn/ – the use of machines and computers to do work that was previously done by people
- Streamline (verb) – /ˈstriːmlaɪn/ – to make a system, organization, etc. work better, especially by making it simpler
- Prohibitively (adverb) – /prəˈhɪbɪtɪvli/ – to an extent that prevents someone from doing something, especially because it is too expensive
- Implementation (noun) – /ˌɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃn/ – the process of putting a plan or system into operation
- Competitiveness (noun) – /kəmˈpetɪtɪvnəs/ – the ability to compete successfully with other companies, countries, etc.
- Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to continue or be continued for a long time
- Leverage (verb) – /ˈliːvərɪdʒ/ – to use something to maximum advantage
- Gradual (adjective) – /ˈɡrædʒuəl/ – happening or changing slowly over a long period of time
- Workforce (noun) – /ˈwɜːkfɔːs/ – the total number of people who work in a company or industry
- Chatbot (noun) – /ˈtʃætbɒt/ – a computer program designed to simulate conversation with human users, especially over the Internet
These vocabulary items are particularly relevant to the topic of automation and its impact on small businesses. Incorporating them appropriately in your essay can help demonstrate a wide range of lexical resources, which is crucial for achieving a higher band score in IELTS Writing Task 2.
How automation is transforming traditional industries provides additional context on the broader impact of automation across various sectors, which can be valuable for understanding the implications for small businesses.
In conclusion, mastering essays on automation’s impact on small businesses requires a deep understanding of the topic, strong analytical skills, and the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly. As you practice writing on this theme, consider exploring related topics such as how e-commerce affects employment opportunities to broaden your perspective. Remember to structure your essays logically, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. By doing so, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle similar questions in your IELTS Writing Task 2 exam.
To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you apply the strategies and vocabulary discussed in this article, improving your ability to craft high-scoring responses in the IELTS Writing Task 2.
How to manage the impact of technology on traditional industries offers valuable insights that can be applied to small businesses facing technological changes, providing you with additional perspectives to enrich your essays on this topic.