The topic of online shopping’s impact on local businesses has become increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. Based on recent test reports and analysis from The rise of online shopping and its impact on local businesses, this theme appeared multiple times in 2022-2023, particularly in Asian test centers. Let’s examine a recent actual test question and analyze sample responses across different band scores.
Task Analysis
Some people believe that the increasing popularity of online shopping is causing many local shops to close down. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question requires candidates to:
- Express their opinion about the relationship between online shopping and local business closures
- Support their viewpoint with relevant examples and explanations
- Maintain a clear position throughout the essay
- Provide a balanced discussion while clearly stating their stance
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.0)
The proliferation of e-commerce has indeed led to the decline of numerous local retail establishments, and I strongly agree that this trend is causing significant disruption to traditional brick-and-mortar stores. This essay will examine the direct correlation between the rise of online shopping and the closure of local businesses.
Firstly, online retailers possess several competitive advantages that make it difficult for local shops to survive. These platforms often offer lower prices due to reduced overhead costs and economies of scale, while providing unprecedented convenience through 24/7 accessibility and home delivery services. For instance, how online shopping affects local businesses is particularly evident in the electronics sector, where major online retailers can offer products at 20-30% lower prices than local stores.
Moreover, the technological advancement of e-commerce platforms has revolutionized the shopping experience. These websites utilize sophisticated algorithms to provide personalized recommendations and maintain detailed purchase histories, creating a level of customer service that small local businesses struggle to match. Additionally, the vast product selection available online far exceeds what any physical store could reasonably stock.
However, this situation doesn’t necessarily spell doom for all local businesses. Those that have adapted by developing hybrid models – maintaining physical stores while establishing online presence – have shown resilience. Impact of e-commerce on traditional retail stores demonstrates that businesses offering unique local products or specialized services often maintain customer loyalty despite online competition.
In conclusion, while the expansion of online shopping has undeniably contributed to local shop closures, the retail landscape is evolving rather than disappearing entirely. The key to survival lies in adaptation and innovation rather than resistance to change.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
In recent years, many local shops have closed because more people prefer online shopping. I agree that online shopping is the main reason for this problem.
Online shopping websites can sell things cheaper than local shops. They don’t need to pay rent or hire many workers, so their prices are lower. Also, people can buy things any time they want and get home delivery, which is very convenient. For example, in my country, many small bookstores closed because everyone buys books from big online websites.
Another problem is that local shops cannot compete with the variety of products online. Fewer shop visits for purchases: advantages and disadvantages shows that online shops have thousands of items, but local shops can only keep limited stock. Also, online shops have good return policies and customer reviews that help buyers make decisions.
However, some local shops are still doing well because they offer special services. They know their customers personally and give good advice. Some shops also started selling online to get more customers.
In conclusion, I think online shopping is really affecting local shops, but shops that adapt to change can still survive.
Score Analysis
Band 8.0 Essay:
- Clear position throughout
- Sophisticated vocabulary usage (“proliferation,” “unprecedented,” “economies of scale”)
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Excellent paragraph coherence and cohesion
- Complex sentence structures without errors
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Basic but clear position
- Simple vocabulary with some repetition
- Basic examples provided
- Adequate paragraph organization
- Mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors
Key Vocabulary
- Proliferation (n) /prəˌlɪf.əˈreɪ.ʃən/ – rapid growth or spread
- Brick-and-mortar (adj) /brɪk.ænd.ˈmɔː.tər/ – physical business location
- Unprecedented (adj) /ʌnˈpres.ɪ.den.tɪd/ – never known or done before
- Overhead costs (n) /ˈəʊ.və.hed kɒsts/ – ongoing business expenses
- Resilience (n) /rɪˈzɪl.i.əns/ – ability to recover quickly
In conclusion, for practice, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments. You might also want to explore related topics like “Is shopping as a hobby a positive trend” for additional practice.