Entrepreneurship promotion in developing countries is a crucial topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends, this subject has a high probability of being featured in future tests, especially given its relevance to global economic development. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS exams:
Some people think that governments should provide financial assistance to entrepreneurs to start businesses in rural areas. Others believe that this is a waste of money. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that governments should provide financial aid to rural entrepreneurs
- Explore the opposing view that such assistance is wasteful
- Present their own opinion on the matter
The task involves comparing and contrasting these perspectives while formulating a personal stance. Let’s examine sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Entrepreneurship in rural areas is often seen as a catalyst for economic growth and development. While some advocate for government financial support to nurture such initiatives, others argue that this approach is ineffective. This essay will explore both viewpoints before presenting my own perspective on the matter.
Proponents of government assistance argue that financial support is crucial for rural entrepreneurship to thrive. In many developing countries, rural areas lack the infrastructure and resources needed to start and sustain businesses. Government funding can provide the necessary capital for entrepreneurs to overcome these initial hurdles, leading to job creation and economic diversification in areas that might otherwise stagnate. For instance, in India, the Startup Village initiative has successfully fostered tech entrepreneurship in rural Kerala, demonstrating the potential of targeted financial support.
On the other hand, critics contend that such financial aid is often misused or ineffective. They argue that without proper oversight, funds may be squandered on unviable ventures or fall prey to corruption. Moreover, they believe that sustainable businesses should be able to attract private investment, and that government intervention can create a dependency culture that hampers long-term economic resilience. The failure of numerous state-sponsored rural enterprises in countries like China during the 1980s is often cited as evidence of this perspective.
In my opinion, while the concerns about potential misuse are valid, the benefits of government support for rural entrepreneurship outweigh the risks. However, I believe that financial assistance should be part of a comprehensive strategy rather than a standalone solution. Governments should combine funding with mentorship programs, infrastructure development, and policies that improve the overall business environment in rural areas. This holistic approach can address the root causes of rural economic challenges while fostering a culture of innovation and self-reliance.
In conclusion, government financial assistance for rural entrepreneurs can be a powerful tool for economic development if implemented thoughtfully. By balancing support with accountability and complementary measures, governments can unlock the potential of rural areas, creating more balanced and sustainable national economies.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The topic of government support for rural entrepreneurs is debated by many people. Some think it’s a good idea, while others say it’s not useful. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
People who support government help for rural businesses have some good points. They say that rural areas often don’t have enough money or resources for people to start businesses. When the government gives money, it can help new businesses begin. This can create jobs and help the local economy grow. For example, in some countries, government money has helped farmers start small food processing businesses, which has improved their income.
However, there are also arguments against this idea. Some people think that giving government money to rural businesses is not a good use of resources. They worry that the money might be wasted or not used properly. They also say that good businesses should be able to get money from banks or investors, not just from the government. There have been cases where government-funded projects in rural areas have failed, which supports this view.
In my opinion, I think government help for rural entrepreneurs can be good, but it needs to be done carefully. The government should not just give money, but also provide training and support to make sure the businesses succeed. They should also check that the money is being used well. This way, the help can really make a difference in rural areas.
To conclude, while there are both positive and negative aspects to government support for rural entrepreneurs, I believe it can be beneficial if done right. It’s important to balance financial help with other forms of support to ensure the best results for rural communities.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Some people think government should give money to help start businesses in rural areas. Other people think this is not good. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who like government help say it is good because rural areas need more businesses. When government gives money, people can start new shops or farms. This makes more jobs and helps the village. For example, in my country, some people got money from government and started small shops. Now they have good business.
But some people don’t like this idea. They think it is not good to use government money for this. They say some people might take the money and not use it right. Also, they think good businesses should get money from banks, not government. Sometimes, businesses that get government money fail, so people think it is wasted.
I think both sides have good points. But I believe government help can be good if done carefully. They should give money and also teach people how to run businesses. This way, the money will be used well and help rural areas grow.
In conclusion, government help for rural businesses can be good, but it must be done in a smart way. If done right, it can help make rural areas better for everyone.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the essay
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Ideas are coherent and there is clear progression throughout
- Uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention
- Demonstrates awareness of style and collocation
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, although conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some evidence of style and collocation
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Arranges information coherently and there is clear overall progression
- Uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be faulty or mechanical
- May have occasional errors in word choice, spelling and/or word formation
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but development is not always clear
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task
- May make noticeable errors in spelling and/or word formation that may cause some difficulty for the reader
- Uses only a limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses
- Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression
- Makes inadequate, inaccurate or over-use of cohesive devices
- May be repetitive due to lack of referencing and substitution
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Entrepreneurship (noun) /ˌɒn.trəprəˈnɜː.ʃɪp/: The activity of setting up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit.
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Financial assistance (noun phrase) /faɪˈnænʃəl əˈsɪstəns/: Money provided to help someone or an organization.
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Rural areas (noun phrase) /ˈrʊərəl ˈeəriəz/: Countryside regions, as opposed to towns and cities.
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Economic diversification (noun phrase) /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk daɪˌvɜːsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/: The process of a country or region developing a more varied economy.
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Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to continue over a period of time.
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Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/: The basic systems and services that a country or organization needs to function properly.
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Oversight (noun) /ˈəʊvəsaɪt/: The job of checking that a process or system is working correctly and legally.
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Holistic approach (noun phrase) /həˈlɪstɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/: Dealing with or treating the whole of something or someone and not just a part.
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Accountability (noun) /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/: The fact of being responsible for what you do and able to give a satisfactory reason for it.
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Mentorship (noun) /ˈmentɔːʃɪp/: The guidance provided by a mentor, especially an experienced person in a company or educational institution.
In conclusion, promoting entrepreneurship in developing countries, particularly in rural areas, is a complex issue that requires careful consideration. While government financial assistance can be beneficial, it must be implemented as part of a comprehensive strategy that includes mentorship, infrastructure development, and policies to improve the overall business environment. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, consider practicing with similar topics related to economic development, government policies, and rural-urban disparities. You can share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further discussion.