The topic of government financial assistance for small businesses is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends and historical data from various IELTS-related websites, this topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for future tests. Let’s explore a specific question related to this theme and analyze some sample essays.
Analyzing the Question
Let’s focus on the following question, which is representative of the type you might encounter in an IELTS Writing Task 2 exam:
Some people believe that governments should provide financial assistance to small businesses to help them survive and grow. Others argue that this is not the government’s responsibility. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the viewpoint that governments should provide financial assistance to small businesses
- Discuss the opposing viewpoint that this is not the government’s responsibility
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
Let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality, corresponding to different IELTS band scores.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Level
In today’s dynamic economic landscape, the role of government in supporting small businesses has become a topic of heated debate. While some argue that financial assistance from the government is crucial for the survival and growth of small enterprises, others contend that this falls outside the realm of governmental responsibility. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint on this contentious issue.
Proponents of government financial aid for small businesses argue that such support is essential for fostering economic growth and innovation. Small businesses are often considered the backbone of many economies, providing employment opportunities and contributing significantly to GDP. Government assistance, in the form of loans, grants, or tax incentives, can help these enterprises overcome initial financial hurdles, especially during economic downturns or in the face of stiff competition from larger corporations. Moreover, this support can stimulate entrepreneurship, encouraging more individuals to start businesses and potentially leading to groundbreaking innovations that benefit society as a whole.
On the other hand, opponents of this view argue that government intervention in the form of financial assistance can lead to market distortions and inefficiencies. They contend that businesses should succeed or fail based on their own merits in a free market system. Government support might artificially prop up businesses that are not viable in the long term, leading to a misallocation of resources. Furthermore, critics argue that such assistance could create a culture of dependency, with businesses relying on government handouts rather than developing sustainable business models.
In my opinion, a balanced approach is necessary. While I believe that the primary responsibility for a business’s success lies with its owners and managers, I also recognize the vital role that small businesses play in economic development and job creation. Therefore, I advocate for targeted and temporary government assistance, particularly during times of economic crisis or for businesses in strategically important sectors. This support should be coupled with strict oversight and clear exit strategies to prevent long-term dependency.
Moreover, governments can provide indirect support through policies that create a favorable business environment, such as streamlining regulations, improving infrastructure, and offering business education programs. These measures can help small businesses thrive without directly interfering in market dynamics.
In conclusion, while the debate over government financial assistance to small businesses is complex, I believe that a nuanced approach is most beneficial. By offering strategic, time-limited support and focusing on creating an enabling business environment, governments can foster the growth of small businesses without undermining the principles of a free market economy. This balanced strategy can contribute to economic resilience and innovation, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.
(Word count: 420)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent features that justify a high band score:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly presenting the writer’s own opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and ideas are logically linked.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Examples include “dynamic economic landscape,” “contentious issue,” and “misallocation of resources.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are used effectively, and there are no noticeable errors.
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations, showing a sophisticated approach to the topic.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Level
There is a debate about whether governments should give money to help small businesses. Some people think this is a good idea, while others believe it’s not the government’s job. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
Those who support government help for small businesses say it’s important for the economy. Small businesses create many jobs and help the country’s economy grow. If the government gives them money or tax breaks, it can help these businesses start up and grow, especially when times are tough. This could lead to more people starting businesses and coming up with new ideas.
However, some people argue that the government shouldn’t help businesses with money. They say that in a free market, businesses should succeed or fail on their own. If the government helps, it might keep businesses going that aren’t really good enough to survive. This could waste money and resources. Also, businesses might start depending too much on government help instead of trying to be successful on their own.
In my opinion, I think the government should help small businesses, but only in certain ways. For example, during a big economic crisis, the government could give temporary help to stop many businesses from closing down. But this help shouldn’t go on forever. The government could also help in other ways, like making rules simpler for small businesses or providing training programs.
To conclude, while there are good arguments on both sides, I believe some government support for small businesses can be helpful. However, this support should be careful and limited, so businesses don’t become too dependent on it. The main goal should be to create conditions where small businesses can grow and succeed on their own.
(Word count: 295)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates features that place it in the Band 6-7 range:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some aspects are covered more fully than others.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the links between ideas could be more sophisticated.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but lacks the sophistication and range of a higher band score. Some attempts at more complex vocabulary are made, but not consistently.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, with generally good control. There are some minor errors, but they do not impede communication.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant and supported, but the level of detail and explanation is not as thorough as in the Band 8-9 essay.
Sample Essay 3: Band 5-6 Level
Nowadays, many people talk about if governments should give money to small businesses. Some people think it’s good, but others don’t agree. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
First, some people say governments should help small businesses. They think small businesses are important because they give jobs to people and help the economy. If the government gives them money, they can start easier and grow bigger. This can be good for everyone because more people will have jobs.
But other people don’t think the government should do this. They say businesses should make money by themselves. If the government helps too much, maybe bad businesses will keep going when they should close. Also, businesses might always want help from the government and not try hard enough.
I think the government should help small businesses sometimes. For example, if there is a big problem in the economy, the government can give some money to help businesses not close. But they shouldn’t always give money. They can help in other ways too, like making rules easier for small businesses.
In conclusion, I believe some help from the government for small businesses is okay, but not too much. The government should be careful about how they help. The main thing is to make it easier for small businesses to do well by themselves.
(Word count: 214)
Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates features that place it in the Band 5-6 range:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the task, but some aspects are underdeveloped.
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Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall structure, but paragraphing and linking could be improved.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, with some errors in word choice and usage.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Simple sentence structures dominate, with limited use of complex sentences. There are some grammatical errors.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are present but lack detail and depth. Some points are not fully explained or supported.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Financial assistance (noun) – /faɪˈnænʃəl əˈsɪstəns/ – monetary help or support
- Small enterprises (noun) – /smɔːl ˈentəpraɪzɪz/ – businesses that are small in size and revenue
- Economic downturn (noun) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈdaʊntɜːn/ – a period of reduced economic activity
- Market distortions (noun) – /ˈmɑːkɪt dɪˈstɔːʃənz/ – interference with the natural market forces
- Entrepreneurship (noun) – /ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜːʃɪp/ – the activity of setting up and running businesses
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Streamlining (verb) – /ˈstriːmlaɪnɪŋ/ – making a system or organization more efficient and effective
- Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – the basic physical and organizational structures needed for operation
- Resilience (noun) – /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – the ability to recover quickly from difficulties
- Stimulus (noun) – /ˈstɪmjʊləs/ – something that encourages development or increased activity
Conclusion
The topic of government financial assistance for small businesses is a complex and nuanced one that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the different perspectives and being able to articulate them clearly, you can prepare yourself well for this type of question.
For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or a related one, such as:
- “Should governments offer tax incentives to attract large corporations to their countries, or should they focus on supporting local small businesses?”
- “Some people believe that governments should invest more in supporting traditional industries rather than new, technology-based startups. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and support your points with relevant examples. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!