Small businesses play a crucial role in local economies, and the question of whether governments should provide financial support to these enterprises is a topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and current economic discussions, this topic has a high probability of appearing in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore this subject in depth with sample essays and expert analysis.

Analyzing the Task 2 Question

Some people think that governments should provide financial assistance to small businesses. Others believe that it is not the government’s responsibility. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question is a classic example of a discussion essay where you need to present both sides of the argument and then provide your own perspective. The key elements to address are:

1. Arguments for government financial support to small businesses
2. Arguments against government involvement
3. Your personal stance on the issue

Let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality to understand how to approach this task effectively.

Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Level

The role of government in supporting small businesses is a contentious issue, with valid arguments on both sides. While some advocate for financial assistance, others believe businesses should be self-reliant. In my opinion, a balanced approach with targeted government support is most beneficial for economic growth and stability.

Proponents of government assistance argue that small businesses are the backbone of many economies, providing jobs and fostering innovation. Financial support, especially during economic downturns or in the early stages of business development, can help these enterprises survive and thrive. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries implemented small business relief programs, which prevented widespread bankruptcies and job losses. Moreover, government backing can level the playing field, allowing small businesses to compete with larger corporations that often have more resources and market influence.

On the other hand, critics contend that government intervention can lead to market distortions and inefficiencies. They argue that businesses should succeed or fail based on their own merits, and that financial assistance may prop up non-viable enterprises, wasting taxpayer money. There’s also concern that government support could create a dependency culture, discouraging entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. Furthermore, determining which businesses deserve support can be a complex and potentially unfair process, leading to accusations of favoritism or corruption.

In my view, a nuanced approach is necessary. While I believe that the free market should generally dictate business success, I also recognize that small businesses often face unique challenges that can benefit from targeted government support. This assistance should be carefully designed to address market failures or extraordinary circumstances, rather than providing ongoing subsidies. For example, governments could offer low-interest loans for startups in innovative sectors, provide temporary relief during economic crises, or offer training programs to enhance business skills. This approach can foster a dynamic business environment while maintaining the principles of market competition.

In conclusion, while the debate on government support for small businesses is complex, a balanced strategy that combines market forces with selective government intervention appears most effective. This approach can help create a robust and diverse economy that benefits both businesses and society as a whole.

(Word count: 349)

Government support for small businesses

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and meets the criteria for a high band score:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly presenting the writer’s opinion.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. It uses cohesive devices effectively, such as “On the other hand” and “In conclusion”.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is sophisticated and precise, with phrases like “contentious issue”, “fostering innovation”, and “market distortions”.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a wide range of complex structures accurately, such as “While I believe that…” and “This approach can foster…”

5. Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with explanations and examples, such as the reference to COVID-19 relief programs.

Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Level

The question of whether governments should provide financial help to small businesses is a topic of debate. Some people think it’s a good idea, while others believe it’s not the government’s job. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.

Those who support government assistance argue that small businesses are important for the economy. They create jobs and often bring new ideas to the market. Without help, many small businesses might fail, especially when times are tough. For example, during economic crises, government support can help these businesses stay open and keep people employed. Also, small businesses sometimes struggle to compete with big companies, so government help can make things fairer.

On the other hand, people against government support say that it’s not fair to use taxpayer money to help private businesses. They think that businesses should succeed or fail on their own merits. There’s also a worry that if the government helps too much, businesses might become dependent and less innovative. Another problem is deciding which businesses should get help, which could lead to unfairness or even corruption.

In my opinion, I think some government support for small businesses can be good, but it should be done carefully. The government could offer help in ways that don’t involve direct financial aid, like providing training or advice. When financial help is given, it should be for specific reasons, like helping businesses during a crisis or supporting new technologies that could benefit society.

To conclude, while there are arguments for and against government support for small businesses, I believe a balanced approach is best. Some support can be helpful, but it shouldn’t replace the need for businesses to be competitive and self-reliant.

(Word count: 292)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates good writing skills but has some areas for improvement:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas could be more fully developed.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, but with less variety than the Band 8-9 essay.

5. Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented clearly but could be supported with more specific examples or deeper analysis.

Sample Essay 3: Band 5-6 Level

Nowadays, many people talk about if governments should give money to small businesses. Some think it’s a good idea, but others don’t agree. I will talk about both sides and give my idea too.

First, people who like this idea say small businesses are good for the country. They give jobs to people and make new things. If the government doesn’t help, many small shops might close. This is bad because people will lose their jobs. Also, big companies are sometimes too strong, so small businesses need help to fight them.

But other people think it’s not good for the government to help. They say it’s not fair to use people’s taxes to help some businesses. Maybe the businesses are not good and should close anyway. Also, if businesses get help all the time, they might get lazy and not try hard. It’s hard to choose which businesses to help too.

I think maybe some help is okay, but not too much. The government can help in other ways, like teaching business owners how to do better. They can give money sometimes, like when there’s a big problem in the country. But businesses should try to be strong on their own too.

In the end, I think a little bit of help from the government can be good for small businesses. But they should not depend on it too much.

(Word count: 228)

Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay

This essay demonstrates basic writing skills but has significant room for improvement:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the task but in a simplistic manner with limited development of ideas.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The organization is basic, with simple linking words like “First” and “But”.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, with simple words and phrases.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay primarily uses simple sentence structures with limited complexity.

5. Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented but lack depth and specific examples.

Key Vocabulary for This Topic

1. Financial assistance (noun) – /faɪˈnænʃəl əˈsɪstəns/ – monetary help or support
2. Economic downturn (noun) – /ˌekəˈnɒmɪk ˈdaʊntɜːn/ – a period of reduced economic activity
3. Entrepreneurial (adjective) – /ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜːriəl/ – characterized by the taking of financial risks in the hope of profit
4. Market distortion (noun) – /ˈmɑːkɪt dɪˈstɔːʃn/ – a situation where market prices do not reflect the true costs of production
5. Subsidy (noun) – /ˈsʌbsɪdi/ – a sum of money granted to support an undertaking
6. Innovation (noun) – /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – the introduction of new ideas or methods
7. Competitive advantage (noun) – /kəmˈpetətɪv ədˈvɑːntɪdʒ/ – a condition that puts a company in a favorable business position
8. Economic stimulus (noun) – /ˌekəˈnɒmɪk ˈstɪmjʊləs/ – government actions to encourage economic activity
9. Fiscal policy (noun) – /ˈfɪskəl ˈpɒləsi/ – government spending policies that influence macroeconomic conditions
10. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) (noun) – /smɔːl ænd ˈmiːdiəm saɪzd ˈentəpraɪzɪz/ – businesses whose personnel numbers fall below certain limits

Conclusion

The topic of government support for small businesses is a complex and relevant issue for IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the different perspectives and using appropriate vocabulary and structures, you can craft a well-reasoned response to this type of question. Remember to always address both sides of the argument, provide specific examples, and clearly state your own opinion.

To further prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, consider practicing with similar topics such as:

1. The role of government in regulating business practices
2. The impact of multinational corporations on local economies
3. The effectiveness of tax incentives in promoting economic growth

We encourage you to write your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your writing skills and receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.