The topic of e-commerce’s effects on small local businesses is a highly relevant and frequently occurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on analysis of past exam trends and current economic discussions, this subject is likely to continue appearing in future tests. Let’s examine a recent IELTS question on this topic and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Some people think that the development of e-commerce will lead to the end of small local businesses. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on whether the growth of e-commerce will result in the closure of small local businesses. Key points to consider:
- Understand the term “e-commerce” and its implications
- Consider the various types of small local businesses
- Think about the potential positive and negative impacts of e-commerce on these businesses
- Decide on your stance – do you agree, disagree, or partially agree?
- Prepare to provide reasons and examples to support your viewpoint
The rise of online shopping and its impact on local businesses has been a topic of significant debate in recent years. Let’s look at sample essays that address this question at different band levels.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The proliferation of e-commerce has undoubtedly transformed the retail landscape, leading some to predict the demise of small local businesses. While I acknowledge the challenges posed by online shopping platforms, I disagree with the notion that it will completely eradicate local enterprises. In my opinion, small businesses can adapt and coexist with e-commerce, albeit with some adjustments to their operational strategies.
Admittedly, e-commerce presents formidable competition to local businesses. Online giants like Amazon and Alibaba offer unparalleled convenience, vast product ranges, and often lower prices, which can lure customers away from brick-and-mortar stores. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards online shopping, further pressuring local retailers. These factors have indeed led to the closure of many small businesses unable to compete in this new digital landscape.
However, I believe that local businesses possess unique advantages that can ensure their survival alongside e-commerce. Firstly, they offer personalized customer service and expertise that online platforms often lack. A local bookstore owner, for instance, can provide tailored recommendations based on individual preferences, creating a shopping experience that algorithms cannot replicate. Secondly, many consumers still value the tactile experience of shopping in person, particularly for items like clothing or fresh produce where quality assessment is crucial.
Furthermore, savvy local businesses are finding ways to leverage e-commerce rather than compete against it. Many are adopting hybrid models, maintaining physical stores while also establishing online presences. This allows them to cater to both traditional shoppers and those who prefer the convenience of online ordering. How globalization is affecting local economies has shown that adaptation is key to survival in a changing market.
In conclusion, while e-commerce undoubtedly poses challenges to small local businesses, I disagree that it will lead to their complete disappearance. By focusing on their unique strengths and adopting innovative strategies that incorporate online elements, local enterprises can continue to thrive in the digital age. The future of retail likely lies in a harmonious blend of online and offline experiences, rather than the dominance of one over the other.
(Word count: 329)
E-commerce vs local business comparison
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that justify a high band score:
Task Response: The essay clearly addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed argument with relevant examples.
Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Complex phrases like “proliferation of e-commerce” and “tactile experience” showcase advanced language use.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay employs a variety of complex structures with a high degree of accuracy. Conditional sentences and passive voice are used effectively.
Critical Thinking: The essay demonstrates nuanced thinking by acknowledging both challenges and opportunities for local businesses in the face of e-commerce growth.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In recent years, e-commerce has grown rapidly, causing some people to worry about the future of small local businesses. While online shopping has certainly changed how people buy things, I partially agree that it will lead to the end of local shops. There are both challenges and opportunities for small businesses in this new digital age.
On one hand, e-commerce does pose a big threat to local businesses. Big online stores like Amazon can offer lower prices and a wider range of products, which makes it hard for small shops to compete. Also, many people find online shopping more convenient because they can buy things from home at any time. This has led to some local businesses closing down, especially in smaller towns.
However, I don’t think all local businesses will disappear because of e-commerce. Many people still enjoy shopping in person, especially for things like clothes or food where they want to see and touch the items before buying. Local shops can offer better customer service and a more personal experience that online stores can’t match. For example, a local bookshop might have staff who know a lot about books and can give good recommendations.
Impact of digital platforms on small businesses has shown that some local businesses are finding ways to use the internet to their advantage. They might start their own websites or use social media to attract customers. Some shops now offer both in-store shopping and online ordering, which helps them reach more customers.
In conclusion, while e-commerce has made things difficult for some local businesses, I believe that many can survive by focusing on what they do best and adapting to new technologies. The future will probably have a mix of online and local shopping, rather than one completely replacing the other.
(Word count: 298)
Local business owner using laptop for online sales
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good qualities that justify a mid-range band score:
Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position, though the ideas could be more fully developed.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear progression of ideas. Paragraphing is logical, though the use of cohesive devices could be more sophisticated.
Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used appropriately, though it lacks the sophistication of higher band scores. Some attempt at less common vocabulary is evident.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
Critical Thinking: The essay shows some analytical thinking by considering both positive and negative aspects of e-commerce’s impact on local businesses.
Key Vocabulary
Here are some important vocabulary items used in the essays, along with their definitions:
Proliferation (noun) /prəˌlɪf.əˈreɪ.ʃən/: Rapid increase in the number or amount of something.
Eradicate (verb) /ɪˈræd.ɪ.keɪt/: To completely destroy or get rid of something.
Formidable (adjective) /fɔːˈmɪd.ə.bəl/: Inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, or capable.
Tactile (adjective) /ˈtæk.taɪl/: Related to the sense of touch.
Leveraging (verb) /ˈliː.vər.ɪdʒɪŋ/: Using something to maximum advantage.
Harmonious (adjective) /hɑːˈməʊ.ni.əs/: Forming a pleasing or consistent whole.
Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuː.ɑːnst/: Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.
Adaptation (noun) /æd.æpˈteɪ.ʃən/: The process of changing to suit different conditions.
Understanding and using these words correctly can significantly enhance your writing and speaking in IELTS tasks.
Conclusion
The impact of e-commerce on small local businesses is a complex and evolving topic that is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for similar questions, consider practicing with variations such as:
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping for consumers and businesses.
- Some people believe that governments should support local businesses to compete with large online retailers. Do you agree or disagree?
- How has the growth of e-commerce changed shopping habits in your country?
How e-commerce affects employment opportunities is another related topic you might encounter. Remember to analyze the question carefully, plan your response, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures in your essay.
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.