The topic of online shopping and its effects on local businesses has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and analysis of past exam questions, this theme is likely to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
In many countries, small shops and businesses are closing because customers travel to large shopping centres or malls to do their shopping. Is this a positive or negative development?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to evaluate the trend of small local businesses closing due to competition from large shopping centers. Key points to consider:
- The main topic: The shift from small local shops to large shopping centers
- The task: Decide if this trend is positive or negative
- Potential areas to discuss: Economic impact, community effects, consumer behavior, employment
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The closure of small local businesses in favor of large shopping centers is a phenomenon observed in many countries worldwide. While this trend offers certain advantages, I believe its negative consequences outweigh the benefits, particularly in terms of community cohesion and economic diversity.
On one hand, the rise of large shopping centers provides consumers with convenience and potentially lower prices due to economies of scale. These malls often offer a wide variety of products under one roof, saving time and transportation costs for shoppers. Additionally, they may create job opportunities, albeit often in the form of low-wage retail positions.
However, the drawbacks of this shift are significant and far-reaching. Firstly, the closure of small local shops erodes the unique character and identity of neighborhoods. These businesses often reflect the cultural heritage and specific needs of their communities, contributing to a sense of place that large, standardized malls cannot replicate. Secondly, the concentration of economic power in the hands of a few large retailers can lead to reduced competition and potentially higher prices in the long term, once local alternatives have been eliminated.
Moreover, the demise of small businesses can have severe economic consequences for local communities. Small shop owners and their employees often live in the area, spending their earnings locally and contributing to a circular local economy. In contrast, profits from large shopping centers are more likely to be extracted from the community, benefiting distant shareholders rather than local residents.
From an environmental perspective, the trend towards large shopping centers often promotes car-dependent lifestyles, as these malls are frequently located on the outskirts of towns. This increased reliance on private transportation contributes to higher carbon emissions and urban sprawl, contradicting efforts towards sustainability.
In conclusion, while large shopping centers offer some short-term benefits in terms of convenience and variety, their long-term impact on local economies, community character, and environmental sustainability is predominantly negative. Policymakers should consider implementing measures to support small local businesses, such as rent controls in town centers, tax incentives for local enterprises, and urban planning that prioritizes walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods. By doing so, they can help maintain the economic and cultural vibrancy of their communities while still allowing for modernization and growth.
(Word count: 365)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The trend of small local shops closing down because of big shopping centers is a complex issue with both positive and negative aspects. In my opinion, while there are some benefits, the overall impact is more negative than positive.
One positive aspect of large shopping centers is convenience. People can find everything they need in one place, which saves time and effort. These malls often have parking facilities and are easily accessible by public transport. Additionally, big stores can offer lower prices due to bulk purchasing, which can be good for consumers, especially those on tight budgets.
However, there are several negative consequences of this trend. Firstly, small local shops are often an important part of a community’s identity and culture. When they close, the neighborhood loses some of its unique character. These shops also provide personalized service that big stores can’t match, which is particularly important for elderly customers or those who value relationships with local shopkeepers.
Another problem is the impact on local economies. Small business owners usually live in the area and spend their money locally, which helps keep money within the community. In contrast, large shopping centers often send their profits to corporate headquarters in other cities or countries. This can lead to a loss of wealth in local areas.
Employment is another concern. While shopping centers do create jobs, they often offer low-wage positions with little job security. Small shops, on the other hand, can provide more stable employment and opportunities for entrepreneurship.
In conclusion, although large shopping centers offer some advantages in terms of convenience and price, I believe the negative effects on community character and local economies are more significant. It’s important for governments and communities to find ways to support small local businesses while also adapting to changing consumer needs.
(Word count: 295)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
In many countries, small shops are closing because people go to big shopping centers instead. This has both good and bad points, but I think it is mostly negative.
One good thing about big shopping centers is that they are convenient. You can buy many different things in one place, which saves time. Also, big stores can sometimes have cheaper prices because they buy a lot of products at once.
However, there are more bad things about this trend. First, small local shops are important for communities. They make neighborhoods special and different from each other. When these shops close, the area loses its unique character. Also, small shop owners often know their customers well and give good service, which is nice for older people or anyone who likes friendly service.
Another problem is that when small shops close, it’s bad for the local economy. Small business owners usually live in the area and spend their money there too. This helps keep money in the community. But big shopping centers often send their profits to other places, so the local area doesn’t benefit as much.
Jobs are also a problem. Big shopping centers do create some jobs, but they are often not very good jobs with low pay. Small shops can sometimes offer better jobs and give people a chance to run their own business.
In conclusion, even though big shopping centers are convenient, I think the bad effects on communities and local economies are more important. Governments should try to help small shops stay open while also making sure people can still shop easily.
(Word count: 263)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates:
- Clear position and well-developed arguments
- Excellent use of complex sentence structures
- Wide range of vocabulary used accurately
- Logical organization with clear progression
- Effective use of cohesive devices
Band 6-7 Essay
This essay shows:
- Clear overall position with some developed ideas
- Mix of simple and complex sentences
- Good range of vocabulary with some errors
- Clear organization but less sophisticated than Band 8-9
- Appropriate use of cohesive devices, though less varied
Band 5-6 Essay
This essay exhibits:
- Basic position with some relevant ideas
- Mainly simple sentences with limited complexity
- Adequate vocabulary for the task, but limited range
- Basic organization with some coherence
- Limited use of cohesive devices
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Cohesion (noun) /kəʊˈhiːʒən/ – the act or state of sticking together tightly
- Erode (verb) /ɪˈrəʊd/ – to gradually destroy or be gradually destroyed
- Vibrancy (noun) /ˈvaɪbrənsi/ – the state of being full of energy and life
- Entrepreneurship (noun) /ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜːʃɪp/ – the activity of setting up businesses
- Personalized (adjective) /ˈpɜːsənəlaɪzd/ – designed or produced for a particular person
- Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Urbanization (noun) /ˌɜːbənaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – the process of making an area more urban
In conclusion, the impact of online shopping and large retail centers on local businesses is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. As you prepare for your exam, consider practicing with similar questions, such as:
- How has the rise of e-commerce affected traditional retail jobs?
- Should governments provide support to small local businesses to help them compete with large online retailers?
- What are the environmental impacts of the shift from local shopping to large shopping centers or online retail?
We encourage you to write your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam. Remember to focus on clear organization, varied vocabulary, and well-developed arguments to achieve a high band score.
To further enhance your understanding of how online businesses are reshaping the global economy, you may want to read our article on how online businesses are reshaping the global economy. Additionally, for insights into the employment aspects of this shift, check out our piece on how e-commerce affects employment opportunities.