Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-09

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Write about the following topic:

In many countries, family members work together in their family business.

Do you think family businesses have more advantages than disadvantages?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 6.5)

For centuries, it has been a very common practice for members of the family joining the family business and this continues for generations. The wealth earned from such businesses is termed as "Generational Wealth".

Although, this is a common practice even in present times, research has shown that many young members of the family choose to study and make life of their own. This can be also because, children these days are more educated and they know what they want to do in life rather than joining the family business and regret working for it each day.

I come from a wealthy background, and had an opportunity to join my family business and make things easier for myself. however, this would be at the cost of doing something which I had never dreamt of doing. Instead, I went for my higher studies and now working as an electrical engineer in renewable space and contributing world through reduced carbon footprint program. I understand that there were multiple hardships and stress that I went through to be where I am currently, but in then end according to me it is all worth it as I am happy with the work I am doing.

On the contrary, my best friend Ajay, has reached highest peaks in his life through his family business and he has enjoyed every second of work he has put in. I have also witnessed examples where due to family disputes and greediness , the family business suffered and it did not do well for anyone. Like two sides of the coin , family business can be extremely advantageous or disadvantageous depending on the type of people involved within.

In my opinion, If we have our family members working for us , we would limit ourselves from saying something to them out of respect and that might sometimes let the business suffer . However, a family business also means that you are in a safe environment and you have work at your fingertips and scaling the business is the only thing you need to worry about.

Therefore , in my view, family business can work extremely well for few and not as much for others depending on the family dynamics and how well they can keep family and business life separate.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses the prompt by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of family businesses. You present a clear personal position, supported by relevant personal anecdotes and observations. However, the development of ideas is somewhat uneven. While you touch upon the benefits of a 'safe environment' and the drawbacks of 'family disputes,' these points could be expanded with more analytical depth to reach a higher band. The conclusion is a bit brief and could more effectively synthesize the main arguments presented. Overall, you have addressed all parts of the task, but the depth of argumentation remains at a moderate level.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is generally coherent, and the progression of ideas is logical. You use paragraphing to separate different aspects of the topic, which helps the reader follow your argument. However, the use of cohesive devices is occasionally mechanical or slightly awkward, such as the transition 'Like two sides of the coin' or the repetitive use of 'However' and 'Therefore' at the start of sentences. Some referencing is also slightly unclear, particularly in the transition between the personal anecdote about your friend and the general discussion of family dynamics. Improving the variety and natural flow of linking words would enhance the overall cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'generational wealth,' 'dynamics,' and 'carbon footprint' appropriately. There are some instances of slightly unnatural phrasing, such as 'make life of their own' instead of 'build a life of their own' or 'contributing world' instead of 'contributing to the world.' While you attempt to use less common vocabulary, there are occasional inaccuracies in collocation. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly, but it lacks the precision and sophistication required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While many sentences are clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'members of the family joining' (should be 'members of the family joining' or 'members of the family join'), 'now working' (missing subject 'I am'), and 'in then end' (typo). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with some misplaced commas and spacing issues before punctuation marks. These errors do not impede communication, but they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent punctuation will help improve your accuracy.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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