Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-12

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 7.0)

Nowadays, employing family members in a family business has become increasingly common in many countries. Although working together in a family business has certain drawbacks, I believe that the advantages, particularly a high level of trust and flexibility, outweigh the disadvantages.

On the one hand, there are some drawbacks associated with employing close relatives in a business. The major problem is that personal and professional relationships can become mixed. In other words, a disagreement at work can easily damage relationships at home. Moreover, there may be favouritism, where qualified employees are given less priority than relatives who lack the necessary qualifications for a certain promotion. In addition, it may be difficult for a manager to discipline, dismiss, or criticize a family member. This can reduce fairness and affect the performance of the business.

On the other hand, the advantages are more significant. The main benefit is that family members often have a high level of trust. This can allow them to communicate clearly and make better decisions together. Another major advantage is flexibility, as a relative may be willing to help during busy periods and take on extra responsibilities. Family businesses can also preserve experience and knowledge by passing it from one generation to the next. As a result, the business may benefit from greater stability and continuity in the long term.

In conclusion, although hiring family members in a business has certain disadvantages, I believe that the advantages of greater flexibility and a strong level of trust between relatives outweigh the drawbacks.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of family businesses and presenting a clear position throughout. The introduction outlines the writer's stance, which is then supported in the body paragraphs. The disadvantages are explored through points such as blurred professional and personal boundaries, favouritism, and management challenges. Conversely, the advantages are well-developed, focusing on trust, flexibility, and intergenerational stability. Ideas are extended with relevant explanations, meeting the criteria for a strong band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, with the introduction clearly setting out the structure and thesis. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Moreover', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, and referencing within and across sentences is handled smoothly, resulting in a cohesive and coherent response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision, suitable for a general task. Less common lexical items and collocations are successfully employed, such as 'favouritism', 'professional relationships', 'flexibility', and 'intergenerational stability'. Word choice is generally natural, and there are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. While it does not consistently reach the sophisticated control required for Band 8, it comfortably satisfies the criteria for Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writer demonstrates a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, yielding frequent error-free sentences. Examples of complex structures include concessive clauses ('Although working together in a family business has certain drawbacks...') and relative clauses ('...where qualified employees are given less priority than relatives who lack the necessary qualifications...'). Control of grammar and punctuation is strong throughout, with only very occasional minor slips that never impede communication.

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