Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-13

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 7.5)

In many countries, it is common for family members to work together in a family-owned business. Although this arrangement can create some challenges, I believe that family businesses have more advantages than disadvantages because of the trust between relatives and the strong commitment they often have to the success of the business.

One major advantage of a family business is the level of trust among its employees. Family members are usually more familiar with one another and may be more willing to share responsibilities and important information. This can make decision-making easier and reduce the risk of internal conflicts caused by a lack of trust. In addition, relatives may be prepared to work longer hours or accept lower salaries when the business is experiencing financial difficulties because they have a shared interest in keeping it successful.

Another benefit is that family businesses can preserve their values and experience over several generations. Older family members can teach younger relatives the skills and knowledge they have gained over many years. For example, a family-owned restaurant may be passed from parents to their children, allowing traditional recipes and methods to be maintained while younger members introduce modern ideas such as online marketing and delivery services.

However, working with relatives can also have disadvantages. Personal disagreements may affect business decisions, and some family members may be given positions because of their relationship rather than their qualifications. This can reduce productivity and create resentment among other employees. Nevertheless, these problems can be reduced by establishing clear rules, assigning responsibilities according to people’s abilities, and treating the business as a professional organisation.

In conclusion, although family businesses can sometimes suffer from personal conflicts and favouritism, I believe their advantages outweigh their disadvantages. Trust, shared responsibility and the transfer of knowledge between generations can make family businesses both stable and successful.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The candidate has fully addressed all parts of the task by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of family businesses while maintaining a clear and consistent position throughout that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Ideas are well developed and supported with relevant explanations and examples, such as the example of a family-owned restaurant being passed down through generations. The arguments regarding trust, shared commitment, and the preservation of values are thoroughly explored and logically extended. The response meets all the requirements of a well-rounded Task 2 essay, demonstrating a strong understanding of the prompt and delivering a fully developed line of argument without any notable omissions. Therefore, it comfortably satisfies the Band 8 descriptor for this criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to the first advantage focusing on trust, the second advantage regarding generational values, the counter-argument acknowledging disadvantages, and finally a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally, such as 'One major advantage', 'Another benefit', 'However', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately to group related ideas together. Reference words are handled well, ensuring that the relationships between sentences and ideas remain clear and easy to follow. The management of cohesion and sequencing reflects solid Band 7 performance standards.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The writer demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are used appropriately, such as 'financial difficulties', 'internal conflicts', 'preserve their values', and 'favouritism'. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate, and the student avoids overly repetitive phrasing. Although there is no heavy reliance on highly sophisticated or rare academic idioms, the vocabulary deployed is fully adequate for the task and allows the writer to convey precise meanings smoothly. Minor errors in word choice are virtually absent, placing this securely in the Band 7 range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response exhibits a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, showing flexible control over grammar and punctuation. Examples of complex sentences include 'Although this arrangement can create some challenges, I believe that family businesses have more advantages...' and 'Older family members can teach younger relatives the skills and knowledge they have gained over many years.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. While minor occasional slips might occur, they do not impede communication in any way. The grammatical control and structural variety clearly align with the descriptors for Band 7.

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