Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-16

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)

Family business has become increasingly common in many parts of the world. As a consequence, family members work collaboratively for their company. Although it offers few drawbacks, I believe it is predominantly a positive development.

To begin with its negative side, according to some people, working in a family business results in potential conflicts among family members. This is particularly evident when business slows down or is going through a difficult phase. This is when their opinions often do not match with others because everyone has their own way of thinking to make their organization survive. This can ultimately lead to arguments, leaving adverse impacts on business.

Conversely, its positive side cannot be overlooked. The most significant advantage of this development is that it can save a considerable amount of money. To be more specific, when family members work for their business, there is no need to hire extra employees. As a result, they save a lot of money since no employee needs to be paid, bringing greater financial stability. Another notabel benefit is overall success of business. In other words, there is no denying that a family member would work with more dedication and commitment for the betterment of company's growth. In contrast, a hired employee would not put as much efforts as someone who owns a company. For instance, a corporate worker would not care once their shift is over.

To conclude, although the disadvantages of family businesses deserve careful consideration, their merits including greater financial stability and family members' dedication for their organization's growth clearly outweigh their possible demerits.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of family businesses and clearly stating a position. The writer introduces the negative side briefly by noting potential conflicts during difficult economic phases, and then outlines two distinct advantages: financial stability through not needing to hire external staff, and higher employee dedication compared to regular corporate workers. The ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as comparing family members to corporate workers who do not care once their shift is over. This aligns well with the Band 7 descriptor for addressing all parts of the task with a clear position and supporting ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: introduction, disadvantages, advantages, and conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively to guide the reader, such as 'To begin with its negative side', 'Conversely', 'To be more specific', and 'To conclude'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate ideas. While referencing is generally clear, some transitional links are slightly formulaic, matching the characteristics of a solid Band 7 performance where organisation and logical progression are well maintained.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates an adequate to sufficient range of vocabulary for the task. Words and phrases like 'collaboratively', 'predominantly a positive development', 'adverse impacts', and 'financial stability' show good control. There is an attempt to use less common items, though a minor spelling error occurs ('notabel' instead of notable) and some expressions are slightly repetitive or basic ('its negative side', 'its positive side'). However, the vocabulary is precise enough to convey the intended meaning clearly, fitting the Band 6.5 to 7.0 profile well; a score of 6.5 accurately reflects this level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. The writer successfully employs complex structures, such as concession clauses ('Although it offers few drawbacks, I believe...') and relative clauses ('...someone who owns a company'). There are some minor grammatical inaccuracies or awkward phrasings, such as 'work collaboratively for their company' (preposition choice) and 'company's growth' without an article in one instance, but these errors do not impede communication. The control over grammar is generally good, supporting a Band 6.5 score.

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

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