Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-17

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)

In many parts of the world, it is common for several generations of a family to work together in a business. Although this arrangement can sometimes create conflicts between relatives, I believe that family businesses generally have more advantages than disadvatages, particularly in terms of trust, commitment and long-term stability.

One major advantage is the high level of trust among family members. Unlike employees who may leave for better opportunities, relatives often have a stronger personal commitment to the success of business. They are also more likely to support one another during financially difficult-periods. For example, a small family-owned restaurant may survive a temporary decline in customers because family members are willing to work longer hours or accept lower salaries until the business becomes profitable again. Moreover, family members usually have a shared interest in protecting the reputation of the company, which can encourage them to provide better service to customers.

Another significant benefit is the continuity of knowledge and experience. Parents can pass their business skills, professional contacts and knowledge of customers to their children. This allows younger generations to build on what has already been achieved instead of starting from scratch. In addition, family buisinesses can make decisions more quickly because they generally do not have to go through complicated corporate procedures.

Nevertheless, there are some disadvantges. Personal disagreements can easily affect professional decisions, especially when family members have different opinions about how the business should be managed. Furthermore, some relatives may be given important positions simply because they belong to the family, not because they have the necessary qualifications. This can reduce efficiency and create resentment among other employees.

In conclusion, while family businesses can suffer from conflicts and favouritism, their strong foundation of trust, shared responsibility and intergenerational knowledge usually makes them highly suitable. Therefore, I believe that the advantages of working in a family business outweigh its disadvatages, provided that professional standards are maintained.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of family businesses and clearly taking a position that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Ideas are well developed and supported with relevant explanations and examples, such as the restaurant surviving a temporary decline through shared sacrifice. The position is maintained consistently throughout the essay, demonstrating a good grasp of the prompt requirements and fulfilling the Band 7 criteria.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay presents a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with the introduction of the stance, moving through advantages (trust and continuity), addressing disadvantages, and concluding neatly. Cohesive devices such as 'One major advantage', 'Another significant benefit', and 'Nevertheless' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is logical and used appropriately, aligning well with the characteristics of a Band 7 performance.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision, using less common items like 'intergenerational knowledge', 'favouritism', and 'professional standards'. There are a few minor spelling and word-choice errors, such as 'disadvatages' and 'buisinesses', but these do not impede communication. The lexical choices are adequate for discussing business and family dynamics, placing the response solidly in the Band 6 to 7 range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms effectively, such as 'Unlike employees who may leave for better opportunities, relatives often have a stronger personal commitment...' and conditional structures like 'provided that professional standards are maintained'. There are occasional punctuation and minor spelling slips, but the majority of sentences are error-free and grammar does not impede communication at all. Control of complex structures warrants a strong Band 7.

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