Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

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

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)

It is common in many countries for families to run their own businesses. I believe that this trend has some disadvantages. However, the advantages of this trend outweigh the drawbacks.

To begin with, families who run their own businesses often have a strong relationship with one another because they have known each other for a long period of time. As a result, they tend to have greater trust in each other. This trust can help the business operate more efficiently while avoiding conflicts among family members. Moreover, family members can communicate more effectively because they often understand each other's thoughts and opinions. This can help them solve problems more easily. For instance, in family-run restaurants, parents and children may share different tasks and responsibilities, such as managing finances, handling the cashier, preparing food and serving customers. As family members tend to understand each other's strengths and weaknesses, they can work together more effectively. As a result, the restaurant can operate more smoothly and problems can be resolved quickly.

However, there are some drawbacks when families run their own businesses. One major disadvantage is that personal conflicts between relatives can have a significant impact on the business. As a result, disagreements can create tension between family members. This tension can further affect the business and may eventually lead to the breakdown of the partnership. For instance, a major conflict between family members can arise over financial decisions or the division of ownership. When relatives cannot reach an agreement, they may find it difficult to make important business decisions. This can affect the daily operations of the business, as decisions about employees, supplies and finances may be delayed. If such conflicts continue for a long period, the business may suffer financially and lose customers. In severe cases, family members may decide to end their partnership, which could eventually lead to the permanent closure of the restaurant.

In conclusion, although running a family business can sometimes lead to personal conflicts, the advantages of working with relatives can outweigh the disadvantages. However, family members should keep personal disagreements aside and maintain a professional relationship in order to ensure the smooth operation and growth of the business.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of family businesses and clearly stating a position in the introduction and conclusion. The writer's position is maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are well developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the detailed reference to family-run restaurants where parents and children divide tasks like managing finances and serving customers. The arguments regarding trust and efficiency versus personal conflicts and disrupted operations are logically extended and well-substantiated, fulfilling the requirements for Band 7.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to the advantages, the disadvantages, and a balanced conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'As a result', 'Moreover', and 'However' are used effectively to guide the reader through the arguments. Paragraphing is used appropriately and sufficiently to separate contrasting ideas. While referencing is generally clear, the heavy reliance on transitional phrases like 'As a result' keeps the response solidly at Band 7.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student uses an adequate and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating less common phrasings such as 'operate more efficiently', 'breakdown of the partnership', and 'permanent closure'. Word choice is generally precise, and meaning is communicated clearly throughout. There are occasional repetitive patterns in sentence openings and vocabulary choices, but spelling and word formation are accurate. The lexical resource is sufficient for some flexibility and precision, aligning well with the descriptors for Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The writer demonstrates a good control of grammar and punctuation, utilizing a variety of complex structures alongside simpler sentences. Examples of complex clauses include 'families who run their own businesses often have a strong relationship...' and 'although running a family business can sometimes lead to personal conflicts...'. There are frequent error-free sentences, and minor structural awkwardnesses do not impede communication. Control over tense consistency and subordination is well maintained, justifying a Band 7 score.

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