Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-28

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 countries, it is quite common for family members to work together in a family business. While there are some disadvantages to this arrangement, I believe that family businesses have more advantages because of the trust, cooperation and commitment among family members.

One significant advantage of a family business is the strong level of trust between relatives. Family members usually know each other well and can communicate openly, which can make decision-making easier. They are also more likely to support the business during difficult financial periods because they have a shared interest in its success. For example, in many small family-owned shops, parents and their children work together and share responsibilities without having to hire a large number of employees.

Another important benefit is that knowledge and experience can be passed from one generation to another. Older family members can teach younger relatives about managing customers, dealing with suppliers and controlling finances. This can help the business maintain its reputation and continue for many years. For instance, a family restaurant may pass its traditional recipes and cooking methods from parents to children, allowing the business to preserve its identity.

However, family businesses can also have disadvantages. Personal disagreements between relatives may negatively affect the workplace. In addition, some family members may be given jobs because of their relationship rather than their qualifications. This can reduce productivity and cause dissatisfaction among other employees. For example, if an unqualified relative is promoted to a management position, the business may suffer because of poor decisions.

In conclusion, family businesses can create problems when personal relationships interfere with professional responsibilities. Nevertheless, I believe that their advantages are greater because trust, shared experience and long-term commitment can contribute significantly to the success of a business.

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 stating a position in the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are well developed and supported with relevant examples, such as family members sharing responsibilities in small shops and older relatives passing down traditional recipes. The writer demonstrates a clear understanding of the prompt and extends their ideas logically throughout the essay, fulfilling all the requirements of Band 7.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays clear logical organisation 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 are used effectively and appropriately, such as 'One significant advantage', 'Another important benefit', 'However', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the overall arrangement is entirely coherent and easy for the reader to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision. Words and phrases related to business and family dynamics, such as 'financial periods', 'share responsibilities', 'maintain its reputation', and 'professional responsibilities', are employed accurately. There are also successful attempts at less common vocabulary items with awareness of style and collocation, such as 'interfere with' and 'contribute significantly'. Spelling and word choice are generally accurate, meeting the criteria for a solid Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The essay features a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, demonstrating good control of grammar and punctuation. Examples of well-constructed complex sentences include 'While there are some disadvantages to this arrangement, I believe that family businesses have more advantages because of the trust, cooperation and commitment among family members.' and 'For example, if an unqualified relative is promoted to a management position, the business may suffer because of poor decisions.' There are frequent error-free sentences, and any minor errors do not impede communication, placing the response securely in Band 7.

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