Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-29

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)

In many countries, family members work together in businesses that are owned and operated by their relatives. This type of business is common in industries such as restaurants, retail, farming, and construction. In my opinion, family businesses have more advantages than disadvantages because family members usually have a strong sense of trust, commitment, and responsibility towards the business.

One major advantage of a family business is trust. Family members generally know each other well and may find it easier to communicate and make important decisions together. They are also more likely to support the business during difficult periods. For example, if a family-owned restaurant experiences financial problems, family members may be willing to work longer hours or accept lower salaries temporarily to help the business survive. This level of commitment can be difficult to achieve with ordinary employees.

Another benefit is that family businesses can continue for several generations. Parents can teach their children valuable knowledge and skills that they have gained through years of experience. For instance, in many small farming communities, children learn farming techniques from their parents and eventually take responsibility for the family farm. This allows the business to preserve its knowledge, reputation, and traditions over time.

However, family businesses also have some disadvantages. Personal disagreements can sometimes affect business decisions. For example, two family members may have different opinions about how much money should be invested in the business or who should manage it. Such conflicts can damage both family relationships and business performance. In addition, some family businesses may give positions to relatives based on family relationships rather than qualifications, which can reduce efficiency.

In my experience, working with relatives can be beneficial when everyone has clearly defined responsibilities and communicates openly. When family members respect each other's roles, personal relationships can become a strength rather than a weakness.

In conclusion, although family businesses can create conflicts and management challenges, I believe their advantages generally outweigh their disadvantages. Trust, commitment, shared knowledge, and long-term family involvement can make these businesses successful when responsibilities and expectations are clearly established.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The student has successfully addressed all parts of the task by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of family businesses and clearly stating a personal position from the introduction through to the conclusion. The response is well-developed with relevant examples, such as the restaurant experiencing financial problems and children learning farming techniques from their parents. These examples effectively extend and support the main ideas. The position remains clear and consistent throughout the essay, demonstrating a strong understanding of the prompt requirements and satisfying all descriptor criteria for a solid band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The essay presents a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct and well-managed focus, moving smoothly from the introduction to the advantages, disadvantages, personal experience, and conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly, such as 'One major advantage', 'Another benefit', 'However', and 'In addition'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, and referencing throughout the text is clear, ensuring the reader can follow the writer's argument without confusion. This easily meets the standard for a band 7.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary that allows for some flexibility and precision, such as 'financial problems', 'valuable knowledge', 'preserve its knowledge, reputation, and traditions', and 'clearly defined responsibilities'. There is also a successful attempt to use less common lexical items and collocations with general awareness of style, such as 'temporarily to help the business survive' and 'family relationships and business performance'. Spelling and word choice are accurate, with only minor limitations preventing a higher band. The vocabulary effectively supports clear communication throughout the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures alongside simple forms, such as conditional clauses ('if a family-owned restaurant experiences...'), relative clauses, and participial phrases. There is a high frequency of error-free sentences, demonstrating good control of grammar and punctuation. Minor slips or less complex phrasing appear occasionally, but the grammatical control is strong overall and punctuation is accurate throughout. The writing is clear, fluent, and completely unhindered by grammatical issues, fitting comfortably into the band 7.0 descriptor.

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