Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-10-18

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 5.5)

The majority of countries observe generational industries has been a boon in families. However, people react differently to the idea of involving members of family in an industry. Some people believe it causes disputes, while others think, it boosts the business. This essay will discuss both the views and argue that family businesses is predominantly positive for the members while with few exceptions.

Generational gap is often seen in family business. For instance, in order to adapt a new idea according to the market needs, the one who started the business may not like it. Therefore, causing disruption in the industry when decision-making. Hence, this happens when two different ideologies work together to run a firm. Likewise, there are high chances of family disputes due to profitable margin. Few people in the family might want to take the larger share or vice-versa. This could eventually lead to conflicts between family members because of money.

On the other hand, family businesses run successful when individuals work together. The team-spirit built in them results in taking the legacy forward. For example, working in a team to manufacture a product with the mixture of ideas of young generation and the experience of the older one. This contribute in running a successful industries. Additionally, when working like a team, it helps in growing bonds stronger and healthier. Individuals spend time together to construct the empire. this often enhances their bonding.

Refurbishment of industry takes place. When introducing new generation changes into the industries, it often helps in meeting new demand and providing insights. This helps in changing the product according to the need of the market.

To conclude, family business helps in growing relationships stronger. However, one must acknowledge that it might arise family dispute due to profit and loss in a industry.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You address both sides of the question and give a clear overall view that family businesses are mainly beneficial, while acknowledging possible disputes over profits. The discussion of generational differences and teamwork is relevant, and the example of combining younger people’s ideas with older members’ experience helps illustrate an advantage. However, some points are only partly developed: the disagreement over adapting a business is described, but its consequences and possible resolution are not explained, while the final paragraph about “refurbishment” largely repeats the point about adapting to market demand. Develop fewer ideas more fully and make the conclusion state more directly why the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable overall structure, moving from an introduction to disadvantages, advantages and a conclusion. Paragraphing generally helps the reader follow the main topics, and linking expressions such as “For instance,” “On the other hand” and “To conclude” signal relationships between ideas. However, progression is uneven: the paragraph beginning “Refurbishment of industry takes place” feels detached from the preceding advantages paragraph and repeats its point about market needs. Some links are mechanical or unclear, as in “Therefore, causing disruption” and “Likewise,” which does not clearly connect the ideas. Group related points together, use complete transitions, and make references between sentences more explicit.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You attempt a range of topic-related vocabulary, including “generational gap,” “decision-making,” “team-spirit,” “legacy” and “market demand.” These choices show an effort to discuss both family relationships and business outcomes. However, several word choices or collocations are inaccurate or unnatural, which sometimes makes the meaning less clear: “generational industries,” “profitable margin,” “Refurbishment of industry” and “construct the empire” do not express the intended ideas naturally. There is also repetition of “business,” “industry” and “family.” Choose precise business terms and check common word partnerships; for example, describe disagreements over profit-sharing and adapting a business to changing market demands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You use both simple sentences and attempts at more complex structures, including clauses introduced by “when,” “while” and “because.” The main ideas are usually understandable, but errors in agreement, sentence construction, articles and punctuation are noticeable. Examples include “family businesses is,” “This contribute,” and “a industry.” The fragment “Therefore, causing disruption in the industry when decision-making” also needs a complete main clause, while “Some people believe it causes disputes, while others think, it boosts the business” has an unnecessary comma. Practise checking subject–verb agreement and article use, and revise each sentence to ensure it has a complete, clearly connected structure.

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