2025-08-31

IELTS Writing Task 2 Two-Part Question — Small Businesses: Band 9 Sample & Analysis with Expert Tips for Success

IELTS Writing Task 2 Two-Part Question — Small Businesses: Band 9 Sample & Analysis with Expert Tips for Success

Small businesses form the backbone of most economies worldwide, and their importance is frequently examined in IELTS Writing Task 2. This comprehensive guide provides you with a Band 9 sample answer for a Two-Part Question about small businesses, complete with detailed analysis and practical strategies to help you achieve your target score.

At BabyCode, we've helped over 500,000 students master IELTS Writing through our proven methodology and expert guidance. This article represents years of teaching experience distilled into actionable insights that will elevate your writing performance.

Understanding Two-Part Questions About Small Businesses

Two-part questions require you to address both parts of the prompt equally, demonstrating sophisticated analytical skills while maintaining clear organization. Small business topics typically explore economic impacts, challenges, government support, or societal contributions.

Common Small Business Question Types

  1. Economic Impact Questions: Effects on local economies and employment
  2. Support and Policy Questions: Government assistance and regulatory frameworks
  3. Challenges and Solutions: Obstacles facing small businesses and potential remedies
  4. Technology and Innovation: Digital transformation and competitive advantages
  5. Social Responsibility: Community engagement and ethical business practices

Sample Question Analysis

Question: Many countries are experiencing a decline in the number of small businesses, while large corporations continue to grow. What do you think are the main causes of this trend? What measures could be taken to support small businesses?

Question Breakdown

Part 1: Identify and explain the main causes of small business decline Part 2: Suggest and justify measures to support small businesses

Key Requirements:

  • Address both parts equally (approximately 150 words each)
  • Provide specific causes with explanations
  • Suggest practical, realistic measures
  • Use relevant examples and evidence
  • Maintain formal academic tone throughout

Band 9 Sample Answer

The decline of small businesses in favor of large corporations represents one of the most significant economic shifts of the modern era. This transformation stems from multiple interconnected factors and requires comprehensive policy interventions to ensure a balanced business ecosystem.

The primary causes of small business decline are fundamentally rooted in competitive disadvantages and structural barriers. Firstly, economies of scale enable large corporations to offer products and services at significantly reduced costs, making it virtually impossible for small businesses to compete on price alone. For instance, major retail chains like Walmart can negotiate bulk purchasing agreements that reduce their unit costs by up to 30%, while small retailers must pay premium wholesale prices. Secondly, access to capital remains severely limited for small enterprises, as financial institutions often view them as high-risk investments requiring extensive collateral and guarantees that many entrepreneurs cannot provide. Additionally, regulatory compliance costs disproportionately burden small businesses, as they lack dedicated legal and administrative departments to navigate complex bureaucratic requirements efficiently.

Effective support measures must address these fundamental disadvantages through targeted government intervention and policy reform. Governments should establish specialized small business banks or guarantee schemes that reduce lending risks for traditional financial institutions, thereby improving access to affordable credit. Countries like Germany have successfully implemented such programs, resulting in a 40% increase in small business startups over the past decade. Furthermore, creating simplified regulatory frameworks and one-stop digital platforms for business registration and compliance can significantly reduce administrative burdens. Tax incentives, such as reduced corporate rates for businesses below certain revenue thresholds, would help level the competitive playing field. Finally, governments should invest in small business incubators and mentorship programs that provide entrepreneurs with essential skills and networks necessary for sustainable growth.

In conclusion, while the decline of small businesses reflects natural market forces favoring efficiency and scale, strategic government intervention can preserve the entrepreneurial diversity essential for economic resilience and innovation.

Detailed Band 9 Analysis

Task Achievement (Band 9)

Comprehensive Response: The answer thoroughly addresses both parts of the question with sophisticated depth. Part 1 identifies three distinct causes (economies of scale, capital access, regulatory burden) while Part 2 provides four specific measures (specialized banking, regulatory simplification, tax incentives, support programs).

Relevant Examples: Each point is supported by concrete evidence - Walmart's cost advantages (30% reduction), Germany's success story (40% increase), and specific policy mechanisms.

Clear Position: The conclusion effectively synthesizes both parts, acknowledging market realities while advocating for strategic intervention.

Coherence and Cohesion (Band 9)

Logical Progression:

  • Introduction: Context and thesis
  • Body 1: Causes analysis with escalating complexity
  • Body 2: Solutions corresponding to identified problems
  • Conclusion: Balanced synthesis

Sophisticated Linking:

  • "fundamentally rooted in" (causal relationship)
  • "For instance" (exemplification)
  • "Additionally" (progression)
  • "Furthermore" (development)
  • "Finally" (conclusion of series)

Cohesive Devices: The essay uses advanced reference systems ("This transformation," "such programs," "these fundamental disadvantages") that create seamless text flow.

Lexical Resource (Band 9)

Advanced Vocabulary:

  • "interconnected factors" (complex relationships)
  • "comprehensive policy interventions" (sophisticated solutions)
  • "disproportionately burden" (precise causation)
  • "entrepreneurial diversity" (abstract concept)
  • "economic resilience" (advanced economic terminology)

Collocations and Phrases:

  • "structural barriers"
  • "bulk purchasing agreements"
  • "premium wholesale prices"
  • "specialized small business banks"
  • "one-stop digital platforms"
  • "sustainable growth"

Flexibility: Demonstrates range through varied expressions for similar concepts (support = intervention, assistance, help; problems = challenges, disadvantages, barriers).

Grammar Range and Accuracy (Band 9)

Complex Structures:

  • "This transformation stems from multiple interconnected factors and requires..." (compound-complex)
  • "...making it virtually impossible for small businesses to compete..." (participle clause)
  • "Countries like Germany have successfully implemented such programs, resulting in..." (participial result clause)

Advanced Grammar:

  • Relative clauses: "...entrepreneurs with essential skills and networks necessary for sustainable growth"
  • Conditional structures: "...would help level the competitive playing field"
  • Passive voice: "...are fundamentally rooted in competitive disadvantages"

Error-Free: No grammatical errors throughout the 280-word response.

Essential Vocabulary for Small Business Topics

Core Economic Terms

  • economies of scale /ɪˈkɒnəmiz əv skeɪl/: Cost advantages from large-scale production
  • market penetration /ˈmɑːkɪt penɪˈtreɪʃən/: Degree of market capture
  • competitive advantage /kəmˈpetɪtɪv ədˈvæntɪdʒ/: Superior market position
  • barriers to entry /ˈbæriəz tu ˈentri/: Obstacles preventing market entry
  • cash flow /kæʃ fləʊ/: Money movement in and out of business

Business Support Vocabulary

  • incubator /ˈɪnkjʊbeɪtə/: Program supporting startup development
  • venture capital /ˈventʃə ˈkæpɪtl/: Investment funding for growth companies
  • collateral /kəˈlætərəl/: Security for loan repayment
  • regulatory framework /ˈreɡjʊlətəri ˈfreɪmwɜːk/: System of rules and regulations
  • tax incentive /tæks ɪnˈsentɪv/: Reduction encouraging specific behavior

Advanced Expressions

  • level the playing field: Create fair competition conditions
  • streamline processes: Simplify and improve efficiency
  • foster innovation: Encourage creative development
  • sustainable business model: Environmentally and economically viable approach
  • entrepreneurial ecosystem: Environment supporting business creation

Common Mistakes and Solutions

Mistake 1: Unbalanced Development

Problem: Students often focus heavily on one part while neglecting the other. Solution: Allocate approximately 130-150 words to each part, ensuring equal depth of analysis.

Mistake 2: Generic Solutions

Problem: Suggesting vague measures like "government should help." Solution: Provide specific, actionable policies with clear implementation mechanisms.

Mistake 3: Lack of Examples

Problem: Making claims without supporting evidence. Solution: Include concrete examples, statistics, or country-specific cases to strengthen arguments.

Mistake 4: Poor Cause-Effect Relationships

Problem: Listing causes without explaining their impact mechanisms. Solution: Use clear causal language ("stems from," "results in," "leads to") and explain connections.

Mistake 5: Informal Language

Problem: Using conversational expressions in academic writing. Solution: Maintain formal register throughout with sophisticated vocabulary and structures.

Strategic Writing Approach

Planning Phase (5 minutes)

  1. Identify question type: Two-part question requiring causes and solutions
  2. Brainstorm ideas: 3-4 causes, 3-4 solutions
  3. Select strongest points: Choose most relevant and developable ideas
  4. Plan structure: Introduction + 2 body paragraphs + conclusion
  5. Consider examples: Identify specific cases or statistics to support points

Writing Phase (30 minutes)

  1. Introduction (50 words): Context, paraphrase question, thesis statement
  2. Body 1 (130-150 words): Causes with explanations and examples
  3. Body 2 (130-150 words): Solutions with justifications and examples
  4. Conclusion (40 words): Synthesis and final thought

Review Phase (5 minutes)

  1. Task Achievement: Both parts addressed equally?
  2. Coherence: Logical flow and clear connections?
  3. Vocabulary: Appropriate and varied word choice?
  4. Grammar: Complex structures used accurately?

Practice Questions for Small Business Topics

Question Set 1: Economic Impact

  1. Small businesses contribute significantly to employment but face increasing competition from large corporations. What are the benefits of small businesses to society? How can governments ensure their survival?

  2. Many people prefer shopping at large chain stores rather than small local businesses. What are the reasons for this preference? What are the consequences for local communities?

Question Set 2: Digital Transformation

  1. The rise of e-commerce has made it both easier and harder for small businesses to succeed. What are the advantages and disadvantages of digital platforms for small businesses? How can they adapt to remain competitive?

  2. Social media has become essential for small business marketing, but many owners lack digital skills. What problems does this create? What solutions would you suggest?

Question Set 3: Government Policy

  1. Some countries offer significant tax breaks and subsidies to small businesses, while others believe market forces should determine success. What are the advantages of each approach? Which do you think is more effective?

Advanced Writing Techniques

Sophisticated Introductions

Technique 1: Statistical Opening "Recent studies indicate that small businesses account for over 90% of enterprises globally, yet their market share continues to diminish in favor of corporate giants."

Technique 2: Conceptual Framework "The tension between entrepreneurial diversity and economic efficiency represents one of the fundamental challenges facing modern market economies."

Technique 3: Historical Context "Since the industrial revolution, the business landscape has continuously evolved, with the current era witnessing an unprecedented consolidation of economic power among multinational corporations."

Dynamic Conclusions

Technique 1: Future Implications "Without strategic intervention, the continued decline of small businesses may result in reduced innovation, increased unemployment, and the homogenization of local communities."

Technique 2: Balanced Perspective "While market efficiency naturally favors large-scale operations, preserving small business diversity requires deliberate policy choices that balance economic pragmatism with social objectives."

Technique 3: Call to Action "The challenge for policymakers lies not in resisting market forces, but in creating frameworks that harness competitive dynamics while protecting entrepreneurial opportunity."

Building Advanced Arguments

Causal Analysis Framework

  1. Immediate Causes: Direct factors affecting small businesses
  2. Underlying Causes: Structural economic and social factors
  3. Root Causes: Fundamental system characteristics
  4. Interconnections: How causes reinforce each other

Solution Evaluation Matrix

  1. Feasibility: Can the solution be realistically implemented?
  2. Effectiveness: Will it address the root causes?
  3. Cost-Benefit: Do benefits justify implementation costs?
  4. Sustainability: Can positive effects be maintained long-term?

Expert Tips for Band 9 Achievement

Content Development

  • Depth over Breadth: Develop fewer ideas comprehensively rather than listing many superficially
  • Specific Examples: Use concrete cases rather than hypothetical situations
  • Multiple Perspectives: Consider various stakeholder viewpoints (entrepreneurs, consumers, government)
  • Current Relevance: Reference contemporary business trends and challenges

Language Enhancement

  • Vary Sentence Beginnings: Avoid repetitive structures
  • Use Advanced Transitions: "Nevertheless," "Furthermore," "Consequently," "In contrast"
  • Employ Academic Vocabulary: Formal, precise terminology appropriate to the topic
  • Demonstrate Range: Show control of various grammatical structures

Common Band 7-8 Limitations

  1. Predictable Ideas: Same solutions everyone suggests
  2. Limited Development: Brief explanations without depth
  3. Simple Language: Basic vocabulary and sentence structures
  4. Generic Examples: Vague or overly common illustrations

Achieving Band 9 Excellence

  1. Original Insights: Unique perspectives or less obvious connections
  2. Sophisticated Analysis: Complex cause-effect relationships
  3. Varied Expression: Multiple ways to express similar ideas
  4. Compelling Evidence: Specific, relevant, and persuasive support

Time Management Strategies

Efficient Planning

  • 2 minutes: Read and understand the question
  • 3 minutes: Brainstorm and select ideas
  • Total Planning: 5 minutes maximum

Strategic Writing

  • 8 minutes: Introduction and first body paragraph
  • 12 minutes: Second body paragraph
  • 5 minutes: Conclusion
  • 5 minutes: Review and refinement
  • Total Writing: 30 minutes

Quality Assurance

  • Check task achievement: Both parts addressed?
  • Verify coherence: Clear progression of ideas?
  • Review vocabulary: Appropriate and varied?
  • Confirm grammar: Complex structures used accurately?

Regional Business Examples for Global Relevance

European Context

  • Germany: Mittelstand companies driving industrial innovation
  • Italy: Family-owned businesses preserving traditional craftsmanship
  • UK: Tech startups in London's Silicon Roundabout

Asian Examples

  • Singapore: Government-supported SME development programs
  • South Korea: Chaebol system vs. small enterprise support
  • India: Digital platforms enabling rural entrepreneurship

American Models

  • USA: Silicon Valley startup ecosystem
  • Canada: Indigenous business development initiatives
  • Brazil: Microfinance supporting small enterprises

Understanding Global Trends

  • Digital transformation acceleration
  • Supply chain localization movements
  • Sustainable business practice adoption
  • Remote work enabling distributed entrepreneurship

Conclusion: Mastering Small Business IELTS Topics

Success in IELTS Writing Task 2 Two-Part Questions about small businesses requires understanding complex economic relationships, developing sophisticated arguments, and expressing ideas with advanced language skills. The key lies in recognizing that small business topics encompass not just economic considerations, but social, technological, and policy dimensions that require nuanced analysis.

Remember that Band 9 achievement comes from demonstrating exceptional language control, original thinking, and comprehensive task fulfillment. Practice with various question types, develop a repertoire of relevant examples, and focus on creating cohesive, well-developed responses that showcase your analytical abilities.

At BabyCode, we believe that mastering IELTS Writing is about more than test technique—it's about developing the critical thinking and communication skills that will serve you throughout your academic and professional journey. Our comprehensive approach has helped over 500,000 students achieve their target scores and advance their educational goals.

Continue practicing with authentic questions, seek feedback on your writing, and remember that consistent effort combined with strategic preparation leads to success. Your IELTS goals are within reach with the right guidance and dedicated practice.

Ready to achieve your IELTS goals? Join over 500,000 successful students at BabyCode and access our comprehensive IELTS preparation courses, personalized feedback, and expert guidance. Start your journey to Band 9 today!