IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Self-Employment (IELTS Cambridge 14)

by Dave | May 29, 2019 | Cambridge 14

This is an IELTS Cambridge 14 Sample Answer for task 2 writing from a real past past on the topic of work and self-employment.

If you want to get my best materials and support me, please sign up for my exclusive IELTS Ebooks here on Patreon.

Regardless of the country where you are currently living, this is probably a really pertinent question. It seems that everyone wants their own business – me included!

Read on to see how I dealt with it as well as for some vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar activities and more!

If you need some review on structures your can read about IELTS Task 2 Writing structure here.

Here are some other IELTS Task 2 Writing Sample Answers that I wrote!

Keep up the good work!

Dave

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Self-Employment (IELTS Cambridge 14)

Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than to work for a company or organisation. Why might this be the case? What could be the disadvantages of being self-employed?

An increasing number of people today are opting to start their own companies instead of working for a company mainly because of the increased support for young entrepreneurs. In my opinion, the main disadvantages of not having an employer are lack of expertise and its overall effect on businesses.

The number of self-employed is related to young entrepreneurs and has its origin in widespread angel investment across a variety of industries. One well-known example of this can be seen on the popular show ‘Shark Tank,’ where a panel of investors and executives hear product pitches and compete to purchase stakes in budding entrepreneurs’ businesses. This show has launched a number of successful products by securing initial funding, which has led to a trickle down effect from this show: not only has it turned specific dreams into realities but it also encourages viewers in general to be more ambitious and has therefore been one of the main catalysts for the frenzy of self-run businesses popping up in recent years.

Though there are undoubtedly positives to all these start-up companies, I think that the overall impact is negative because it results in many poorly run businesses. For example, in recent years a number of ride-sharing apps including Uber, Grab, Lyft, Be, Go-Viet and countless others have sprung up. The established companies provide a functioning app with high-quality service to meet the growing demands of this industry. However, the majority of small start-ups find themselves in over their heads with apps that barely function and driver shortages that specialise in inconveniencing customers. It would be better for the people starting these derivative businesses to either work in companies, gain valuable experience, look for gaps in the market, and then develop develop worthy competitors or simply be content to have a good job in a good company that they do not own.

In conclusion, I feel that the rising number of new companies has led to a cult of overconfidence. If more people were satisfied working for others rather than pursuing unrealisable ambitions, this would likely lead to better consumer products across the board as well as increased national economic prosperity.

IELTS Examiner Sample Answer Analysis

1. An increasing number of people today are opting to start their own companies instead of working for a company mainly because of the increased support for young entrepreneurs. 2. In my opinion, the main disadvantages of not having an employer are lack of expertise and its overall effect on businesses.

1. The first sentence paraphrases the essay topic. This sentence is relatively unimportant so write it as fast your pen/pencil can fly!

2. My second sentence states my opinion – always have a CLEAR opinion or you risk getting band 5 for task achievement…

1. The number of self-employed is related to young entrepreneurs and has its origin in widespread angel investment across a variety of industries. 2. One well-known example of this can be seen on the popular show ‘Shark Tank,’ where a panel of investors and executives hear product pitches and compete to purchase stakes in budding entrepreneurs’ businesses. 3. This show has launched a number of successful products by securing initial funding, which has led to a trickle down effect from this show: not only has it turned specific dreams into realities but it also encourages viewers in general to be more ambitious and has therefore been one of the main catalysts for the frenzy of self-run businesses popping up in recent years.

1. My first sentence is a topic sentence that gives the main idea for the paragraph: investment has led to more entrepreneurs. 

2. My second sentence begins my example. Don’t waste any time getting to your example as it is all that really matters for your task achievement score!

3. The third sentence further develops and connects the example to my main idea. Usually I write longer paragraphs (and shorter sentences) but there are always exceptions! Aim for about 4 – 5 sentences per paragraph for your writing.

1. Though there are undoubtedly positives to all these start-up companies, I think that the overall impact is negative because it results in many poorly run businesses. 2. For example, in recent years a number of ride-sharing apps including Uber, Grab, Lyft, Be, Go-Viet and countless others have sprung up. 3. The established companies provide a functioning app with high-quality service to meet the growing demands of this industry. 4. However, the majority of small start-ups find themselves in over their heads with apps that barely function and driver shortages that specialise in inconveniencing customers. 5. It would be better for the people starting these derivative businesses to either work in companies, gain valuable experience, look for gaps in the market, and then develop develop worthy competitors or simply be content to have a good job in a good company that they do not own.

1. The first sentence is another topic sentence with the idea for the paragraph: this development is bad because it results in bad businesses.

2. My second sentence again begins my example right away.

3. The third sentence continues to develop the example. Don’t run away from your examples – take some time to date them!

4. My fourth sentence also continues the same example. Notice all the great vocabulary that comes out of a specific, detailed example!

5. My fifth sentence focuses on the effect of the example and relates it back to my main idea.

1. In conclusion, I feel that the rising number of new companies has led to a cult of overconfidence. 2. If more people were satisfied working for others rather than pursuing unrealisable ambitions, this would likely lead to better consumer products across the board as well as increased national economic prosperity.

1. My first sentence states my opinion for the second time and my main reason why: overconfidence.

2. I finish the essay with a suggestion for how to encourage this in the future. Be sure to have some extra detail/suggestion at the end of your writing beyond just a summary of your opinion!

Sample Answer Vocabulary

Try to figure out what the words in bold below mean. Don’t use a dictionary at first! See if you can write your own definition based on the sentence and then check in a dictionary. Guess if you have to but don’t cheat even if you want to!

An increasing number of people today are opting to start their own companies instead of working for a company mainly because of the increased support for young entrepreneurs. In my opinion, the main disadvantages of not having an employer are lack of expertise and its overall effect on businesses.

The number of self-employed is related to young entrepreneurs and has its origin in widespread angel investment across a variety of industries. One well-known example of this can be seen on the popular show ‘Shark Tank,’ where a panel of investors and executives hear product pitches and compete to purchase stakes in budding entrepreneurs’ businesses. This show has launched a number of successful products by securing initial funding, which has led to a trickle down effect from this show: not only has it turned specific dreams into realities but it also encourages viewers in general to be more ambitious and has therefore been one of the main catalysts for the frenzy of self-run businesses popping up in recent years.

Though there are undoubtedly positives to all these start-up companies, I think that the overall impact is negative because it results in many poorly run businesses. For example, in recent years a number of ride-sharing apps including Uber, Grab, Lyft, Be, Go-Viet and countless others have sprung up. The established companies provide a functioning app with high-quality service to meet the growing demands of this industry. However, the majority of small start-ups find themselves in over their heads with apps that barely function and driver shortages that specialise in inconveniencing customers. It would be better for the people starting these derivative businesses to either work in companies, gain valuable experience, look for gaps in the market, and then develop develop worthy competitors or simply be content to have a good job in a good company that they do not own.

In conclusion, I feel that the rising number of new companies has led to a cult of overconfidence. If more people were satisfied working for others rather than pursuing unrealisable ambitions, this would likely lead to better consumer products across the board as well as increased national economic prosperity.

Answers:

opting: choosing

entrepreneurs: people who start their own business

lack of expertise: not experts/skilled in an area

overall effect: the main impact of something

origin: cause/where it comes from

widespread: common

angel investment: early investment in a start-up company

panel of investors: group of people giving money to a product or service

product pitches: making a case/proposing a service or product

purchase stakes: buy a piece of a company

budding businesses: early/beginning/just forming businesses

launched products: started/premiered

securing initial funding: getting early money for something

trickle down effect: domino effect/effects other areas indirectly

dreams into realities: makes hopes/dreams comes true

main catalysts: primary causes

frenzy: lots of activity

popping up: appearing

Though there are undoubtedly positives: despite the fact there are advantages

start-up companies: companies that are just beginning

poorly run: not well managed

ride-sharing apps: applications on your phone to call a ride like Uber

established companies: well-known companies with good reputations

meet the growing demands: be able to provide a service for people who want it

in over their heads: beyond what they are capable of

barely function: hardly works at all

driver shortages: not enough drivers

specialise: focus on/become an expert in one area of

derivative: unoriginal

gain valuable experience: learn a lot

gaps in the market: areas where no company is meeting current demand/need

cult of overconfidence: lots of people being arrogant

unrealisable: impossible to make into a reality

across the board: everywhere/in all areas or industries

prosperity: wealth

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

An increasing number of people today are _______________ to start their own companies instead of working for a company mainly because of the increased support for young _______________. In my opinion, the main disadvantages of not having an employer are _______________ and its _______________ on businesses.

The number of self-employed is related to young entrepreneurs and has its _______________ in _______________ across a variety of industries. One well-known example of this can be seen on the popular show ‘Shark Tank,’ where a _______________ and executives hear _______________ and compete to _______________ in _______________ entrepreneurs’ _______________. This show has _______________  a number of successful _______________ by _______________, which has led to a _______________ from this show: not only has it turned specific _______________ but it also encourages viewers in general to be more ambitious and has therefore been one of the _______________ for the _______________of self-run businesses _______________ in recent years.

_______________ to all these _______________, I think that the overall impact is negative because it results in many _______________ businesses. For example, in recent years a number of _______________ including Uber, Grab, Lyft, Be, Go-Viet and countless others have sprung up. The _______________ provide a functioning app with high-quality service to _______________ of this industry. However, the majority of small start-ups find themselves _______________ with apps that _______________ and _______________ that _______________in inconveniencing customers. It would be better for the people starting these _______________businesses to either work in companies, _______________, look for _______________, and then develop develop worthy competitors or simply be content to have a good job in a good company that they do not own.

In conclusion, I feel that the rising number of new companies has led to a _______________. If more people were satisfied working for others rather than pursuing _______________ ambitions, this would likely lead to better consumer products _______________ as well as increased national economic _______________.

Links from YouTube and Articles

Worst Shark Tank Pitches

Brightwheel Pitch

Best Pitch Ever!

50 Entrepreneurs Share Priceless Advice 

Comment below – Do you want to open your own business someday?

I’m not into that sort of thing…

I’d make a great…

I’d give it a shot if …

No chance because …

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Railway Lines (Cambridge 12)

by Dave | May 27, 2019 | Cambridge 12

This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer related to railway lines from the IELTS Cambridge 12 book of past practice tests.

The question itself isn’t very tricky – should cities invest more in new railway lines or update existing public transport?

But it’s probably not a topic that you have thought a lot about or have very strong opinions on.

No problem, you can still write about it! The key, as always, is to focus on one main idea per paragraph and fully developed support for that one main idea.

If you have more than one main idea, then it will be harder to fully support your answer!

Here are some more sample answers that I wrote.

If you want to get my best materials and support me, please sign up for my exclusive IELTS Ebooks here on Patreon.

Enjoy!

Dave

IELTS Examiner Sample Answer from Cambridge 12: Railyway Lines (by Dave)

In a number of countries, some people think it is necessary to spend large sums of money on constructing new railway lines for very fast trains between cities. Others believe the money should be spent on improving existing public transport.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Cambridge IELTS 12

Governments must always balance demands for newer modes of transport, including newer railway lines to connect cities, with maintaining current transportation infrastructure. In my opinion, the maintanence of current transport has a greater overall impact although the importance of fast trains will make life more convenient for commuters in the short-term.

The rationale for investing in newer, faster railway lines is that they will make it easier for people to travel between cities. Recent examples of this can be seen in Japan, which is famous for its ‘bullet trains’ that allow residents to traverse the country in a matter of hours. This provides an economic boon by allowing businessmen to travel easily from city to city. Moreover, tourists can also use these trains for convenient transnational travel, thereby making the country more tourist-friendly and helping to expand the industry.

Although I concede the above advantages, the majority of people are served by already existing forms of public transportation. Tourists and businessmen travelling between cities are the exception compared with those travelling inside cities. These travellers rely on buses, subways and city streets to get around. Simple improvements or additions to a subway line impacts millions of people. A new bus route can help workers get to and from work more easily. Even the lowering of fares is a reform that would benefit less affluent travellers.

In conclusion, cities that are more concerned with actual improvements, rather than publicity grabbing headlines, should focus on the most-used forms of public transport. In the future high speed rails may even become redundant as people commute less and transition to jobs based primarily online.

Analysis

1. Governments must always balance demands for newer modes of transport, including newer railway lines to connect cities, with maintaining current transportation infrastructure. 2. In my opinion, the maintenance of current transport has a greater overall impact although the importance of fast trains will make life more convenient for commuters in the short-term.

1. My first sentence repeats the overall topic. Change some words and write this sentence quickly.

2. The second sentence is my opinion – make sure that you opinion is 100% clear!

1. The rationale for investing in newer, faster railway lines is that they will make it easier for people to travel between cities. 2. Recent examples of this can be seen in Japan, which is famous for its ‘bullet trains’ that allow residents to traverse the country in a matter of hours. 3. This provides an economic boon by allowing businessmen to travel easily from city to city. 4. Moreover, tourists can also use these trains for convenient transnational travel, thereby making the country more tourist-friendly and helping to expand the industry.

1. My first sentence is a topic sentence that gives my main idea for this paragraph – it is easier to travel.

2. The second sentence begins my example. Start your example as soon as possible!

3. My third sentence develops the example.

4. The fourth sentence adds how this can help tourists as well as businessmen.

1. Although I concede the above advantages, the majority of people are served by already existing forms of public transportation. 2. Tourists and businessmen travelling between cities are the exception compared with those travelling inside cities. 3. These travellers rely on buses, subways and city streets to get around. 4. Simple improvements or additions to a subway line impacts millions of people. 5. A new bus route can help workers get to and from work more easily. 6. Even the lowering of fares is a reform that would benefit less affluent travellers.

1. My first sentence is a topic sentence explaining that current transport is more important.

2. The second sentence compares this to the main idea from the paragraph below to show contrast.

3. My third sentence supports my main idea by detailing the transport that people in cities use. Be as specific as you can!

4. My fourth sentence explains how improving subways can help.

5. The fifth sentence describes how bus routes can also be helpful – specific!

6. My last sentence adds an additional reform to existing infrastructure that would have a large impact.

1. In conclusion, cities that are more concerned with actual improvements, rather than publicity grabbing headlines, should focus on the most-used forms of public transport. 2. In the future high speed rails may even become redundant as people commute less and transition to jobs based primarily online.

1. My first sentence restates my overall opinion – be sure that you are very clear and don’t sit in the middle!

2. The second sentence gives an extra detail that many IELTS examiners require for band 7 and up.

Sample Answer Vocabulary

What do the phrases highlighted below mean in your own words? Is there a translation in your language?

Governments must always balance demands for newer modes of transport, including newer railway lines to connect cities, with maintaining current transportation infrastructure. In my opinion, the maintenance of current transport has a greater overall impact although the importance of fast trains will make life more convenient for commuters in the short-term.

The rationale for investing in newer, faster railway lines is that they will make it easier for people to travel between cities. Recent examples of this can be seen in Japan, which is famous for its ‘bullet trains‘ that allow residents to traverse the country in a matter of hours. This provides an economic boon by allowing businessmen to travel easily from city to city. Moreover, tourists can also use these trains for convenient transnational travel, thereby making the country more tourist-friendly and helping to expand the industry.

Although I concede the above advantages, the majority of people are served by already existing forms of public transportation. Tourists and businessmen travelling between cities are the exception compared with those travelling inside cities. These travellers rely on buses, subways and city streets to get around. Simple improvements or additions to a subway line impacts millions of people. A new bus route can help workers get to and from work more easily. Even the lowering of fares is a reform that would benefit less affluent travellers.

In conclusion, cities that are more concerned with actual improvements, rather than publicity grabbing headlines, should focus on the most-used forms of public transport. In the future high speed rails may even become redundant as people commute less and transition to jobs based primarily online.

Answers:

balance demands make concessions to make everyone happy

newer modes of transport more recent developments in transportation

maintaining keeping up with

infrastructure roads, buildings, etc.

greater overall impact more effect on

commuters people who travel in to work

short-term in the next few years

rationale reason for

investing putting money into

bullet trains super fast trains

traverse go across

a matter of hours just a short time

economic boon help the economy

transnational across the country

thereby causing

tourist-friendly easy for tourists

concede admit

existing currently available

exception not including

rely depend on

get around travel

subway line the route for the subway

get to and from go to

fares money for travelling on the bus/subway

reform change

less affluent poor

publicity grabbing headlines solely for the good press

most-used high usage

redundant superfluous

transition change to

jobs based primarily jobs located mainly

Pronunciation

ˈbæləns dɪˈmɑːndz 
ˈnjuːə məʊdz ɒv ˈtrænspɔːt
meɪnˈteɪnɪŋ 
ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌkʧə
ˈgreɪtər ˈəʊvərɔːl ˈɪmpækt 
kəˈmjuːtəz 
ʃɔːt-tɜːm
ˌræʃəˈnɑːl 
ɪnˈvɛstɪŋ 
ˈbʊlɪt treɪnz
ˈtrævə(ː)s 
ə ˈmætər ɒv ˈaʊəz
ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk buːn 
trænzˈnæʃənəl 
ˈðeəˈbaɪ 
ˈtʊərɪst-ˈfrɛndli 
kənˈsiːd 
ɪgˈzɪstɪŋ 
ɪkˈsɛpʃən 
rɪˈlaɪ 
gɛt əˈraʊnd
ˈsʌbweɪ laɪn 
gɛt tuː ænd frɒm 
feəz 
ˌriːˈfɔːm 
lɛs ˈæflʊənt 
pʌbˈlɪsɪti ˈgræbɪŋ ˈhɛdlaɪnz
məʊst-juːzd 
rɪˈdʌndənt 
trænˈsɪʒən 
ʤɒbz beɪst ˈpraɪmərɪli 

Listen and repeat:

Vocabulary Practice

Governments must always _______________ for _______________, including newer railway lines to connect cities, with _______________ current transportation ______________. In my opinion, the maintenance of current transport has a _______________ although the importance of fast trains will make life more convenient for _______________ in the ______________.

The _______________ for _______________ in newer, faster railway lines is that they will make it easier for people to travel between cities. Recent examples of this can be seen in Japan, which is famous for its ‘______________‘ that allow residents to _______________ the country in ______________. This provides an _______________ by allowing businessmen to travel easily from city to city. Moreover, tourists can also use these trains for convenient _______________ travel, _______________ making the country more _______________ and helping to expand the industry.

Although I _______________ the above advantages, the majority of people are _______________ by already _______________ forms of public transportation. Tourists and businessmen travelling between cities are the _______________ compared with those travelling inside cities. These travellers _______________ on buses, subways and city streets to ______________. Simple improvements or additions to a _______________ impacts millions of people. A new bus route can help workers _______________ work more easily. Even the lowering of _______________ is a _______________ that would benefit _______________ travellers.

In conclusion, cities that are more concerned with actual improvements, rather than _______________ , should focus on the _______________ forms of public transport. In the future high speed rails may even become _______________ as people commute less and _______________ to _______________ online.

Listen and check:

Listening Practice

Watch the video below and review the vocabulary and notes from my sample answer. Here are some activities you can use to improve your listening while watching the videos: Improve your Listening.

Reading Practice

Read the article below to review more about Japanese bullet trains:

https://www.japanstation.com/shinkansen-high-speed-train-network-in-japan/