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This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of large and small businesses.
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Dave
IELTS Essay: Large Businesses
In the past, most people worked for small businesses, while more people now work for large businesses.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of working for large businesses?
The rise of large corporations has led to a fundamental shift in the workforce towards large businesses. The chief advantages of this relate to opportunity and the downsides are larger, societal dilemmas.
Proponents of big business can point to career advancement and the variety of roles within a large company. Small businesses, by their nature, draw on a limited possible source of revenue that naturally caps promotions. Large companies have nearly unlimited profit potential and can thus employ a large number of managers, executives and other high-salaried positions. Moreover, a small business is more likely to be limited in the number of roles, while larger companies will have departments ranging from legal to marketing to research and development to human resources, all of which are potential destinations for motivated employees.
The disadvantages of these large companies relate less directly to individuals and more to society at large. Firstly, although there are more quality jobs available in big companies, the disappearance of small, local entrepreneurs means that capital becomes concentrated in the company’s chief shareholders, who are often living in other countries and already extremely rich. Over time this has led to the division of wealth that defines the 21st century. Secondly, as executive decisions become further removed from local communities it is harder to regulate large companies. A good example of this would be the environmental cost of drilling for oil and extracting natural gas, which hurts local residents but continues unabated because those in authority are unaffected.
In conclusion, the opportunities provided by big business do not outweigh the negative potential for all of society when power becomes concentrated and distant. It is therefore important to check the reach of corporations and empower individuals.
Analysis
1. The rise of large corporations has led to a fundamental shift in the workforce towards large businesses. 2. The chief advantages of this relate to opportunity and the downsides are larger, societal dilemmas.
- Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
- Include your main ideas if possible in the introduction. Read more about introductions here.
1. Proponents of big business can point to career advancement and the variety of roles within a large company. 2. Small businesses, by their nature, draw on a limited possible source of revenue that naturally caps promotions. 3. Large companies have nearly unlimited profit potential and can thus employ a large number of managers, executives and other high-salaried positions. 4. Moreover, a small business is more likely to be limited in the number of roles, while larger companies will have departments ranging from legal to marketing to research and development to human resources, all of which are potential destinations for motivated employees.
- Write a topic sentence with your main ideas.
- Begin to develop the first one.
- Develop it deeply and specifically.
- Switch to a second advantage and develop it fully.
1. The disadvantages of these large companies relate less directly to individuals and more to society at large. 2. Firstly, although there are more quality jobs available in big companies, the disappearance of small, local entrepreneurs means that capital becomes concentrated in the company’s chief shareholders, who are often living in other countries and already extremely rich. 3. Over time this has led to the division of wealth that defines the 21st century. 4. Secondly, as executive decisions become further removed from local communities it is harder to regulate large companies. 5. A good example of this would be the environmental cost of drilling for oil and extracting natural gas, which hurts local residents but continues unabated because those in authority are unaffected.
- Write another topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
- Develop that main idea.
- State the full results of your idea.
- Move on to another disadvantage.
- Develop it fully with an example.
1. In conclusion, the opportunities provided by big business do not outweigh the negative potential for all of society when power becomes concentrated and distant. 2. It is therefore important to check the reach of corporations and empower individuals.
- Summarise your main ideas and choose a side.
- Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
The rise of large corporations has led to a fundamental shift in the workforce towards large businesses. The chief advantages of this relate to opportunity and the downsides are larger, societal dilemmas.
Proponents of big business can point to career advancement and the variety of roles within a large company. Small businesses, by their nature, draw on a limited possible source of revenue that naturally caps promotions. Large companies have nearly unlimited profit potential and can thus employ a large number of managers, executives and other high-salaried positions. Moreover, a small business is more likely to be limited in the number of roles, while larger companies will have departments ranging from legal to marketing to research and development to human resources, all of which are potential destinations for motivated employees.
The disadvantages of these large companies relate less directly to individuals and more to society at large. Firstly, although there are more quality jobs available in big companies, the disappearance of small, local entrepreneurs means that capital becomes concentrated in the company’s chief shareholders, who are often living in other countries and already extremely rich. Over time this has led to the division of wealth that defines the 21st century. Secondly, as executive decisions become further removed from local communities it is harder to regulate large companies. A good example of this would be the environmental cost of drilling for oil and extracting natural gas, which hurts local residents but continues unabated because those in authority are unaffected.
In conclusion, the opportunities provided by big business do not outweigh the negative potential for all of society when power becomes concentrated and distant. It is therefore important to check the reach of corporations and empower individuals.
Answers
rise of large corporations more big companies
fundamental shift basic change
workforce employed people
chief advantages main benefits
relate to have to do with
downsides disadvantages
societal dilemmas problems affecting all people
proponents supporters
big business large companies
point to career advancement argue about promotions and opportunities
variety of roles many different jobs
by their nature naturally, of course
draw on take from
limited possible source of revenue only so much money they can make
naturally caps of course limited to
nearly unlimited profit potential no limits on the money that can be made
employ give jobs to
executives CEOs, CFOs, etc.
high-salaried positions well-paying jobs
departments ranging from … to parts of the company including
legal lawyers
research and development coming up with new ideas
human resources managing employees, HR
all of which are everything is
destinations places to go
motivated employees workers who really want to
relate less directly don’t have much to do with
society at large all people
disappearance going away
local entrepreneurs small businesses
capital money and resources
concentrated focused
chief shareholders those who own the country
division of wealth how money is spread out
defines the 21st century represents 2000 to 2100
executive decisions choices from the higher ups
further removed more and more distant
local communities small businesses
regulate control
environmental cost negative impact on the environment
drilling for oil getting oil out of the ground
extracting natural gas taking gas from the Earth
hurts local residents does not benefit locals
continues unabated keeps going on without slowing down
authority power
unaffected no effect
outweigh stronger than
distant far away
check the reach control the influence
empower individuals give power to people
Pronunciation
raɪz ɒv lɑːʤ ˌkɔːpəˈreɪʃənz
ˌfʌndəˈmɛntl ʃɪft
ˈwɜːkˌfɔːs
ʧiːf ədˈvɑːntɪʤɪz
rɪˈleɪt tuː
ˈdaʊnˌsaɪdz
səˈsaɪətl dɪˈlɛməz
prəˈpəʊnənts
bɪg ˈbɪznɪs
pɔɪnt tuː kəˈrɪər ədˈvɑːnsmənt
vəˈraɪəti ɒv rəʊlz
baɪ ðeə ˈneɪʧə
drɔː ɒn
ˈlɪmɪtɪd ˈpɒsəbl sɔːs ɒv ˈrɛvɪnjuː
ˈnæʧrəli ˈkæps
ˈnɪəli ʌnˈlɪmɪtɪd ˈprɒfɪt pəʊˈtɛnʃəl
ɪmˈplɔɪ
ɪgˈzɛkjʊtɪvz
haɪ-ˈsælərɪd pəˈzɪʃənz
dɪˈpɑːtmənts ˈreɪnʤɪŋ frɒm … tuː
ˈliːgəl
rɪˈsɜːʧ ænd dɪˈvɛləpmənt
ˈhjuːmən rɪˈsɔːsɪz
ɔːl ɒv wɪʧ ɑː
ˌdɛstɪˈneɪʃənz
ˈməʊtɪveɪtɪd ˌɛmplɔɪˈiːz
rɪˈleɪt lɛs dɪˈrɛktli
səˈsaɪəti æt lɑːʤ
ˌdɪsəˈpɪərəns
ˈləʊkəl ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜːz
ˈkæpɪtl
ˈkɒnsəntreɪtɪd
ʧiːf ˈʃeəˌhəʊldəz
dɪˈvɪʒən ɒv wɛlθ
dɪˈfaɪnz ðə ˈtwɛnti fɜːst ˈsɛnʧʊri
ɪgˈzɛkjʊtɪv dɪˈsɪʒənz
ˈfɜːðə rɪˈmuːvd
ˈləʊkəl kəˈmjuːnɪtiz
ˈrɛgjʊleɪt
ɪnˌvaɪərənˈmɛntl kɒst
ˈdrɪlɪŋ fɔːr ɔɪl
ɪksˈtræktɪŋ ˈnæʧrəl gæs
hɜːts ˈləʊkəl ˈrɛzɪdənts
kənˈtɪnju(ː)z ˌʌnəˈbeɪtɪd
ɔːˈθɒrɪti
ˌʌnəˈfɛktɪd
aʊtˈweɪ
ˈdɪstənt
ʧɛk ðə riːʧ
ɪmˈpaʊər ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəlz
Vocabulary Practice
Remember and fill in the blanks:
The r____________________________s has led to a f____________________t in the w_______________e towards large businesses. The c____________________s of this r___________o opportunity and the d_______________s are larger, s_____________________s.
P_______________s of b_____________s can p_________________________t and the v_____________________s within a large company. Small businesses, b_______________________e, d_____________n a l___________________________e that n_____________________s promotions. Large companies have n__________________________________l and can thus e_________y a large number of managers, e_____________s and other h_______________________s. Moreover, a small business is more likely to be limited in the number of roles, while larger companies will have d_________________________m l_______l t__ marketing to r_________________________________t to h__________________s, a______________________________e potential d________________s for m_________________________s.
The disadvantages of these large companies r_____________________y to individuals and more to s_____________________e. Firstly, although there are more quality jobs available in big companies, the d__________________e of small, l________________________s means that c_____________l becomes c_________________d in the company’s c______________________s, who are often living in other countries and already extremely rich. Over time this has led to the d_______________________h that d____________________y. Secondly, as e_________________________s become f___________________d from l___________________________s it is harder to r________________e large companies. A good example of this would be the e____________________t of d__________________l and e_________________________s, which h_________________________s but c___________________d because those in a_______________y are u________________d.
In conclusion, the opportunities provided by big business do not o_____________h the negative potential for all of society when power becomes concentrated and d___________t. It is therefore important to c__________________h of corporations and e___________________s.
Listening Practice
Listen about a related business topic and practice:
Reading Practice
Read about this topic and use some of these ideas to improve your reading too:
Speaking Practice
Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS exam:
Talk about a family business that you know. Include
What it does
Where it is
If you go there a lot
Writing Practice
Write about the related question below and check with my sample answer:
As well as making money, businesses also have a responsibility towards society.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Present-day workers often opt to pursue careers with well-known businesses as opposed to working for small-time businesses such as in the past. Big enterprises offer job security, although life in the workplace tends to be more stressful.
The advantages often relate to professional stability. Large businesses rely heavily on the number of their front-liners and without them, their business will suffer, thereby lessening the maximum potential income they can get. Due to this, employees do not need to worry about losing their jobs. At the same time, career advancement is almost always a possibility when working for large companies. The more employees a company has, the more managers will be needed to supervise the overall operation of the businesses and this opens up doors for workers who want to advance their careers. A report from Oxford University in March 2020 revealed that established businesses in the UK have 38% managerial roles as compared to 15%, from start-up companies.
Contrarily, stress is the primary disadvantage of working for such companies. Firstly, due to the demands of their responsibilities, employees are often forced to work within strict schedules and because of this, they often do not get enough chances to spend time on holidays or family vacations. Secondly, to keep up with the growing demands from their consumers, big businesses often have demanding managers who constantly drive their employees beyond their limitations. Their high expectations take a toll on the mental and physical health of the workers, which have long-term negative repercussions on their overall well-being.
In conclusion, job stability and career growth are extremely attractive to modern-day workers, although they would need to determine first if they can put up with the high level of pressure in the workplace. Whether it is a trade-off that they are willing to take, is a question only they can answer.
Well done, Chris!
Really good structure, ideas, and everything – keep it up!
Thanks Dave! I appreciate all your feedback. This is the second time you’ve read my work I hope I don’t bother you too much.
No problem – my pleasure!
Seems a professional piece of work, Chris. totally enjoyed all your topic-related words. Can I by any means know how you improve your writing skill?
Hi Dave,
In my point of view, your essay has deviated from the task at hand. It was supposed to be about advantages and disadvantages for workers working for large comapnies, not for companies or society as a whole.
Hmm, yes I see what you mean Zeeshan. I drew it back to how this is bad for individuals but if I were writing it again I think I would focus, like you said, on what makes working for a large company difficult – such as not being able to affect change easily, etc.
Thanks for spotting that!
Hi sir, please upload new task 2 for october
I will as soon as they come out!
It was my topic and I got band 8 on this topic.
I did good score only in writing, but rest of all were relly average. I ll try again next month for a overall performance.
Ah that is very unusual Subrina!
Send me a message on Facebook and maybe I can help you figure out what happened…
Facebook.com/davelanghowtodoielts
These days, more and more people are being hired in large corporations rather than in small ones. The benefits of doing so can be larger, like endless opportunities whereas you may have to try hard to be noticed.
People in favor of working in large organizations often believe that they can have lots of perks. For example, they may be offered a range of insurance options not only for medical but also for supplemental insurance like life or even pet insurance. Also, they have the chance of having tuition reimbursement, on-site daycare, gym, restaurant, or even dry cleaner. Moreover, entrepreneurs are more likely to offer remote work options and flexible work schedules. As a starter to work in such mass organizations, one will be given many professional opportunities so he/she will have access to a larger network that can pay dividends down the line.
Nonetheless, there may be some drawbacks as an employee of a large company. First, such populated corporations usually do not tend to think outside the box since they are often risk-averse. Second, since numerous individuals are working together, there is competition everywhere to hit the goal of earning any promotion given to the staff. Third, It can be extremely difficult to feel seen as a person or to feel like you and your efforts make a difference at the company. As a result, if you attempt very much for advancement, it may not be felt or seen by the manager.
In conclusion, large businesses provide loads of opportunities to their workforce. However, the staff’s successes and developments may not be clearly recognized. It normally depends on the character or attitude of individuals to choose where to be occupied.
Good work, Mahsid!
Be careful with your level of formality at times and over-use of linking phrases.
Thank you Dave for your reply.
Hi Dave, I just came across something, which is quite strange to me like in this essay type, I see that opinion is not added, but in some other, opinion was included. Are both of these correct?
https://howtodoielts.com/ielts-task-2-sample-answer-business/
That one has a very clear opinion, I just don’t use the words ‘in my opinion’ instead I say ‘positive/negative trend overall’ and ‘more than made up for.’
Just a more subtle way to state an opinion.
More people now prefer to work in large companies rather than in small companies. This essay will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of working for the former. 27 words
One advantage of working in large businesses is higher compensation. They offer an exceptional package that would be difficult to not accept which often includes the basic salary, bonuses, health insurance and other allowances. Another benefit of being employed by large corporations is having more job opportunities in the future. Job hunting is becoming even more competitive through the years and having a good professional background from a well-known company is definitely an advantage when applying for new employment opportunities. 79
There are also however diasadvantages of working in large business establishments. One of them is stress due to workload. It is a known fact that working for these companies means longer working hours. There are more reports to finish, more transactions to process and more sales quota to meet with tight deadlines which could result to a poor work-life balance. What is more, is the possibility of getting stuck in the same position for years. Getting a promotion in large companies is more challenging compared to small companies. This is because of the tight competition with other employees to climb the corporate ladder. Everyone could be great at what they do and have excellent career and educational background which means people should really step up to advance their careers. 127 words
In conclusions, there are many factors people should consider when sending job applications to companies. Identifying their short term and long term objectives is a great way to plan their careers. Regardless how small or big a company is, one should always put their best foot forward and do well in the jobs entrusted to them. 55 words
288 words
Really well written, Karlalu!
Be careful of informal idioms like ‘put their best foot forward’.
What score do you need on IELTS?
why did you not give examples?
It is good to give examples but also possible to argue a point logically.