Local businesses and their role in community development is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately 2-3 times annually. Based on analysis of past exams and should governments support small businesses, this topic demonstrates high relevance for future tests.
Task Analysis
Some people believe that governments should provide financial support to local businesses to prevent them from closing down. Others think this money should be spent on other priorities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Examine arguments for and against government funding of local businesses
- Present a balanced discussion of both perspectives
- Provide a clear personal stance supported by examples
Government financial support for local businesses debate
Band 9 Sample Essay
The debate over whether governments should allocate funds to sustain local enterprises or direct resources elsewhere is complex. While both perspectives have merit, I believe targeted support for local businesses ultimately benefits communities more comprehensively.
Those advocating for government assistance to local businesses present compelling arguments. Small enterprises form the backbone of local economies, creating employment opportunities and maintaining community character. For instance, traditional family-owned restaurants and craft shops in Asian cities like Seoul and Bangkok contribute significantly to cultural preservation while providing livelihoods for numerous families. Furthermore, role of banks in supporting small businesses shows that when local businesses thrive, they generate tax revenue and stimulate economic growth.
However, opponents contend that public funds could be better utilized elsewhere. They argue that government resources should prioritize essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. For example, investing in public transportation or upgrading medical facilities could benefit a broader segment of the population more directly than supporting individual businesses.
In my opinion, while other priorities deserve attention, supporting local businesses creates multiplicative benefits that justify government investment. When local enterprises succeed, they contribute to community welfare through job creation, tax generation, and social cohesion. Additionally, importance of financial inclusion for small businesses demonstrates how supported businesses can become self-sustaining, eventually reducing their reliance on government assistance.
Band 7 Sample Essay
The question of whether governments should financially support local businesses or focus on other priorities is widely debated. This essay will discuss both perspectives before presenting my viewpoint.
Supporters of government assistance to local businesses argue that these enterprises are vital for community wellbeing. Small businesses provide jobs and contribute to the local economy. For example, in many Asian countries, night markets and small shops employ many people and attract tourists. Additionally, when local businesses close, communities can lose their unique character.
On the other hand, some believe government money could be better spent elsewhere. Healthcare, education, and public infrastructure often need more funding. Building new hospitals or schools might help more people than supporting individual businesses. Also, some argue that businesses should survive on their own merits without government help.
In my opinion, while other areas need funding, supporting local businesses is important for overall economic health. When governments help local businesses, they indirectly support employment and community development. However, this support should be balanced with other essential spending priorities.
Key Vocabulary
- Allocate (v) /ˈæləkeɪt/ – to distribute for a particular purpose
- Sustain (v) /səˈsteɪn/ – to maintain or keep going
- Multiplicative (adj) /ˌmʌltɪˈplɪkətɪv/ – increasing by multiplication
- Infrastructure (n) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – basic physical systems of a country
- Self-sustaining (adj) /ˌself səˈsteɪnɪŋ/ – able to continue independently
Advanced Sentence Structures
- Complex Conditional: “Had governments invested more in local businesses earlier, many communities might have avoided economic decline.”
- Cleft Structure: “It is through supporting local enterprises that governments can most effectively foster community development.”
- Participle Clause: “Having considered both perspectives, I believe a balanced approach is necessary.”
Practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments for feedback and discussion.
