IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1271 - In recent years many small local shops have closed
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In recent years, many small local shops have closed because customers travel to large shopping centres or malls to do their shopping.
Is this a positive or a negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer 1: [View: It is a positive development.]
In today's society, shopping is becoming an increasingly important and integral aspect of people's daily life. In many cities, large shopping centres and malls have been built, attracting a significant number of customers, causing the closure of many small local shops. In this essay, I will argue that it is a positive development.
Among the positive aspects of this trend, large shopping centres and malls offer customers a wide variety of products under one roof eliminating their need to waste time navigating through shop after shop in the streets. These modern malls have a diverse range of shops, from clothing to electronics, and restaurants, providing a one-stop-shop for all of their needs. This convenience factor can be especially beneficial for individuals with busy schedules or limited mobility, streamlining their shopping experience and providing a one-stop destination for their needs.
Moreover, large shopping centres and malls offer a more comfortable and enjoyable shopping experience than their small counterparts. They are usually air-conditioned and provide a range of facilities such as clean restrooms, seating areas and entertainment, which can make shopping a more enjoyable experience. Small local shops often lack these facilities, making shopping a less comfortable and enjoyable experience. The availability of entertainment options, such as cinemas or play areas for children, in large shopping centres also contributes to a more enjoyable and family-friendly shopping experience, attracting a wider range of customers.
In conclusion, the trend of customers shopping from large shopping centres and malls is a positive development even though it may cause the closure of some small businesses. These places provide a wide variety of products and services, a comfortable and enjoyable shopping experience, and help to stimulate the growth of the economy. Therefore, it is essential for city planners and policymakers to support the development of large shopping centres and malls in the community.
Model Answer 2: [It is a negative development]
In recent years, many small local shops have been forced to close due to the increasing popularity of large shopping centres. Personally, I believe that it is a negative development and in this essay, I will explain why the closure of small local shops is a negative trend.
The major negative consequence of this trend is that it leads to the loss of traditional culture and local character. Local shops are often owned and operated by people who live in the community, and they tend to offer unique goods and services that reflect the local culture and traditions. When these shops close, the community loses a part of its identity and becomes more homogeneous, resembling other communities that have also adopted the same large shopping centres and malls. For example, in a small town known for its artisan crafts and locally made products, the closure of traditional local shops in favour of large retail chains may result in the disappearance of authentic handmade crafts and unique cultural offerings, eroding the town's distinct identity and heritage.
Furthermore, the closure of small local shops has negative economic impacts. Small local shops typically employ local people, and the money spent at these shops often stays within the community. When these shops close, many jobs are lost, and the money spent at large shopping centres or malls often goes to large corporations that are not invested in the community. This can lead to a decline in the local economy and a loss of community cohesion.
In conclusion, the closure of small local shops due to the increasing popularity of large shopping centres or malls is a mostly negative development. This trend leads to the loss of traditional culture and local character and negative economic impacts. Therefore, it is essential to support small local shops and maintain the local character of communities.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay Question:
In recent years, many small local shops have closed because customers travel to large shopping centres or malls to do their shopping.
Is this a positive or a negative development?
Essay type:
Opinion Essay (Positive or Negative Development).
Main Question of This Essay:
Do you think the increasing preference for large shopping centres over small local shops is a positive or negative development?
Reasons why the preference for large shopping centres is positive:
1. Convenience and time efficiency:
Large shopping centres offer consumers the convenience of accessing a wide variety of products under one roof, saving both time and effort. People with busy schedules particularly appreciate such convenience, leading to a more efficient shopping experience. For example, large malls like Westfield London provide everything from groceries to clothing, allowing shoppers to fulfil all their needs quickly.
2. Competitive pricing and discounts:
Due to their larger scale, shopping centres can offer lower prices and attractive discounts compared to smaller shops. This affordability benefits customers, especially those with limited budgets. As an example, large supermarkets frequently offer discounted prices or promotional deals that small local retailers cannot match due to higher operational costs.
3. Enhanced shopping experience:
Shopping malls provide additional amenities, such as restaurants, cinemas, and play areas, creating a pleasant and leisurely experience. This makes shopping an enjoyable social event rather than just a routine chore. For instance, families often prefer large shopping centres because they can shop, dine, and enjoy entertainment together at a single venue.
4. Boosting local economy and job creation:
Large shopping centres can create significant employment opportunities within communities, contributing positively to the local economy. Such developments typically attract further investments and infrastructure improvements in the surrounding area. For instance, the construction of major malls often revitalises neighbourhoods by increasing employment opportunities and stimulating local businesses.
5. Better product variety and quality:
Larger retailers typically offer a wider variety of products, including international brands, allowing consumers greater choice and access to higher-quality goods. For example, international chains such as Zara or H&M in shopping centres offer diverse fashion selections that local shops often cannot match.
Reasons why this trend is a negative development:
1. Negative impact on local economies:
Small businesses struggle to compete with large retail chains, often resulting in closures and a weakened local economy. The demise of small businesses reduces the diversity and uniqueness of local products. For example, the rise of supermarkets has led to the closure of family-run grocery stores in many communities.
2. Loss of community identity:
Small, local shops are integral to the cultural identity and heritage of communities. When these close down, the distinctiveness and charm of neighbourhoods diminish. For example, traditional marketplaces in historic towns provide a cultural experience and community interaction that large shopping centres often lack.
3. Environmental consequences:
Large shopping centres typically encourage increased consumerism, leading to higher waste production and environmental impact. The extensive packaging and promotion of disposable items contribute significantly to pollution. For example, large-scale retail often relies on plastic packaging and single-use items, exacerbating waste problems.
4. Loss of personalised customer service:
Local shops often offer a more personalised shopping experience due to close relationships between shop owners and customers. This personalised attention is often lost in larger shopping centres, where interactions tend to be transactional. For instance, local shopkeepers frequently offer tailored advice and personalised services that larger retailers cannot replicate.
5. Increased traffic congestion and urban pressure:
The popularity of large shopping complexes can lead to increased traffic, overcrowding, and strain on urban infrastructure. This affects the quality of life in the surrounding residential areas. As an example, new shopping malls often create significant congestion issues, negatively impacting the local residents’ daily lives.
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