Writing Task 2 · Two-part question

Young people starting their own business: IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer

An IELTS Writing Task 2 two-part question essay question with a Band 8-style sample answer, the plan behind it, the vocabulary that lifts it and what an examiner looks for.
  • 293 words
  • Two-part question
  • General Training
  • 40 minutes

The question

Nowadays, many young people would rather start their own business than work for a company. Why is this? What difficulties might they face?

About 40 minutes. Write at least 250 words.

Two-part question

Plan before you write

  1. 1

    Your position

    Young people are drawn to running their own business by independence, technology and doubts about job security, but they face money, experience and stress problems.

  2. 2

    Paragraph 2

    Online tools lower start-up costs, successful young entrepreneurs inspire others, and many want independence and meaningful work.

  3. 3

    Paragraph 3

    They often lack funding, experience and a steady income, and running a business can be lonely and stressful.

  • →Answer both questions directly and develop each answer.
  • →One useful structure is a body paragraph for each question, using clear topic sentences and relevant support.
  • →Check that neither requested part is omitted or replaced with an answer to a different question.

Model answer

Band 8-style sample essay

This AI-generated teaching example illustrates target features; it has not received an official IELTS band. Compare its ideas and structure with your own response.

Band 8-style model293 words · use the structure and vocabulary, not the sentences

In the past, most young people hoped to find a secure job with a large company. Today, many dream instead of becoming their own boss. This essay will explain why this is the case and examine the difficulties that young entrepreneurs are likely to face.

There are several reasons for this change. Technology has made starting a business far easier and cheaper than before. A young person can sell handmade products, offer design services or run an online shop using little more than a laptop and social media, without renting premises. Young people are also inspired by stories of people their own age who have built successful companies or brands online. In addition, many no longer believe that working for a company guarantees security, since they have seen relatives lose jobs they had held for years. Running a business seems to offer independence, the freedom to choose their own hours and the chance to do work that reflects their interests and values.

However, young entrepreneurs face significant challenges. The first is money. Banks are often reluctant to lend to people with no business record, so many start with very limited funds and struggle if sales are slow. Lack of experience is another problem: a talented designer may know little about accounts, tax or contracts, and mistakes in these areas can be costly. Without a regular salary, income may be irregular, which makes it difficult to pay rent or plan for the future. Finally, running a business alone can be lonely and stressful, as there are no colleagues to share decisions with.

In conclusion, young people are attracted to entrepreneurship by technology, inspiring examples and a desire for independence. Nevertheless, they must be prepared for financial uncertainty, a steep learning curve and considerable pressure.

Model commentary

Features to notice in this model

The essay aims to illustrate Band 8 features by answering both questions in separate, well-developed paragraphs with relevant, everyday examples. Ideas are logically organised and linked smoothly, and the conclusion summarises the main points without repetition. Vocabulary such as "premises" and "steep learning curve" is precise and natural.

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7 words

Vocabulary from the essay

  • entrepreneurs

    people who start their own businesses

  • premises

    a building or office used by a business

  • guarantees

    makes certain that something will happen

  • reluctant

    not willing to do something

  • irregular

    not happening at fixed or even times

  • steep learning curve

    a situation where a lot must be learned quickly

  • financial uncertainty

    not knowing how much money you will have

More words for this topic: IELTS vocabulary for economy and money.

Frequently asked questions

What type of essay is "Young people starting their own business"?+

Two-part question. Answer both questions directly and develop each answer.

How many words should an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay be?+

At least 250 words, in about 40 minutes. This sample is 293 words, written to fit that time with five minutes left to check grammar.

How is IELTS Writing Task 2 scored?+

On four criteria: task response, coherence and cohesion, vocabulary, and grammatical range and accuracy. Task 2 counts for twice as much as Task 1 in your Writing band.

What is the difference between a Band 6 and a Band 8 answer here?+

The essay aims to illustrate Band 8 features by answering both questions in separate, well-developed paragraphs with relevant, everyday examples. Ideas are logically organised and linked smoothly, and the conclusion summarises the main points without repetition. Vocabulary such as "premises" and "steep learning curve" is precise and natural.

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