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?
📌 Note: This question appeared in the CD-IELTS Writing exam on 16th October, 2025 in India.
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Band 9 Sample Answer:
It is true that in the past most people were employed by small businesses, while today, large companies have become the main source of employment. Although working for big organisations has some drawbacks, I would argue that its benefits are far greater.
On the one hand, working for large corporations can have several disadvantages. Firstly, employees in big companies often feel like insignificant parts of a massive system. Their individual contributions may go unnoticed, which can lead to low motivation and job dissatisfaction. Secondly, large organisations tend to have strict hierarchies and bureaucratic procedures. As a result, decision-making can be slow and innovation might be discouraged. For instance, workers who have creative ideas may struggle to get them approved through multiple layers of management. Lastly, there is often intense competition among employees for promotions, which can create stress and reduce team spirit.
On the other hand, I believe that being employed by large businesses offers many advantages. One major benefit is job security. Big firms generally have stable financial structures, meaning employees are less likely to lose their jobs during economic downturns. Moreover, these companies usually provide better pay packages and additional benefits such as health insurance, paid holidays, and retirement plans, which significantly improve workers’ quality of life. Furthermore, employees can gain valuable experience by working with diverse teams and advanced technologies, which enhances their career growth and professional development. Finally, large corporations often invest in staff training programs that help employees upgrade their skills and remain competitive in the job market.
In conclusion, while there are some downsides to working for large businesses, I feel that their advantages, such as financial stability, professional growth, and job security, clearly outweigh the disadvantages.
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Band 9 Insights Based on IELTS Writing Band Descriptors:
1. Task Achievement (Band 9)
- Fully addresses both sides of the question (advantages and disadvantages).
- Clearly presents a personal stance — the writer sides with the advantages.
- Each idea is relevant, specific, and extended with logical examples.
- Purpose and position are consistent from start to finish.
2. Coherence and Cohesion (Band 9)
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Follows the exact four-paragraph structure from the demo:
- Introduction with clear opinion
- Disadvantages
- Advantages (supported side)
- Conclusion restating the stance
- Logical progression of ideas — each paragraph flows naturally.
- Cohesive devices used effectively: “Firstly,” “Secondly,” “Moreover,” “Furthermore,” “As a result.”
- No mechanical or forced linking words.
3. Lexical Resource (Band 9)
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Wide range of precise academic vocabulary:
“bureaucratic procedures,” “financial structures,” “career growth,” “professional development,” “upgrade their skills.” - Natural collocations: “job security,” “career advancement,” “intense competition,” “quality of life.”
- Vocabulary is formal, varied, and topic-specific without repetition.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (Band 9)
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Uses a mix of complex, compound, and conditional sentences accurately:
- “Although working for big organisations has some drawbacks, I would argue that its benefits are far greater.”
- “Workers who have creative ideas may struggle to get them approved through multiple layers of management.”
- Accurate use of verb tenses, articles, and punctuation.
- Error-free throughout, demonstrating full grammatical control.
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