Many Small Local Shops are Closing as They are Unable to Compete - IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Direct question essays, like the 'Many Small Local Shops are Closing as They are Unable to Compete,' expect the candidates to respond to one or more direct questions in the prompt with clear, structured answers. They must address each question separately with examples, explanations, and a balanced viewpoint.

In this blog, we will be learning the ways to plan an IELTS Direct question essay. In this, your task is to address both sides of the argument and offer your view. Hence, let us begin practising the topic under  IELTS Writing Task 2, accompanied by a good set of vocabulary, which will not only boost your preparation but also enhance your word knowledge!

Question

Structure Breakdown

Many Small Local Shops are Closing as They are Unable to Compete - Band 8 Sample Answer

The closing of small local shops due to increased competition from the larger supermarkets has significant effects on local communities, both socially and economically. While the supermarkets often tend to offer lower prices and major convenience, the decline of local shops can weaken the basic structure of the local community’s life.

One major impact is on the economy. Small shops tend to employ local residents and keep the money circulating within their community. When these kinds of businesses close, job opportunities are reduced, and profits are transferred to large corporations, which in turn may be based elsewhere. This can lessen local economic resilience and also increase dependence on a small group of large employers. Adding on, local entrepreneurs may be discouraged from starting a new business if they feel they cannot compete with the bigger ones, leading to less innovation and diversity in the local economy.

Moreover, there are also some social consequences. Local shops do serve as informal meeting places wherein the residents interact, exchange current affairs, and build relationships. The disappearance of these shops can reduce social cohesion and make the people of the neighbourhoods feel less personal and more anonymous. Furthermore, the loss of these shops can reduce the unique character of an area, making the towns and cities look increasingly similar.

Despite these challenges, several solutions can be implemented to help improve the situation. Local governments can actively start supporting small businesses through reduced business rates, grants, or rent reductions, and make it easier for them to survive. The society can also play a role by consciously choosing to shop in the local stores and support initiatives such as farmers’ markets or “buying local” campaigns. 

To conclude, while the rise of large supermarkets brings certain advantages, the decline of small local businesses can harm local communities in various ways. A combination of government support, business adaptations and community involvement is needed to create a more balanced and sustainable retail environment.

Many Small Local Shops are Closing as They are Unable to Compete - Band 9 Sample Answer

It is true that the majority of the small shops/shoppers/grocers are unable to survive in this world of stiff competition and are forced to close down eventually. Though the situation can cause serious inconvenience to the local community, there are ways in which the government could step in and implement damage control.

Normally, the big supermarkets have a huge financial background to knock out any of the small shops from the market. Normally, the large supermarkets have an enormous monetary background to knock out any of the small shops from the market. Once local shops close, individuals lose the luxury of having all the necessary items available to them walkable distance from home. Furthermore, with the increase in the influence of supermarkets, it gives them the power to monopolize the price of the product and society will suffer from it.

A method through which the local government can provide support is by placing a price restriction on prices of essential products and dominating them strictly. It will ensure that supermarket chains cannot dictate the pricing and eventually help local shops sustain themselves. Secondly, the government can also encourage banks to promote a special loan scheme as long-term financial support so that supermarkets cannot easily eliminate the local stores. Moreover, the government can establish various subsidized resources for the local shops from which the common people will purchase goods. This will motivate people to set up such shops and will help people who cannot travel long distances for their shopping.

To conclude, although the popularity of supermarkets cannot be denied, it has become quite common for small businesses to close down because of their inability to compete with large malls. However, the government can adopt various measures to keep this in restraint for the good of the community and, therefore, the nation as a whole.

Vocabulary to Answer ‘Many Small Local Shops are Closing as They are Unable to Compete'

• Stiff 

Meaning: severe or strong
Sentence: The team faced stiff competition at the World Cup

• Monopolize 

Meaning: an organization or group obtains exclusive possession or control of a trade, commodity, or service
Sentence: Markets have been monopolized by MNCs for profits

• Dictate

Meaning: state or order authoritatively
Sentence: They have dictated the change in the pricing

• Subsidized

Meaning: having part of the cost of production paid in order to keep the selling price low
Sentence: The rates have been subsidized in recent years

• Denied 

Meaning: refuse to give (something requested or desired)
Sentence: The request for a transfer of funds was denied by the bank

• Monetary

Meaning: relating to money or currency
Sentence: This piece of jewellery has no monetary value

• Conclude

Meaning: say in conclusion.
Sentence: They conclude their practice by singing the National Anthem

• Dominating

Meaning: to have a commanding position over; to overlook.
Sentence: The seniors are dominating the freshers in the face-off

• Restraint 

Meaning: to keep someone or something under control.
Sentence: The government put restraints on the use of plastics in the market

• Inconvenience

Meaning: cause trouble or difficulty to.
Sentence: Product sales have faced an inconvenience due to the pandemic this year

Do not forget to proofread your essay for grammar, vocabulary, and spelling errors. With practice, you will write well-structured and coherent IELTS Writing Task 2 Direct Question essays like the 'Many Small Local Shops are Closing as they are Unable to Compete.' It is important to prepare for all different types of essays so that you are aware of their respective structures. This will help you ace the IELTS Exam with a band 8+.