The Growth of Online Shopping Will One Day Lead To All Shops In Towns and Cities Closing - IELTS Writing Task 2

The Growth of Online Shopping Will One Day Lead To All Shops In Towns and Cities Closing – IELTS Writing Task 2 is a common opinion essay topic that asks candidates to evaluate whether the rapid expansion of e-commerce could eventually replace physical retail stores completely. This question tests a candidate’s ability to present a clear viewpoint, support it with logical arguments, and maintain coherence throughout the essay.

This guide provides three well-structured sample answers along with useful vocabulary and linking expressions to help IELTS candidates develop strong opinions, write balanced arguments, and improve their overall band score in Writing Task 2.

Question

Outline

Essay Type

Opinion Essay

Introduction

Paraphrase the topic sentence.

State my view and mention that the same will be justified in the following paragraphs.

Body Paragraphs

The ease and convenience of online shopping is and will continue to be the primary reason for its popularity as the same cannot be matched by physical stores.

Fixed costs like rent, electricity and maintenance will lead to retailers themselves opting for online stores.

Conclusion

Summarize the topic and state the final opinion.

The Growth of Online Shopping Will One Day Lead To All Shops In Towns and Cities Closing - Sample Answer 1

It is a discernible fact that online shopping has become the most preferred means for consumers to buy products. It is gradually transitioning from being a trend to becoming the norm for many households. Thus, in regards to whether this phenomenon will lead to physical stores becoming obsolete, I agree entirely with this view and will justify the same in the following paragraphs.

First of all, it is essential to point out the key difference which has been pivotal in the success of online stores. It is the ability to render just about every aspect of the shopping experience from a physical store but at the comfort of a person’s home and the convenience of a few clicks or touches. Since such a degree of simplicity cannot be emulated offline, the public is naturally more inclined towards online shops. Secondly, the availability of nearly every commodity and service and more additions by the second has tipped the scales in favour of online shopping.

Furthermore, there are various overheads involved when a retailer is operating a physical store, such as rent, power, maintenance, etc., which are absent in the case of online stores. As a result, more often than not, retail stores suffer losses annually. Accordingly, the revenue generated and thereby profit earned also varies vastly between the two. Therefore, many businesses nowadays are also seeking avenues to shift towards e-commerce.

Although there are exceptions and a segment of offline and online purchasers will always prefer the entire experience of visiting a store and purchasing a product leading to a few operational shops. Nevertheless, observing the uniform rise in the number of online shoppers during the pandemic or emergency times, it can be easily deduced which is and will be the dominant form of commerce.

In conclusion, I would like to say that people will always prefer the more effortless option if presented with choices and the same has been seen with shopping. Hence, in my opinion, the arrival of an era where online shopping is the only choice left is inevitable.

The Growth of Online Shopping Will One Day Lead To All Shops In Towns and Cities Closing - Sample Answer 2

It is true that online shopping has grown rapidly in recent years, and many people now prefer buying goods through e-commerce platforms. However, I disagree with the idea that this will eventually cause all shops in towns and cities to close. Physical stores offer experiences and services that online shopping cannot fully replace.

Firstly, many consumers value personal interaction and instant access. For example, shoppers often prefer trying on clothes, testing electronics, or tasting food before purchasing, which cannot be done online. Retail stores also provide immediate solutions if products are faulty, whereas online returns can take several days.

Secondly, local shops play an essential role in the social and economic fabric of communities. Small businesses create jobs and foster social interaction, which contributes to the vibrancy of towns and cities. Closing all shops would negatively affect employment and reduce opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

In conclusion, while online shopping will continue to grow, it is unlikely to eliminate physical stores completely. Both online and offline retail can coexist, serving different needs and preferences.

The Growth of Online Shopping Will One Day Lead To All Shops In Towns and Cities Closing - Sample Answer 3

With the rapid development of technology, online shopping has become increasingly popular, and it is possible that traditional shops may face a significant decline in the future. Therefore, I partially agree that online shopping could eventually lead to the closure of many physical stores.

One reason is the convenience and accessibility offered by online platforms. People can shop 24/7 without traveling, compare prices instantly, and have products delivered to their doorstep. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, e-commerce sales surged worldwide as consumers avoided crowded stores.

Another factor is the cost-effectiveness for businesses. Maintaining physical shops requires rent, staff, and utilities, while online stores can operate with lower overheads and reach a global customer base. Consequently, many retailers may choose to focus solely on online sales in the long run.

However, it is worth noting that some niche or luxury stores may continue to attract customers seeking personalized experiences. Nevertheless, the overall trend indicates that online shopping will dominate in the coming decades.

In conclusion, the growth of online shopping is likely to reduce the number of physical stores significantly, but some shops may survive by offering unique experiences that cannot be replicated online.

The Growth of Online Shopping Will One Day Lead To All Shops In Towns and Cities Closing - Vocabulary

The following are some of the IELTS Vocabulary found in the above writing sample answers. 

• Discernible

Meaning: Visible, observable
Eg: This course has no discernible effect on my prospects.

• Transitioning

Meaning: undergoing the process of change
Eg: I followed the transitioning of a caterpillar into a butterfly in my garden.

• Obsolete

Meaning: out of date, old-fashioned
Eg: Keypad phones are now obsolete.

• Key

Meaning: central, principal
Eg: Excellent vocals was her key feature.

• Pivotal

Meaning: of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else
Eg: Japan plays a pivotal role in the world economy.

• Render

Meaning: provide or give
Eg: The outlet rendered excellent service.

• Emulated

Meaning: imitated, copied
Eg: Her code she created for safety cannot be emulated.

• Overheads

Meaning: fixed costs or expenses
Eg: Overheads such as lighting and equipment are annoying.

• Deduced 

Meaning: Concluded
Eg: A safe result cannot be deduced from these figures.

• Inevitable

Meaning: Something that is bound to happen
Eg: The civil war was inevitable.

In conclusion, the IELTS Writing Task 2 discussion essay topic, “The Growth of Online Shopping Will One Day Lead To All Shops In Towns and Cities Closing” asks candidates to examine both opposing views and clearly present their own opinion. With three Band 8 sample answers and useful vocabulary, this blog helps learners develop balanced arguments, organize ideas effectively, and improve their chances of achieving a higher band score in IELTS Writing Task 2.

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