IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1143 - Large businesses have big budgets for marketing and promotion
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Large businesses have big budgets for marketing and promotion. As a result, people gravitate towards buying their products.
What problems does this cause?
What could be done to encourage people to buy local products?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
You should write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1:
Large businesses have substantial marketing and promotional budgets, which enable them to extensively promote their products to attract consumers. Consequently, many people tend to gravitate towards purchasing products from these established companies. However, this trend can lead to several problems including economic challenges for local businesses and a loss of cultural diversity. To address these issues, measures can be implemented to encourage people to support and buy local products.
One of the problems caused by the dominance of large businesses in marketing is the economic impact on local businesses. Small and local enterprises often struggle to compete with the marketing power and extensive resources of larger corporations. This can result in a decline in sales and revenue for local businesses, leading to reduced employment opportunities and potential closure. For example, many independent bookstores have closed down due to the dominance of large online retailers like Amazon, which offer lower prices and faster delivery, making it difficult for small businesses to compete. Another issue stemming from the preference for products from large businesses is the erosion of cultural diversity. When people predominantly buy products from big corporations, local traditional industries and unique cultural goods may diminish. For example, in many countries, traditional handicrafts and locally made textiles have declined as mass-produced clothing from global brands like H&M and Zara dominate the market, reducing demand for culturally unique products.
To encourage people to buy local products, initiatives promoting cultural awareness and appreciation can be implemented. Governments, educational institutions, and community organizations can organize events, exhibitions, and workshops to showcase the value and significance of local products. For example, many countries hold annual craft fairs and cultural festivals, such as Japan’s traditional artisan markets, where local craftsmen demonstrate their skills and sell handmade goods, fostering appreciation for indigenous products.
In conclusion, while large businesses may have significant marketing advantages, it is essential to address the problems caused by the dominance of these corporations. By encouraging individuals to choose local products this issue can be addressed to a great extent.
Model Answer 2:
The dominance of large corporations in marketing and product promotion has significantly influenced consumer purchasing habits, often drawing them away from local businesses. While this trend enhances brand recognition and global reach, it poses several economic and cultural challenges. This essay will discuss the problems arising from consumers prioritizing big-brand products over local alternatives and suggest measures to encourage the purchase of locally made goods.
One major issue stemming from the overwhelming presence of large businesses is the economic struggle faced by small and local enterprises. These businesses often lack the financial capacity to compete with the massive advertising campaigns of multinational corporations. For example, in many countries, local grocery stores have been forced to shut down due to the expansion of multinational supermarket chains that attract customers with lower prices and extensive product variety.
Another consequence of this trend is the loss of cultural diversity. Many large corporations offer standardized products that cater to global markets, which can overshadow traditional industries and unique cultural goods. For instance, handmade textile businesses in India and Southeast Asia have seen a decline in demand due to the availability of cheaper, factory-made clothing from international brands.
To promote local businesses, governments can introduce policies that provide financial and logistical support to small enterprises. Tax incentives, subsidies, and grants can help local businesses lower their production costs, making their products more competitive. Additionally, governments can regulate advertising spaces to ensure that smaller businesses receive adequate exposure. For example, some European cities have implemented “Buy Local” campaigns, offering incentives to residents who shop at local stores instead of large retail chains. Another effective measure is raising public awareness about the benefits of purchasing local goods. Community-based events, cultural festivals, and educational programs can highlight the economic and social value of supporting local businesses. For instance, farmers’ markets and craft fairs have gained popularity in many Western countries, allowing consumers to engage directly with local producers and appreciate the quality of their products.
In conclusion, while the strong marketing influence of large businesses poses economic and cultural challenges for local enterprises, several strategies can help counterbalance this trend. Government policies, public awareness campaigns, and incentives can encourage consumers to support local businesses, preserving cultural heritage and fostering economic growth within communities.
Sample Answer 3:
Big corporations and international brands spend a large sum of money on marketing and advertising. Consequently, people tend to buy their products while small local businesses fail to reach potential customers. This can lead to serious problems; such as the closure of local businesses, unemployment and the monopoly in the market. There are a few steps that can be adopted to address this issue and motivate people to buy local products.
Naturally, consumers prefer to buy products that were consciously and unconsciously promulgated to their minds by large brands. Due to this, many local businesses, even with their quality products, cannot attract customers. The dominance of international brands thus ruins local business entities. As a consequence, many small local companies run out of business, and it can make thousands of people unemployed. Moreover, creative and deceptive advertisements and marketing policies of big players create a monopoly in the market which traps many consumers in believing that bigger brands mean prestige and quality. For instance, the dominance of international clothing and fashion brands had swept away many local businesses in many Asian countries, including our family business, and money spent on advertisement played a big role here.
To encourage people to purchase local products, some measures should be taken into account. The government should strictly monitor and ban any deceptive and illusory advertisements from the mass media while also supporting local manufacturers financially and through training programmes. For example, training programme initiatives in many Indian states have revived the local businesses in the last few years and many struggling local businesses are doing excellent.
To conclude, the absolute dominance of large businesses can have many negative effects that can damage the market and economy of a country. A solution to this problem is systematising local markets and creating a closely integrated system that can have an effective outcome.
[Written by - Eldar]
Idea generation for this IELTS essay:
Essay Question:
Large businesses have big budgets for marketing and promotion. As a result, people gravitate towards buying their products.
What problems does this cause?
What could be done to encourage people to buy local products?
Essay Type:
Problem & Solution Essay.
Problems caused by large businesses with big marketing budgets:
1. Monopolization of the market:
Large businesses with substantial marketing budgets often dominate the market, making it difficult for small, local businesses to compete. For example, multinational corporations with powerful advertising campaigns may overshadow smaller companies, leading to reduced consumer choice.
2. Unrealistic consumer expectations:
With vast marketing resources, large businesses can create overly idealized portrayals of their products, which may lead to disappointed customers when they experience the reality. For instance, an ad showing a product as life-changing might set expectations that are not met, leading to consumer dissatisfaction.
3. Increased consumerism:
Aggressive marketing strategies often promote a culture of overconsumption, where people are encouraged to purchase items they don't necessarily need. This can contribute to unsustainable consumption patterns, such as the constant purchasing of new technology or fashion items.
4. Environmental impact:
Large businesses tend to focus on mass production and large-scale distribution, which can have significant environmental impacts. For example, excessive packaging and carbon emissions from transporting goods globally can harm the planet. Consumers might unknowingly contribute to environmental degradation by purchasing from these companies.
5. Increased income inequality:
Large corporations may benefit from economies of scale, allowing them to lower prices while still maintaining high-profit margins. This can result in local businesses being priced out of the market, leading to greater income inequality as small business owners struggle to stay afloat.
6. Local businesses struggling:
The dominance of large corporations often means that small local businesses find it hard to keep up with the marketing budgets of these giants. As a result, many local businesses are struggling and some are even forced to close down due to their inability to compete. For instance, a local bookstore might not be able to compete with the discounts and wide reach of an international online retailer.
7. Erosion of cultural diversity:
Large businesses often promote standardized, mass-produced products that can erode local cultures and traditions. For example, the widespread availability of global fast-food chains or clothing brands may diminish the uniqueness of local culinary or fashion traditions, making it harder for local enterprises to preserve and promote their distinct cultural identities.
Solutions to encourage people to buy local products:
1. Promote the benefits of local goods:
Emphasizing the value of supporting local businesses, such as contributing to the local economy and creating jobs, can motivate consumers to choose locally produced items. For example, advertising campaigns could highlight how purchasing local products directly benefits their community.
2. Create incentives for local purchases:
Governments could offer tax incentives or discounts to consumers who purchase locally-made products. For instance, loyalty programs or discounts for customers who regularly shop at local stores could encourage them to support nearby businesses.
3. Increase awareness through education:
Informing people about the environmental and social impacts of supporting large multinational companies versus local businesses can shift consumer behavior. Schools, social media influencers, and educational platforms could spread this message to build a culture of local product appreciation.
4. Improve the quality and visibility of local products:
Local businesses should focus on enhancing the quality of their products and making them more accessible. For example, local products can be promoted through online platforms or collaborations with local influencers to boost their visibility and appeal.
5. Strengthen community-based marketing:
Local businesses can collaborate with each other to create stronger, community-centered marketing campaigns. Organizing events, such as farmers' markets or "shop local" campaigns, can help increase awareness and build loyalty among consumers to buy locally.
6. Strictly monitoring and banning deceptive advertising:
Governments can play a key role in curbing the influence of large corporations by strictly monitoring and banning any deceptive or illusory advertisements that mislead consumers. For example, ensuring that claims about the superiority of a product are verified could help prevent large brands from misleading customers and leveling the playing field for smaller businesses.
7. Tax incentives for local businesses:
Offering tax incentives to local business owners and manufacturers can help stimulate the local economy and encourage entrepreneurship. For instance, providing tax breaks or subsidies for businesses that create jobs or focus on sustainable practices can make it easier for small businesses to thrive in a competitive market.
8. Financial and banking support for local businesses:
Local businesses often struggle to secure financing from traditional banks. Providing specialized financial and banking support, such as low-interest loans or grants for small businesses, could help them improve their infrastructure and marketing strategies. This would give local businesses a better chance to compete with large corporations on equal terms.
What problems does this cause? What could be done to encourage people to buy local products?
Big multinational brands, due to having large turnover, are capable of conducting expensive and influential advertisement policies expelling the small businesses from their sphere of interests. This trend obviously bankrupts the local entrepreneurs and deteriorates the unemployment rate. The solution for this conundrum may be applying protectionism policies and giving tax relieves to local entities.
It is a well-known fact that transnational companies always try to bully their tiny competitors using their financial capacity to promote their products with illusive and seducing adverts as well as complex marketing strategies like chain marketing, damping prices etc. Inextricably, small manufacturers cannot afford to utilize the same methods which create a disparity in leading businesses and termination of local small entities. This tendency has a lot of negative ramifications like redundancies, layoffs, less tax incomes, monopolization of the market and making the overall economy become fragile. Big companies are especially sensitive to economic collapses as transforming and reforming the manufacturing strategies of giant corporations are very expensive while small ones are more flexible. But when they are swallowed by those giants there will not be a chance for their survival.
To endorse and support the small local businesses government should take actions to protect them by applying some restrictions for those large brands. One of the most popular methods is imposing higher customs duties on the commodities of commercial giants which is very controversial as it can lead to trade wars, but using it rationally can avert such disputes. Giving tax relieves and preferential loans to local companies for promoting their products at least in the scope of their region can be also cost-effective. Moreover, boosting patriotism, knowledge and raising the awareness of people about the importance of buying local goods is quintessential. In Korea, for instance, citizens mainly buy local products even it costs them more than purchasing foreign brands.
In conclusion, the invasion of markets by giant multinational brands is very detrimental to local economies and applying rational methods like safeguarding small businesses with fiscal policies, raising awareness of customers can be viable solutions.
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