IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1281 - Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than to work for a company or organization.
Why might this be the case?
What could be the disadvantages of being self-employed?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1:
In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend towards self-employment, with many individuals choosing to work for themselves rather than for a company or organisation. There are several reasons why this may be the case, and there are also a number of potential disadvantages to being self-employed.
One reason why more and more people are opting for self-employment is the desire for greater autonomy and control over their work. Working for oneself allows for more flexibility and the ability to pursue one's own goals and projects, rather than those of a larger organisation. For instance, freelancers may prefer to work from home and set their own hours, allowing them to balance their work with other commitments, such as family or personal interests. Self-employment also offers the potential for greater financial rewards, as profits are not shared with an employer.
However, being self-employed also comes with its own set of challenges. One of the main disadvantages is the lack of job security and benefits such as health insurance and paid time off. Self-employed individuals are also responsible for all aspects of their work, from accounting to marketing to customer service, which can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Additionally, there may be less opportunity for career advancement or professional development compared to working for a company with established training programmes and career paths.
In fine, despite these potential drawbacks, the trend towards self-employment is likely to continue as technology and the gig economy create more opportunities for independent work. Governments and policymakers can help mitigate some of the risks and disadvantages of self-employment by offering support such as access to healthcare, retirement savings plans, and training programmes.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay Question:
Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than to work for a company or organization.
Why might this be the case?
What could be the disadvantages of being self-employed?
Essay Type:
Double Questions Essay (Could also be considered 'Cause and Effect Essay').
Main Question of This Essay:
Why do people prefer self-employment over working for a company?
What are the disadvantages of being self-employed?
Reasons why people prefer self-employment:
1. Greater independence and flexibility:
Many people choose self-employment to have more control over their work schedules and decision-making processes. This allows them to balance work and personal life more effectively. For example, freelancers can choose their working hours and clients, giving them more freedom compared to traditional employment.
2. Potential for higher earnings:
Being self-employed means individuals can directly benefit from their efforts rather than receiving a fixed salary. If their business is successful, they can earn more than they would in a traditional job. For instance, a skilled web developer who works independently may earn significantly more than a salaried employee in a company.
3. Passion-driven work:
Many individuals become self-employed to pursue careers they are passionate about rather than working in jobs that do not align with their interests. For example, an artist may prefer selling their artwork independently instead of working in a corporate setting.
4. Avoiding workplace politics:
Traditional workplaces often involve office politics, conflicts, and rigid hierarchies. Self-employment allows people to work in an environment free from unnecessary conflicts. For example, a professional consultant can work independently without dealing with office politics and internal competition.
5. Opportunity for creativity and innovation:
Self-employment provides individuals with the freedom to explore new ideas and implement their own strategies. Entrepreneurs can introduce unique products or services without the constraints of corporate policies. For instance, a tech startup founder can develop innovative software solutions without approval from higher authorities.
Disadvantages of being self-employed:
1. Irregular income and financial instability:
Self-employed individuals do not receive a fixed monthly salary, and their earnings may fluctuate. This uncertainty can be stressful, especially during economic downturns. For example, a freelance photographer may struggle to find clients during off-seasons.
2. Lack of job benefits:
Unlike company employees, self-employed individuals do not receive health insurance, paid leave, or retirement benefits. This increases financial pressure as they must cover these costs themselves. For instance, an independent contractor must arrange their own health insurance, which can be expensive.
3. High responsibility and workload:
Running a business or working independently requires managing multiple tasks, including administration, marketing, and customer service. This can be overwhelming, leading to stress and burnout. For example, a small business owner may work long hours to manage every aspect of their business.
4. Difficulty in securing loans and investments:
Banks and financial institutions often hesitate to provide loans to self-employed individuals due to their unpredictable income. This can make it challenging to expand their business. For example, a startup entrepreneur may struggle to obtain funding without a stable financial history.
5. No guaranteed career growth:
In a corporate job, employees often receive promotions, training, and career advancements. However, self-employed individuals must constantly seek new opportunities for professional growth. For instance, a freelance graphic designer must continuously update their skills to stay competitive in the market.
Model Answer 2:
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in employment preferences, with many people opting for self-employment instead of traditional jobs. This trend can be attributed to the appeal of greater autonomy and flexibility, as well as the opportunity to pursue work that aligns with one’s passions. However, despite its advantages, self-employment comes with significant drawbacks, such as an overwhelming workload and the absence of job-related benefits.
One of the primary motivations for people to become self-employed is the desire for independence and a flexible work schedule. Unlike corporate employees who must adhere to rigid working hours, self-employed individuals have the liberty to set their own schedules and make crucial business decisions without external interference. For instance, freelancers in fields such as graphic design or digital marketing can choose their clients and projects, allowing them to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Another compelling reason is the ability to engage in deeply fulfilling work. Many people feel constrained by monotonous office jobs that offer little room for creativity. By becoming entrepreneurs or freelancers, they can turn their passions into viable careers. A case in point is the rise of independent content creators who generate income through blogging, vlogging, or online coaching, doing what they love.
However, self-employment is not without its challenges. One of the most pressing disadvantages is the heavy workload and responsibility that come with running an independent business. Self-employed individuals must handle all aspects of their work, including finance, marketing, and customer service, which can be exhausting. For example, a small business owner may find themselves working late nights to manage inventory and respond to customer inquiries. Additionally, unlike salaried employees, the self-employed do not receive benefits such as paid leave, health insurance, or retirement contributions, which can lead to financial insecurity. A freelance consultant, for instance, must bear the cost of medical expenses entirely out of pocket, adding to their financial burden.
In conclusion, while self-employment offers greater freedom and the chance to pursue meaningful work, it also comes with challenges such as excessive responsibility and a lack of financial security.
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