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Writing Samples
Band 5.5

Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than to work for a company or organisation. Why might this be the case? What could be the disadvantages of being self-employed?

5.5 / 9
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Introduction
These days, being self-employed tends to be more desirable to many people,
instead
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 of working for other
business
Use synonyms
 owners or public jobs.
This
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 situation has several advantages, but it
also
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 has some disadvantages. In
this
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 essay, I will discuss the pros and cons of
this
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 phenomenon and the cons.
Body paragraph 1
On the one hand, it is common to see people who work for themselves because they believe that it will provide them a crucial advantage , which is the freedom of regulations discipline. In fact, jobs require a full-time commitment to work for 5 days and rigid work hours .
For example
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, individuals who have a private
business
Use synonyms
 could manage their working hours and have more flexibility in their lives.
Therefore
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, being self-employed has become more attractive.
Body paragraph 2
On the other hand
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,
although
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 being a businessman is good, it could have some cons ,
such
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 as health guarantees. What I mean, companies must provide employee insurance and their family,
while
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 for small
business
Use synonyms
 would be difficult. A study published in 2026 by King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University showed that 90% of self-employed has no health insurance.
As a result
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,
business
Use synonyms
 is beneficial but with special concerns
on
Change preposition
for
show examples
 essential needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, at present, working for yourself is a trend which will provide you the discpline freedome and flexible working hours, but there are some special aspects that need to be concerned
such
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 as the availability of health insurance.

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task response
Answer both parts in a more direct way. Give clear reasons why people choose this work, such as more control, more time, and the chance to earn more. Then give clear bad points, such as no fixed pay, long work hours, and no health care.
task response
Your first main part is about freedom and flexible hours. Explain this more fully. For example, say that a parent may choose work times around family needs.
task response
Your second main part has one bad point only. Add another important bad point. A small business may fail, and the owner may lose money.
task response
Do not say the essay will discuss both good and bad points, because the question asks for reasons and bad points. State these two parts clearly in the first paragraph.
task response
The study is not needed. A simple real example is safer and clearer, especially when the fact is not explained.
coherence and cohesion
Use a clearer plan: first paragraph, reasons for self-employment; second paragraph, disadvantages; last paragraph, short summary.
coherence and cohesion
Make each main paragraph start with one clear main idea. Then add an explanation and one example that directly supports it.
coherence and cohesion
Some links are used well, such as “For example”, “Therefore”, and “As a result”. Use them only when the next sentence clearly follows from the one before it.
coherence and cohesion
Avoid repeating “good” and “cons”. Use simple clear words such as “benefit”, “problem”, “risk”, and “disadvantage”.
coherence and cohesion
The last paragraph should sum up the two answers from the question. Do not add unclear new ideas such as “special aspects” or “essential needs” there.
task response
You address both the reasons for self-employment and a disadvantage of it.
task response
Flexible work time is a relevant reason, and health insurance is a relevant disadvantage.
coherence and cohesion
The essay has an opening, two main paragraphs, and a closing paragraph.
coherence and cohesion
You use some helpful linking words, including “On the one hand”, “For example”, and “In conclusion”.
Word Count

IELTS says that you should write a minimum of 250 words in writing task 2. If you go under word count you will lose marks in task response.

A very long essay will not give you a higher band score.

Aim for between 260 to 290 words in writing task 2. This will ensure a concise essay and will be realistic in terms of time management. You have only 40 minutes to write the essay and you need around 10 minutes of planning time, so you will not be able to write a long essay in 30 minutes.

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Topic Vocabulary:
  • self-employment
  • freelancing
  • entrepreneurship
  • autonomy
  • financial stability
  • work-life balance
  • financial insecurity
  • lack of support
  • resources
  • long working hours
  • uncertain income
  • job security
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