General Task 2 · Problems / causes and solutions
Local shops and online retail
An original IELTS practice question with a planning route and a sample answer to learn from.
Aim for at least 250 words in about 40 minutes. Suggested practice level: intermediate, not a predicted band.
Your writing task
More people are buying goods online instead of using local shops. What problems can this cause for communities, and what measures could encourage people to shop locally?
How to approach this question
Answer the requested problems or causes, then explain how specific solutions address them.
Problems, causes and solutions: match the response to the question →
Possible problem: fewer visits to local shops can weaken neighbouring businesses and reduce opportunities for face-to-face contact.
Matched response: local shops could offer convenient collection, distinctive products or shared events. Explain how each measure gives residents a reason to visit without ignoring online shopping's convenience.
These are possible directions, not required opinions or facts to memorise. Develop your own response and check every claim against the task.
A possible plan
- Introduction: identify the issue and the two parts of the question.
- Body 1: explain the requested problems or causes; do not substitute one for the other.
- Body 2: propose specific measures and explain how each addresses a problem or cause above.
- Conclusion: summarise your explanation and the most relevant response.
Vocabulary you can use precisely
Choose language that fits your meaning. You do not need to include every phrase.
- foot traffic
- People walking through an area, especially potential customers.
A regular street market could bring more foot traffic to nearby shops.
- personalised service
- Help adapted to an individual customer's needs.
Small retailers can distinguish themselves through personalised service.
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