Ielts Academic Writing Task 1 Sample 98

You should spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: 

The image provides information about the chain retailers impact on the local economy.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

You should write at least 150 words.

The image shows the impact of chainification in retail when large box retailers enter a local market, focusing on changes in local jobs and shops.

Regarding local employment, the data indicates a net loss of positions. For every 10 jobs created by the incoming retailers, 14 existing local jobs are lost, resulting in a net reduction of 4 jobs in the community.

The effect on local shops is more pronounced. For every 3.5 new shops opened, presumably by the large retailers, 4-14 local shops close down. This range suggests a significant variability in the impact, with the potential for a substantial net decrease in the number of local businesses.

These figures show that the introduction of big box retailers into a local economy can lead to a notable displacement effect. The data suggests that while these large retailers do create some economic opportunities, their presence may result in an overall contraction of local employment and a reduction in the number of independent businesses operating in the area.