Many IELTS candidates aim to work in business or management roles after moving abroad. That’s why questions involving business priorities and ethics are common in the exam.
Below is a “discuss both views AND give your own opinion” type question. To score well, it’s important to explore both perspectives and then present a clear stance.
Model IELTS Writing Task 2 Question
Some people believe that businesses should focus only on making a profit, while others think they also have a responsibility to society.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Write at least 250 words
Model Task 2 Answer
In today’s global economy, the role of business is a topic of ongoing debate. While some argue that the primary purpose of companies is to generate profit for shareholders, others believe that businesses have a broader responsibility to support social and environmental goals. Although profitability is essential, I believe businesses should also contribute positively to the society in which they operate.
Those who prioritise profit point to the competitive pressures in the business world. Without strong financial performance, companies risk closure, job losses, and reduced investment. Supporters of this view often highlight that successful businesses create employment, drive innovation, and contribute taxes—benefits that indirectly help society. For example, technology firms that focus on performance and growth often provide essential tools that improve lives globally, even without explicitly pursuing social missions.
However, many believe that profit should not be the only concern. Businesses operate within communities, use public infrastructure, and affect the environment. Therefore, they have a duty to act responsibly—whether by reducing carbon emissions, supporting local charities, or maintaining ethical labour standards. This approach is not only morally sound but can also benefit companies in the long term by improving their reputation and customer loyalty. For instance, many consumers now favour brands that align with their values, even if products are more expensive.
Ultimately, while businesses must be profitable to survive, this should not come at the expense of their social responsibilities. The most successful and sustainable companies are often those that balance financial goals with a commitment to doing good.
Word Count: 251
Approach to the Essay
Introduction:
The opening paragraph introduces the debate and presents a clear opinion: that businesses should pursue both profit and social responsibility.
Body Paragraph 1:
This paragraph explains the reasoning behind the “profit first” view. It includes real-world logic and examples to show why profit matters for survival and economic growth.
Body Paragraph 2:
The second paragraph offers the contrasting view—that businesses have wider responsibilities. It supports this with examples from consumer behaviour and ethical business practices.
Conclusion:
The conclusion restates the argument that profit and responsibility can go hand-in-hand, with a slight emphasis on long-term social contribution.
Why This Structure Works
This 4-paragraph model ensures balanced coverage of both views before reinforcing the writer’s own opinion. Each paragraph begins with a clear topic sentence and develops a single idea. Examples are used to explain reasoning rather than just decorate the essay. The structure follows IELTS marking criteria for Coherence and Cohesion, Task Response, and Lexical Resource.
Here is a glossary of high-level vocabulary from the essay, with simple definitions tailored for IELTS learners:
📘 Glossary of High-Level Vocabulary
| Word/Phrase | Meaning (in simple terms) |
| global economy | the world’s system of trade and financial activity |
| ongoing debate | a discussion that continues over time without a clear answer yet |
| generate profit | make money from a business |
| shareholders | people who own shares (parts) of a company |
| contribute positively | give something helpful or beneficial |
| competitive pressures | stress or demands from rivals in business |
| financial performance | how well a company is doing in terms of making money |
| job losses | situations where people lose their jobs |
| indirectly | not in a direct way, but still with some effect |
| pursuing social missions | trying to achieve goals that help society |
| ethical labour standards | rules to make sure workers are treated fairly and safely |
| morally sound | considered good or right in terms of ethics or values |
| reputation | how people view or think about a company |
| customer loyalty | when people keep buying from a company because they trust or like it |
| align with their values | match what someone believes is right or important |
| balance financial goals | try to meet money-making targets while also doing something else (like helping people) |
| commitment to doing good | promise or strong effort to help others or improve society |
| sustainable companies | businesses that last a long time and don’t harm the environment or society |
IELTS Vocabulary Quiz: Profit vs Social Responsibility
Multiple Choice (Choose the best meaning)
1. What does financial performance refer to?
A. How often a business changes leadership
B. How much profit a company makes
C. How fast a company hires new staff
2. A company with a strong reputation is likely to:
A. Be unknown to customers
B. Be trusted and respected
C. Avoid paying taxes
3. Ethical labour standards are about:
A. Lowering salaries
B. Treating workers fairly and safely
C. Making workers work overtime
4. If a company has customer loyalty, it means:
A. Customers often complain
B. Customers only buy once
C. Customers return again and again
5. A business that contributes positively to society might:
A. Dump waste in rivers
B. Donate to local charities
C. Fire staff for no reason
✅ Answer Key
- B
- B
- B
- C
- B
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