Would you rather work for a large company or a small one?

A score 160 model answer to a real Duolingo English Test writing question in the official format, with notes on why it scores. Write your own version below it and get an instant rater-style score.

The question

Some people think it is better to work for a large company, while others prefer a small one. Which would you choose, and why? Support your answer with reasons and examples.

Write my answer and get scored

Score 160 model answer

I would choose a small company, because of what I call the distance to consequence. In a large firm, my work would travel through several layers before touching a customer, and both my mistakes and my ideas would arrive diluted. In a small company the distance is one desk: if I improve something, revenue moves this month, and if I break something, I hear about it by lunchtime. That pressure is exactly what makes people grow quickly. I accept the trade-offs, since big companies offer better salaries, training budgets and stability. But early in a career, I believe you should optimise for learning speed rather than comfort, and nothing teaches faster than being close enough to see your own impact.

Why this answer earns score 160

Invents a clear organising idea ('distance to consequence') and uses it consistently.
Acknowledges the trade-offs honestly, which reads as mature reasoning.
Direct answer, two supporting reasons, one concession: efficient structure for a five-minute task.

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Questions about this answer

What score is this model answer?

It is written to score 160, and the notes under it quote the answer's own words to show why.

How long should my answer be?

This model answer is 120 words, and the task asks for at least 50.

What is the most common mistake with a model answer?

Memorising it. Raters recognise recycled answers instantly, so study the moves, then make them with your own ideas.