Globalization’s impact on employment is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing frequently in recent years. Its relevance to modern economic trends makes it a prime candidate for future exams. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and in-depth analysis, focusing on a question that closely mirrors those seen in actual IELTS tests.
Analyzing the Task
Some people think that globalization has negative effects on local and traditional industries, leading to unemployment. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question requires candidates to discuss the relationship between globalization and local job markets, particularly in traditional industries. It’s crucial to:
- Clearly state your position
- Provide balanced arguments
- Support your points with relevant examples
- Conclude by summarizing your stance
Let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality to understand what differentiates Band 6, 7, and 8 responses.
Globalization's impact on traditional jobs
Sample Essay 1: Band 8 Response
Globalization, the process of international integration, has undeniably transformed the global economic landscape. While some argue that it negatively impacts local and traditional industries, causing unemployment, I partially agree with this view. This essay will explore both the challenges and opportunities presented by globalization to local job markets.
On one hand, globalization can indeed pose significant threats to traditional industries. The influx of cheaper, mass-produced goods from abroad often outcompetes local products, leading to the closure of small businesses and loss of jobs. For instance, in Vietnam, many small-scale textile manufacturers have struggled to compete with imported clothing from China, resulting in layoffs and factory shutdowns. Moreover, the outsourcing of manufacturing jobs to countries with lower labor costs has led to unemployment in developed nations, particularly affecting blue-collar workers.
However, it would be myopic to view globalization solely as a destroyer of local jobs. The interconnectedness brought about by globalization has also created new opportunities for employment and economic growth. The rise of digital technologies and e-commerce platforms has enabled small businesses to access global markets, potentially increasing their customer base and revenue. For example, Vietnamese artisans can now sell their handcrafted goods to customers worldwide through online marketplaces, preserving traditional crafts while adapting to modern commerce.
Furthermore, globalization has spurred innovation and the development of new industries, creating jobs that didn’t exist before. The IT sector, renewable energy, and biotechnology are prime examples of fields that have flourished in the global economy, offering high-skilled employment opportunities. Additionally, the influx of multinational companies into developing countries often brings investment in infrastructure and training, potentially upskilling the local workforce and creating new job prospects.
In conclusion, while globalization undoubtedly poses challenges to traditional industries and can lead to job losses in certain sectors, its overall impact on employment is complex and multifaceted. The key lies in adapting to the changing economic landscape, investing in education and skills development, and leveraging the opportunities presented by global interconnectedness. Governments and industries must work together to mitigate the negative effects while harnessing the potential benefits of globalization to create a more resilient and diverse job market.
(Word count: 345)
Analysis of Band 8 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a nuanced view of the topic.
Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas flow logically, with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.
Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “outsourcing” and “blue-collar workers”.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Complex sentence structures are used effectively with minimal errors.
Critical Thinking: The essay presents a balanced argument, considering both positive and negative aspects of globalization’s impact on jobs.
Sample Essay 2: Band 7 Response
Globalization has significantly changed the world economy, and its effects on local industries and employment are widely debated. While some believe it leads to job losses in traditional sectors, I partially agree with this view, as the reality is more complex.
It’s true that globalization can negatively impact local industries. When countries open their markets, local businesses often struggle to compete with cheaper imported goods. For example, small textile manufacturers in developing countries may lose customers to large international brands, leading to job cuts. Additionally, multinational companies sometimes move production to countries with lower labor costs, causing unemployment in their home countries.
However, globalization also creates new job opportunities. The expansion of international trade allows local companies to access global markets, potentially increasing their sales and workforce. Moreover, foreign investment can bring new technologies and skills to a country, creating jobs in modern industries. For instance, the growth of the IT sector in India has provided employment for millions of people.
Furthermore, globalization can lead to more diverse job markets. As economies become more interconnected, new types of jobs emerge, especially in services and technology. This can offset some of the job losses in traditional industries.
In conclusion, while globalization can cause job losses in some sectors, it also creates new employment opportunities. The key is for governments and individuals to adapt to these changes by investing in education and developing new skills to remain competitive in the global job market.
(Word count: 249)
Analysis of Band 7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good quality in several areas:
Task Response: The essay addresses the main points of the task and presents a clear position.
Coherence and Cohesion: The ideas are logically organized, though transitions between paragraphs could be smoother.
Lexical Resource: Good use of vocabulary related to the topic, though not as sophisticated as the Band 8 essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good accuracy.
Examples: The essay provides relevant examples, though they could be more detailed.
Sample Essay 3: Band 6 Response
Globalization is a big topic today and many people think it causes problems for local jobs. I agree that it can have some negative effects on traditional industries and unemployment.
First, when big companies from other countries come, they can sell things cheaper than local businesses. This makes it hard for small shops and factories to stay open. For example, in my city, many small shops closed when a big supermarket opened. Also, some companies move their factories to other countries where workers are paid less, so people lose jobs.
But globalization is not all bad for jobs. It can also create new jobs. Some international companies open offices in different countries and hire local people. Also, when countries trade more, it can help some local businesses grow and sell their products to other countries.
In conclusion, I think globalization does cause some problems for traditional jobs, but it’s not completely bad. Governments should try to help local businesses and workers deal with these changes.
(Word count: 159)
Analysis of Band 6 Essay
This essay demonstrates adequate but limited proficiency:
Task Response: The essay addresses the main topic but lacks depth in analysis.
Coherence and Cohesion: Basic organization is present, but paragraphs are not well-developed.
Lexical Resource: Vocabulary is simple and repetitive, with limited range.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mostly simple sentences with some errors that don’t impede understanding.
Examples: Examples are basic and could be more specific.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Globalization (noun) /ˌɡləʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – The process of businesses or other organizations developing international influence or starting to operate on an international scale.
Traditional industries (noun phrase) /trəˈdɪʃənl ˈɪndəstriz/ – Long-established sectors of a country’s economy, often associated with local culture and history.
Unemployment (noun) /ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪmənt/ – The state of being without a paid job but available to work.
Outsourcing (noun) /aʊtˈsɔːsɪŋ/ – The practice of obtaining goods or services from an outside supplier, especially in place of an internal source.
Economic landscape (noun phrase) /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈlændskeɪp/ – The overall economic environment or situation.
Multinational companies (noun phrase) /mʌltiˈnæʃənl ˈkʌmpəniz/ – Businesses that operate in multiple countries.
Upskilling (noun) /ʌpˈskɪlɪŋ/ – The process of learning new skills or teaching workers new skills.
Interconnectedness (noun) /ˌɪntəkəˈnektɪdnəs/ – The state of being connected with each other.
E-commerce (noun) /ˈiːkɒmɜːs/ – Commercial transactions conducted electronically on the internet.
Resilient (adjective) /rɪˈzɪliənt/ – Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
Conclusion
Mastering essays on globalization’s effect on jobs requires a nuanced understanding of global economic trends and their local impacts. The sample essays provided demonstrate how to approach this topic at different proficiency levels. Remember to:
- Clearly state your position
- Provide balanced arguments with specific examples
- Use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures
- Organize your ideas logically
For further practice, consider writing an essay on these related topics:
- The impact of automation on traditional jobs in the era of globalization
- The role of education in preparing workers for a globalized job market
- The effects of globalization on rural employment and urban migration
We encourage you to write your own essay on the topic provided in this article and share it in the comments section. This practice will help you refine your skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.