E-commerce and its influence on global trade is a highly relevant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared in various forms in past exams and is likely to continue featuring prominently due to its growing importance in the digital age. Let’s explore a sample question and analyze high-scoring responses to help you prepare for this topic.
Some people think that e-commerce is having a negative impact on local businesses and traditional ways of shopping. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires you to discuss your views on the effects of e-commerce on local businesses and traditional shopping methods. You need to:
- Clearly state your opinion on the issue
- Provide reasons and examples to support your stance
- Consider both positive and negative impacts of e-commerce
- Conclude by summarizing your main points
Now, let’s examine sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The rise of e-commerce has undoubtedly transformed the retail landscape, leading some to argue that it poses a threat to local businesses and traditional shopping practices. While I acknowledge that e-commerce has presented challenges to some brick-and-mortar stores, I largely disagree with the notion that its impact is entirely negative. Instead, I believe that e-commerce has brought about a mix of consequences, some of which have actually benefited local businesses and consumers alike.
Firstly, it is true that e-commerce has disrupted traditional retail models, forcing many local businesses to adapt or face closure. The convenience and competitive pricing offered by online platforms have certainly diverted some customers away from physical stores. However, this shift has also pushed local businesses to innovate and improve their services. Many small retailers have successfully expanded their reach by establishing an online presence, allowing them to tap into markets beyond their immediate geographical area. This adaptation has enabled them to survive and, in some cases, thrive in the digital age.
Moreover, e-commerce has created new opportunities for local artisans and small-scale producers to showcase their products to a global audience. Platforms like Etsy and Amazon Handmade have empowered local craftspeople to sell their unique, handmade items to customers worldwide, effectively expanding their customer base and preserving traditional craftsmanship. This demonstrates how e-commerce can actually support local businesses and traditional skills rather than undermining them.
How the digital economy is transforming global trade is evident in the way e-commerce has revolutionized consumer behavior and expectations. While this has challenged some aspects of traditional shopping, it has also led to improvements in customer service, product variety, and accessibility. Many local businesses have embraced omnichannel strategies, blending online and offline experiences to offer the best of both worlds to their customers. This integration of digital and physical retail spaces has enhanced the overall shopping experience, rather than diminishing it.
In conclusion, while e-commerce has undoubtedly disrupted traditional retail models, its impact on local businesses and shopping practices is far more nuanced than purely negative. The digital revolution has forced adaptation and innovation, creating both challenges and opportunities for local enterprises. By embracing technology and leveraging the global reach of e-commerce, many local businesses have found new ways to thrive in the digital age, preserving traditional skills and enhancing the diversity of the retail landscape.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
E-commerce has become very popular in recent years, and some people think it is bad for local shops and traditional ways of shopping. I partly agree with this opinion because e-commerce has some negative effects, but I also think it has some positive impacts too.
One reason why e-commerce can be bad for local businesses is that online shops often have lower prices. This is because they don’t need to pay for expensive shop spaces in town centers. As a result, many people choose to buy things online instead of from local stores, which can make it hard for small shops to survive. Also, big online companies like Amazon can offer a huge range of products, which small local shops can’t compete with.
However, e-commerce is not all bad for local businesses. Many small shops have started selling their products online too, which helps them reach more customers. For example, a local bakery can now sell its cakes to people in other cities or even countries. This shows how e-commerce can actually help local businesses grow.
The effects of globalization on the fashion industry can be seen in how e-commerce has changed shopping habits. People now expect to be able to buy things quickly and easily online. This has forced many traditional shops to improve their services and offer online options too. Some local shops now have websites where customers can order things for collection or delivery, which combines the convenience of online shopping with the personal service of a local store.
In conclusion, while e-commerce has created some problems for local businesses and changed the way we shop, it has also brought new opportunities. I believe that the impact of e-commerce is mixed, with both positive and negative effects on local businesses and traditional shopping methods. The key is for local shops to adapt and use e-commerce to their advantage.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
E-commerce is very popular now and some people think it is bad for local shops and normal shopping. I think this is partly true but not completely.
E-commerce can be bad for local shops because online shops are often cheaper. This is because they don’t need to pay for expensive shops in the town. Many people buy things online now instead of from local shops. This makes it hard for small shops to stay open. Big online shops like Amazon also have many more things to buy than small local shops.
But e-commerce is not all bad for local shops. Some small shops now sell things online too. This helps them get more customers. For example, a small shop that sells handmade jewelry can now sell to people in other countries. This shows how e-commerce can help local shops.
How digital currencies are transforming the global economy is related to how e-commerce has changed shopping. People now want to buy things quickly and easily online. This means local shops have to change too. Some local shops now have websites where people can order things. This is good because it mixes online shopping with local shops.
In conclusion, e-commerce has some good and bad effects on local shops and normal shopping. I think it has changed shopping a lot, but not all of these changes are bad. Local shops need to use e-commerce to help them, not just see it as a problem.
Local business adapting to e-commerce strategies
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates:
- Clear position and comprehensive coverage of all parts of the task
- Logical organization with clear progression
- Wide range of vocabulary used with flexibility and precision
- Wide range of complex sentence structures
- High level of accuracy in grammar and punctuation
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows:
- Clear overall position, though some ideas may be insufficiently developed
- Clear central topic in each paragraph
- Adequate range of vocabulary for the task
- Mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Some errors in grammar and punctuation, but they do not impede communication
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay exhibits:
- A relevant position, though the conclusion may be unclear or repetitive
- Some organization, but there may be a lack of overall progression
- Limited range of vocabulary
- Limited range of structures with some attempt at complex sentences
- Frequent errors in grammar and punctuation, which may cause some difficulty for the reader
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- E-commerce (noun) /ˈiːkɒmɜːs/ – commercial transactions conducted electronically on the internet
- Brick-and-mortar (adjective) /brɪk ənd ˈmɔːtə/ – relating to a physical shop, not one that does business only on the internet
- Disrupt (verb) /dɪsˈrʌpt/ – to interrupt something and stop it from continuing as it should
- Omnichannel (adjective) /ˌɒmnɪˈtʃænl/ – involving the use of multiple channels to interact with customers
- Artisan (noun) /ˈɑːtɪzən/ – a worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand
- Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – a new idea, device, or method
- Adaptation (noun) /ædæpˈteɪʃn/ – the process of changing to suit different conditions
- Globalization (noun) /ˌɡləʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – the process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence
- Competitive pricing (noun phrase) /kəmˈpetətɪv ˈpraɪsɪŋ/ – setting prices based on what the competition charges
- Consumer behavior (noun phrase) /kənˈsjuːmə bɪˈheɪvjə/ – the study of individuals and organizations and how they select and use products and services
In conclusion, The Impact Of E-commerce On Global Trade is a complex and evolving topic that is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might explore related themes such as:
- The environmental impact of e-commerce and online shopping
- The role of e-commerce in supporting small businesses in developing countries
- The influence of social media on e-commerce trends and consumer behavior
- The challenges of regulating global e-commerce transactions
To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on these topics, focusing on developing clear arguments, using relevant examples, and employing a wide range of vocabulary and sentence structures. Remember to post your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.
Global e-commerce trends and future predictions
Impact of automation on job creation in developing countries is another related topic you might want to explore to broaden your understanding of how technology is reshaping global economies and trade patterns.
