Globalization and its impacts, especially on traditional jobs, have been a popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Over the years, there has been a growing concern about how globalization has affected jobs that were once vital on both local and international scales. This article will discuss the theme extensively, offering model essays for various band scores, analysis on each essay’s score, and some key vocabulary to help you enhance your preparation for the exam.
Globalization and Its Effect on Traditional Jobs in IELTS Exams
Globalization refers to the increasing interconnectedness of the world’s economies, cultures, and populations, which has significantly influenced employment structures worldwide. The impact of globalization is frequently featured in IELTS exams due to its relevance and significance in modern society.
After thoroughly analyzing various past IELTS tasks, it is clear that topics centered around the effects of globalization often surface, covering its impact on the economy, culture, and employment. Specifically, its effect on traditional jobs—such as agriculture, artisanal crafts, and manual labor—has been a recurring theme.
Let’s look at some relevant questions that you may encounter or have a higher probability of facing in future exams.
Example IELTS Task 2 Question:
Some people believe that globalization has had a negative impact on traditional jobs and employment patterns. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
Analysis of the Task
This task is a direct opinion essay, where you must assess the statement and give your viewpoint. You’re required to answer clearly, specifying whether you agree or disagree and to what extent. The prompt encourages you to reflect on how globalization has influenced “traditional jobs”. Additionally, it is essential to include recent examples and use a balanced or emphatic tone, depending on your stance.
Sample Essay 1: Band 7 Example
Introduction:
Globalization has changed many aspects of life, including the variety and types of jobs available today. While some argue that these changes are detrimental to traditional jobs, I believe the transformation in employment is two-sided and encompasses both positive and negative aspects.
Body 1:
On the one hand, globalization can be blamed for the decline of many traditional jobs, such as small-scale farmers or craft artisans, who find it harder to compete with large-scale international corporations. Traditional skills and jobs are being replaced, as companies can access cheaper labor while benefiting from advanced technologies. Moreover, local businesses are being outpaced by products from multinational companies due to better marketing and lower costs.
Body 2:
On the other hand, globalization also creates new opportunities for certain traditional industries, providing access to wider markets and improved resources. For example, handmade products from Vietnam or Morocco, which were once only locally available, can now be sold online globally, allowing craftspeople to earn higher profits. Furthermore, globalization often results in the revival of traditional jobs that relied heavily on local or seasonal markets.
Conclusion:
All in all, while globalization has negatively impacted some traditional jobs, it has also presented opportunities in industries alike. It is vital for local governments and communities to preserve these traditions while embracing globalization’s advantages whenever possible.
Analysis: Why a Band 7?
- Task Response (TR): This essay clearly addresses the task, presenting both sides of the argument and providing examples. However, the argument could be more detailed and focused. This essay takes a balanced view but could use stronger conclusions linking globalization to specific traditional jobs.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): There is a logical flow between paragraphs, and the essay is well organized. However, the progression could be slightly more seamless within paragraphs.
- Lexical Resource (LR): Vocabulary selection is generally wide, though not particularly skillful or complex. Examples like “traditional skills” and “local businesses” show adequate use but could be improved with more advanced vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): The grammar is good overall, but there are minor issues with complexity in the sentence structure.
Sample Essay 2: Band 9 Example
Introduction:
The process of globalization has undeniably impacted employment patterns globally. One particular area of concern is the effect globalization has had on traditional jobs, such as those in agriculture and craftsmanship. I strongly agree that the advent and ongoing rise of globalization have been detrimental to local and traditional industries, and this essay will explain why with concrete examples.
Body Paragraph (1):
First and foremost, globalization has led to increased technological advancements, meaning many traditional jobs have been automated and replaced by more efficient methods. Artisan crafts, family-run farms, and local service providers have struggled to survive, as multinational corporations dominate the market. For example, factory farming techniques used by conglomerate agriculture companies have made it almost impossible for small-scale farmers to remain competitive. Cheaper labor in developing nations further exacerbates this by allowing employers to outsource jobs that were once confined to local economies.
Body Paragraph (2):
Moreover, globalization often fosters the homogenization of cultures, leading to the disappearance of niche markets that were once vital for local communities. Take, for instance, the Indonesian batik tradition—once a thriving profession, today it faces steep competition from mass-produced and cheaper alternatives coming from foreign markets. Additionally, traditional roles, such as artisans in the textile industry, have had their skills commodified, often earning less due to global market distortions.
Body Paragraph (3):
However, some argue that globalization aids the revival of cultural industries through global exposure. While this may be the case for a small number of traditional goods, these instances are overshadowed by the broader destruction left in its wake. Many traditional industries do not have the infrastructure or resources to compete on the international stage, and even when they do, they often lose their authenticity in the process.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, globalization’s impact on traditional jobs has been overwhelmingly negative. The advent of vast technological advancements and international market dominance have largely wiped out local industries, leaving fragile economies and cultural practices vulnerable. It is incumbent upon governments and societies to implement better policies to protect such integral aspects of heritage from being engulfed by the tides of globalization.
Analysis: Why a Band 9?
- Task Response (TR): Comprehensive, well-argued, and in-depth. The task is thoroughly addressed, and each point is highly developed with relevant examples. Much stronger stance taken toward the topic.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas flow naturally, with smooth transitions from one idea to another. The structure is sophisticated without being convoluted.
- Lexical Resource (LR): The vocabulary is broad and used skillfully, especially with words like “homogenization” and phrases like “commodified skills”. This demonstrates an excellent command of the language.
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): The range of sentence structures is wide, and all punctuation, tenses, and syntactical components are accurate.
Vocabulary to Remember:
- Traditional roles (noun): công việc truyền thống
- Homogenization /həˌmɑːdʒənaɪˈzeɪʃn/ (noun): quá trình đồng nhất hóa
- Outsource /ˈaʊtsɔːrs/ (verb): thuê ngoài
- Conglomerate /kənˈɡlɒmərət/ (noun): tập đoàn
- Niche market /niːʃ ˈmɑːrkɪt/ (noun): thị trường ngách
- Commodify /kəˈmɒdɪfaɪ/ (verb): biến thành hàng hóa
- Fragile economies (noun phrase): các nền kinh tế yếu ớt
- Advent /ˈædvɛnt/ (noun): sự xuất hiện
Conclusion
The topic of globalization’s effect on traditional jobs is multi-faceted and frequently appears in IELTS Writing tasks, often requiring you to evaluate the balance of positive and negative impacts. In this article, we have explored the topic, provided graded sample essays, and detailed the reasoning behind each essay’s band score. Understanding the criteria that differentiate a band 9 essay from a band 6 or 7 can significantly tighten your writing skills.
Future Practice:
It’s important to continue practicing similar topics. Some suggested writing prompts you might encounter include:
- “Globalization has greatly affected small businesses. Do you agree or disagree?”
- “To what extent has globalization influenced national job markets?”
Feel free to share your essays in the comments and engage with others to improve your writing!