Global markets and their impact on local economies have become increasingly significant in recent years. This topic frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, reflecting its relevance in today’s interconnected world. Based on past exam trends and the current economic landscape, it’s highly likely that questions related to global markets and local economies will continue to be prevalent in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a sample question on this subject and analyze how to craft effective responses for different band scores.

Some people think that the government should help local businesses to protect them from the effects of free international trade. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Analyzing the Question

This question addresses the tension between free international trade and government protection for local businesses. It requires candidates to:

1. Understand the concept of free international trade
2. Recognize potential effects on local businesses
3. Consider the role of government in economic affairs
4. Form and express an opinion on government intervention

Let’s examine sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring response.

Band 8-9 Sample Essay

In today’s globalized economy, the impact of international trade on local businesses has become a contentious issue. While some advocate for government intervention to protect domestic industries, I largely disagree with this approach, believing that the benefits of free trade outweigh the potential drawbacks.

Firstly, government protection often leads to inefficiency and complacency in local businesses. When shielded from international competition, companies may lack the incentive to innovate or improve their products and services. This can result in subpar offerings for consumers and a weakened competitive position in the long term. For instance, the American automobile industry’s struggle to compete with more efficient Japanese manufacturers in the 1970s and 1980s illustrates the dangers of overreliance on protectionist policies.

Moreover, free international trade brings numerous benefits to local economies. It allows for the exchange of goods, services, and ideas across borders, fostering innovation and economic growth. Consumers benefit from a wider range of products at competitive prices, while businesses gain access to new markets and resources. The success of export-oriented economies like Singapore and South Korea demonstrates how embracing global markets can drive rapid economic development and improve living standards.

However, it is important to acknowledge that some government support may be necessary during periods of transition or for strategic industries. In such cases, targeted assistance in the form of retraining programs, temporary subsidies, or investment in research and development can help local businesses adapt to global competition without distorting market forces. The key is to strike a balance between providing support and maintaining the overall benefits of free trade.

In conclusion, while government protection may seem appealing in the short term, it often proves counterproductive in the long run. Instead of shielding local businesses from international competition, governments should focus on creating an environment that fosters innovation, efficiency, and adaptability. By embracing the opportunities presented by global markets, local economies can thrive and contribute to overall economic prosperity.

Infographic showing how global markets influence local economies

Band 6-7 Sample Essay

The question of whether governments should protect local businesses from the effects of free international trade is a complex one. While there are arguments on both sides, I partially agree that some government support is necessary, but it should be limited and carefully implemented.

On one hand, free international trade can bring many benefits to local economies. It allows consumers to access a wider range of products at lower prices, which can improve their quality of life. Additionally, competition from foreign companies can encourage local businesses to become more efficient and innovative. For example, when foreign car manufacturers entered the US market, it pushed American companies to improve their own products and manufacturing processes.

However, there are also valid reasons for government intervention. Sudden exposure to international competition can be devastating for some local industries, leading to job losses and economic instability. This is especially true for developing countries or regions that rely heavily on certain industries. In such cases, some government protection can help local businesses adapt and survive in the global market.

I believe that the best approach is a balanced one. Governments should provide some support to local businesses, but this should be focused on helping them become more competitive rather than simply shielding them from foreign competition. This could include:

• Investing in education and training to develop a skilled workforce
• Providing temporary subsidies or tax breaks to help businesses modernize
• Offering assistance in accessing international markets

By taking these measures, governments can help local businesses thrive in the global economy without completely isolating them from international trade.

In conclusion, while I agree that some government support for local businesses is necessary, it should be limited and aimed at enhancing competitiveness rather than providing long-term protection from international trade. This approach can help local economies benefit from global markets while minimizing negative impacts.

Illustration of government supporting local businesses

Band 5-6 Sample Essay

In my opinion, I think that the government should help local businesses to protect them from the effects of free international trade. There are several reasons for this.

Firstly, local businesses are important for the economy. They provide jobs for people in the community and pay taxes. If these businesses fail because of competition from big international companies, many people could lose their jobs. This would be bad for the local economy.

Secondly, international companies are often very big and powerful. They have a lot of money and can sell products at very low prices. Local businesses cannot compete with this. Without help from the government, they might have to close down.

However, I also think that too much protection can be bad. If local businesses are always protected, they might become lazy and not try to improve. This is not good for customers who want good products at good prices.

So, I believe the government should help local businesses, but not too much. They could give some money to help businesses improve their products or train workers. They could also make some rules to make sure international companies don’t use unfair practices.

In conclusion, I agree that the government should help protect local businesses from the effects of free international trade, but this help should be limited and should encourage businesses to become stronger and better.

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:

• Clear position with nuanced arguments
• Well-developed ideas with relevant examples
• Cohesive structure with clear progression of ideas
• Wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures
• Minimal errors in grammar and punctuation

Band 6-7 Essay:

This essay shows good writing skills with some room for improvement:

• Clear position with some development of ideas
• Relevant main points with some supporting details
• Generally coherent structure
• Adequate range of vocabulary with some less precise word choices
• Some errors in grammar, but meaning remains clear

Band 5-6 Essay:

This essay demonstrates basic writing skills with several areas for improvement:

• Position is present but not fully developed
• Basic ideas with limited supporting details
• Simple organization with some lack of coherence
• Limited range of vocabulary with some repetition
• Frequent errors in grammar that may occasionally obscure meaning

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Globalized economy (noun phrase) – /ˈɡləʊbəlaɪzd iˈkɒnəmi/ – An interconnected world economy characterized by free trade, free flow of capital, and access to foreign markets.

2. Protectionist policies (noun phrase) – /prəˈtekʃənɪst ˈpɒləsiz/ – Government actions or policies that restrict international trade to help domestic industries.

3. Innovation (noun) – /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – The introduction of new ideas, methods, or products.

4. Competitive position (noun phrase) – /kəmˈpetətɪv pəˈzɪʃn/ – The standing of a company or product in relation to its competitors in the market.

5. Economic prosperity (noun phrase) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk prɒˈsperəti/ – The state of economic well-being and growth.

6. Adaptability (noun) – /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ – The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions or circumstances.

7. Subsidies (noun) – /ˈsʌbsɪdiz/ – Financial assistance provided by a government to a business or economic sector.

8. Economic instability (noun phrase) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˌɪnstəˈbɪləti/ – A situation in which an economy experiences frequent and sometimes severe fluctuations.

9. Competitiveness (noun) – /kəmˈpetətɪvnəs/ – The ability to be as good as or better than others of a comparable nature.

10. Trade missions (noun phrase) – /treɪd ˈmɪʃnz/ – Overseas trips organized by governments or trade associations to explore business opportunities in other countries.

In conclusion, the topic of How Global Markets Influence Local Economies is a crucial one for IELTS Writing Task 2. As demonstrated in the sample essays, successful responses require a clear understanding of the complexities involved, well-developed arguments, and appropriate use of vocabulary and grammar. To improve your skills, practice writing essays on similar topics such as:

• The impact of multinational corporations on local businesses
• The role of international trade agreements in shaping local economies
• The effects of globalization on traditional industries

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use relevant examples, and demonstrate a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!