Globalization and its effects on local economies have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. This theme has appeared in various forms over the past few years, and its relevance is likely to grow as global interconnectedness continues to shape local business landscapes. Based on analysis of past IELTS exams and current trends, we can expect questions related to globalization’s effect on small businesses to appear with moderate frequency in future tests.
Let’s examine a relevant question that aligns closely with recent IELTS trends:
Some people think that globalization has negative effects on local, small-scale businesses. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to consider the impact of globalization on small local businesses. Key points to address include:
- Understanding of globalization and its economic effects
- Awareness of small-scale local business operations
- Potential positive and negative impacts of globalization on these businesses
- A clear stance on whether the effects are predominantly negative or not
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Globalization, the process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence of world economies, has undoubtedly transformed the business landscape worldwide. While some argue that this phenomenon adversely affects local, small-scale enterprises, I partially agree with this view, as globalization presents both challenges and opportunities for such businesses.
On one hand, globalization can indeed pose significant threats to small local businesses. Multinational corporations, with their vast resources and economies of scale, can often outcompete smaller firms on price and variety. This competition can lead to the closure of local shops and a homogenization of products available in the market. Furthermore, global supply chains may disrupt traditional local production methods, potentially leading to job losses in small-scale industries. For instance, local textile manufacturers in India have faced severe challenges due to the influx of cheaper, mass-produced garments from global brands.
However, it would be overly simplistic to view globalization solely as a negative force for small businesses. The digital revolution, a key aspect of globalization, has opened up unprecedented opportunities for local enterprises to reach global markets. E-commerce platforms and social media allow small businesses to showcase their unique products to a worldwide audience, often capitalizing on their local authenticity as a selling point. Additionally, globalization has facilitated access to advanced technologies and diverse sources of capital, enabling small businesses to innovate and expand more rapidly than ever before.
Moreover, the increased cultural exchange brought about by globalization has created niche markets for local and artisanal products. Consumers worldwide are increasingly valuing unique, locally-sourced goods, presenting an opportunity for small-scale businesses to thrive by emphasizing their distinct cultural heritage and craftsmanship. This trend is evident in the rising popularity of local food movements and artisanal crafts in many countries.
In conclusion, while globalization undoubtedly presents challenges to small-scale local businesses, it also offers significant opportunities for growth and innovation. The key lies in how these businesses adapt to the changing global landscape, leveraging their unique strengths while embracing the tools and markets that globalization provides. Therefore, rather than viewing globalization as purely detrimental, it should be seen as a complex force that, if navigated skilfully, can benefit local enterprises.
(Word count: 345)
Globalization's impact on local businesses
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Globalization has become a big topic in recent years, and many people think it’s bad for small local businesses. I agree that globalization can have some negative effects, but I also think it’s not all bad for these businesses.
First, globalization can be tough for small businesses. Big international companies can come into local markets and sell things cheaper because they make so much. This makes it hard for small shops to compete. For example, in my town, some small grocery stores closed when a big supermarket chain opened. Also, when products from other countries are easy to buy, people might not want local products as much.
However, globalization isn’t only bad for small businesses. The internet, which is part of globalization, lets small companies sell to people all over the world. A small business can now have a website and ship its products to other countries. This gives them more customers than they could have before. Also, social media helps small businesses advertise for free or very cheap, which is good for them.
Another good thing is that globalization brings new ideas and ways of doing business. Small businesses can learn from international companies and improve how they work. They can also get new technology that helps them make better products or work faster.
It’s also important to remember that many people still like buying from local businesses. They think local products are special and different from big brands. This means small businesses can still do well if they focus on what makes them unique.
In conclusion, while globalization does create some problems for small local businesses, it also gives them new chances to grow. It depends on how these businesses use the opportunities that come with globalization. So, I think globalization has both good and bad effects on small local businesses.
(Word count: 298)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates several qualities of a high-scoring IELTS response:
- Clear position: The writer partially agrees with the statement, providing a nuanced view.
- Coherent structure: The essay flows logically, with clear paragraphs addressing different aspects.
- Sophisticated vocabulary: Uses academic terms like “homogenization,” “economies of scale,” and “cultural exchange.”
- Complex sentences: Employs a variety of sentence structures, including complex and compound-complex sentences.
- Relevant examples: Provides specific examples like Indian textile manufacturers and e-commerce platforms.
- Critical thinking: Presents a balanced argument, considering both positive and negative aspects of globalization.
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows characteristics of a competent, but less sophisticated response:
- Clear position: The writer’s stance is evident, agreeing partially with the statement.
- Adequate structure: The essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
- Appropriate vocabulary: Uses relevant terms like “compete,” “advertise,” and “unique,” but with less sophistication than the higher band essay.
- Mix of sentence structures: Includes some complex sentences, but relies more on simple and compound structures.
- General examples: Provides examples, but they are more general and less specific than in the higher band essay.
- Basic analysis: Presents both sides of the argument, but with less depth and critical thinking than the Band 8-9 essay.
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.
Small-scale (adjective) /smɔːl skeɪl/ – Involving only a small area, group of people, or amount of money.
Multinational corporation (noun) /mʌltiˈnæʃənl kɔːpəˈreɪʃn/ – A company that operates in several countries.
Economies of scale (noun phrase) /ɪˈkɒnəmiz əv skeɪl/ – The cost advantages that enterprises obtain due to their scale of operation.
Homogenization (noun) /həˌmɒdʒənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – The process of making things uniform or similar.
E-commerce (noun) /ˈiːkɒmɜːs/ – Commercial transactions conducted electronically on the internet.
Artisanal (adjective) /ɑːtɪˈzænl/ – Made in a traditional or non-mechanized way.
Cultural heritage (noun phrase) /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society.
Niche market (noun phrase) /niːʃ ˈmɑːkɪt/ – A segment of a larger market with its own particular needs or preferences.
Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – The action or process of innovating; a new method, idea, product, etc.
In conclusion, the impact of globalization on small-scale local businesses is a complex and nuanced topic that requires careful consideration of both positive and negative effects. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, practice addressing similar questions that explore the balance between global influences and local economies. Some potential future topics might include:
- The role of government in protecting local businesses in a globalized economy
- How globalization is affecting job markets in developing countries
- The impact of globalization on traditional industries and crafts
- How does globalization affect traditional food production and local culinary practices
To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your arguments and improve your ability to express complex ideas clearly and effectively.