Globalization and its effects on employment markets is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This topic has appeared multiple times in past exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests. Given its significance, let’s examine a sample question that closely resembles those seen in actual IELTS exams:
Some people think that globalization has negative effects on local job markets. Others believe it creates more employment opportunities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the negative effects of globalization on local job markets
- Explore the positive impact of globalization in creating employment opportunities
- Provide a personal opinion on the issue
Let’s dive into sample essays for different band scores to illustrate how to approach this topic effectively.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Globalization has undeniably transformed the employment landscape worldwide, sparking debates about its impact on local job markets. While some argue that this phenomenon has detrimental effects on domestic employment, others contend that it generates more opportunities. In my opinion, globalization’s influence on job markets is largely positive, despite some short-term challenges.
Those who view globalization negatively often point to job losses in traditional industries. As companies outsource production to countries with lower labor costs, many workers in developed nations find themselves unemployed. For instance, the textile industry in the United States has seen significant job losses as production shifted to countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam. This displacement can lead to economic hardship and social unrest in affected communities.
However, proponents of globalization argue that it creates more employment opportunities overall. The interconnectedness of global markets opens up new avenues for trade and business expansion, leading to job creation in various sectors. For example, the rise of multinational corporations has led to increased demand for professionals in fields such as international business, logistics, and cross-cultural communication. Moreover, the growth of e-commerce has spawned entirely new job categories that didn’t exist a few decades ago.
In my view, while globalization can cause short-term disruptions in local job markets, its long-term benefits outweigh the drawbacks. The key lies in adaptation and education. Governments and individuals must invest in skills development and retraining programs to prepare workers for the evolving job market. Additionally, globalization often leads to increased economic growth, which can create more jobs across various sectors of the economy.
In conclusion, globalization’s impact on employment is complex but ultimately beneficial. By embracing change and focusing on education and adaptation, societies can harness the positive aspects of globalization while mitigating its negative effects on local job markets.
(Word count: 298)
Globalization's impact on employment markets
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Globalization has changed the way job markets work around the world. Some people think it’s bad for local jobs, while others believe it creates more opportunities. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, globalization can have negative effects on local job markets. When big companies move their factories to other countries where workers are paid less, many people lose their jobs. For example, in my country, many textile factories have closed because production moved to cheaper countries. This has left many workers unemployed and struggling to find new jobs.
On the other hand, globalization can create new job opportunities. As businesses expand globally, they need workers who can speak different languages and understand different cultures. This creates jobs in areas like international trade, translation, and customer service for global companies. Also, the internet has made it possible for people to work for companies in other countries without moving, which gives more choices for employment.
In my opinion, globalization has both good and bad effects on job markets, but overall, I think it creates more opportunities than problems. While some traditional jobs may disappear, new types of jobs are being created. The important thing is for people to learn new skills and be ready to adapt to changes in the job market.
To conclude, globalization affects job markets in different ways. It can cause some job losses, but it also opens up new opportunities. I believe that with the right education and training, people can benefit from the changes brought by globalization in the job market.
(Word count: 269)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Globalization is a big topic today. It affects jobs in many countries. Some people think it’s bad for local jobs. Others think it makes more jobs. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
First, some people say globalization is bad for local jobs. Big companies sometimes move their work to other countries. This is because workers there are paid less money. When this happens, people in the first country lose their jobs. This is very hard for those people and their families.
But other people think globalization makes more jobs. When companies work in many countries, they need more workers. They need people who can speak different languages. They also need people who understand different cultures. This can make new kinds of jobs that didn’t exist before.
In my opinion, globalization has good and bad points for jobs. It’s true that some people lose their jobs. But I think it also makes new chances for work. People need to learn new skills to get these new jobs. This can be hard, but it can also be good for people in the long run.
To finish, I think globalization changes job markets a lot. It can take away some jobs but also make new ones. It’s important for people to be ready for these changes by learning new things.
(Word count: 218)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the essay
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Coherent with skillful use of cohesive devices
- How e-commerce affects employment opportunities is effectively discussed within the context of globalization
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, though conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, with some inaccuracies
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Arranges information coherently with clear overall progression
- The impact of e-commerce on local retail markets is mentioned but not explored in depth
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but development is not always clear
- Uses limited range of vocabulary; errors may cause some difficulty for the reader
- Uses a limited range of structures with some attempt to use complex sentences
- Presents information with some organization but may lack overall progression
- Does not explore complex aspects of how globalization affects the job market for youth
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Globalization (noun) – /ˌɡləʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – the process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale
- Employment landscape (noun phrase) – /ɪmˈplɔɪmənt ˈlændskeɪp/ – the overall situation or conditions of the job market
- Outsource (verb) – /aʊtˈsɔːs/ – obtain goods or services from an outside supplier
- Multinational corporations (noun phrase) – /mʌltiˈnæʃənl kɔːpəˈreɪʃənz/ – companies that operate in multiple countries
- Economic growth (noun phrase) – /iːkəˈnɒmɪk ɡrəʊθ/ – an increase in the amount of goods and services produced per head of the population over a period of time
- Adaptation (noun) – /ædæpˈteɪʃən/ – the process of changing to suit different conditions
- Interconnectedness (noun) – /ˌɪntəkəˈnektɪdnəs/ – the state of being connected with each other
- Cross-cultural communication (noun phrase) – /krɒs ˈkʌltʃərəl kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃən/ – exchange of information between people from different cultural backgrounds
- Displacement (noun) – /dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/ – the act of moving something from its usual place or position
- Retraining (noun) – /riːˈtreɪnɪŋ/ – the process of learning new skills, especially to be able to do a different job
Transformation of global job markets
In conclusion, mastering the art of writing about globalization’s impact on employment markets is crucial for success in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the nuances of different band scores and utilizing appropriate vocabulary, you can craft compelling essays that demonstrate your language proficiency and critical thinking skills.
To further enhance your skills, consider practicing with similar topics such as the effects of fast fashion on labor markets or impact of globalization on small businesses. These related themes can help you develop a broader understanding of global economic trends and their effects on employment.
We encourage you to write your own essay based on the question provided in this article and share it in the comments section below. This practice will not only help you improve your writing skills but also allow you to receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.
