Globalization’s impact on local cultures is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice due to its relevance in our increasingly interconnected world. Let’s explore this theme through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you excel in your IELTS Writing Task 2.
Analyzing the Essay Question
Some people think that globalization has negative effects on local cultures. Others believe it helps people understand different cultures better. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question presents a balanced argument about the effects of globalization on local cultures. It requires you to:
- Discuss the negative effects of globalization on local cultures
- Explain how globalization can help people understand different cultures better
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
Let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality to understand how to approach this topic effectively.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Level
In today’s interconnected world, the impact of globalization on local cultures has become a topic of heated debate. While some argue that this phenomenon erodes traditional values and practices, others contend that it fosters greater cultural understanding. In my opinion, globalization offers more benefits than drawbacks in terms of cultural exchange and appreciation.
Those who view globalization negatively often point to the homogenization of cultures as a primary concern. They argue that the spread of multinational corporations and Western media has led to a loss of unique cultural identities. For instance, traditional markets in many Asian countries are being replaced by global supermarket chains, potentially diminishing local culinary traditions. Furthermore, the dominance of English as a global language may threaten the survival of smaller, indigenous languages.
On the other hand, proponents of globalization argue that it facilitates cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. The ease of international travel and the internet has exposed people to diverse cultures, fostering tolerance and curiosity. For example, the popularity of international cuisine in many countries demonstrates how globalization can enrich local culinary scenes rather than diminish them. Additionally, global cultural events like the Olympics or World Cup bring nations together, promoting mutual respect and understanding.
In my view, while the concerns about cultural erosion are valid, the benefits of globalization in promoting cultural exchange outweigh the drawbacks. The key lies in striking a balance between embracing global influences and preserving local traditions. Countries can harness the power of globalization to showcase their unique cultural heritage to a global audience, thereby strengthening rather than weakening their cultural identity. For instance, South Korea has successfully used global platforms to promote its music (K-pop) and cinema, leading to a worldwide appreciation of Korean culture.
In conclusion, globalization’s impact on local cultures is complex and multifaceted. While it poses challenges to traditional practices, it also offers unprecedented opportunities for cultural exchange and mutual understanding. By approaching globalization mindfully, societies can reap its benefits while safeguarding their unique cultural identities.
(Word count: 309)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that place it in the Band 8-9 range:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (“On the other hand”, “Furthermore”, “Additionally”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (“homogenization”, “indigenous”, “culinary traditions”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly (“While some argue that…”, “Those who view globalization negatively often point to…”).
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Level
Globalization has become a big topic in recent years. Some people think it hurts local cultures, while others believe it helps us understand different cultures better. I think both sides have good points, but overall globalization is more positive than negative for cultures.
People who worry about globalization often say it makes all cultures the same. They think big companies from rich countries are taking over local businesses and changing how people live. For example, in many countries, you can see McDonald’s and Starbucks everywhere, which might make local restaurants less popular. Also, many young people are watching Hollywood movies and listening to American music, which could make them forget their own culture’s music and stories.
However, globalization also has good effects on cultures. It makes it easier for people to learn about other cultures. With the internet and cheap travel, we can see how people in other countries live. This can make us more open-minded and respectful of differences. For instance, many people now enjoy eating food from different countries, which shows how globalization can make our lives more interesting.
In my opinion, while there are some risks to local cultures, globalization mostly helps us appreciate different cultures more. It’s true that some traditions might be lost, but new and exciting mixtures of cultures are also being created. I think it’s important for people to remember their own culture while also learning about others.
To conclude, globalization affects local cultures in both good and bad ways. It’s up to us to take the good parts of globalization while also protecting what’s special about our own cultures. If we do this, we can have a world that is both global and culturally rich.
(Word count: 290)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates qualities that place it in the Band 6-7 range:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the development of ideas is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less varied (“However”, “Also”, “For example”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate but less precise and sophisticated than in the higher band essay (“big topic”, “good points”, “more positive than negative”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, but with less variety and flexibility than the Band 8-9 essay.
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Development of Ideas: Main points are supported with examples, but they are less detailed and nuanced compared to the higher band essay.
Sample Essay 3: Band 5-6 Level
Globalization is very important today. Some people think it is bad for local cultures. Other people think it helps us know different cultures better. I think both ideas are right.
Globalization can be bad for local cultures. Big companies from rich countries come to poor countries. They make local shops close. For example, many small shops close when big supermarkets open. Also, young people like foreign things more than their own culture things. They watch foreign movies and forget their own stories.
But globalization can also be good. It helps us learn about other cultures. We can use the internet to see how other people live. We can eat food from other countries. This makes us know more about the world. It can make people more friendly to others who are different.
I think globalization has good and bad things. It’s true that some old traditions might disappear. But we can also learn new and interesting things from other cultures. It’s important to remember our own culture but also learn about others.
In the end, globalization changes local cultures. We should try to keep the good parts of our culture. But we should also learn from other cultures. This way, we can have a world with many different and interesting cultures.
(Word count: 213)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates qualities that place it in the Band 5-6 range:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the task, but ideas are underdeveloped and the writer’s opinion is not clearly expressed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a basic structure, but paragraphing is not always logical and cohesive devices are limited (“But”, “Also”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive (“good”, “bad”, “things”), with some errors in word choice.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay mainly uses simple sentences with limited use of complex structures.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are present but lack detail and elaboration. Examples are basic and not fully developed.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Globalization (noun) – /ˌɡləʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale.
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Cultural erosion (noun phrase) – /ˈkʌltʃərəl ɪˈrəʊʒən/ – The gradual destruction or reduction of cultural characteristics.
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Homogenization (noun) – /həˌmɒdʒənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – The process of making things uniform or similar.
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Indigenous (adjective) – /ɪnˈdɪdʒənəs/ – Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place.
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Cross-cultural understanding (noun phrase) – /krɒs ˈkʌltʃərəl ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ/ – The ability to understand and appreciate cultures different from one’s own.
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Cultural exchange (noun phrase) – /ˈkʌltʃərəl ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ/ – The sharing of ideas, traditions, and customs between different cultures.
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Cultural identity (noun phrase) – /ˈkʌltʃərəl aɪˈdentəti/ – The identity of a group or culture, or of an individual as far as influenced by belonging to a group or culture.
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Multifaceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – Having many different aspects or features.
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Culinary traditions (noun phrase) – /ˈkʌlɪnəri trəˈdɪʃənz/ – The customs and practices related to preparing and eating food.
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Cultural appreciation (noun phrase) – /ˈkʌltʃərəl əˌpriːʃiˈeɪʃən/ – The act of recognizing and enjoying the qualities and characteristics of different cultures.
Conclusion
The impact of globalization on local cultures is a complex and nuanced topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. To excel in essays on this subject, it’s crucial to present balanced arguments, provide relevant examples, and express your opinion clearly. Practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The effects of tourism on local cultures
- The role of technology in preserving cultural heritage
- The importance of maintaining linguistic diversity in a globalized world
Remember to structure your essay well, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your ideas with specific examples. We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for your IELTS exam.
For more insights on related topics, check out our articles on how globalization is transforming cultural identity and globalization’s effect on traditional jobs.