Globalization and its impact on employment opportunities is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests. Its prevalence stems from its global significance and the myriad ways it affects economies worldwide. Let’s explore this subject through sample essays targeting different band scores, providing you with comprehensive insights to excel in your IELTS writing.
Analyzing the Task
Some people think that globalization has negative effects on local job markets. Others believe it creates more job opportunities locally. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the negative effects of globalization on local job markets
- Explain how globalization creates more local job opportunities
- Present your own opinion on the issue
Let’s break down the task and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
High-Scoring Essay Example
Globalization, the process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence of world economies, has been a subject of intense debate regarding its impact on local employment. While some argue that it negatively affects local job markets, others contend that it creates more opportunities. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my own view on the matter.
Those who believe globalization harms local job markets often point to the phenomenon of outsourcing. Multinational corporations, in their quest for cost-efficiency, frequently relocate their production facilities to countries with lower labor costs. This can lead to job losses in developed nations, particularly in manufacturing sectors. For instance, many American and European textile industries have seen significant declines as production shifted to countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam. Additionally, the influx of imported goods can outcompete local products, potentially leading to the closure of local businesses and subsequent job losses.
On the other hand, proponents of globalization argue that it creates more job opportunities locally through various mechanisms. Firstly, as companies expand globally, they often establish regional headquarters, creating high-skilled jobs in management, marketing, and finance. For example, many multinational tech companies have set up regional offices in Singapore, creating numerous jobs for locals. Secondly, globalization often leads to increased foreign direct investment, which can create new industries and job opportunities in host countries. The growth of the automobile industry in countries like Mexico and India exemplifies this trend. Lastly, the expansion of global trade often leads to the growth of supporting industries such as logistics, telecommunications, and financial services, all of which generate employment.
In my opinion, while globalization can indeed lead to job displacement in certain sectors, its overall impact on local job markets is largely positive. The key lies in how countries adapt to the changing global economic landscape. Governments and educational institutions need to focus on developing a workforce with skills that are in demand in the global economy. This includes emphasizing STEM education, promoting lifelong learning, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Moreover, the benefits of globalization, such as increased economic growth and improved living standards, often outweigh the localized job losses in specific sectors.
In conclusion, globalization’s impact on local job markets is complex and multifaceted. While it can lead to job losses in certain industries, it also creates numerous opportunities in others. The challenge for policymakers is to harness the benefits of globalization while mitigating its negative effects through appropriate education and labor market policies.
(Word count: 395)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates several qualities that contribute to its high band score:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting the writer’s own opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and ideas are logically developed.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. For example, “interconnectedness,” “interdependence,” “outcompete,” “quest for cost-efficiency.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and appropriately. It includes complex sentences and various clause types.
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
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Formal Academic Style: The essay maintains a formal tone throughout and avoids colloquial expressions.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Mid-Scoring Essay Example
Globalization is a big topic these days, and people have different ideas about how it affects jobs in local areas. Some think it’s bad for local jobs, while others believe it creates more opportunities. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
People who think globalization is bad for local jobs often talk about big companies moving their factories to other countries. This happens because they want to save money by paying lower wages. When this happens, people in the original country lose their jobs. For example, many clothing factories have moved from the USA and Europe to countries like Bangladesh where wages are lower. Another problem is that cheap products from other countries can make it hard for local businesses to compete, and this can cause local shops to close.
However, there are also good things about globalization for local jobs. When big international companies come to a new country, they often create new jobs. They might open offices and hire local people for management and other skilled jobs. Also, when foreign companies invest money in a country, it can help create new types of jobs. For instance, when car companies started making cars in India, it created many new jobs there. Globalization also helps grow businesses like shipping and banking, which creates more jobs.
In my opinion, globalization has more good effects than bad ones on local jobs. While it’s true that some people might lose their jobs because of globalization, I think more jobs are created overall. The important thing is for countries to help their people learn new skills that are needed in the global economy. This means having good education and training programs.
To sum up, globalization can cause some job losses, but it also creates many new job opportunities. I believe the positive effects are stronger than the negative ones. Countries need to have good plans to help their people benefit from the opportunities that globalization brings.
(Word count: 329)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates several qualities that place it in the Band 6-7 range:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and presenting the writer’s opinion. However, the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. However, the cohesive devices are less sophisticated than in the higher band essay.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate and adequate for the task, but lacks the precision and sophistication of the Band 8-9 essay. There are fewer less common lexical items.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are fewer errors than would be seen in lower band essays, but it lacks the variety and sophistication of the Band 8-9 essay.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant and supported with examples, but the level of detail and explanation is less than in the higher band essay.
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Formal Academic Style: The essay generally maintains a formal tone, but occasionally uses more casual expressions like “big topic” or “these days.”
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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Outsourcing (noun) – /ˈaʊtsɔːsɪŋ/ – the practice of obtaining goods or services from an outside supplier, especially in place of an internal source
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Multinational (adjective) – /ˌmʌltɪˈnæʃənl/ – operating in several countries
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Foreign direct investment (noun phrase) – /ˈfɒrɪn daɪˈrekt ɪnˈvestmənt/ – investment from one country into another, typically by companies rather than governments
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Job displacement (noun phrase) – /dʒɒb dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/ – the elimination of jobs due to technological or economic changes
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Economic growth (noun phrase) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ɡrəʊθ/ – an increase in the amount of goods and services produced per head of the population over a period of time
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Labor market (noun phrase) – /ˈleɪbə ˈmɑːkɪt/ – the supply of available workers in relation to available work
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Interdependence (noun) – /ˌɪntədɪˈpendəns/ – the dependence of two or more people or things on each other
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Cost-efficiency (noun) – /kɒst ɪˈfɪʃənsi/ – the state or quality of being efficient in relation to the cost of something
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Entrepreneurship (noun) – /ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜːʃɪp/ – the activity of setting up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit
Conclusion
The topic of globalization and its impact on employment opportunities is a complex and multifaceted issue that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding different perspectives and being able to articulate them clearly, you can excel in answering such questions. Remember to always address all parts of the task, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your points with relevant examples.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The impact of automation on job markets in the era of globalization
- The role of education in preparing workers for a globalized economy
- The effects of trade policies on local and global employment
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on the topic discussed in this article. Share your essay in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.