Globalization has had a profound impact on various sectors, including the banking industry. This topic has appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions multiple times in recent years, and its relevance is expected to grow. Based on past exam trends, we can anticipate questions focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of globalization in banking, its effects on local financial institutions, or the need for international regulations.
Let’s examine a relevant IELTS Writing Task 2 question that has appeared in recent exams:
Globalization has significantly impacted the banking systems of many countries. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this trend and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Understand the concept of globalization in relation to banking systems
- Identify and explain both positive and negative effects
- Provide a balanced discussion of advantages and disadvantages
- Express a personal opinion on the overall impact
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, along with detailed analyses.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The interconnectedness of global financial markets has transformed banking systems worldwide, bringing both opportunities and challenges. This essay will discuss the merits and drawbacks of this trend before presenting my perspective on its overall impact.
One significant advantage of globalized banking is increased access to capital and financial services. As banks expand their operations internationally, they can tap into a broader pool of resources, enabling them to offer more competitive rates and a wider range of products to customers. This has been particularly beneficial for developing nations, where improved access to credit has stimulated economic growth and entrepreneurship. Moreover, technological advancements facilitated by globalization have revolutionized banking services, making transactions faster, more convenient, and often less expensive for consumers.
However, the integration of banking systems also poses certain risks. The 2008 financial crisis demonstrated how problems in one country’s banking sector could rapidly spread, causing a domino effect across the globe. This interconnectedness can make national economies more vulnerable to external shocks and financial contagion. Additionally, smaller local banks may struggle to compete with large multinational institutions, potentially leading to reduced diversity in the banking sector and less focus on local needs.
How technological advancements are influencing global trade has also impacted banking systems, introducing new challenges such as cybersecurity threats and the need for harmonized regulations across borders. While these issues require careful management, they also drive innovation and cooperation in the financial sector.
In my opinion, the globalization of banking systems has been largely positive, despite its challenges. The benefits of increased efficiency, innovation, and access to capital outweigh the potential risks. However, it is crucial for governments and international bodies to implement robust regulatory frameworks to mitigate these risks and ensure that the advantages of globalized banking are more equitably distributed.
In conclusion, while globalization has introduced both opportunities and challenges to banking systems, its overall impact has been transformative and largely beneficial. Moving forward, the focus should be on harnessing the advantages while implementing safeguards against potential drawbacks.
(Word count: 374)
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that justify a high band score:
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both advantages and disadvantages and providing a clear opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices. Ideas flow logically from one paragraph to the next.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Complex ideas are expressed with precision (e.g., “financial contagion”, “harmonized regulations”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly.
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Globalization has changed banking systems in many countries. This essay will discuss the good and bad points of this change and give my opinion.
One good thing about globalized banking is that people can get more money and services. Banks from different countries work together, so they can offer better deals to customers. This helps poor countries because people can borrow money more easily to start businesses. Also, new technology in banking makes it easier and faster for people to use their money.
But there are also problems with globalized banking. When one country has money problems, it can quickly spread to other countries. This happened in 2008 when many countries had financial troubles at the same time. Another problem is that big international banks might be too strong and local banks might close down.
The role of government in regulating cryptocurrency markets is becoming more important as digital currencies affect traditional banking. This shows how globalization is changing banking in new ways.
I think globalized banking is mostly good, even though it has some problems. It helps more people use banking services and makes the economy grow. But governments need to make good rules to stop the bad things from happening.
In conclusion, globalization has changed banking in both good and bad ways. We need to be careful about the risks, but overall, I believe it has helped more than it has hurt.
(Word count: 253)
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates qualities that place it in the Band 6-7 range:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the coverage of advantages and disadvantages is less comprehensive than in the Band 8-9 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated. Paragraphing is appropriate.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but lacks the precision and sophistication of higher band scores. Some attempts at less common vocabulary are made (e.g., “globalized banking”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control, though there are occasional errors.
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Development of Ideas: Main ideas are present and supported, but the level of detail and explanation is less than in higher band essays.
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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Financial contagion (noun phrase) – /faɪˈnænʃəl kənˈteɪdʒən/ – the spread of market changes or disturbances from one regional market to others
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Interconnectedness (noun) – /ˌɪntəkəˈnektɪdnəs/ – the state of being connected with each other
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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
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Regulatory framework (noun phrase) – /ˈreɡjələtəri ˈfreɪmwɜːk/ – a system of regulations and the means to enforce them, usually established by a government to regulate a specific activity
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Cybersecurity (noun) – /ˌsaɪbəsɪˈkjʊərəti/ – the state of being protected against the criminal or unauthorized use of electronic data
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Harmonized regulations (noun phrase) – /ˈhɑːmənaɪzd reɡjʊˈleɪʃənz/ – rules or directives made and maintained by an authority that are consistent across different jurisdictions
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Financial institution (noun phrase) – /faɪˈnænʃəl ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃən/ – an organization that deals with financial and monetary transactions such as deposits, loans, investments, and currency exchange
How digital currencies are transforming the global economy is another topic closely related to the globalization of banking systems. This connection highlights the ongoing evolution of the financial sector in response to technological advancements and global integration.
Conclusion
The impact of globalization on banking systems is a complex and evolving topic that is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might explore related themes such as the role of digital currencies in global banking, the impact of fintech on traditional banking models, or the challenges of regulating a global financial system.
To prepare for such questions, practice writing essays on topics like:
- The influence of mobile banking on financial inclusion in developing countries
- The role of international banking regulations in preventing financial crises
- The impact of cross-border banking on national economic sovereignty
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of appropriate vocabulary, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active approach to learning will help you develop the skills needed to excel in the IELTS Writing Task 2.