Globalization has significantly impacted small businesses worldwide, making it a popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2.
Analyzing the Essay Question
Some people say that globalization has mostly negative effects on local businesses, while others believe it offers more opportunities than threats. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question asks you to consider both positive and negative aspects of globalization’s impact on local businesses. It’s crucial to:
- Discuss the negative effects on local businesses
- Explore the opportunities presented by globalization
- Provide your personal opinion with supporting arguments
Let’s examine three sample essays addressing this question, each targeting a different band score.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Response
Globalization has revolutionized the business landscape, particularly for local enterprises. While some argue that this phenomenon predominantly harms small businesses, others contend that it creates more opportunities than challenges. In my opinion, globalization presents a double-edged sword, offering both significant benefits and notable risks to local businesses.
Those who view globalization negatively often point to the increased competition from multinational corporations. These giant entities can leverage economies of scale to offer products at lower prices, potentially overshadowing local businesses. For instance, the entry of large international supermarket chains into developing countries has often led to the closure of many small, family-owned stores. Moreover, globalization can lead to cultural homogenization, diminishing the unique appeal of local products and services.
On the other hand, proponents of globalization argue that it opens up new markets and opportunities for small businesses. The internet and e-commerce platforms have enabled local businesses to reach a global customer base, transcending geographical boundaries. A small artisan in Vietnam, for example, can now sell handcrafted goods to customers in Europe or America through online marketplaces. Additionally, globalization facilitates access to a wider range of suppliers, potentially reducing costs and improving product quality for local businesses.
In my view, while globalization does pose challenges, its benefits can outweigh the drawbacks if local businesses adapt strategically. The key lies in leveraging unique local strengths while embracing global opportunities. For instance, a local food producer could use e-commerce to export specialty products that showcase regional flavors, thereby turning cultural uniqueness into a competitive advantage. Furthermore, governments can play a crucial role by implementing policies that support small businesses in navigating the global marketplace, such as providing training in digital skills or facilitating export processes.
In conclusion, globalization’s impact on local businesses is complex and multifaceted. While it presents challenges through increased competition and potential cultural dilution, it also offers unprecedented opportunities for growth and expansion. The ultimate outcome depends on how well local businesses and policymakers can harness the positive aspects of globalization while mitigating its negative effects.
(Word count: 329)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that align with Band 8-9 criteria:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect, and ideas are logically connected.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is sophisticated and precise, with phrases like “double-edged sword,” “cultural homogenization,” and “transcending geographical boundaries.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a wide range of complex structures accurately, such as “Those who view globalization negatively often point to…” and “The key lies in leveraging unique local strengths…”
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Examples: Concrete examples are provided to support arguments, enhancing the essay’s persuasiveness.
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Balanced Argument: The essay presents a nuanced view, acknowledging both positive and negative aspects of globalization.
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Conclusion: The conclusion effectively summarizes the main points and reinforces the writer’s opinion.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Response
Globalization has become a hot topic in recent years, especially when it comes to its effects on local businesses. Some people think it’s mostly bad for small companies, while others see it as full of opportunities. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
On the negative side, globalization can be tough for local businesses. Big international companies can come in and offer lower prices, making it hard for small shops to compete. For example, when big supermarket chains open in small towns, many local stores might have to close down because they can’t match the prices. Also, globalization can make everything look the same everywhere, which might make local products less special.
However, there are also good things about globalization for small businesses. The internet has made it possible for local companies to sell their products to people all over the world. A small business in Vietnam could sell its handmade items to customers in America or Europe online. Globalization also means local businesses can buy supplies from different countries, which might be cheaper or better quality.
In my opinion, globalization can be good for local businesses if they know how to use it well. Small companies should try to use what makes them special and different, while also taking advantage of global opportunities. For instance, a local food maker could sell their unique regional dishes online to people in other countries who want to try something new. I also think governments should help small businesses learn how to work in the global market.
To conclude, globalization has both good and bad effects on local businesses. While it can make competition harder, it also opens up new chances for growth. The key is for small businesses to find ways to use globalization to their advantage.
(Word count: 295)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates qualities that align with Band 6-7 criteria:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect. However, the transitions between ideas could be smoother.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate but less sophisticated than the Band 8-9 essay. It uses some good phrases like “hot topic” and “take advantage of,” but overall, the language is simpler.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, with generally good accuracy. However, it lacks the variety and sophistication of the higher band essay.
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Examples: The essay provides some examples, which helps to illustrate the points, but they are less detailed than in the Band 8-9 essay.
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Balanced Argument: The essay presents both sides of the argument, but the analysis is less in-depth compared to the higher band essay.
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Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the main points but could be more nuanced in reinforcing the writer’s opinion.
Sample Essay 3: Band 5-6 Response
Globalization is a big change in the world today. It affects many things, including small businesses. Some people think it’s bad for local companies, but others say it gives more chances. I will talk about both ideas and give my thought.
First, globalization can be bad for small businesses. Big companies from other countries can come and sell things cheaper. This makes it hard for local shops to sell their products. For example, when a big supermarket opens in a small town, many small shops might close. Also, globalization can make all places look the same, which is not good for local culture.
But globalization can also be good for small businesses. Now, small companies can sell things on the internet to people in other countries. This means they can have more customers. Also, they can buy things from other countries, which might be cheaper or better.
I think globalization can be good if small businesses use it well. They should try to sell what makes them special to people in other countries. For example, a local food shop could sell their special food online to people who want to try new things. I also think the government should help small businesses learn how to work with other countries.
In the end, globalization has good and bad things for local businesses. It can make it harder to sell things, but it also gives new chances to grow. Small businesses need to find good ways to use globalization.
(Word count: 245)
Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates qualities that align with Band 5-6 criteria:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task but lacks depth in its analysis.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a basic structure, but the progression of ideas is not always clear. Paragraphs are present but not always well-developed.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. There are attempts to use some topic-specific words, but the range is narrow.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay primarily uses simple sentences with some attempts at complex structures. There are some grammatical errors, but they don’t significantly impede communication.
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Examples: The essay provides basic examples, but they lack detail and elaboration.
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Balanced Argument: Both views are presented, but the discussion lacks depth and critical analysis.
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Conclusion: The conclusion restates the main points but doesn’t effectively reinforce the writer’s opinion.
Key Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 on Globalization and Small Businesses
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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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Multinational corporation (noun) /mʌltiˌnæʃənl kɔːrpəˈreɪʃən/: A company that operates in several countries.
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E-commerce (noun) /ˈiːkɒmɜːs/: Commercial transactions conducted electronically on the internet.
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Cultural homogenization (noun) /ˌkʌltʃərəl həˌmɒdʒənaɪˈzeɪʃən/: The reduction in cultural diversity through the popularization of cultural expressions around the world.
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Economies of scale (noun) /ɪˌkɒnəmiz əv ˈskeɪl/: The cost advantages that enterprises obtain due to their scale of operation.
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Market penetration (noun) /ˈmɑːkɪt ˌpenɪˈtreɪʃən/: The extent to which a product or service is recognized and bought by customers in a particular market.
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Supply chain (noun) /səˈplaɪ tʃeɪn/: The network of organizations involved in the production and distribution of a product.
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Competitive advantage (noun) /kəmˌpetətɪv ədˈvɑːntɪdʒ/: A condition or circumstance that puts a company in a favorable or superior business position.
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Cultural diversity (noun) /ˌkʌltʃərəl daɪˈvɜːsəti/: The existence of a variety of cultural or ethnic groups within a society.
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Economic interdependence (noun) /ˌekənɒmɪk ˌɪntədɪˈpendəns/: A situation in which economies rely on interactions with each other to maintain economic growth and stability.
Conclusion
The impact of globalization on small businesses is a complex and multifaceted topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. By studying these sample essays and understanding the criteria for different band scores, you can improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for your IELTS exam.
Remember to practice writing your own essays on this topic and related themes. You might encounter questions about:
- The effects of e-commerce on traditional retail businesses
- The role of government in supporting local businesses in a globalized economy
- The impact of multinational corporations on local economies and cultures
- The advantages and disadvantages of economic interdependence in a globalized world
To further enhance your skills, try writing an essay on one of these topics and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you apply what you’ve learned and receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.
For more insights on related topics, check out our articles on the effects of globalization on small businesses and how e-commerce affects employment opportunities.