International trade and economic development have been recurring themes in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in approximately 15% of exam questions over the past five years. Based on analysis from the role of international trade in economic development, this topic remains highly relevant for future tests.
International trade and economic development concept illustration
Task Analysis
Some people believe that international trade and communication with other countries are essential for a country’s economic progress. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question requires discussing how the role of international trade in fostering economic development impacts national economies. Let’s examine three sample essays of varying band scores.
Band 8 Sample Essay
International commerce and cross-border communication have become indispensable elements for nations seeking economic advancement in today’s globalized world. I strongly agree that these factors are crucial for a country’s development, and this essay will explore the key reasons supporting this position.
Firstly, international trade enables countries to maximize their comparative advantages and boost economic efficiency. When nations specialize in producing goods where they have a competitive edge and trade with others, it leads to optimal resource allocation and increased productivity. For instance, Japan’s expertise in electronics manufacturing and Germany’s automotive industry excellence have significantly contributed to their economic prosperity through export revenues and job creation.
Moreover, international communication facilitates knowledge transfer and technological advancement. As highlighted in studies about how foreign direct investment boosts local economies, when countries engage in global dialogue, they gain access to innovative ideas, advanced technologies, and best practices from around the world. South Korea’s remarkable transformation from a developing nation to a technological powerhouse exemplifies how international collaboration can accelerate economic growth.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that excessive dependence on international trade can make economies vulnerable to global market fluctuations. This is particularly evident in how how trade deficits impact financial markets, potentially leading to economic instability. Nevertheless, the benefits of international engagement substantially outweigh these risks when managed properly.
In conclusion, international trade and communication are fundamental pillars of economic development in the modern world. While challenges exist, countries that embrace global integration while maintaining prudent economic policies are better positioned for sustainable growth and prosperity.
Visual representation of international trade benefits and economic indicators
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
In today’s world, many people think international trade and communication with other countries are very important for economic growth. I agree with this idea because it brings many benefits to countries.
First, international trade helps countries sell their products to other places. When countries can export their goods, they make more money and create jobs for their people. For example, China has become richer because it sells many products to other countries. Also, when countries trade, people can buy different products from around the world.
Second, communication with other countries helps share knowledge and technology. When countries talk to each other, they can learn new things and improve their businesses. Like how sports can foster international cooperation, business relationships between countries can also help build better understanding. For example, many developing countries have learned new farming methods from developed countries.
However, sometimes international trade can cause problems. Some local businesses might close because they cannot compete with foreign companies. Also, countries might depend too much on other countries for important things.
In conclusion, I think international trade and communication are very important for economic growth. Even though there are some problems, the good things are more than the bad things. Countries should try to trade and communicate with others while protecting their own interests.
Key Vocabulary
- Indispensable (adj) /ˌɪndɪˈspensəbl/ – absolutely necessary
- Comparative advantage (n) /kəmˈpærətɪv ædˈvɑːntɪdʒ/ – specialized capability or resource
- Resource allocation (n) /rɪˈsɔːs ˌæləˈkeɪʃn/ – distribution of resources
- Vulnerabilities (n) /ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪlətiz/ – weaknesses or susceptibilities
- Economic prosperity (n) /ˌekəˈnɑːmɪk prɒˈsperəti/ – financial well-being
- Cross-border (adj) /krɒs ˈbɔːdə/ – involving different countries
- Technological advancement (n) /ˌteknəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ədˈvɑːnsmənt/ – progress in technology
- Market fluctuations (n) /ˈmɑːkɪt ˌflʌktʃuˈeɪʃnz/ – changes in market conditions
Conclusion
The topic of international trade and economic development remains crucial for IELTS candidates. Practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The impact of protectionism on global economy
- Benefits and drawbacks of economic globalization
- Role of international organizations in world trade
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and improvement suggestions.
