The topic of globalization’s impact on food security has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing regularly in recent years. Based on analysis of past exam patterns and effects of climate change on food production, this theme is likely to remain significant in future tests.
Essay Question Analysis
Some people believe that globalization has negatively affected food security in many countries, while others argue it has improved access to food worldwide. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Examine both positive and negative impacts of globalization on food security
- Present balanced arguments
- Provide relevant examples
- Express a clear personal stance
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
The debate over how does globalization impact food culture and security has garnered significant attention. While some contend that globalization undermines food security, others maintain that it enhances food availability globally. In my view, while globalization presents certain challenges, its overall impact on food security has been predominantly positive.
Globalization has undeniably strengthened food security through several mechanisms. Primarily, international trade has enabled countries to access diverse food sources, reducing dependency on domestic production and vulnerability to local crop failures. For instance, during the 2008 Australian drought, Asian countries could maintain rice supplies through imports from other regions. Additionally, technological transfer and knowledge sharing have enhanced agricultural productivity worldwide, enabling developing nations to adopt modern farming techniques and improve yields.
However, critics argue that the influence of international trade on food security has some drawbacks. The dominance of large agricultural corporations can marginalize small-scale farmers, potentially disrupting local food systems. Moreover, excessive reliance on international markets may expose countries to price volatility and supply chain disruptions, as witnessed during recent global crises.
Nevertheless, I believe globalization’s benefits outweigh its disadvantages. The integration of global food markets has created more resilient food systems capable of responding to regional shortages. Furthermore, international cooperation has facilitated the development of sustainable agricultural practices and importance of local food movements for sustainability, benefiting both producers and consumers worldwide.
In conclusion, while globalization poses certain challenges to food security, its positive contributions to global food accessibility and agricultural development are substantial. Moving forward, focusing on strengthening international cooperation while protecting local food systems would help maximize these benefits.
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
The impact of globalization on food security is a complex issue that people have different opinions about. This essay will discuss both positive and negative effects and share my perspective.
On the positive side, globalization helps countries get food more easily. When one country has problems growing food, it can buy from other countries. Also, farmers can learn new farming methods from other countries. For example, Vietnamese farmers now use better technology to grow more rice than before.
However, there are some problems too. Big companies sometimes control too much of the food market, which can be bad for small farmers. Also, when countries depend too much on imported food, they might have problems if there are problems with international shipping or trade.
I think globalization mostly helps food security. It makes it easier for countries to get food when they need it and helps farmers learn better ways to grow food. But governments should also protect local farmers and make sure their countries can grow some food themselves.
In conclusion, while globalization can cause some problems for food security, it generally helps more than it hurts. Countries should try to get the good things from globalization while protecting their local food systems.
Key Vocabulary
- Food security (n) /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərɪti/ – the state of having reliable access to sufficient food
- Agricultural productivity (n) /ˌæɡrɪˈkʌltʃərəl prɒdʌkˈtɪvɪti/ – efficiency in farming output
- Supply chain disruptions (n) /səˈplaɪ tʃeɪn dɪsˈrʌpʃənz/ – interruptions in the flow of goods
- Marginalize (v) /ˈmɑːdʒɪnəlaɪz/ – to treat someone or something as unimportant
- Price volatility (n) /praɪs ˌvɒləˈtɪlɪti/ – rapid and unpredictable price changes
Writing Practice Suggestion
Try writing your own essay about how globalization affects traditional farming methods or food distribution systems. Share your essay in the comments for feedback and discussion.