Globalization and its impact on environmental sustainability is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject due to its relevance in today’s interconnected world. Let’s explore this theme through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you prepare for your IELTS exam.
Analyzing the Task
Some people believe that globalization is destroying local cultures and environmental sustainability. Others claim it has positive effects. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the negative impacts of globalization on local cultures and environmental sustainability
- Present the positive effects of globalization
- Provide your personal opinion on the matter
Let’s examine three sample essays addressing this topic, each targeting a different band score.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Globalization has become an integral part of modern society, profoundly affecting various aspects of our lives. While some argue that it poses a threat to local cultures and environmental sustainability, others maintain that its benefits outweigh the drawbacks. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
On one hand, critics of globalization argue that it erodes local traditions and customs. As multinational corporations expand their reach, they often bring with them a homogenized culture that can overshadow indigenous practices. For instance, the proliferation of fast-food chains worldwide has led to a decline in traditional local cuisines in many countries. Furthermore, globalization has been linked to environmental degradation. The increased demand for goods and services has resulted in heightened industrial activities, leading to deforestation, air pollution, and climate change on a global scale.
Conversely, proponents of globalization highlight its numerous benefits. They argue that it fosters cultural exchange and understanding between nations, promoting diversity rather than uniformity. Moreover, globalization has facilitated the spread of technologies and practices that can enhance environmental sustainability. For example, the global sharing of renewable energy technologies has accelerated the transition towards cleaner energy sources in many developing countries.
In my opinion, while globalization does present challenges to local cultures and the environment, its potential for positive change cannot be overlooked. The key lies in striking a balance between global integration and local preservation. Governments and organizations should implement policies that protect cultural heritage and promote sustainable practices while harnessing the benefits of global interconnectedness.
In conclusion, globalization is a complex phenomenon with both positive and negative implications for local cultures and environmental sustainability. By acknowledging its drawbacks and leveraging its advantages, we can work towards a more inclusive and sustainable global future.
(Word count: 292)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent coherence, cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range, justifying a high band score:
-
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Cohesive devices are used effectively, and each paragraph has a clear central topic.
-
Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Examples include “erodes local traditions”, “homogenized culture”, “indigenous practices”, and “proliferation”.
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex structures are frequent and error-free.
-
Development and Support: Each main point is well-illustrated with relevant examples, such as the impact of fast-food chains on local cuisines and the spread of renewable energy technologies.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Globalization is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think it’s bad for local cultures and the environment, while others see it as something positive. In this essay, I will discuss both sides and give my own thoughts.
People who are against globalization say it’s harming local cultures. When big companies from other countries come in, they bring their own culture, which can make local traditions less important. For example, in many cities around the world, you see the same shops and restaurants, making these places look very similar. They also say globalization is bad for the environment. Factories in different countries produce more pollution, and shipping goods around the world uses a lot of fuel.
On the other hand, people who support globalization say it has good effects. They believe it helps people from different countries understand each other better. It also allows good ideas to spread quickly. For instance, when one country finds a way to use clean energy, other countries can learn from them. This can help protect the environment.
In my opinion, globalization has both good and bad points. I think we need to find a way to keep the good parts while protecting local cultures and the environment. Governments should make rules to help with this.
To sum up, globalization affects local cultures and the environment in different ways. While it can cause problems, it also offers solutions. The important thing is to manage it carefully so that everyone can benefit.
(Word count: 263)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good control of language but lacks some of the sophistication of the Band 8-9 essay:
-
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but some points are underdeveloped.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but cohesive devices are not always used effectively.
-
Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used appropriately, but lacks the precision and sophistication of higher band scores.
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with generally good control and only occasional errors.
-
Development and Support: Main ideas are relevant, but some lack extension and supporting details.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Globalization is when countries work together and share things. Some people think it’s bad and some think it’s good. I will talk about both sides.
Some people say globalization is bad for local cultures. Big companies come to new places and change how people live. This can make old traditions go away. Also, they say it’s bad for nature. More factories make more pollution, which is not good for the Earth.
But other people think globalization is good. They say it helps people learn about other cultures. It can also help countries work together to fix big problems. For example, countries can share ideas about how to stop pollution.
I think globalization has good and bad things. We need to be careful and try to keep the good parts. We should also try to protect local cultures and nature.
In the end, globalization changes many things. It’s important to think about how to make it work well for everyone.
(Word count: 156)
Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates a modest attempt at addressing the task but falls short in several areas:
-
Task Response: The essay addresses the task in a general way but lacks depth and detail.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but ideas are not always clearly linked.
-
Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, with some repetition and lack of precision.
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Sentences are generally simple with limited complexity. There are some errors, but meaning is still clear.
-
Development and Support: Ideas are present but underdeveloped, lacking specific examples and elaboration.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Globalization (noun) /ˌɡləʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – the process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale
- Environmental sustainability (noun phrase) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl səˌsteɪnəˈbɪlɪti/ – the responsible interaction with the environment to avoid depletion or degradation of natural resources
- Erode (verb) /ɪˈrəʊd/ – gradually destroy or be gradually destroyed
- Indigenous (adjective) /ɪnˈdɪdʒɪnəs/ – originating or occurring naturally in a particular place
- Proliferation (noun) /prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃən/ – rapid increase in the number or amount of something
- Homogenized (adjective) /həˈmɒdʒənaɪzd/ – made uniform or similar
- Deforestation (noun) /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃən/ – the action of clearing a wide area of trees
- Renewable energy (noun phrase) /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – energy from a source that is not depleted when used
- Cultural heritage (noun phrase) /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society
- Sustainable practices (noun phrase) /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈpræktɪsɪz/ – methods of using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged
Conclusion
The topic of globalization and its impact on environmental sustainability is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. As you prepare, consider practicing with similar prompts such as:
- “To what extent do you agree that international trade is the main cause of environmental problems?”
- “Some people argue that economic growth is necessary for environmental protection, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
- “Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on the environment.”
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to fully address the task, organize your ideas coherently, use a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide relevant examples to support your arguments. Practice writing essays on these topics and feel free to share your attempts in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.