IELTS HUBIELTS Positive-Negative Essay on Culture & World & Money
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Countries are becoming more and more similar because people are able to buy the same products anywhere in the world.
Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Paraphrase topic (globalization, same products). State opinion (negatives outweigh benefits).
Body Paragraph 1 Positive 1
Main benefit: Ease and consistency. Availability not limited by location. Consistent quality builds trust (iPhone example).
Body Paragraph 2 Positive 2
Another positive: Cultural exchange. Exposure to foreign products sparks curiosity. Promotes global unity (sushi example).
Body Paragraph 3 Negative 1
First drawback: Fading local cultures/traditions. Global products displace local industries. Loss of cultural diversity (traditional crafts example).
Body Paragraph 4 Negative 2
Second drawback: Economic inequality. Multinational companies benefit at the cost of local businesses. Causes instability and worsens wealth inequality.
Conclusion
Summarize main points (ease/exchange vs. fading culture/inequality). Restate opinion (more harmful). Suggest need for balance.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
Globalization has resulted in a blending of cultures, as people worldwide can now buy the same products. Although this has some benefits, I think the negatives outweigh them.
The main benefit of this trend is the ease it provides. Consumers are no longer limited by location when buying products. This ease goes beyond just availability; it also guarantees a consistent quality of goods. For example, a buyer in Tokyo can expect the same quality iPhone as a buyer in New York, building trust in international brands.
Another positive is the encouragement of cultural exchange. Being exposed to foreign products often sparks curiosity about the cultures they come from, promoting a feeling of global unity. For instance, the global popularity of sushi has led to a better appreciation and understanding of Japanese culture.
However, this worldwide sameness also has its drawbacks. The most significant is the fading of local cultures and traditions. As global products take over the market, local industries find it hard to compete, resulting in a loss of cultural diversity. This is seen in the decrease of traditional crafts in many countries, replaced by factory-made goods.
Moreover, this trend contributes to economic inequality. Rich multinational companies gain the most from this global consumerism, often at the cost of local businesses. This can cause economic instability in countries where local industries can't compete, worsening wealth inequality.
In conclusion, while the ease and cultural exchange brought about by global product availability are significant, the fading of local cultures and economic inequality make this trend more harmful. Therefore, it's crucial to find a balance between accepting global products and preserving local industries and cultures.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
Globalization has led to a homogenization of cultures, as people across the globe now have access to identical products. While this development has its merits, I believe the drawbacks are more significant.
The primary advantage of this trend is the convenience it offers. No longer are consumers restricted by geographical boundaries when shopping for products. This convenience extends beyond mere accessibility; it also ensures a uniform quality of goods. For instance, a consumer in Tokyo can be assured of the same quality iPhone as a consumer in New York, fostering trust in global brands.
Another positive aspect is the promotion of cultural exchange. Exposure to foreign products often piques interest in the cultures they originate from, fostering a sense of global unity. For example, the worldwide popularity of sushi has led to a greater appreciation and understanding of Japanese culture.
However, this global uniformity also has its downsides. The most significant of which is the erosion of local cultures and traditions. As global products dominate the market, local industries struggle to compete, leading to a loss of cultural diversity. This is evident in the decline of traditional crafts in many countries, replaced by mass-produced goods.
Additionally, this development contributes to economic disparity. Wealthy multinational corporations benefit the most from this global consumerism, often at the expense of local businesses. This can lead to economic instability in countries where local industries are unable to compete, exacerbating wealth inequality.
In conclusion, while the convenience and cultural exchange facilitated by global product availability are noteworthy, the erosion of local cultures and economic disparity render this development more detrimental. Thus, it is imperative to strike a balance between embracing global products and preserving local industries and cultures.