IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.
IELTS Essay # 1172 - Countries are becoming more and more similar
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic.
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?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [It is a positive development]
In today's globalized world, the availability of similar products worldwide is becoming increasingly common. While some may argue that this trend of homogenization is negative, I strongly believe that it is a positive development for various reasons.
To begin with, the availability of similar products worldwide is a positive development as it facilitates cultural exchange. When people are able to access the same products and services, they also become exposed to different cultures and traditions. This can lead to a greater appreciation and understanding of other cultures, ultimately promoting peace and harmony among nations. For instance, the popularity of Japanese anime and Korean dramas has led to a growing interest in Japanese and Korean culture among young people worldwide.
Furthermore, the homogenization of products and services can be beneficial for businesses and consumers alike. When products are standardized, they become more affordable and accessible to a wider range of consumers, regardless of their location. This can also help small businesses expand globally and increase their revenue. For example, the availability of Starbucks coffee worldwide has helped the company become a global brand and increase its revenue, while also providing consumers with consistent quality coffee.
Finally, the availability of similar products worldwide also promotes innovation and competition. When companies are able to reach a wider audience, they are more likely to invest in research and development to improve their products and services. This leads to a cycle of innovation and competition, resulting in better quality products for consumers worldwide. For instance, the competition between smartphone companies such as Apple and Samsung has led to rapid technological advancements in the field of mobile devices.
In conclusion, the availability of similar products worldwide is a positive development that promotes cultural exchange, benefits businesses and consumers and promotes innovation and competition. While there may be some minor concerns about this trend, the benefits of this trend make it a welcoming trend.
Model Answer 2: [It is a negative development]
These days, people across the globe can purchase the same products no matter where they are. As a result, some believe that countries are becoming more and more similar. In my opinion, this is a negative development, and I will discuss my reasons in this essay.
One of the main reasons it is a negative trend is because it undermines cultural diversity. When countries have unique products that are not found anywhere else, it showcases their distinctiveness. However, with the easy availability of the same products everywhere, these unique items may cease to exist or become less valuable. Furthermore, when people focus on buying the same products, they may start to lose interest in exploring and appreciating different cultures, leading to a homogenization of customs and traditions. One example could be the traditional craftsmanship of handmade textiles in remote villages. In the past, these intricate textiles were highly valued and served as a source of pride for the community. However, with the global accessibility of machine-made textiles flooding the market, the demand for traditional handmade ones dwindled.
Another problem with this development is that it can lead to a rise in environmental damage. When the same products are available everywhere, they are often produced in mass quantities to meet global demand. This can result in more environmental degradation due to increased manufacturing, transportation, and waste. An example of how the easy availability of the same products everywhere can lead to environmental damage is the mass production of disposable plastic water bottles. With the demand for bottled water soaring worldwide, manufacturers produce billions of plastic bottles annually to meet global needs. This mass production contributes to the depletion of natural resources, and leads to a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions during manufacturing and transportation processes.
In conclusion, while the availability of the same products worldwide can be convenient, I believe that it has severe negative consequences. It can lead to a loss of cultural diversity, which is an essential aspect of our society and can contribute to environmental degradation. Therefore, we should strive to preserve unique local products and seek ways to reduce our reliance on global supply chains.
Sample Answer 3: [It is a positive development]
With globalisation, technological advancements and international agreements for open trade facilities, differences between nations in terms of their lifestyle, food habits, fashion, choices and traditions have reduced significantly. Since many international products are easily accessible globally, people now have far more choices and freedom, and it has enhanced people's lifestyles and narrowed the gaps among nations. I postulate this trend as a positive development.
To begin with, the availability of international brands like Apple, Nike, Pepsi, Samsung, Nestle, Unilever etc. enables consumers to purchase quality products. For instance, someone in India can use the same technological products from Intel and Microsoft that an American uses. This facilitates reducing gaps between these two countries. 'Barriers and gaps' among nations were a predominant reason for conflicts in the past, and with the advancement of technology and mutual trade agreements, nations now know about foreign cultures more than they did ever before. This diminishes global tension and helps prevail in global peace.
Furthermore, consumers are not trapped with low-quality local products, and wider freedom lets them enjoy a better lifestyle. With the competition, local manufacturers are forced to produce quality products at competitive prices. With this development, some local companies have also gained international recognition as manufacturers. For instance, the quality of locally produced cars in my country was average. But with the emergence of international brands a few decades ago, we now have world-class car manufacturing companies of our own.
To conclude, barriers and gaps among nations divide people and create a master-slave relationship among nations. The present era has plummeted this egregious trend to a great extent, and the similar lifestyle and availability of international products have helped this to happen.
Sample Answer 4: [It is a negative development]
In recent times, globalisation has led to the homogenisation of cultures, particularly in terms of the products that people consume. The ease of buying products from anywhere in the world has resulted in a loss of diversity, which is undoubtedly a negative development. In this essay, I will discuss the negative impacts of countries becoming more similar due to the availability of the same products everywhere.
To commence with, the loss of cultural diversity can lead to a reduction in unique traditions and customs, which is a significant disadvantage of this trend. For example, when fast-food chains such as McDonald's and KFC enter new markets, they often replace traditional food options, leading to the disappearance of unique cuisines. Additionally, the loss of diversity can also have an impact on the way people dress and the type of entertainment they enjoy.
Furthermore, this trend can hurt local economies. When large corporations can sell the same products worldwide, it can lead to the closure of small, locally-owned businesses. This can result in job losses and a decline in the diversity of products and services available in the local market. In addition, the prevalence of the same products everywhere can also lead to the rise of consumerism, which has several negative consequences. People are encouraged to constantly consume and discard products, which can lead to environmental degradation and an increase in waste. For example, the popularity of fast fashion brands selling identical clothing worldwide promotes excessive consumerism, encouraging people to continuously buy and dispose of cheaply made garments, contributing to environmental pollution and waste.
In conclusion, the homogenization of cultures due to the availability of the same products everywhere is a negative development. It leads to a loss of cultural diversity, a negative impact on local economies, and encourages consumerism, which can have several detrimental effects on individuals, ther environment and society as a whole.
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