IELTS Academic & General Training Writing Task 2 sample essay for both intermediate and advanced levels
IELTS Writing Task 2 (an essay for Academic & General Training)
The expansion of multinational companies and increase in globalisation produce positive effects for everyone.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Intermediate Level Answer:
In recent years, multinational companies have expanded across the world, and globalisation has become a common phenomenon. Some people believe that these changes bring benefits to everyone. I partly agree with this opinion because although there are many advantages, there are also some drawbacks.
On the one hand, multinational companies create a large number of job opportunities. When these companies open offices or factories in different countries, they hire local workers, which reduces unemployment. For example, many people in developing countries have found stable jobs in international companies, which improves their living standards. In addition, globalisation allows people to access products from all over the world. This means that consumers have more choices and can enjoy better quality goods at competitive prices.
On the other hand, the influence of multinational companies is not always positive. Many local businesses find it hard to compete with large international brands, which can lead to their closure. This may result in job losses for people who work in small companies. Furthermore, globalisation can lead to the loss of cultural identity because people may start adopting foreign lifestyles and neglect their own traditions.
In conclusion, the expansion of multinational companies and globalisation bring both benefits and challenges. I believe they are generally positive, but governments should ensure that local businesses and cultures are protected.
Advanced Level Answer:
The rapid proliferation of multinational corporations, coupled with the acceleration of globalisation, has reshaped economies, cultures, and societies worldwide. While proponents argue that these developments are universally beneficial, I believe the reality is more nuanced. Although globalisation and corporate expansion offer substantial economic and social advantages, they also present significant challenges that must be addressed.
Undoubtedly, multinational companies stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities. By establishing operations in diverse regions, they inject capital, transfer advanced technologies, and train local workers. This not only enhances productivity but also fosters skill development, which is particularly advantageous for emerging economies. Furthermore, globalisation facilitates the free flow of goods, services, and ideas, granting consumers access to a wider variety of products at lower costs, while encouraging cross-cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
However, these benefits are not evenly distributed. The dominance of multinational corporations can undermine local enterprises, leading to monopolistic practices and reduced market diversity. Small and medium-sized businesses often lack the resources to compete with the marketing power and economies of scale enjoyed by global giants. Moreover, the cultural homogenisation driven by globalisation risks eroding traditional customs and values, replacing them with a more standardised, Western-influenced culture. This can lead to a gradual loss of cultural heritage and identity.
In conclusion, while the expansion of multinational companies and globalisation can generate considerable economic and cultural benefits, they are not universally advantageous. For these processes to yield positive outcomes for all, governments must implement policies that protect local industries and preserve cultural traditions, ensuring that the benefits of globalisation are shared equitably.
IELTS Writing band score analysis
For the intermediate essay I’d give an overall band of about 6.0–6.5 (most likely 6.0): Task Response 6.0 (clear position but underdeveloped ideas), Coherence & Cohesion 6.0 (logical but basic linking), Lexical Resource 6.0 (accurate but limited vocabulary), Grammatical Range & Accuracy 6.5 (mostly correct with some complex sentences); to raise it, add one specific example, richer topic vocabulary (e.g., FDI, skill transfer), and a couple more complex sentences.
For the advanced essay I’d rate it around band 8.0 (8.0–8.5 possible): Task Response 8.0 (balanced and nuanced), Coherence & Cohesion 8.0 (smooth logical flow), Lexical Resource 8.0–8.5 (precise and topic-specific), Grammatical Range & Accuracy 8.0 (wide, accurate control); to push toward 8.5+, add one concise real-world example or statistic and a brief nuanced counterexample/rebuttal.