TASK TWO MODEL ESSAY: POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE
This type of essay question describes a change and asks the test-taker to write about whether the change (development) is good or bad.
In this model essay, a strong position in favour of the development is expressed. Usually, it is easier (for this question type) to choose a more definite position.
Remember, the golden rule of high IELTS grades is ‘develop every idea’. In this essay, only two main ideas are expressed (body paragraph 1 and 2) because it is better to use a few ideas but develop them fully than to list ideas and quickly move on to the next one.
Remember, all the model essays shown on this website follow structures that can be learned and practised by taking the writing courses available. There is no better way to learn how to write high-scoring IELTS essays.
Question
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?
Give reasons for your answers and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
Write at least 250 words
Model essay
Before the twentieth century, products from other countries were considered luxuries, but as transportation has improved and countries have opened their borders it has become increasingly cheap to move products internationally. These days, the scale of international trade means that similar products are available worldwide, and as a result countries are becoming more similar. For some, this phenomenon undermines cultural diversity, but this essay will argue that it is actually a positive change because it is beneficial for both economic growth and global security. Having similar products around the world benefits economies by increasing the size of the market because there is the potential for global trade. Italy, for example, benefits enormously from selling food worldwide to a market much larger than its population. This situation enables countries to take advantage of resources they have available or to sell more products specific to their regions, which increases international trade and benefits global economies. Without this, many countries and businesses may not be able to reach a wide market and would suffer economically as a result. Therefore, countries becoming more similar is often positive for economic growth. Furthermore, as economies overlap the chance of conflict between countries lessens. Economies reliant on globally sourced products need stability to function effectively so it is now in the national interest to find a solution to conflicts. An example of this could be the recent trade war between the USA and China. In the past, when their economies existed isolation, there may have been conflict, but now it is likely that compromise will be reached as the economic cost of conflict is too high. This is the direct result of having similar products available worldwide. To summarise, the economic benefits coupled with the increased security that nations experience as a result of having similar products on sale worldwide mean that this is a positive development. Policy makers should continue to encourage trade that makes countries and their citizens more similar. 325 words
