77. Some people say that increasing business and cultural contact between countries brings many positive effects. Others say that it causes the loss of national identities.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Sample Answer 1

Band 8.5

Globalization, the process of increasing business and cultural contact between countries, has been a controversial issue in the modern world. Some people argue that it brings many positive effects, such as economic growth, cultural diversity, and social harmony. Others claim that it causes the loss of national identities, as countries become more homogeneous and influenced by dominant cultures. In this essay, I will discuss both sides of the argument and give my own opinion.

On the one hand, there are several benefits of globalization for countries and their people. Firstly, globalization facilitates economic development and trade, as countries can access new markets, resources, and technologies. This can create more opportunities, jobs, and income for the people, as well as improve their living standards and welfare. Secondly, globalization promotes cultural diversity and exchange, as countries can learn from each other and appreciate their differences. 

This can enrich the knowledge, creativity, and tolerance of the people, as well as foster mutual respect and understanding. Thirdly, globalization enhances social harmony and cooperation, as countries can work together to solve common problems and challenges. This can strengthen the peace, security, and stability of the world, as well as reduce conflicts and violence.

On the other hand, there are also some drawbacks of globalization for countries and their national identities. Firstly, globalization may erode the distinctiveness and uniqueness of each country, as they adopt similar values, norms, and lifestyles. This can result in a loss of cultural identity and heritage, as well as a sense of belonging and pride for the people. Secondly, globalization may create inequalities and injustices, as some countries may dominate and exploit others. This can lead to a loss of sovereignty and autonomy, as well as a lack of representation and participation for the people. Thirdly, globalization may pose threats and challenges, as countries may face competition and conflicts over scarce resources and interests. This can undermine the security and stability of the world, as well as increase tensions and violence.

In conclusion, I think that globalization has both positive and negative effects for countries and their national identities. I believe that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, as globalization can bring more opportunities, diversity, and harmony to the world. However, I also think that countries should preserve and protect their national identities, as they are an important part of their history and culture. Therefore, I believe that globalization should be balanced and regulated, so that it can benefit all countries and their people.

Difficult Words/Phrases with Example Sentences:

Homogeneous (adjective) - Similar or identical in many respects.

Example: Critics fear that globalization leads to countries becoming culturally homogeneous, losing their unique characteristics.

Tolerance (noun) - Willingness to accept or endure something, especially a view or behavior that is different from your own.

Example: Globalization can promote tolerance as people encounter diverse cultures and learn to appreciate their differences.

Sovereignty (noun) - The authority of a nation to govern itself within its own borders.

Example: Some countries worry that globalization may threaten their sovereignty and ability to make independent decisions.

Exploit (verb) - To take unfair advantage of someone or something for your own benefit.

Example: Concerns exist that powerful countries may exploit weaker ones in a globalized world.

Regulated (verb) - Controlled or governed by rules or laws.

Example: Some advocate for regulating globalization to protect national identities and ensure fairer international cooperation.

77. Some people say that increasing business and cultural contact between countries brings many positive effects. Others say that it causes the loss of national identities.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Sample Answer 2

Band 8.5

In the era of globalization, many countries have increased their business and cultural interactions with each other. Some people believe that this trend has many benefits, such as economic growth, cultural diversity, and global cooperation. However, others argue that it leads to the loss of national identities, as people adopt foreign values, languages, and lifestyles. In this essay, I will discuss both views and give my own opinion.

On the one hand, there are several advantages of having more business and cultural contact between countries. Firstly, it can boost the economy of both the host and the guest countries, as they can trade goods and services, attract foreign investment, and create more jobs. Secondly, it can enrich the cultural landscape of a country, as people can learn from different perspectives, traditions, and art forms. Thirdly, it can foster global understanding and peace, as people can communicate and collaborate with each other, and resolve conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.

On the other hand, there are also some drawbacks of having more business and cultural contact between countries. Firstly, it can erode the national identity of a country, as people may lose their sense of belonging, pride, and loyalty to their own nation. Secondly, it can threaten the local culture of a country, as people may abandon their native language, customs, and values, and adopt those of foreign countries. Thirdly, it can create social and political problems, as people may face discrimination, inequality, and conflicts due to cultural differences and competition.

In conclusion, increasing business and cultural contact between countries has both positive and negative effects, and the key is to find a balance between them. I think that countries should embrace the opportunities and challenges of globalization, and promote mutual respect and tolerance among different cultures. I also think that countries should preserve and celebrate their national identities, and protect their cultural heritage and diversity.

Difficult Words/Phrases with Example Sentences:

Host and Guest Countries (nouns) - In the context of globalization, "host" refers to the country receiving foreign businesses and cultural influences, while "guest" refers to the country initiating them.

Example: Thailand is a popular tourist destination, making it both a host and guest country in terms of cultural exchange.

Landscape (noun) - In this context, it refers to the overall cultural environment of a country.

Example: Globalization has significantly altered the cultural landscape of many nations.

Dialogue and Diplomacy (nouns) - "Dialogue" refers to peaceful communication, while "diplomacy" refers to the official representation of one country to another.

Example: Globalization necessitates strong skills in dialogue and diplomacy to resolve international conflicts peacefully.

Erode (verb) - To gradually weaken or destroy something.

Example: Unchecked cultural influences from abroad can erode a nation's traditional customs.

Discrimination (noun) - Treating someone unfairly based on their race, religion, or other personal characteristics.

Example: Globalization can exacerbate existing issues of discrimination if cultural understanding is not fostered.

77. Some people say that increasing business and cultural contact between countries brings many positive effects. Others say that it causes the loss of national identities.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Sample Answer 3

Band 8.5

The world has become more interconnected and interdependent than ever before, as many countries have expanded their business and cultural relations with each other. Some people think that this phenomenon has a positive impact, such as enhancing the quality of life, promoting cultural exchange, and strengthening global solidarity. However, others contend that it has a negative impact, such as weakening the national identity, diluting the local culture, and causing global problems. In this essay, I will examine both sides and state my own opinion.

On the positive side, there are many benefits of having more business and cultural contact between countries. Firstly, it can improve the standard of living of both the host and the guest countries, as they can access more goods and services, increase their income and productivity, and improve their infrastructure and technology. Secondly, it can stimulate the cultural diversity of a country, as people can experience different ways of thinking, behaving, and expressing themselves. Thirdly, it can enhance the global cooperation and integration, as people can share their knowledge and skills, support each other in times of need, and work together to solve common issues.

On the negative side, there are also some costs of having more business and cultural contact between countries. Firstly, it can undermine the national identity of a country, as people may feel less attached, proud, and loyal to their own nation. Secondly, it can endanger the local culture of a country, as people may neglect their native language, traditions, and values, and assimilate to those of foreign countries. Thirdly, it can generate social and environmental problems, as people may encounter prejudice, injustice, and violence due to cultural clashes and competition.

In conclusion, increasing business and cultural contact between countries has both advantages and disadvantages, and the challenge is to maximize the former and minimize the latter. I believe that countries should welcome the changes and opportunities of globalization, and encourage mutual learning and appreciation among different cultures. I also believe that countries should maintain and celebrate their national identities, and safeguard their cultural uniqueness and richness.

Difficult Words/Phrases with Example Sentences:

Word: Interdependent (adjective) - Relying on each other for existence or success.

Example: In a globalized world, countries are increasingly interdependent for trade, resources, and security.

Word: Contend (verb) - To claim or argue that something is true.

Example: Critics contend that globalization poses a threat to traditional cultures.

Word: Standard of living (noun) - The level of wealth, comfort, and material goods available to a person or country.

Example: Globalization has helped improve the standard of living in many developing countries.

Word: Stimulate (verb) - To encourage or increase the activity or development of something.

Example: Cultural exchange can stimulate creativity and innovation in various fields.

Word: Integration (noun) - The act or process of uniting or combining things.

Example: Globalization has led to greater integration of global markets and economies.

Word: Assimilate (verb) - To become similar to or part of another culture.

Example: Some worry that globalization leads to the homogenization of cultures, where all become similar and lose their distinctiveness.

Word: Prejudice (noun) - An unfair preconceived opinion about a person or group of people.

Example: Cultural differences can lead to prejudice and discrimination, posing a challenge to global harmony.