Discussing Globalization

Activity Overview:

In this activity, you will practice speaking about globalization, explaining what it is and discussing its impacts on the world. You will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of globalization and share your opinion on how it affects people today.

Step 1: Prepare for the Speaking Task (5-10 minutes)

Before you start speaking, take a few minutes to think about the topic and the questions.

Tips for Talking About Globalization:

• Define globalization: Start by explaining what globalization means.
  • Example: “Globalization is the process where countries around the world become connected through trade, communication, and culture.”
• Talk about the advantages: Mention some positive effects of globalization.
  • Example: “Globalization helps countries share new ideas, products, and technology. It also makes travel and communication easier.”
• Talk about the disadvantages: Discuss some negative effects of globalization.
  • Example: “On the downside, globalization can cause job losses in some industries as companies move their businesses to cheaper countries.”
• Give examples: Use real-world examples to explain your points.
  • Example: “For example, many companies now sell products all over the world because of the internet and shipping.”
• Stay simple and organized: Speak clearly and explain one idea at a time. Offer a balanced view by mentioning both the good and bad sides of globalization.

Step 2: Speaking Task

Prompt:
What is your opinion on globalization? Do you think it brings more benefits or problems to the world? Explain your thoughts with examples.

Time:

• You will speak for 2 minutes. Organize your thoughts and speak clearly.

Step 3: Sample Answer

Listen to the following example. This is how you can organize your thoughts for this topic.

“Globalization is the idea that countries, businesses, and people are becoming more connected. It has both good and bad effects on the world.

On the positive side, globalization helps people from different countries share ideas and products. For example, because of globalization, I can easily buy a phone from another country, and people from other countries can buy products from my country too. It also helps businesses grow and make more money by reaching customers all over the world.

However, globalization also has some negative effects. One problem is that it can lead to job losses in some countries because companies may move to places where labor is cheaper. For example, some factories move to countries with lower wages, leaving people in richer countries without jobs. It can also cause environmental damage because businesses may focus more on profit than protecting nature.

In my opinion, globalization has both good and bad sides. It’s important that we find a balance, so everyone can benefit from it, without causing harm to people or the environment.”

Step 4: Important Vocabulary

Here are some important words from the sample. Read their meanings and practice using them in your own sentences.

1. Globalization (noun)
   • Meaning: The process of countries and people becoming connected through trade, culture, and technology.
   • Usage: “Globalization has made it easier to communicate with people from different countries.”
2. Connected (adjective)
   • Meaning: Linked or joined together.
   • Usage: “With the internet, we are more connected to people around the world than ever before.”
3. Trade (noun)
   • Meaning: The exchange of goods or services between countries or businesses.
   • Usage: “International trade allows countries to buy and sell products.”
4. Industry (noun)
   • Meaning: A particular type of business or activity.
   • Usage: “The technology industry is growing because of globalization.”
5. Wages (noun)
   • Meaning: The money paid to workers for their work.
   • Usage: “Many workers in developing countries earn low wages because of the companies that have moved there.”

Step 5: Practice

1. Speak for 2 minutes:
   Answer the question: What is your opinion on globalization? Do you think it brings more benefits or problems to the world? Explain your thoughts with examples.Remember to:
   • Define globalization.
   • Talk about both the positive and negative effects.
   • Give at least one example for each side.
2. After speaking, review:
   Listen to your recording. Did you:
   • Speak clearly and confidently?
   • Explain both the positive and negative sides of globalization?
   • Stay within the time limit?

Step 6: Follow-up Activity

• Think about your own experience:
  • Have you ever used a product or service from another country? What was it like?
  • How has globalization affected your community or country?