Globalization and Its Impact on Culture - TOEFL Reading Test

In the TOEFL iBT^® exam, mastering the academic texts is crucial for acing in the TOEFL Reading section. The segment is made in a way that it mirrors the challenges of reading in English-speaking academic situations, assessing skills like identifying main ideas, extracting details, making inferences, and recognising text structure. Always remember that being consistent in your practice is the key to excelling in this section. 

Our practice tests closely mimic the format and writing style of the actual exam, ensuring that you feel prepared and self-assured on  the test day. Therefore, join us in taking the TOEFL Practice Test centered on the passage 'Globalization and Its Impact on Culture' to familiarise yourself with the test format and note the areas for improvement!

Reading Instructions

• You have 15 minutes to read the following passage and answer all 9 questions related to it.  
• Most questions are worth 1 point, but the last question is worth more. The directions indicate how many points you will receive for that specific question. 
• The specific section/paragraphs have been provided again with the question for ease of understanding and quick solution.
• Some questions include a word or phrase that is highlighted in the question as well as in the paragraph for quick reference. 

Globalization and Its Impact on Culture

Globalisation has become common nowadays due to which nations are becoming more interdependent and connected to one another. It had a significant impact on cultures all over the world where cultural interactions have increased as organisations are growing globally in both positive and negative ways. Even though new ideas, innovative technologies, and new cultural practices can spread more easily, there are certain drawbacks as well. One of them being cultures colliding with one another that their regional identities and specific customs could be resurfaced by prevailing global influences.

Globalisation has helped nations to get a wider range of exposure in terms of cultural practices. The accessibility of global music, fashion, and cuisine has enhanced cultural variety and expanded people's horizons. Moreover, due to this exposure, individuals have a greater appreciation and knowledge of other cultures. However, traditional customs may get diluted and there wouldn't be specificity in the near future.

There have been many studies which have documented the effects of globalization such as blending of local traditions with global influences. It was observed that even though an increased rate of globalisation can enhance cultural experiences, it can also completely replace traditional practices. Traditional celebrations, for instance, that may have included aspects from a particular culture may eventually lose their original meaning. Through the introduction of fresh ideas and viewpoints, this can benefit societies, but it can also pose a threat to the preservation of distinctive cultural identities.

The media is essential to the international exchange of cultural goods. Cultural content can now reach viewers far outside of its nation of origin thanks to television, film, and the internet. International sporting events, K-pop, and Hollywood films are just a few instances of how the media has promoted cross-cultural interaction. This has increased knowledge of many cultures around the world, but it has also made some cultures more dominant than others. Indigenous cultures may be marginalised, for example, because Western media output is frequently more influential and accessible than regional cultural productions in many nations.

In addition to media influence, globalization has impacted cultural practices through economic integration. Multinational corporations often introduce their products and services to new markets, which can lead to changes in local consumption habits. For example, the global spread of fast-food chains has altered traditional eating patterns in many countries. While these changes can introduce new options and conveniences, they may also erode traditional food practices and contribute to a loss of cultural heritage.

Despite these challenges, there are efforts to preserve and promote cultural diversity in the face of globalization. Many organizations and governments are working to safeguard intangible cultural heritage, such as traditional music, dance, and festivals. Additionally, there is a growing movement to support local artisans and cultural enterprises, ensuring that traditional crafts and practices remain vibrant. By striking a balance between embracing global influences and preserving local traditions, societies can navigate the complexities of globalization while maintaining cultural diversity.

Directions: Once you have read the passage, answer the following questions.

Paragraph 1 

Globalisation has become common nowadays due to which nations are becoming more interdependent and connected to one another. It had a significant impact on cultures all over the world where cultural interactions have increased as organisations are growing globally in both positive and negative ways. Even though new ideas, innovative technologies, and new cultural practices can spread more easily, there are certain drawbacks as well. One of them being cultures colliding with one another that their regional identities and specific customs could be resurfaced by prevailing global influences.

1. According to Paragraph 1, what can be inferred about the author's view on globalization's impact on cultures?
   1. Globalization has only positive effects on cultural practices.
   2. Globalization leads to the disappearance of local cultures.
   3. Both the spread of new ideas and the potential loss of regional identities due to globalization.
   4. Regional identities have become stronger due to globalization.

Paragraph 2

Globalisation has helped nations to get a wider range of exposure in terms of cultural practices. The accessibility of global music, fashion, and cuisine has enhanced cultural variety and expanded people's horizons. Moreover, due to this exposure, individuals have a greater appreciation and knowledge of other cultures. However, traditional customs may get diluted and there wouldn't be specificity in the near future.

1. The word “diluted” in Paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to
   1. Strengthened
   2. Weakened
   3. Preserved
   4. Intensified

1. According to Paragraph 2, what is one positive impact of globalization on culture?
   1. It has led to the disappearance of traditional customs.
   2. It has made it difficult for people to access global music and fashion.
   3. It has increased people's appreciation and knowledge of other cultures.
   4. It has reduced the variety of cultural practices available.

Paragraph 3

There have been many studies which have documented the effects of globalization such as blending of local traditions with global influences. It was observed that even though an increased rate of globalisation can enhance cultural experiences, it can also completely replace traditional practices. Traditional celebrations, for instance, that may have included aspects from a particular culture may eventually lose their original meaning. Through the introduction of fresh ideas and viewpoints, this can benefit societies, but it can also pose a threat to the preservation of distinctive cultural identities.

1. According to Paragraph 3, all of the following are effects of globalization EXCEPT:
   1. The blending of local traditions with global influences.
   2. The enhancement of cultural experiences.
   3. The complete replacement of traditional practices.
   4. The elimination of new ideas and viewpoints from societies.

1. The word “enhance” in Paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to : 
   1. Limit
   2. Improve
   3. Replace
   4. Maintain

Paragraph 4

The media is essential to the international exchange of cultural goods. Cultural content can now reach viewers far outside of its nation of origin thanks to television, film, and the internet. International sporting events, K-pop, and Hollywood films are just a few instances of how the media has promoted cross-cultural interaction. This has increased knowledge of many cultures around the world, but it has also made some cultures more dominant than others. Indigenous cultures may be marginalised, for example, because Western media output is frequently more influential and accessible than regional cultural productions in many nations.

1. According to Paragraph 4, the word "This" in the sentence, "This has increased knowledge of many cultures around the world, but it has also made some cultures more dominant than others", refers to: 
   1. The influence of indigenous cultures
   2. The availability of Western media
   3. The role of the media in promoting cross-cultural interaction
   4. The dominance of regional cultural productions

1. According to paragraph 4, what is one way in which the media has promoted cross-cultural interaction?
   1. By restricting access to regional cultural productions.
   2. By making international sporting events accessible to a global audience.
   3. By preventing the dominance of Western cultures.
   4. By limiting the exchange of cultural goods to certain regions.

Paragraphs 5

In addition to media influence, globalization has impacted cultural practices through economic integration. Multinational corporations often introduce their products and services to new markets, which can lead to changes in local consumption habits. For example, the global spread of fast-food chains has altered traditional eating patterns in many countries. While these changes can introduce new options and conveniences, they may also erode traditional food practices and contribute to a loss of cultural heritage.

1. The word “erode” in paragraph 5 is closest in meaning to
   1. Strengthen
   2. Preserve
   3. Diminish
   4. Support

Paragraph 6

Despite these challenges, there are efforts to preserve and promote cultural diversity in the face of globalization. (A) Many organizations and governments are working to safeguard intangible cultural heritage, such as traditional music, dance, and festivals. (B) Additionally, there is a growing movement to support local artisans and cultural enterprises, ensuring that traditional crafts and practices remain vibrant. (C) By striking a balance between embracing global influences and preserving local traditions, societies can navigate the complexities of globalization while maintaining cultural diversity. (D)

Directions: Review the excerpt from the passage provided above. The letters (A), (B), (C), and (D) denote where the subsequent sentence could be incorporated.

1. These efforts aim to ensure that cultural diversity does not diminish in a rapidly globalizing world.
   
   Where would the sentence most appropriately belong?
   1. Choice A
   2. Choice B
   3. Choice C
   4. Choice D

Hold on!  Before checking your answers and matching them, explore the TOEFL Exam Pattern and Syllabus!

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Globalization and Its Impact on Culture

1.  Answer: C

Explanation:  The correct answer is option C. According to paragraph 1, it depicts both the advantages of globalisation, like the spread of new ideas and technological advancements, and its drawbacks, like the possibility for local identities and customs to be overshadowed by influences from around the world. This indicates that the author views the impacts of globalisation on cultures having benefits as well as drawbacks. Therefore, the option C is the correct answer.

2. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. In the context of the sentence, the word refers to the weakening or reduction in the strength or purity of something. According to the paragraph, it can be concluded that it suggests that traditional customs might lose their distinctiveness or become less pure due to the influence of global culture. The only option which is closer to the meaning would be option B.

3. Answer: C

Explanation: The correct answer is option C. In paragraph 2, it mentions that globalization has expanded cultural variety and enhanced people's appreciation and understanding of other cultures. This is seen as a positive impact of globalization on culture and therefore, the option C is the right answer.

4. Answer: D

Explanation: The correct answer is option D. Paragraph 3 talks about how local customs can be combined with influences from around the world, along with how cultural experiences can be improved, and how old behaviours might eventually be replaced. However, it asserts that globalisation brings new ideas and perspectives that might be beneficial to societies rather than mentioning the disappearance of newideas and points of view.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. From the sentence given in the paragraph, it explains that it means to improve or increase the quality, value, or extent of something. Therefore, it refers to globalization potentially improving cultural experiences by blending them with global influences.

6. Answer: C

Explanation: The correct answer is option C. In this question, the sentence refers to the media's role in spreading cultural content globally, which has increased cultural awareness but also led to the dominance of certain cultures over others. Therefore, the term "This" refers to the media's role in promoting cross-cultural interaction, making option C as the correct option.

7. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. The paragraph provides examples like international sporting events, K-pop, and Hollywood films as ways the media has promoted cross-cultural interaction. Making international sporting events accessible to a global audience is one of the key examples mentioned. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

8. Answer: C

Explanation: The correct answer is option C. In the context of the information given in the paragraph, the word means to gradually wear away or diminish something. In this context, it refers to the gradual loss or weakening of traditional food practices due to the influence of global fast-food chains. Therefore, the option C is the correct answer.

9. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. This is an Insert Text question where you are required to select the appropriate place to insert the provided sentence within the passage. The sentence discusses efforts to ensure cultural diversity is preserved and placing at option B seems logical as it highlights the goal of these initiatives and comes just after the statement of a growing movement to assist regional artists and cultural businesses.

Well done on completing the "Globalization and Its Impact on Culture" practice test! Curious to dive deeper into TOEFL preparation? We offer an array of resources designed to enhance your skills and familiarity with the exam format. Whether it's practice tests, study guides, or tips, we're here to support your learning journey.

So, why wait? Click on the next practice test and start your journey to success!

Also Read: