The Effects of Globalization on Local Economies - TOEFL iBT® Writing Integrated Practice Test

The Writing Integrated Task of the TOEFL exam challenges your ability to combine information from both reading and listening materials. In this practice test, we focus on the topic 'The Effects of Globalisation on Local Economies' and provide a sample answer to guide you in preparing effectively. This practice test is designed to help you understand the task structure, improve your writing skills, and boost your TOEFL score.

Writing Instructions 

• You'll read a passage and listen to a lecture on an academic topic.
• You may take notes while listening to aid comprehension.
• Then you will write a response to a question that asks you about the lecture you heard.
• Answer the question comprehensively using information from the lecture. Avoid expressing personal opinions in the response.
• There is no strict word limit. However, an effective response is considered to be within 150 to 225 words.
• Your response will be assessed based on writing quality, content accuracy, and completeness.

Globalisation has had a big impact on local economies, bringing about several positive changes that contribute to economic growth and development.One of the main benefits of globalization is the increased access to international markets. Local businesses can expand their reach beyond their own borders, allowing them to tap into a larger customer base. This access to global markets can lead to higher sales, increased income, and the potential for business growth. Also, exposure to international competition encourages local companies to innovate and improve their products and services, making them more competitive.Another significant advantage is the flow of foreign investment. Globalisation attracts multinational corporations to invest in local economies, bringing money, technology, and expertise. These investments can lead to the creation of new jobs, the building of infrastructure, and the transfer of knowledge and skills to the local workforce. Foreign investment can stimulate economic activity and contribute to the overall development of the local economy. Globalisation also makes it easier to exchange ideas and best practices. Through international partnerships, local businesses and industries can learn from global leaders and adopt more efficient and effective methods. This exchange of knowledge can lead to improved productivity, better management practices, and the adoption of advanced technologies. As a result, local economies can become more dynamic and strong in the face of global economic challenges.

Also, globalization can lead to a more diverse and lively economy. The introduction of new products, services, and cultural influences can enrich the local market, providing consumers with a wider range of choices. This diversity can stimulate demand and drive economic growth. Also, the presence of multinational companies can create a more competitive business environment, encouraging local firms to innovate and improve their offerings.

Now play the audio.

Question 

Summarise the lecture’s key points and explain how they challenge or support the reading passage’s claims.

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Transcript of the Audio of the Lecture on The Effects of Globalisation on Local Economies

Professor: While globalisation has its benefits, there are several reasons to be cautious about its impact on local economies. First, increased access to international markets can lead to the decline of local industries. Local businesses, especially small and medium-sized ones, may struggle to compete with large multinational corporations that have more resources and cost advantages. This competition can result in the closure of local businesses, leading to job losses and economic instability in the community.Second, the flow of foreign investment might not always benefit the local economy as expected. Multinational corporations often send their profits back to their home countries, which means that a significant portion of the revenue generated does not stay within the local economy. Also, these corporations might prioritize their interests over the needs of the local community, leading to the misuse of local resources and labor without fair pay or benefits.Also, the exchange of ideas and best practices can sometimes lead to cultural sameness. The dominance of global brands and practices can overshadow local traditions and industries, eroding cultural diversity. This sameness can result in the loss of unique cultural identities and local craftsmanship, which are important aspects of a community's heritage and economic sustainability.Lastly, the increased competition brought about by globalization can worsen economic inequalities. While some sectors and individuals may thrive, others may be left behind. The benefits of globalization are often unevenly distributed, leading to a widening gap between the wealthy and the poor. This inequality can create social tensions and undermine the social unity needed for sustainable economic development.

Sample Responses for the Integrated Writing Task on The Effects of Globalisation on Local Economies

Below, you’ll find a thorough examination of responses from mid-level to high-level, with guidance on enhancing your performance to reach your target score:

 Mid Level Response

The reading passage argues that globalization benefits local economies by increasing access to international markets, attracting foreign investment, exchanging ideas, and creating economic diversity. But the lecture has some points against this idea.The reading says globalization allows local businesses to expand their reach and become more competitive. But the lecture argues that increased access to international markets can lead to the decline of local industries, as small and medium-sized businesses may struggle to compete with large multinational corporations, resulting in job losses and economic instability.Regarding foreign investment, the reading claims that it brings money, technology, and expertise to local economies, creating jobs and stimulating economic activity. The lecture, however, argues that multinational corporations often repatriate their profits, meaning that a significant portion of the revenue does not stay within the local economy. Additionally, these corporations might prioritize their interests over the needs of the local community, leading to the misuse of local resources and unfair labor practices.The reading also emphasizes the benefits of exchanging ideas and best practices, stating that it can lead to improved productivity and advanced technologies. The lecture challenges this by suggesting that the dominance of global brands and practices can overshadow local traditions and industries, eroding cultural diversity and leading to cultural sameness.

Rater's Comment:

This response provides a summary of the main points from both the reading and the lecture, but it has some limitations that prevent it from achieving a higher score. While the response accurately identifies the key arguments from both sources, it lacks depth in its analysis and explanation. For example, the response mentions that the lecture argues against the economic impact of foreign investment, but it does not elaborate on how the repatriation of profits affects the local economy. Additionally, the response has some grammatical errors, such as "The reading says globalization allows local businesses to expand their reach and become more competitive," which could be more clearly stated as "The reading suggests that globalization allows local businesses to expand their reach and become more competitive." The response also lacks a conclusion, which would help to summarize the overall relationship between the reading and the lecture. Furthermore, the response could benefit from more effective use of transitions to improve coherence and flow. Despite these issues, the response demonstrates a basic understanding of the material and provides a clear comparison of the opposing viewpoints. Overall, this response meets the criteria for a mid-level score, but it could be improved with more detailed analysis, better organization, and fewer grammatical errors.

 High Level Response

The reading passage highlights the positive impacts of globalization on local economies, such as increased access to international markets, foreign investment, the exchange of ideas, and economic diversity. However, the lecture presents several counterarguments to these points.The reading suggests that globalization allows local businesses to expand their reach and become more competitive. The lecture counters this by arguing that increased access to international markets can lead to the decline of local industries, as small and medium-sized businesses may struggle to compete with large multinational corporations, resulting in job losses and economic instability.Regarding foreign investment, the reading claims that it brings money, technology, and expertise to local economies, creating jobs and stimulating economic activity. The lecture, however, argues that multinational corporations often repatriate their profits, meaning that a significant portion of the revenue does not stay within the local economy. Additionally, these corporations might prioritize their interests over the needs of the local community, leading to the misuse of local resources and unfair labor practices.The reading also emphasizes the benefits of exchanging ideas and best practices, stating that it can lead to improved productivity and advanced technologies. The lecture challenges this by suggesting that the dominance of global brands and practices can overshadow local traditions and industries, eroding cultural diversity and leading to cultural sameness.

Finally, the reading highlights the economic diversity brought about by globalization, providing consumers with a wider range of choices and stimulating demand. The lecture, however, argues that increased competition can worsen economic inequalities, as the benefits of globalization are often unevenly distributed, leading to a widening gap between the wealthy and the poor and creating social tensions.

Rater's Comment:

This response deserves a high score because it effectively summarizes the main points from both the reading and the lecture, demonstrating a clear understanding of the material. The response is well-organized, with each paragraph addressing a specific point of contention between the reading and the lecture. For example, the first paragraph discusses the potential decline of local industries due to increased access to international markets, while the second addresses the impact of foreign investment. The response accurately paraphrases the information from both sources, avoiding direct copying and demonstrating the ability to convey complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. Additionally, the response maintains an objective tone, focusing on summarizing the relationship between the reading and the lecture without expressing personal opinions. The use of transitions, such as "The lecture counters this by arguing" and "The lecture, however, argues," effectively highlights the opposing viewpoints, contributing to the overall coherence and flow of the essay. The language used is appropriate for a college-level response, with strong control over grammar and vocabulary, and only minor errors that do not affect the overall meaning. Overall, this response meets all the criteria for a high score, effectively presenting the key information from both the reading and the lecture in a well-organized and coherent manner.

Strategies for Taking the Integrated Writing Task on The Effects of Globalisation on Local Economies

To excel in the TOEFL Integrated Writing Task, consider the following strategies to manage your time effectively and craft a well-organized essay:

1. Understand the Task: Start by thoroughly reading the prompt to determine what is required. In this instance, you need to summarize the lecture’s main points and explain how they either challenge or support the reading passage regarding the effects of globalization.

2. Take Effective Notes: While listening to the lecture, jot down detailed notes on the key arguments, evidence, and examples presented. Pay attention to areas where the lecture either contradicts or supports the reading passage. For instance, note any references to the decline of local industries or economic inequalities discussed in the lecture.

3. Analyze Both Sources: After the lecture, go back to the reading passage and compare its points with those from the lecture. For example, while the reading suggests that globalization benefits local businesses, the lecture argues that small businesses might suffer. Recognize and understand both the agreements and disagreements between the two sources.

4. Structure Your Essay: Clearly Adopt a clear structure that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion: Introduction: Briefly outline the main topics of the reading and the lecture.

• Body Paragraphs: Summarize the key points from the reading and compare them to the lecture, emphasizing how the lecture challenges the reading.
• Organize your essay by topic : (e.g., foreign investment, cultural diversity).

5. Conclusion: Recap the overall comparison, highlighting the contrasts or similarities between the reading and the lecture. Use Specific Examples Include examples from both the reading passage and the lecture to bolster your analysis. For instance, you might mention how the lecture cautions that profits often leave the local economy, which directly contradicts the reading's assertion about the benefits of foreign investment.

6. Maintain Objective Language: Refrain from sharing personal opinions. Concentrate on objectively summarizing and comparing the perspectives from both the reading and the lecture.

8. Use Cohesive Devices: To ensure your essay flows smoothly, utilize cohesive devices.

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