ESSAY INFORMATION:
Written by: Xuân Phi, 20/05/2024
Supported by: Ex-BC Examiner, 21/05/2024
Question: Many different countries have most shops and products as the same. Some consider it a positive development, whereas others consider it negative. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
(IELTS Academic – 18/05/2024)
ANSWER (8.0+):
Countries around the world increasingly feature similar stores and merchandise. While some people view this trend positively, others have the opposite perspective. In this essay, I will elaborate on both sides of the argument and the reasons why I lean toward the former opinion.
On the one hand, the proliferation of the same stores and products internationally can be unwelcoming for two main reasons. The foremost one lies in the increasingly stiff competition that local businesses endure. Specifically, stores and items that are present globally are usually owned by multinational corporations, which have not only greater financial power but also superior management practices. These advantages enable them to outperform local companies, possibly underscoring losses for the local economy. Additionally, global shop and product designs might hinder the promotion of traditional cultures. This is because these designs tend to be standardized globally, mostly failing to incorporate cultural features, such as ancient motifs and crafts, of every country. Consequently, locals, especially new generations, might have little understanding or appreciation of their traditional designs.
On the other hand, this trend can be viewed positively. Firstly, it can provide people with high-quality products. In reality, global brands tend to meet stringent requirements of various countries, ensuring the quality of their goods. Take Similac Newborn as a prime example. Sold in numerous countries, including the highly demanding markets of Japan and the United States, this infant formula must adhere to extremely high nutritional standards. Another justification is that consumers often have good experiences in multinational stores. This is due to the frequent training sessions that employees of these shops undergo. For instance, staff at Haidilao, a Chinese hotpot restaurant chain, are required to participate in training at least once a month, resulting in exceptional customer service.
In conclusion, both perspectives have their own validity. However, I am of the opinion that the presence of the same shops or products in various nations is advantageous as it bolsters goods’ quality and customer experience. That is why governments should provide specialised benefits to attract international brands to invest in their countries.
(Word count: 344)
WORD LIST
ENGLISH | TIẾNG VIỆT |
The increasingly stiff competition | Sự cạnh tranh ngày càng gay gắt |
Multinational corporations | Các tập đoàn đa quốc gia |
Great financial power | Sức mạnh tài chính lớn |
Superior management practices | Phương pháp quản lý vượt trội |
Hinder the promotion of traditional cultures | Cản trở việc phát huy văn hóa truyền thống |
Cultural features | Nét văn hóa |
Meet stringent requirements | Đáp ứng yêu cầu nghiêm ngặt |
The highly demanding markets | Những thị trường có yêu cầu cao |
Nutritional standards | Tiêu chuẩn dinh dưỡng |
Frequent training sessions | Các buổi đào tạo thường xuyên |
Exceptional customer service | Dịch vụ khách hàng tuyệt vời |