Neha from Guwahati got a question about multinational companies in developing countries. She had ideas but kept writing “foreign companies come and do business”.

Learn IELTS globalisation vocabulary as phrases with their usual partners, not as single words. The 15 phrases below sit in two groups, with three Task 2 questions and three Part 3 questions to practise on.

Which Words Suit Poorer Countries?

Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries notes that “Third World” and “underdeveloped” are now usually considered offensive, that people often use “developing countries” instead, and that many now prefer “low-income countries”. Neha’s “foreign companies come and do business” needs the same care: precise, neutral wording.

IT outsourcing, international brands in Indian cities and Indians working abroad give you everyday examples.

Globalisation Words: The Economy

Word or phrase Meaning Example
multinational company A company with business activities in many different countries. A multinational company may build factories in several countries.
global economy The economies of all countries seen as one system. Supply chains link local producers to the global economy.
free trade Trade between countries with no limits or taxes on imports and exports. Supporters of free trade say it lowers prices for consumers.
outsourcing Paying another company to do work that your company needs. Some companies use outsourcing to reduce the cost of customer support.
local businesses Small companies that serve people in the same area. Local businesses may struggle to compete with large foreign chains.
developing countries Poorer countries whose industry and economy are becoming more advanced. Foreign investment can create jobs in developing countries.
standard of living The level of money and comfort that a person or group has. A higher salary can raise a family’s standard of living.
imports and exports Goods bought from other countries and goods sold to them. A country’s economy depends partly on its imports and exports.

Globalisation Words: Culture and People

Word or phrase Meaning Example
cultural identity The feeling of belonging to a group that shares customs and values. Festivals help communities keep their cultural identity.
cultural exchange The sharing of ideas, art and customs between countries. Student programmes encourage cultural exchange between countries.
loss of traditions Customs and ways of life gradually disappearing. Some older people worry about the loss of traditions in big cities.
global brand A brand name that is known and sold in many countries. People in different countries recognise the same global brand.
international cooperation Countries working together to achieve a shared aim. International cooperation can help countries respond to health emergencies.
migration The movement of people to another country or area for work. Migration for work connects families across different countries.
interconnected Linked together, so that each part affects the others. Trade and the internet have made economies more interconnected.

How to Avoid Vocabulary Mistakes

Incorrect: “Economic growth raised the standard of life for the population.”

Correct: “Economic growth raised the standard of living for the population.”

Oxford Learner’s lists the noun phrase “standard of living”.

Incorrect: “Modern communications have made the countries very interconnectedness.”

Correct: “Modern communications have made countries more interconnected.”

You need an adjective after “made the countries”; “interconnectedness” is a noun.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Practice: Globalisation

Give yourself five minutes to plan each answer, which is our advice, not an IELTS rule. Then write it using at least four phrases from the tables.

Practice question 1 (written for this post)

Some people believe that globalisation is a threat to local cultures and traditions. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

  • Global brands, films and music may reduce interest in local crafts and customs.
  • Young people can enjoy foreign ideas and still value their own heritage.
  • Communities can adopt modern conveniences while keeping their cultural identity.
  • Contact between cultures may help some traditions reach new audiences.

Practice question 2 (written for this post)

Some multinational companies set up factories and offices in developing countries. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

  • Foreign investment can create jobs, bring new technology and raise the standard of living.
  • Large companies may make it hard for local businesses to compete.
  • Profits may leave the country instead of supporting the local economy.
  • Governments can set rules on wages and the environment to share the benefits.

Practice question 3 (written for this post)

English is increasingly used as a global language. Is this a positive or negative development?

  • A shared language can help trade, travel and academic exchange.
  • Regional languages may lose speakers if young people prefer English.
  • Bilingual education can open global opportunities and keep the mother tongue.
  • Learners in non-English-speaking countries may face extra pressure.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Globalisation and Society

Part 3 is a discussion of general, abstract issues linked to your Part 2 topic, so practise extended answers on abstract topics and language for giving reasons.

How have international brands changed shopping in your country?

Sample answer (illustrative Band 7)

They’ve given people a lot more choice. In big cities there are malls full of global brands, so you can buy clothes and electronics that were hard to find before. The downside is that local businesses may struggle to compete on price, although some small shops do well by offering personal service.

Is it important to keep traditional customs?

Sample answer (illustrative Band 7)

I think so, because customs give people a sense of cultural identity. Young people see foreign influences online all the time, which is fine for cultural exchange, but the loss of traditions would be a pity. Festivals, for example, bring families and neighbours together.

Why do people move abroad for work?

Sample answer (illustrative Band 7)

Mostly for higher salaries and better career chances. Skilled workers, for example in IT, may see migration as a way to improve their family’s standard of living. They also gain experience in the global economy, and some return home later with new skills.

Tip

Write one sentence about a global brand you know, using two phrases from the tables.

Key Takeaways

  • Learn globalisation phrases with their usual partners, not as single words.
  • Choose neutral wording: developing countries, not “Third World”.
  • Show both benefits and costs in Task 2 and Part 3.

The bottom line: Replace “foreign companies come and do business” with a precise sentence using multinational company, outsourcing or developing countries.