E. In pairs, make a list of what you think the principal advantages or disadvantages of globalization are

Listening: For and against globalization

(Market Leader, Intermediate Business English CB by D. Cotton, Unit 1)

Over to you

Conduct some research into either the costs or the benefits of globalization. You should aim to give a presentation lasting approximately 15 minutes outlining your case. At the end of the presentation, you should be prepared to take 10 minutes of questions from your 'audience' on the issues you have raised in your presentation.

The 'opposition' will present their case in a similar manner. At the end of the exercise, you will be asked to write a short 500 word report on whether, and how, globalization should or can be 'managed'. The intention of the report is to get you to write a concise summary of the key issues facing the planet as globalization takes a further hold. You will be raising the key issues that face the authorities rather than providing any form of definitive answer. For example, you may feel that a key way of solving many of the problems is to further extend the movement towards freeing up trade. At this level, how that may be done is another matter!

Module 2 International trade

Starting up

v Think of some things you own (e.g. shoes, clothes, car and etc.). Which are imported? Where were they made?

v Try to recall the meals you’ve eaten in the last 24 hours. How much of the food came from abroad?

v What are your country’s major imports and exports?

v Do you think products made in your country are better than products made in other countries?

v Can you even imagine living in a country that did not import anything, where only locally produced food and textiles and products were available?

Reading: Protectionism and free trade