Identify one significant economic and one significant cultural impact of globalisation. Examine how these impacts may be seen as both positive and negative.

This is a typical IB Geography Paper 2 Higher Level question. First, I would suggest defining globalisation. Globalisation is the growing interdependence and interconnectedness between countries, especially through the widespread diffusion of capital and technology along with the growing transaction of goods and services. Then, I would identify one economic impact and one cultural impact. I will proceed to explain both the negative and positive aspects for each of the impact identified. For example, my economic impact would be the entrance of transnational corporations through globalisation and the positive aspect would be the provision of local jobs, introduction of technology in LEDCs,... The negative aspects would be the tendency to pollute as environmental rules aren't as restricted or the exploitative labour practices in these corporations. I would then give an example. My example would be Coca Cola in Mexico where the firm is dominant in providing cheap drinks for the locals. The positive impact is that they are providing jobs for many locals. However, the negative impact is that they are also exploiting the water sources in Mexico. I would then proceed to explain the positive and negative aspects of a cultural impact. The 'cultural impact' here means the influence of globalisation on the culture of locals whether it is on food, religion, media,... I would use the example of McDonald's in India. When McDonalds came to India, they changed their menu to meet the demand of locals and provided a beef/meat-less diet. They have included more vegetarian options in doing so. This has allowed them to reach their customers all the while changing the cultural view on eating fast foods: McDonalds has become increasingly accepted in the Indian diet. The positive impact here is that the culture in India is now more open to trying new cuisine and cultures. However, McDonald's is also held accountable for the increasing obesity rate in India. While the fast-food culture is becoming an acceptable one, many families now prefer this diet over traditional cuisine and it is now a concern of India to restrict a fast-food diet.