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B2 – C1

Globalisation & International Issues: Essential Vocabulary

Advanced vocabulary for global trade, migration, international cooperation, inequality and interconnected economies.

📖 Reading time: ~8 minutes✅ Reviewed by a CELTA-qualified teacher🎯 Covers B2 – C1

Topic level: B2 – C1 · Category: World & Society

📋 What's in This Guide

  1. Introduction
  2. Essential vocabulary
  3. Natural collocations
  4. Common mistake
  5. Exercises
  6. Mini quiz
  7. Exam & speaking focus
  8. Frequently asked questions

1. Introduction

Globalisation appears frequently in advanced English exams and professional discussion. This guide gives you neutral, precise language for analysing international change.

2. Essential Vocabulary

Word / PhraseMeaning
globalisationthe increasing connection of economies, societies and cultures worldwide
interdependencea situation in which countries or groups depend on one another
supply chainthe network involved in producing and delivering goods
international tradebuying and selling goods or services between countries
multinational companya business operating in more than one country
migrationmovement of people from one place or country to another
inequalityan unfair difference in wealth, opportunity or treatment
developing economyan economy with lower average income and ongoing industrial or institutional development
trade barriera rule or cost that restricts international trade
outsourcingpaying another company, often elsewhere, to perform business activities
international cooperationcountries or organisations working together
interconnectedclosely linked so that changes in one place affect another

3. Natural Collocations

PhraseExample
global supply chainThe company depends on a complex global supply chain.
reduce trade barriersThe agreement aims to reduce trade barriers.
tackle inequalityGovernments face pressure to tackle inequality.
strengthen international cooperationThe crisis highlighted the need to strengthen international cooperation.

4. Common Mistake

❌ Incorrect✅ CorrectWhy
Globalisation has many advantage and disadvantage.Globalisation has many advantages and disadvantages.Plural countable nouns require plural forms here.

5. Exercises

A. Gap Fill — Complete correctly

1. Modern economies are highly ___. (interconnected)
2. A disruption can affect the entire supply ___. (chain)
3. The agreement reduced several trade ___. (barriers)
4. Countries worked together through international ___. (cooperation)
Answers: 1. interconnected   2. chain   3. barriers   4. cooperation

B. Multiple Choice

1. Dependence on one another is...
(a) interdependence   (b) outsourcing
2. A business operating in many countries is a...
(a) multinational company   (b) local authority
3. Paying another company to perform work is...
(a) outsourcing   (b) migration
Answers: 1. a 2. a 3. a

6. Mini Quiz

Without looking back, define three words from this topic and use two collocations in your own sentences. Then explain the topic for 60 seconds using at least five target expressions.

7. Exam & Speaking Focus

For Cambridge, IELTS and general speaking practice, avoid memorising isolated words. Use the vocabulary to develop an opinion, give an example, compare situations and explain a consequence. Aim to use two or three strong collocations naturally rather than forcing every new word into one answer.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Is globalisation always an economic term?

No. It can describe economic, cultural, technological and social connections across countries.

What is a neutral way to discuss globalisation?

Balance effects and use evidence-based language: 'can lead to', 'may contribute to', 'supporters argue', and 'critics point out'.

9. Related Guides

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