Discuss the impact of globalization on cultural diversity
Discuss the impact of globalization on cultural diversity.
You should say:
- how globalization has influenced cultural exchange
- what challenges arise from the globalization of cultures
- how individuals can preserve and appreciate their own cultural heritage
And explain your perspective on the importance of cultural diversity in a globalized world.
Practise this cue card with a timer Use it in a full mock
One-minute preparation plan
Use everyday examples such as food, films, language and fashion to make an abstract topic concrete.
| Cue card point | What to note (keywords only) |
|---|---|
| How globalization has influenced cultural exchange | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| What challenges arise from the globalization of cultures | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| How individuals can preserve and appreciate their own cultural heritage | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| And explain your perspective on the importance of cultural diversity in a globalized world. | Your main reason plus how it affected you—save 30 seconds for this |
Sample answer
Globalisation has massively increased cultural exchange. In my city you can eat food from dozens of countries, watch films and series from Korea, Spain or India on streaming platforms, and work with colleagues on different continents every day. Young people often grow up with a mixed cultural identity, combining global trends with local traditions.
However, there are challenges. One is cultural homogenisation: the same brands, fast-food chains and entertainment appear everywhere, so cities can start to look and feel alike. Minority languages are also under pressure, because young people see more economic value in learning English or other major languages. Traditional crafts and local businesses can struggle to compete with cheap mass-produced goods.
Individuals can still preserve their heritage in practical ways. Families can keep speaking their own language at home, people can support local artisans and festivals, and communities can record older people's stories and recipes. Interestingly, technology helps here too, since social media lets small cultures share their traditions with a global audience.
From my perspective, cultural diversity is extremely valuable, because each culture represents a different way of seeing the world. The goal shouldn't be to resist globalisation, but to make sure exchange goes in both directions.
About 200 words, roughly two minutes at a natural pace. This is an original example written for SpeakingIELTS to show structure and vocabulary—use it for ideas, not as a script to memorise. Real test cards are worded differently, and examiners notice rehearsed answers.
Useful words and phrases
- massively increased
- a mixed cultural identity
- cultural homogenisation
- under pressure
- struggle to compete with
- goes in both directions
Try using three of these in your own answer. For more topic vocabulary, see the vocabulary helper.
Part 3 follow-up questions
After this cue card, the examiner moves to a Part 3 discussion on the same theme. Give an opinion, a reason and an example for each.
- What are the benefits of cultural diversity in society?
- How can globalization contribute to the spread of cultural stereotypes?
- Should governments intervene to protect and promote local cultures?
- What impact does cultural diversity have on economic growth and innovation?
- How can individuals foster intercultural understanding and respect?
- What are the potential consequences of cultural homogenization?
Practise these Part 3 questions
Check your own answer
Record yourself, then listen once and ask: did I cover every point, keep talking for close to two minutes, link ideas clearly, and explain my reasons at the end? The self-evaluation checklist covers all four speaking criteria.