Writing Task - Sample 12: Globalization Cultures around the world are more similar today than they used to be What are the reasons for this? Is it a positive or a negative trend? There is a fact that cultures around the world are increasingly sharing the same features that worries so many people about the assimilation of cultures and its negative consequences This essay will explore some main causes of this matter before deciding if it is a positive or negative development Obviously, the assimilation and exchange of cultures have occurred for several centuries, but currently has been stronger than ever before because of influence of globalization, advanced technology and changes in people’s mind-set The globalization, that brings all people from all continents together, is the most important factor In addition to the opportunities for trading and exchanging ideas, people now naturally influence each other by their cultural value when doing business and making friends All economies are opened to join into a global market which pushes cultural exchange a faster pace This process is also effectively supported by the development of advanced technology which allows information to be widely shared via the Internet, international TV channels and telephone calls All insight about music, fashion, literature, tradition and customs of one culture are made assessable globally Also, it is worth mentioning the ease of travelling intercontinentally that make people closer and open people’s minds to absorb new things As a result, it is easy to see similarities in not only neighboring cultures, but among all cultures around the world The positive effects of this process are clear Firstly, the flow of investment quickly moving around because people now understand each other every well and that is easier for them to work together At the same time, they become more tolerant of fundamental differences in belief, customs and even the national traits which encourage the international cooperation On a global scale, the outdated customers are gradually becoming erased while people now are closer in entertainment choices, science and environmental protection However, the negative consequences of this trend deserve a closer look/ examination The assimilation of cultures results in the extinction of several languages as well as other cultural values such as literature and traditional art performance People now speak the same language, wear the same style of clothes or even listen to the same type of music In long term, it is the huge loss of culture; national characteristics and human’s historical knowledge Only when the adverse effect can be mitigated, this process then is welcome by entire global citizens From discussion above, one can conclude that globalization and advanced technologies are the roof cause of culture assimilation And as long as we can protect the minor cultures with all of their values This would be the favorable trend of development