🔶 Part 1 — Tutorial

Step 1 — Analyse the task & map both views (Discuss both views + your opinion)

Read the prompt twice and identify the question type: “Discuss both views and give your opinion.” This requires a balanced explanation of each side and a clear personal position. Clarify the topic scope: the effects of globalisation on developing countries, with a focus on whether it benefits them or widens inequality. Underline key ideas (“benefits developing countries”, “widens inequality”) and note any implicit criteria you will use (income, opportunity, public services, social mobility). Brainstorm concrete mechanisms for each side: benefits may include foreign direct investment (FDI), technology transfer, cheaper imports, larger export markets, and job creation; inequality risks may involve wage gaps, profit repatriation, informal work, regional disparities, and dependency on low-value exports. Decide your stance early (e.g., “benefits predominate with safeguards”, “benefits are uneven and often deepen gaps”, or a measured middle view). List micro-examples you can explain briefly (e.g., garment sectors attracting FDI; digital platforms opening freelance income; small farmers exposed to price shocks). Avoid vague claims like “globalisation is good/bad”; instead, connect effects to who gains or loses and why. Ensure you can develop each view in a focused body paragraph with reason → explanation → example. Finally, decide whether your opinion will be integrated into one of the body paragraphs or placed in a short, separate paragraph before the conclusion; both are acceptable if done clearly and consistently.

Example Box — Decoding the Prompt (Globalisation)

Prompt: “Many say globalisation benefits developing countries; others claim it widens inequality. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
View A (benefits): FDI, technology transfer, export access, competition improving quality, lower consumer prices.
View B (inequality): profit outflows, urban–rural gaps, low wages, weak labour protection, uneven regional development.
Your task: Explain both views fairly, then state and defend your own position.

Step 2 — Plan a clear structure & paragraph aims

Use a four- or five-paragraph layout for control and balance. In the introduction, paraphrase the question in one sentence and present a concise thesis in the next that signals your overall view. In Body 1, present the first view (e.g., “globalisation benefits developing countries”) with one central reason, a mechanism, and a compact, plausible example (e.g., FDI creating supply-chain jobs and skills). In Body 2, present the opposing view (“globalisation widens inequality”) with a distinct mechanism and a brief example (e.g., profits repatriated, winners clustered in cities while rural areas lag). If you prefer five paragraphs, add Body 3 for a clear, separate opinion paragraph that weighs both views and states conditions (e.g., regulation, education, local value-add). Otherwise, integrate your opinion at the end of Body 2 with a reasoned judgement. The conclusion restates your opinion and synthesises the key reasons without new ideas. Keep paragraphs unified with a strong topic sentence, use precise economic vocabulary where helpful (FDI, value chain, productivity, social safety net), and keep examples realistic and short. Aim for ~270–320 words, giving enough space for development without padding.

Example Box — Skeleton Plan (Discuss Both Views)

Intro: Paraphrase + thesis (overall judgement).
Body 1 (View A: benefits): Reason → mechanism (FDI/technology/markets) → micro-example → link back.
Body 2 (View B: inequality): Reason → mechanism (wage gaps/profit outflows/urban–rural divide) → micro-example → link back.
Body 3 (optional, opinion): Weigh views; state conditions under which benefits exceed harms (education, labour standards, local industry policy).
Conclusion: Re-confirm opinion; synthesise reasons briefly.

Step 3 — Write balanced, high-impact paragraphs

Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that names the view and previews the reason (e.g., “Supporters argue globalisation benefits developing nations by unlocking capital and know-how.”). Follow with a clear mechanism (how capital inflows, technology transfer, and export access raise productivity and wages). Add a concise micro-example (e.g., a garment hub attracting FDI, training supervisors, and raising household income). Use a link-back sentence tying the example to the claim. When presenting the opposing view, maintain neutral language (e.g., “Critics counter that gains are uneven…”) and show how inequality emerges (profit repatriation, informal work, regional concentration). Provide another concrete micro-example (e.g., commodity exporters facing price volatility while urban service jobs grow). To keep cohesion, use referencing (“this inflow”, “such clusters”) rather than repeating nouns. When giving your opinion (in Body 2 or a separate Body 3), weigh both sides explicitly and state conditions that tilt outcomes (education, labour law, local sourcing). Maintain a formal tone, avoid emotive generalisations, and stay focused on development logic rather than politics unless directly relevant. Finally, ensure your conclusion answers the task directly and mirrors your thesis.

Example Box — High-impact Sentences (Globalisation)

Balanced thesis: “On balance, globalisation can benefit developing countries, but only when governments ensure fair labour standards and invest in skills.”
Body 1 topic sentence (View A): “Proponents contend that access to foreign capital and larger markets raises productivity and household incomes.”
Micro-example: “For instance, FDI in a coastal manufacturing zone can create stable jobs and transfer basic management practices to local firms.”
Body 2 topic sentence (View B): “By contrast, critics argue that these gains are distributed unevenly, deepening gaps between export-led cities and rural regions.”
Opinion turn: “Nevertheless, where states build skills and require local value-add, the benefits tend to reach a broader share of citizens.”

Step 4 — Language, cohesion, and precision

Use precise lexis such as foreign direct investment (FDI), technology transfer, value chain, wage dispersion, social safety net, and productivity. Control complex sentences with accurate punctuation, ensuring modifiers attach logically. Build cohesion with reference chains (“this inflow”, “such policies”, “these disparities”) and logical connectors (however, therefore, consequently, by contrast). Avoid overloading paragraphs with multiple undeveloped points; develop one mechanism well per paragraph. Check for balance markers (“proponents”, “critics”, “however”, “on balance”) and ensure your personal view is unmistakable. Prefer cautious claims (e.g., “tends to”, “is likely to”) when evidence is general. Proofread for article use, count/uncount nouns (e.g., “evidence” not “evidences”), and verb–noun collocations (e.g., “attract investment”, “widen inequality”, “enforce standards”). Keep tone objective and academic while clearly answering the prompt. In your final review, confirm every topic sentence answers the task and that your conclusion reconfirms your opinion without adding new ideas.

Example Box — Quality Checks (Quick List)

Balance: Have you explained both views fairly before judging them?
Mechanism: Does each paragraph explain how the effect occurs?
Evidence: Is there at least one plausible micro-example per body paragraph?
Opinion: Is your stance explicit and consistent from intro to conclusion?
Precision: Are key terms used correctly and consistently?

Universal Fill-in-the-Gap Template — Discuss Both Views + Opinion

Adapt carefully to the globalisation prompt. Replace […] with your ideas. Keep sentences concise and logical.

Sentence-by-Sentence Scaffold (Globalisation)

Intro S1 (Paraphrase): It is often debated whether globalisation helps developing countries or deepens inequality.

Intro S2 (Thesis): This essay will discuss both perspectives and argue that [your view: e.g., its benefits outweigh harms] provided that [key condition(s)].

Body 1 S3 (View A topic sentence): Supporters claim globalisation benefits developing nations by [main mechanism, e.g., attracting FDI/expanding markets].

Body 1 S4 (Explain): Capital inflows and technology transfer can [raise productivity/create jobs/improve skills] through [channels].

Body 1 S5 (Micro-example): For example, [sector/region] saw [FDI/training/export access] leading to [clear outcome].

Body 1 S6 (Link back): Therefore, integration with global markets can [benefit households/boost public revenue] in [specific way].

Body 2 S7 (View B topic sentence): Critics argue that gains are uneven and globalisation widens inequality by [mechanism].

Body 2 S8 (Explain): Profits may be repatriated while jobs cluster in cities, leaving [rural/low-skilled] workers behind.

Body 2 S9 (Micro-example): For instance, in [country/industry], [wage gaps/regional disparities] increased as [reason].

Body 2 S10 (Link back): Consequently, without safeguards, integration can intensify existing disparities.

Opinion S11 (Weigh & condition): On balance, I believe benefits can predominate when governments [e.g., enforce labour standards/invest in skills/promote local value-add].

Opinion S12 (Justify): These measures help extend opportunities beyond export hubs and ensure fairer income distribution.

Conclusion S13 (Restate answer): In summary, while globalisation may widen gaps in some contexts, it can deliver broad progress under the right policies.

Conclusion S14 (Synthesis): With [condition 1] and [condition 2], developing countries are more likely to benefit than fall behind.

Paraphrase & Thesis — Ready-to-adapt Samples (Globalisation)

Paraphrase Options

P1: Some believe globalisation lifts developing countries, whereas others insist it widens social and economic gaps.
P2: Opinions differ on whether global integration promotes inclusive growth or entrenches inequality in poorer nations.

Thesis Options (with opinion)

Benefit-leaning: On balance, globalisation benefits developing countries, provided labour protections and education systems keep pace.
Inequality-leaning: Although trade can create jobs, globalisation often widens inequality unless governments enforce fair taxation and support rural economies.
Conditional middle: Globalisation’s impact depends on policy: with skills, standards, and local value-add, benefits outweigh harms; without them, gaps grow.

🔷 Part 2 — Task
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[IELTS Academic] [Writing Task 2] — Discuss Both Views + Opinion

Task Prompt

In many cities, the rise of short-term rentals (e.g., holiday apartments) is changing housing markets. Some argue these platforms boost tourism and local income, while others believe they reduce affordable homes for residents.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

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🔶 Part 3 — Sample Answers

Task Reminder — Discuss Both Views + Your Opinion

Question: Many say globalisation benefits developing countries; others claim it widens inequality. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answer — Band 6 (≈290–310 words)

People hold different views about the effects of globalisation on developing countries. Some believe it brings jobs and growth, while others argue it creates bigger gaps between rich and poor. This essay will discuss both perspectives and explain why I believe globalisation can be positive if governments guide it carefully.

On the one hand, many supporters think globalisation helps poorer nations to grow faster. When foreign companies invest, they open factories, buy local services, and train workers. These activities can increase productivity and give people steady income. In addition, selling goods to a larger world market can help local firms expand. Consumers may also benefit from cheaper products and more choice. For example, export zones in some coastal cities have brought thousands of jobs for young workers who might otherwise struggle to find work. This shows how global connections can raise living standards.

On the other hand, critics say the gains are not shared equally. High-paying jobs and training often go to people who already live in big cities or have better education. Meanwhile, many rural areas receive few benefits and may even lose workers who move away. Some companies also send most of their profits back to their home countries, so less money stays in the local economy. In addition, weak labour laws can mean low wages or unsafe working conditions, which can increase social tension.

In my view, globalisation can do more good than harm, but only when countries set fair rules. Governments should invest in schools and skills so that more citizens can fill better jobs. They should also enforce basic labour standards and encourage companies to buy from local suppliers. If these steps are taken, the benefits are more likely to reach small towns and poorer families, and inequality will not grow as quickly.

Step-by-Step: Why this Band 6 answer is good

1) The introduction paraphrases the question without copying it verbatim.

2) It states a clear plan: discuss both views and give an opinion.

3) Body 1 presents the “benefits” view with accessible, concrete mechanisms (investment, training, exports).

4) Collocations such as “open factories,” “train workers,” and “increase productivity” are appropriate.

5) A simple, plausible example (export zones) illustrates the claim without statistics.

6) Link sentences (“This shows…”) connect example to argument for cohesion.

7) Body 2 presents the “inequality” view, focusing on urban–rural and education gaps.

8) The answer mentions profit repatriation, showing awareness of economic flows.

9) It recognises labour-law weaknesses as a factor behind widening gaps.

10) The opinion paragraph weighs both sides rather than repeating points.

11) It proposes reasonable conditions (education, standards, local sourcing) for positive outcomes.

12) Paragraphs have clear topic sentences, aiding readability.

13) Vocabulary is mostly accurate and sufficiently varied for Band 6.

14) Complex sentences are attempted but kept manageable, limiting errors.

15) The tone is neutral and academic, suitable for IELTS.

16) The conclusion restates the stance clearly without adding new ideas.

17) Word count exceeds 260, allowing development without becoming repetitive.

18) Some phrasing is simple and ideas could be more detailed, which is typical of Band 6.

Sample Answer — Band 7 (≈290–320 words)

Whether globalisation advances development or entrenches inequality in poorer nations remains contested. Proponents argue that integration unlocks capital, technology and market access; opponents counter that the gains concentrate among already advantaged groups. This essay examines both sides before arguing that the overall impact can be beneficial if governments diffuse opportunities beyond export hubs.

Supporters maintain that foreign direct investment (FDI) and exposure to global competition raise productivity. Multinational firms often introduce basic process innovation, quality control and supervisory training, which local suppliers imitate. As export volumes grow, governments collect more revenue, enabling improvements to infrastructure and public services. Consumers also enjoy lower prices and greater variety. A common illustration is the rise of light manufacturing clusters that have absorbed large numbers of first-time wage earners, increasing household security and female labour participation.

However, critics note that these benefits are unevenly distributed. High-value roles in management or design may be captured by urban, educated workers, while low-skilled labour remains precarious. Profits are frequently repatriated, and supply chains can bypass domestic smallholders. Moreover, when housing, education and transport are concentrated in booming cities, regional and rural inequality widens. Without robust labour standards, wage dispersion persists and social mobility stalls.

In my view, globalisation can still serve inclusive development provided the state actively shapes outcomes. Priorities include investing in broad-based skills, enforcing safety and wage floors, and encouraging local value-added—such as supplier development and technology partnerships. These measures transmit the benefits of trade and FDI to a wider population and reduce the risk that integration merely rewards those already positioned to win.

Step-by-Step: Why this Band 7 answer is good

1) The introduction frames the debate succinctly and signals a conditional opinion.

2) Body 1 uses precise lexis (FDI, process innovation, quality control) to explain mechanisms.

3) It links micro-level firm behaviour to macro-level public revenue and services.

4) The example references clusters and first-time wage earners, adding realism.

5) Cohesive devices (“however,” “moreover,” “provided”) guide the reader through contrasts.

6) Body 2 specifies channels of inequality (profit repatriation, bypassed smallholders, urban concentration).

7) It discusses labour standards and wage dispersion, showing cause-and-effect.

8) The opinion paragraph proposes actionable conditions (skills, standards, value-add).

9) Topic sentences clearly preview the main idea of each paragraph.

10) The register is consistently academic and objective.

11) Vocabulary range is wider than Band 6, yet still accurate.

12) Complex sentences are controlled with appropriate punctuation.

13) Claims are hedged (“can,” “provided”), which is stylistically appropriate.

14) No new ideas appear in the conclusion; it synthesises the argument.

15) The essay maintains balance before stating a firm stance.

16) Development depth fits the word limit without list-like enumeration.

17) Examples are plausible and concise rather than anecdotal.

18) Overall coherence and cohesion meet Band 7 expectations.

Sample Answer — Band 8+ (≈300–330 words)

The claim that globalisation is either a tide that lifts all boats or a force that carves deeper channels of inequality sets up a false binary. In practice, integration into the world economy transmits opportunities through identifiable mechanisms—capital inflows, technology diffusion and access to scale—while simultaneously amplifying pre-existing domestic asymmetries. This essay argues that the net effect in developing countries tends to be positive where states convert exposure into capability, but regressive where institutions are weak.

Advocates emphasise that foreign direct investment brings not only finance but routines: supplier qualification, quality assurance and lean production. These raise firm-level productivity and, through demonstration effects, diffuse to domestic networks. Export access reduces unit costs, enabling firms to climb value chains and stabilise employment. At the household level, the first formal wage—often earned by women—alters spending, savings and schooling decisions in ways associated with intergenerational mobility. Public budgets also benefit from expanded tax bases, funding roads, clinics and digital infrastructure.

Yet critics rightly observe that these gains seldom arrive evenly. Without active policy, high-skill metropolitan workers capture the most dynamic roles, while rural producers face price volatility and thin logistics. Profit repatriation and weak bargaining power suppress local value capture; lax enforcement of labour law entrenches low pay. When services and housing cluster in export corridors, internal migration can inflate rents and strain schools, widening spatial inequality.

The implication is not to retreat from global markets but to govern them. Governments that invest in universal skills, enforce floors for safety and wages, and insist on local supplier development convert exposure into broad capability. Paired with targeted infrastructure beyond major cities, these measures spread opportunity and reduce dispersion. Under such conditions, globalisation is more likely to finance inclusive growth than to calcify divides.

Step-by-Step: Why this Band 8+ answer is strong

1) The introduction reframes the debate and avoids a simplistic binary.

2) A cautious, analytical thesis (“tends to be positive… where…”) shows nuanced judgement.

3) Body 1 details mechanisms (supplier qualification, QA, lean production) with accurate collocations.

4) It explains diffusion via demonstration effects, showing advanced causal linking.

5) The value-chain idea connects firm outcomes to trade scale and employment stability.

6) Household-level impacts (female earnings, schooling decisions) add developmental depth.

7) Fiscal impacts (tax bases, infrastructure) extend the mechanism to public goods.

8) Body 2 balances the argument by naming precise channels of inequality (profit repatriation, bargaining power, spatial clustering).

9) Lexis such as “spatial inequality,” “value capture,” and “internal migration” is topic-appropriate.

10) The opinion section moves from diagnosis to policy prescription, not rhetoric.

11) Actionable conditions (skills, labour floors, supplier development, non-metro infrastructure) are specific and coherent.

12) Logical connectors are varied and accurate, enhancing cohesion.

13) Sentences vary in length and structure, but remain controlled and precise.

14) Claims are hedged appropriately, avoiding over-generalisation.

15) Each paragraph has a clear function and stays tightly focused.

16) The conclusion synthesises implications rather than adding new examples.

17) Academic tone is consistent and objective throughout.

18) Word count supports depth without drifting into repetition.

19) The answer aligns closely with the “Discuss both views + opinion” requirements.

20) Overall, lexical resource, coherence and task response meet high-band descriptors.

🔷 Part 4 — Vocabulary

Key Vocabulary from the Task (10 items)

Each box shows: word (BrE/AmE IPA), part(s) of speech, common patterns, a clear definition, an example with a brief gloss, useful synonym(s), and typical learner mistakes to avoid.

globalisation (AmE: globalization)

BrE IPA: /ˌɡlɒbəlaɪˈzeɪʃn/  |  AmE IPA: /ˌɡloʊbələˈzeɪʃn/

Part(s) of speech: noun [U]

Patterns: the globalisation of markets/production; rapid/global globalisation; benefits/risks of globalisation

Definition: the process by which countries become more connected through trade, investment, information, and culture.

Example: “Rapid globalisation has integrated local firms into world markets.” (= companies that were once domestic now sell and buy internationally.)

Synonyms: economic integration; internationalisation

Common mistakes: ✖ “globalisations” (usually uncountable); ✖ wrong preposition “globalisation to markets” → use “of”; ✓ mind BrE/AmE spelling.

inequality

BrE IPA: /ˌɪnɪˈkwɒləti/  |  AmE IPA: /ˌɪnɪˈkwɑːləti/

Part(s) of speech: noun [C/U]

Patterns: inequality in income/education; inequality between groups/regions; widen/reduce inequality

Definition: a situation in which some people or areas have much more money, power, or opportunities than others.

Example: “Tourism growth can raise incomes, but it may also widen inequality between city and countryside.” (= the gap can become bigger.)

Synonyms: disparity; imbalance; gap

Common mistakes: ✖ “unequality” (use inequality); ✖ unnecessary article “the inequality” (often uncountable); ✓ plural “inequalities” is fine for types of gaps.

foreign direct investment (FDI)

BrE IPA: /ˈfɒrən dɪˈrekt ɪnˈvestmənt/  |  AmE IPA: /ˈfɔːrən dɪˈrekt ɪnˈvɛstmənt/

Part(s) of speech: noun [U/C]

Patterns: attract/receive FDI; FDI inflows into manufacturing; restrictions on FDI

Definition: money that a foreign company invests to own or control business operations in another country.

Example: “FDI in the garment sector created first-time formal jobs for rural migrants.” (= outside firms invested and hired local workers.)

Synonyms: overseas investment; cross-border investment

Common mistakes: ✖ “FDIs” (rare; prefer “FDI”); ✖ wrong preposition “FDI to a sector” → use “into”.

technology transfer

BrE IPA: /tɛkˈnɒlədʒi ˈtrænsfɜː/  |  AmE IPA: /tɛkˈnɑːlədʒi ˈtrænsfɚ/

Part(s) of speech: noun [U]

Patterns: facilitate/encourage technology transfer; transfer of know-how to/from local firms

Definition: the movement of skills, methods, or tools from one company/country to another.

Example: “Multinationals can speed technology transfer by training local supervisors.” (= knowledge moves to domestic staff.)

Synonyms: knowledge diffusion; know-how spillover

Common mistakes: ✖ “technology transference” (less common); ✓ verb form “transfer technology to local suppliers”.

value chain

BrE & AmE IPA: /ˈvæljuː tʃeɪn/

Part(s) of speech: noun [C]

Patterns: move up the value chain; position in the value chain; local value-added in the chain

Definition: the full set of steps that add value to a product, from design to delivery.

Example: “Export experience helped the firm move up the value chain from assembly to design.” (= it began to do higher-skill tasks.)

Synonyms: production chain; supply chain (≠ not identical: supply chain focuses on logistics)

Common mistakes: ✖ “values chain”; ✖ “move to up the value chain” → say “move up”.

wage dispersion

BrE IPA: /weɪdʒ dɪˈspɜːʃn/  |  AmE IPA: /weɪdʒ dɪˈspɝːʒən/

Part(s) of speech: noun [U]

Patterns: rising wage dispersion; dispersion of wages across regions/sectors

Definition: the degree to which wages are spread out, with big differences between higher and lower earners.

Example: “After the city’s tech boom, wage dispersion increased markedly.” (= pay gaps became wider.)

Synonyms: wage inequality; pay gap

Common mistakes: ✖ “wages dispersion” (no plural before “dispersion”); ✓ treat as uncountable in most uses.

social mobility

BrE IPA: /ˌsəʊʃl məʊˈbɪləti/  |  AmE IPA: /ˌsoʊʃl moʊˈbɪləti/

Part(s) of speech: noun [U]

Patterns: upward social mobility; promote/hinder social mobility; pathways to mobility

Definition: the ability of people (or families) to move to a higher or lower social/economic position over time.

Example: “Formal factory jobs increased social mobility for first-generation graduates.” (= they could move into higher income groups.)

Synonyms: upward movement; class mobility

Common mistakes: ✖ spelling “mobilety”; ✖ confusing with “mobilisation” (very different meaning).

repatriate (profits) / repatriation (of profits)

Verb BrE/AmE IPA: /ˌriːˈpætrieɪt/  |  Noun BrE/AmE IPA: /rɪˌpætriˈeɪʃn/

Part(s) of speech: verb; noun [U/C]

Patterns: repatriate profits to headquarters; restrictions on the repatriation of earnings

Definition: (verb) to send money/profits back to the company’s home country; (noun) the act of doing this.

Example: “Firms repatriated most earnings, so little cash circulated locally.” (= profits were sent abroad.)

Synonyms: send back; remit (money)

Common mistakes: ✖ “repatriate back” (redundant); ✖ missing preposition “repatriate profits to X”.

labour standards (AmE: labor standards)

BrE IPA (labour): /ˈleɪbə/  |  AmE IPA (labor): /ˈleɪbər/  |  standards: BrE /ˈstændədz/, AmE /ˈstændərdz/

Part(s) of speech: noun [pl.]

Patterns: enforce/raise labour standards; comply with minimum standards; international labour standards

Definition: legally or ethically required conditions for work (wages, hours, safety, rights).

Example: “Stronger labour standards reduced accidents and stabilised wages.” (= rules protected workers.)

Synonyms: workplace regulations; labour protections

Common mistakes: ✖ singular “labour standard” when meaning the whole set; ✓ watch BrE/AmE spelling consistency in one text.

inclusive growth

BrE IPA: /ɪnˈkluːsɪv ɡrəʊθ/  |  AmE IPA: /ɪnˈkluːsɪv ɡroʊθ/

Part(s) of speech: noun [U]

Patterns: promote/deliver inclusive growth; a pathway to inclusive growth; policies for inclusive growth

Definition: economic expansion whose benefits are shared widely across society and regions.

Example: “Skills programmes helped turn export gains into inclusive growth.” (= more groups could benefit.)

Synonyms: broad-based growth; shared prosperity

Common mistakes: ✖ “inclusive of growth” (incorrect phrase); ✖ “inclusion growth”.

🔶 Part 5 — Phrases & Expressions

Key Phrases & Expressions from the Task (10 items)

Each dark-blue box shows: expression (BrE/AmE IPA), part(s) of speech, common patterns, a clear definition, an example with a brief gloss, useful synonym(s), and typical learner mistakes to avoid.

on balance

BrE IPA: /ɒn ˈbæləns/  |  AmE IPA: /ɑːn ˈbæləns/

Part(s) of speech: adverbial/discourse marker

Patterns: On balance, S + V; judge two sides then give a final view

Definition: used to introduce a fair overall judgement after considering both sides.

Example: “On balance, globalisation benefits developing countries if labour rules are enforced.” (= final judgement after weighing pros/cons.)

Synonyms: overall; all things considered

Common mistakes: ✖ placing mid-clause (“Globalisation, on balance benefits…”) → add comma after marker; ✓ best at sentence start.

by contrast

BrE IPA: /baɪ ˈkɒntrɑːst/  |  AmE IPA: /baɪ ˈkɑːntræst/

Part(s) of speech: adverbial/discourse marker

Patterns: By contrast, S + V; compare two opposing statements

Definition: introduces an opposite or very different idea.

Example: “Clustered tourism raises urban incomes; by contrast, rents rise for long-term residents.” (= opposite effect is shown.)

Synonyms: in contrast; conversely

Common mistakes: ✖ using “in the contrast”; ✖ missing comma after the marker.

a case in point

BrE IPA: /ə ˈkeɪs ɪn ˈpɔɪnt/  |  AmE IPA: /ə ˈkeɪs ɪn ˈpɔɪnt/

Part(s) of speech: fixed noun phrase

Patterns: S + be + a case in point; A case in point is + noun phrase

Definition: a clear example that supports what you are saying.

Example: “A case in point is the garment sector, where FDI created stable entry-level jobs.” (= this example proves the claim.)

Synonyms: a good example; an illustration

Common mistakes: ✖ “a point case”; ✖ using plural “cases in points”.

level the playing field

BrE IPA: /ˈlɛvəl ðə ˈpleɪɪŋ fiːld/  |  AmE IPA: /ˈlɛvəl ðə ˈpleɪɪŋ fiːld/

Part(s) of speech: verb phrase (idiom)

Patterns: level the playing field for + group; between A and B

Definition: make conditions fair for everyone.

Example: “Minimum wage laws can level the playing field for low-skilled workers in global supply chains.” (= rules make competition fairer.)

Synonyms: equalise conditions; remove disadvantages

Common mistakes: ✖ “level of the playing field”; ✖ using “playground”.

widen the gap

BrE IPA: /ˈwaɪdn ðə ɡæp/  |  AmE IPA: /ˈwaɪdn ðə ɡæp/

Part(s) of speech: verb phrase

Patterns: widen the gap between A and B; in income/regions/sectors

Definition: increase the difference between two groups or places.

Example: “Tourist demand can widen the gap between city landlords and rural tenants.” (= difference grows.)

Synonyms: deepen disparities; increase inequality

Common mistakes: ✖ “widen gap” (missing article); ✓ keep “between … and …”.

move up the value chain

BrE IPA: /muːv ʌp ðə ˈvæljuː tʃeɪn/  |  AmE IPA: /muv ʌp ðə ˈvælju tʃeɪn/

Part(s) of speech: verb phrase

Patterns: move up the value chain from X to Y; help firms move up the chain

Definition: shift to higher-skill, higher-value activities (e.g., from assembly to design).

Example: “Supplier development helped local firms move up the value chain.” (= they started doing more advanced tasks.)

Synonyms: upgrade; climb the value chain

Common mistakes: ✖ “move to up the chain”; ✖ confusing with “supply chain”.

at the expense of

BrE IPA: /ət ði ɪkˈspɛns əv/  |  AmE IPA: /ət ði ɪkˈspɛns əv/

Part(s) of speech: prepositional phrase

Patterns: X happens at the expense of Y (noun/-ing)

Definition: causing harm or loss to something else.

Example: “Tourism may expand at the expense of affordable housing.” (= growth harms housing availability.)

Synonyms: to the detriment of; sacrificing

Common mistakes: ✖ “in the expense of”; ✖ using a clause directly after (use noun/gerund).

set the stage for

BrE IPA: /sɛt ðə steɪdʒ fɔː/  |  AmE IPA: /sɛt ðə steɪdʒ fɔːr/

Part(s) of speech: verb phrase (idiom)

Patterns: set the stage for + noun/-ing

Definition: create the conditions that make something possible later.

Example: “Basic skills programmes set the stage for firms to adopt new technology.” (= they prepared the conditions.)

Synonyms: pave the way for; prepare the ground for

Common mistakes: ✖ “set the stage to” + clause (prefer noun/-ing); keep the article “the”.

scale up

BrE & AmE IPA: /skeɪl ʌp/

Part(s) of speech: phrasal verb (T)

Patterns: scale up production/investment/policy; scale X up

Definition: increase size, capacity or intensity.

Example: “Export demand allowed the factory to scale up output quickly.” (= produce more.)

Synonyms: expand; ramp up

Common mistakes: ✖ “scale out” (different meaning); note separable: “scale production up”.

crowd out

BrE & AmE IPA: /kraʊd aʊt/

Part(s) of speech: phrasal verb (T, economics)

Patterns: crowd out small firms/local tenants/investment

Definition: when one activity or group reduces or replaces another by competing for limited space/money.

Example: “Short-term rentals can crowd out long-term housing in tourist districts.” (= they take the space of homes.)

Synonyms: displace; push out

Common mistakes: ✖ forgetting the object (“policies crowd out what?”); ✖ confusing with “crowd into”.