How has the global economy shaped our world?

Duration: 50 minutes.

Let’s take a look at today’s lesson

This lesson looks at how to talk about Globalization. We will learn some new vocabulary and watch a short video about the subject.

Lesson Key: (L) = Listening (U) = Understanding. (R) = Reading.

Let’s start here.

Globalisation refers to the process by which people, goods, services and ideas move more easily across national borders, creating an increasingly connected world. For Brazilians, globalisation means you can enjoy pasta from Italy, watch American TV dramas on streaming platforms, or even work for an international company without leaving your home city. At the same time, local producers, from coffee farmers in Minas Gerais to farmers all over Brazil export their products to a global market.

Understanding globalisation helps you make informed choices as a consumer and as a citizen: you might decide to buy fair‑trade coffee or support locally made crafts. In this lesson, we will explore how globalisation affects jobs, culture, the environment and everyday life in Brazil, and we will learn useful vocabulary to express these ideas clearly in English.

Quick questions about globalisation.

What examples of globalisation can you see in your daily life?
How has the internet changed the way Brazilians communicate with people abroad?
Can you name two products that Brazil exports to other countries?
Do you think it is good or bad when companies move production to cheaper countries? Why?
How might local culture in Brazil be influenced by foreign films, music or fashion?

Reading text: Globalisation is often described as the world becoming a smaller place.

Thanks to easier travel, faster shipping and the internet, we can connect with people or buy goods from almost anywhere. For instance, a small business in São Paulo can sell handmade jewellery to customers in London via an online platform. However, while some celebrate the chance to trade and share culture, others worry that globalisation might harm local industries and traditions.

One of the key benefits of globalisation is increased trade. Countries can focus on what they do best—Brazil grows excellent coffee and soy, while Germany builds high‑quality cars. When nations specialise, overall efficiency rises, and consumers enjoy a wider choice of products at lower prices. Brazilian consumers, for example, can buy electronics from South Korea or clothing from Bangladesh at affordable rates. Moreover, global connections create job opportunities: call‑centre staff in Rio de Janeiro may work for an Australian company, or software developers in Belo Horizonte might join a multinational technology firm, earning foreign currency.

Alongside these benefits, there are clear drawbacks. Local businesses sometimes struggle to compete with large international competitors that enjoy economies of scale. A small furniture maker in Curitiba may find it hard to match the low prices of furniture imported from China. This can lead to unemployment in certain sectors and increased economic inequality. Environmental concerns also arise: transporting goods across long distances generates significant carbon emissions. While you might relish the taste of fresh avocado imported from Mexico, its journey by air or sea contributes to climate change.

Cultural influences are another mixed blessing. On the one hand, watching a British drama with subtitles can improve your English and expose you to different viewpoints. On the other hand, an influx of foreign media can overshadow local art, music and cinema. Brazil’s rich cultural heritage—from samba to cinema novo—needs support if it is to thrive alongside global offerings.

So, is globalisation a good thing? In many respects, it brings prosperity, wider cultural exchange and technological progress. Yet it also presents challenges for local labour markets, the environment and cultural diversity. In the long run, fair policies and conscious consumer choices—such as favouring fair‑trade products or supporting local artisans—can help balance the benefits and drawbacks. By understanding both sides, you can form your own informed opinion and contribute to a more equitable, sustainable world.

Vocabulary from the text

Item	Definition	Example (2025)
globalisation	The process of increased interaction and integration between people, companies and governments worldwide.	“Globalisation has made it possible for me to order Japanese tea online from Brazil.”
export	To send goods or services to another country for sale.	“Brazil continues to export coffee beans to Europe every week.”
import	To bring goods or services into one country from another for sale.	“Many electronics are imported into Brazil from South Korea.”
labour market	The supply of available workers in an economy and the demand for their work.	“Recent changes in the labour market have increased remote‑working opportunities.”
outsource	To obtain goods or services from an external provider, often in another country.	“Several Brazilian firms now outsource IT support to companies in Argentina.”
consumer	A person who buys goods or services for personal use.	“As a conscious consumer, she prefers products with eco‑friendly packaging.”
drawback	A disadvantage or negative aspect of a situation.	“One drawback of cheap imports is that they can harm local manufacturers.”
benefit	An advantage or positive result of something.	“A major benefit of globalisation is access to a wider range of foods.”
multinational	A company that operates in several countries.	“Uber is a well‑known multinational with services in dozens of nations.”
in the long run	Over a lengthy period of time, considering eventual outcomes.	“In the long run, investing in renewable energy will benefit both the economy and the planet.”

Quick quiz about the subject.

Which term refers to sending goods to another country?
True or False: A “drawback” is a positive aspect.
Fill in the blank: Many companies _____ customer service to external providers.
What does “labour market” describe?
Choose the correct word: A(n) _____ company operates in more than one country.
What phrase means “over a lengthy period of time”?

Answers

Export
False
outsource
The supply of available workers and the demand for their work
multinational
in the long run

Discussion questions about globalisation.

Can you think of other ways that globalization has affected your life?

Simple English: Yes, globalisation has affected my life in many ways.

Advanced English: Globalisation has had a profound impact on the world in the past few decades, and my life is no exception. The increased interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and societies around the globe has made it possible for me to access a wider range of products, services, and ideas than ever before. For instance, I can now easily purchase goods online from anywhere in the world, communicate with people in other countries through social media. At the same time, globalization has also brought with it certain challenges, such as increased competition in the job market and the erosion of local cultures and traditions.

How important is the Internet in influencing globalization?

Simple English: The Internet is very important in influencing globalisation.

Advanced English: The Internet has revolutionized the way we communicate, work, and access information, and has played a significant role in accelerating the process of globalization. With the rise of social media, e-commerce, and online communication tools, the Internet has made it easier for people to connect and collaborate across borders, breaking down traditional barriers and facilitating the spread of ideas and cultural exchange. At the same time, the Internet has also contributed to the homogenization of global culture, with the dominance of Western companies and media shaping the tastes and preferences of people around the world. Additionally, concerns over privacy and security have emerged as significant challenges in the context of an increasingly interconnected global network. Nonetheless, it is clear that the Internet has had a profound impact on globalization, shaping our understanding of the world and our place in it.

Can you think of other ways that globalization has affected your life?
Generally speaking, do you think globalization has improved people’s lives?
What has your country contributed to globalization?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of globalization?
What do you think globalization will look like fifty years from now?
Do you think globalization will make us all the same in the future?
Why or why not?
Which countries might like or hate globalization the most?
How important is the Internet in influencing globalization?