Writing an Essay
General lycée · B2. Prompt: “Does globalization necessarily lead to cultural uniformity?” · Length: 250 to 300 words.
Programme axis
Axis 1. Identities and exchanges (cycle terminal theme: Founding gestures and worlds in motion). Première and Terminale, general pathway.
CEFR level
B2 (LVA target at the end of Terminale). Guided support remains available for students still consolidating B1+.
Key question
Does globalization necessarily lead to cultural uniformity?
Language aims
Colour-code a model, use PEEL paragraphs, impersonal passives and inversion, English punctuation, plan a dialectical essay, apply a /20 rubric.
Cultural anchor
Albert Anker, Appliquée (Fleissig), 1886, private collection, public domain · cultural globalization, soft power, glocalization, linguistic heritage.
Official curriculum (verified)
Programme of modern languages for Première and Terminale, general and technological pathways: Bulletin officiel spécial n° 1 of 22 January 2019 (order of 17 January 2019, NOR MENE1901585A). Theme of the cycle terminal: Founding gestures and worlds in motion. This sequence works Axis 1, Identities and exchanges.
LVA and LVB are assessed through continuous assessment for the baccalauréat. LVA aims at B2. Sources: BO special n° 1 (22 Jan 2019) · éduscol, voie GT.
Concentration, draft after draft: writing an essay asks for the same patience.
Stage 1 · Deconstruction
What do you already know about writing an argued essay? Name one linker and one example you could use on this topic.
Possible linkers: On the one hand, However, Consequently, To conclude. Examples must be precise (a tool, a company, a cultural fact).
Read the model
Prompt: “Does globalization necessarily lead to cultural uniformity?” · Target length: 250 to 300 words.
Model essay · about 265 words
From Paris to Tokyo, teenagers wear the same trainers, stream the same hits and open the same apps. This shared everyday life raises a sharp question: does global interconnectedness wipe out local identities?
On the one hand, economic globalization clearly pushes cultural standardization. Multinational companies, often carried by Western soft power, sell one consumer lifestyle worldwide. For instance, Hollywood blockbusters and streaming platforms such as Netflix frequently outshine national film industries. Consequently, younger generations borrow English phrases and global habits, sometimes at the expense of their own linguistic heritage.
On the other hand, globalization also offers powerful tools to celebrate and export local cultures. Rather than pure assimilation, exchanges often produce “glocalization,” where global trends meet local traditions. South Korean K-Pop and Japanese manga, for example, have won worldwide audiences while staying rooted in their own cultures. What is more, the internet helps minority communities revive endangered languages and share their heritage far beyond their borders.
To conclude, globalization exerts strong homogenizing pressure, yet it does not make cultural uniformity inevitable. It creates a living tension between global influence and local pride. In the end, cultural diversity survives when societies choose to protect their roots in an interconnected world.
About 265 words
1 Colour-code the structure
On paper or on screen
- Blue: underline the hook in the introduction.
- Red: underline the research question in the introduction.
- Green: highlight the topic sentence at the start of each body paragraph.
- Yellow: circle the linking words (On the one hand, Consequently, Furthermore…).
Hook: From Paris to Tokyo… same apps.
Research question: does global interconnectedness wipe out local identities?
Topic sentences: “On the one hand, economic globalization clearly pushes cultural standardization.” / “On the other hand, globalization also offers powerful tools to celebrate and export local cultures.”
Linkers: On the one hand, For instance, Consequently, On the other hand, Rather than, What is more, To conclude, In the end.
2 PEEL in the body paragraphs
For each body paragraph, complete: Point · Explanation · Example · Link back to the prompt.
| Paragraph | Point | Example | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body 1 (standardization) | |||
| Body 2 (resistance) |
Type key words. Check accepts several correct answers.
Body 1: Point = standardization through soft power · Example = Hollywood / Netflix · Result = pressure on linguistic heritage.
Body 2: Point = glocalization / export of local cultures · Example = K-Pop, manga · Result = revival of minority languages and heritage shared online.
3 Vocabulary, grammar and punctuation hunt
- soft power
- heritage (or linguistic heritage)
- endangered
- Example: “often carried by Western soft power”
- No: English puts no space before : ; ? !
Homework
- Copy the four colour codes into your notebook with one example sentence each from the model.
- Learn the three vocabulary items from Exercise 3.
See the answer keys of Exercises 1 and 3.
Stage 2 · Methodology and language toolbox
From Stage 1: what is the research question of the model, and what are the two sides of the debate?
See Stage 1 answer keys: the model question and the Pros / Cons structure.
Methodology: how to build the essay
- Hook: a striking observation, a global trend or a paradox.
- Definition and research question: define globalization briefly, then rephrase the prompt as a clear question.
- Body paragraphs (two or three): PEEL: Point, Explanation, Example, Link back to the prompt.
- Conclusion: answer with nuance, then open to a broader perspective (for example digital platforms and minority languages).
Language toolbox
Expanding your vocabulary
cultural homogenization, soft power, heritage, assimilation, grassroots movements, standardization, to preserve, consumer lifestyle, linguistic diversity, glocalization.
B2 grammar
- Impersonal passive: It is widely acknowledged that… / It could be argued that…
- Inversion for emphasis: Not only does globalization spread Western brands, but it also…
English punctuation
No space before colons (:), semicolons (;), question marks (?) or exclamation marks (!). Place a comma after an introductory linker: However, … / Furthermore, … / Consequently, …
1 Punctuation check
- However, globalization continues.
- This raises a question: does diversity survive?
Homework
- Write three sentences with soft power, heritage and glocalization.
- Rewrite one sentence from the model using an impersonal passive.
Example passive: It could be argued that streaming platforms overshadow national cinema.
Stage 3 · Brainstorming and guided planning
Name two grammar tools from Stage 2 that you will use in your draft.
Examples: modals, gerunds after prepositions, impersonal passives, inversion, capital I, English punctuation.
Guided planning grid
Fill the grid before you draft. Keep key words only.
| Section | Guiding questions | My notes |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Hook? Research question? | |
| Body 1 (yes / pressure) | How does globalization standardize? Which example? | |
| Body 2 (nuance) | How do local cultures resist or adapt? Counter-example? | |
| Conclusion | Nuanced verdict? Broader opening? |
Homework
- Finish the planning grid.
- Write a first draft of 250 to 300 words from your grid (not from the model).
Compare your structure with the model: hook, question, two PEEL paragraphs, nuanced conclusion.
Stage 4 · Peer review and summative assessment
Before you write: what goes in the introduction, and what goes in the conclusion?
Introduction: hook or context, debate, question or opinion. Conclusion: answer with nuance and a short opening or recommendation.
Peer review
Swap drafts. Check: clear research question, two developed paragraphs with examples, English punctuation, word count.
Summative rubric · out of 20
| Criterion | What earns full marks (B2) | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Task and length | Nuanced research question; 250 to 300 words | / 5 |
| Structure and coherence | Dialectical plan; advanced linkers (whereas, what is more, ultimately) | / 5 |
| Vocabulary | Rich, precise, abstract lexis of the axis | / 5 |
| Grammar and punctuation | Complex structures (passive, inversion); no word-for-word calques; English punctuation | / 5 |
1 Timed essay
Write your own essay on the prompt. Target: 250 to 300 words.
Model essay · about 265 words
From Paris to Tokyo, teenagers wear the same trainers, stream the same hits and open the same apps. This shared everyday life raises a sharp question: does global interconnectedness wipe out local identities?
On the one hand, economic globalization clearly pushes cultural standardization. Multinational companies, often carried by Western soft power, sell one consumer lifestyle worldwide. For instance, Hollywood blockbusters and streaming platforms such as Netflix frequently outshine national film industries. Consequently, younger generations borrow English phrases and global habits, sometimes at the expense of their own linguistic heritage.
On the other hand, globalization also offers powerful tools to celebrate and export local cultures. Rather than pure assimilation, exchanges often produce “glocalization,” where global trends meet local traditions. South Korean K-Pop and Japanese manga, for example, have won worldwide audiences while staying rooted in their own cultures. What is more, the internet helps minority communities revive endangered languages and share their heritage far beyond their borders.
To conclude, globalization exerts strong homogenizing pressure, yet it does not make cultural uniformity inevitable. It creates a living tension between global influence and local pride. In the end, cultural diversity survives when societies choose to protect their roots in an interconnected world.
About 265 words
Homework
- Revise your essay with the rubric.
- Underline one passive, one inversion (if any) and five linkers.
Expanding your vocabulary
cultural homogenization, soft power, heritage, assimilation, standardization, glocalization, linguistic diversity, to preserve, consumer lifestyle, grassroots movements