HKCEE IH past paper
Globalisation
2006_1b_H5N1 and the development of globalisation
i)
H5N1 is a world-wide-spread virus which risks lives in different countries. The
spreading of the disease does some harm to the development of globalisation. At the
same time, it encourages development of globalisation. (right focus, both positive and
negative effects should be discussed)
In the light of source D, the spreading of H5N1 is a quite serious affair in the
affected areas which distracts tourists from visiting the country. It affects tourism of the
country and people from different countries may have less direct interaction through
tourism. People will then prefer local tourism than visiting abroad.
However, due to infection of local poultry, countries may tend to import fresh or
frozen food in order to keep their supply steady. Contact between countries becomes
closer and it have positive effect on development of globalisation. (results in more
restrictions on import of poultry/adverse effect on international trade )
Moreover, according to source D, European Union is discussing emergency plans
with those affected areas, which means many other unaffected countries in Europe is
helping to stop the spreading. It encourages international cooperation which helps the
development of globalisation. (WHO)
At last, the information in source D was given by MingPao Daily, a Hong Kong
newspaper. It shows that a foreign affair is broadcasting internationally through the mass
media. Media corporations from different countries are exchanging their sources so that
people can know what is happening in different part of the world. Therefore it affect s the
development of globalisation positively.
Spreading of diseases is no longer an affair of one country, but becomes an
international issue. It is all affecting the development of globalisation, in both positive
and negative way.
ii)
Free trade causes globalization of culture as foreign goods are imported to Hong
Kong. I’m sure it will do good and harm to Hong Kong people’s choices in their daily
lives.
For positive, foreign goods can enter the Hong Kong market cheaply, which may
benefit Hong Kong people that they can use a lower price to buy in goods. Of course it is
not an absolute but enterprises import because of cheaper cost. Consumers can buy goods
in a cheaper price too if the enterprises are willing to and they can still make profit.
(consumers can have more choices of quality goods in reasonable prices/of good
bargains)
On the other hand, choices of brands will definitely increase that people in Hong
Kong can have more choices. They can choose the most suitable products for themselves
with different services, quality or prices.
However, as there are more choices, Hong Kong people have to be more careful
on choosing products as the qualities of products become more various. Hong Kong
consumers have to learn how to buy wisely in order to prevent from being
cheated.(seems irrelevant)
Local products may not be the best so due to free trade, Hong Kong people
usually prefer western or foreign products like the examples in source E, such as
American style fast food and Hollywood movies. These foreign goods are popular that
people may consume less local goods. It is a change of Hong Kong people’s consuming
style. (local culture diminishes)
In conclusion, it is obviously cultural invasion when people change their
consuming style to buy lots of foreign goods. But will people forget about local products?
It is not an issue in this topic but globalisation of culture is affecting Hong Kong people’s
choices in their daily lives.
Support your arguments with examples, McDonald’s, international brandnames in
HK, influence of Japan’s popular culture etc