Common Lit: Building a Borderless World

PART A: Which TWO of the following best identify the central themes of this article?

• The process of globalization depends upon peace among nations.

• Globalization began with and has been most perceptibly advanced by the United States.

• The most significant institutional result of globalization has been the creation of the European Union.

• Globalization is a fluid, continuous process by which various nations become increasingly interconnected.

• While globalization has attracted its critics, it is a largely positive force that promotes enhanced standards of living worldwide.

PART B: Which TWO phrases from the text best support the answers to part A?

• "Sociologists...define globalization as 'all those processes by which the peoples of the world are incorporated into a single world society."' (Paragraph 1)

• "Coming just two decades after World War I and its almost 38 million casualties, the 1939-1945 hostilities convinced world leaders that the mutual carnage had to stop." (Paragraph 3)

• "The EU aims to promote common policies on trade, agriculture, fisheries, regional development, and a free movement of people, goods, services, and capital." (Paragraph 6)

• "All of the major treaties have been promoted by and include the United States, and they are changing the way life is lived on all seven continents." (Paragraph 8)

• "Hundreds of millions of people in the developing world have escaped poverty, and more will in the future. The global economy will continue to grow--probably at least threefold over the next 30 years." (Paragraph 15)

In Paragraph 6, the motto of the European Union is stated: "Unified in Diversity." In the context of this passage, what does this motto mean?

• War among EU member nations will be everlastingly impossible, given the way in which the organization places continental resources under the control of all involved nations.

• Member nations will adopt certain similar ordinances to maintain peace, accord, and mutual benefit within the region without sacrificing that which makes them unique.

• The 27 nations affiliated with the EU will abide by a single set of laws to govern every aspect of life in each country.

• The countries associated with the EU will each bring a different set of resources and cultural commodities to the organization.

Which phrase best describes how the author responds to the criticism that globalization encourages companies to move jobs overseas, leaving numerous Americans unemployed?

• He use facts, evidence, and commentary from respected organizations and individual to prove that this is not the case.

• He points out the ease with which people can get new jobs due to the rise of e-commerce and enhanced communication technologies.

• He highlights the bigger picture, emphasizing the worldwide economic gains resulting from globalization.

• He stresses the wide variety of positive effects of globalization, beyond the realm of economic matters.