📋 Written Ability Test (WAT)/Essay Analysis Guide

🌍 Topic: The Role of International Trade in Diplomacy

📖 Understanding the Topic’s Importance

💡 International trade’s role in diplomacy transcends economics, fostering alliances and conflict resolution. This topic aligns with B-school themes of strategy and global business.

🕒 Effective Planning and Writing

• ⏱️ Time Allocation:
  • Planning: 5 minutes
  • Writing: 20 minutes
  • Review: 5 minutes
• 📚 Preparation Tips:
  • Gather recent statistics on trade’s impact on global diplomacy.
  • Identify key stakeholders and notable free trade agreements (FTAs) such as USMCA and RCEP.

✍️ Introduction Techniques for Essays

• ⚖️ Contrast Approach:
  

  “While trade fuels global economic growth, it also intensifies competition, challenging diplomatic cohesion.”

• 📜 Timeline Approach:
  

  “From the Bretton Woods system to the recent USMCA agreement, trade has consistently evolved as a diplomatic tool.”

📚 Structuring the Essay Body

• 🏆 Achievements:
  

  • Discuss how the EU’s cohesive trade policies foster regional unity and diplomatic stability.
  • Highlight success stories like ASEAN’s economic integration reducing regional tensions.

• ⚠️ Challenges:
  

  • Barriers like sanctions and trade wars strain international relations, as seen in the US-China trade conflict.
  • Address trade imbalances that exacerbate geopolitical risks.

• 🌏 Future Outlook:
  

  • Propose fostering ethical and sustainable trade practices that promote shared growth.
  • Recommend leveraging digital technologies like blockchain for transparent and fair trade practices.

🔑 Concluding Effectively

• ⚖️ Balanced Conclusion:
  

  “Trade fosters diplomacy but requires balance to address inequalities and tensions.”

• 🌍 Global Example-Based Conclusion:
  

  “Like the EU-China trade dialogue, diplomacy through trade shows potential despite challenges.”

📊 Analyzing Successes and Shortcomings

• 🏆 Key Achievements:
  

  • Increased global GDP through trade agreements like RCEP.
  • Resolution of regional conflicts via economic interdependence.

• ⚠️ Ongoing Challenges:
  

  • Trade imbalances between developed and developing nations.
  • Geopolitical risks linked to protectionism and sanctions.

🌱 Recommendations for Sustainable Progress

• 📜 Promote equitable trade policies that prioritize inclusivity.
• 📈 Leverage technology for transparent and efficient trade practices, such as blockchain-based systems.
• 🤝 Strengthen dispute resolution mechanisms within WTO frameworks to reduce trade-related conflicts.

📄 Sample Short Essays

• ⚖️ Balanced Perspective:
  

  “While international trade enhances diplomacy, it requires measures to mitigate economic disparities.”

• 💡 Solution-Oriented:
  

  “Promoting fair trade and regional cooperation can strengthen diplomatic relations globally.”

• 🌍 Global Comparison:
  

  “The EU’s cohesive trade policy exemplifies how economic partnerships bolster diplomacy.”