Cultural diversity and its impact on societies is a frequently occurring topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exams and current trends, it’s highly likely that questions related to cultural diversity will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that cultural traditions may be destroyed when they are used as money-making attractions aimed at tourists. Others believe it is the only way to save these traditions. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question touches on the complex relationship between cultural preservation and tourism, which is closely related to How Cultural Diversity Enriches Societies. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss two contrasting views on using cultural traditions for tourism
- Present arguments for both perspectives
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question and maintain a balanced approach while clearly stating your position.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Cultural heritage and tourism have a complex relationship that sparks debate among scholars and policymakers. While some argue that commercializing traditions for tourists may lead to their degradation, others contend that it’s a vital means of preserving cultural practices. In my opinion, while there are risks associated with commodifying culture, carefully managed cultural tourism can play a crucial role in sustaining and revitalizing traditions.
Those who oppose using cultural traditions as tourist attractions often argue that this practice can lead to the dilution or distortion of authentic cultural experiences. When traditions are tailored to meet tourist expectations or condensed into easily consumable experiences, they may lose their original meaning and significance. For instance, traditional ceremonies that once held deep spiritual importance might be reduced to mere spectacles, performed multiple times a day for tourists’ entertainment. This commercialization can potentially strip away the intrinsic value and sacredness of cultural practices, leaving behind a hollow shell of what once was a meaningful tradition.
On the other hand, proponents of cultural tourism argue that it can be a powerful tool for preserving and revitalizing cultural heritage. In many cases, especially in economically challenged regions, traditional practices are at risk of dying out due to lack of interest from younger generations or financial constraints. By creating economic incentives through tourism, communities can find the resources and motivation to continue their traditions. For example, the income generated from tourists visiting a traditional village might enable the community to invest in teaching young people traditional crafts or maintaining historical sites. This economic support can breathe new life into cultural practices that might otherwise be lost to time.
In my view, while the concerns about commercialization are valid, the potential benefits of cultural tourism outweigh the risks when managed responsibly. The key lies in striking a balance between authenticity and accessibility. This can be achieved through collaborative efforts between local communities, cultural experts, and tourism professionals to develop sustainable tourism models that respect and protect the integrity of cultural traditions. For instance, limiting the number of tourists allowed to attend certain ceremonies, providing educational context to visitors, and ensuring that a significant portion of tourism revenue is reinvested in cultural preservation can help mitigate the negative impacts while maximizing the benefits.
In conclusion, while the commercialization of cultural traditions for tourism carries risks, it also presents a valuable opportunity for preservation and revitalization. By implementing thoughtful strategies that prioritize cultural integrity alongside economic benefits, societies can harness tourism as a tool for enriching and sustaining their diverse cultural heritage.
(Word count: 413)
Cultural diversity enriching societies through responsible tourism
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The use of cultural traditions as tourist attractions is a topic that has both supporters and critics. Some people think it can harm these traditions, while others believe it’s necessary to keep them alive. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who are against using cultural traditions for tourism worry that it might change or damage these traditions. When traditions are shown to tourists, they might be changed to make them more interesting or easier to understand. This could make the traditions lose their real meaning. For example, a traditional dance that was once part of a religious ceremony might be performed many times a day just for tourists to watch. This could make the dance less special and important to the local people.
On the other hand, some people think that tourism is the only way to save some cultural traditions. In many places, young people are not interested in old traditions, and there might not be enough money to keep these traditions going. Tourism can bring in money that can be used to teach young people about their culture and to keep traditional practices alive. For instance, if tourists pay to see traditional crafts being made, this money can help craftspeople continue their work and teach others.
In my opinion, using cultural traditions for tourism can be good if it’s done carefully. It’s important to find a balance between showing traditions to tourists and keeping them meaningful for local people. This could be done by having rules about how traditions are shown to tourists and making sure that the local community benefits from the tourism. It’s also important to educate tourists about the real meaning of the traditions they see.
To conclude, while there are risks in using cultural traditions for tourism, I believe that if it’s done in the right way, it can help keep these traditions alive and allow people from different cultures to learn from each other. This can lead to a richer and more diverse society.
(Word count: 329)
How immigration contributes to cultural diversity is another important aspect to consider when discussing the enrichment of societies through cultural diversity. The influx of immigrants often brings new traditions, customs, and perspectives that can complement and enhance existing cultural practices.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
There are different opinions about using cultural traditions to make money from tourists. Some people think it’s bad for the traditions, but others think it’s good. I will talk about both ideas and give my thoughts.
People who don’t like using traditions for tourism think it can hurt the traditions. They worry that when traditions are shown to tourists, they might change and lose their real meaning. For example, a special dance might be done too many times for tourists and become less important to local people.
But some people think tourism is important to save traditions. They say that without money from tourism, some traditions might disappear. Young people might not be interested in old traditions, and there might not be enough money to keep them going. If tourists pay to see traditions, this money can help keep the traditions alive.
I think using traditions for tourism can be good if it’s done carefully. It’s important to show traditions to tourists in a way that doesn’t change their real meaning. Also, the money from tourism should help the local people and their traditions.
In conclusion, I believe that if it’s done right, using traditions for tourism can help keep them alive and let people from different places learn about each other’s cultures. This can make our world more interesting and diverse.
(Word count: 219)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout.
- Lexical Resource: Wide range of vocabulary used with flexibility and precision.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Wide range of structures used accurately and appropriately.
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses all parts of the task, though some aspects are more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are generally well organized with clear overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: Adequate range of vocabulary for the task, with some attempts at less common vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mix of simple and complex sentence forms with good control and few errors.
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are organized in a basic way, but not always clearly linked.
- Lexical Resource: Limited range of vocabulary, but adequate for basic communication on the topic.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Limited range of structures with some attempt at complex sentences, but errors are frequent.
IELTS Writing Task 2 scoring criteria for cultural diversity essays
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Cultural heritage (noun) – /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society.
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Commodification (noun) – /kəˌmɒdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ – The process of treating something as a commodity or product that can be bought and sold.
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Authenticity (noun) – /ɔːθenˈtɪsɪti/ – The quality of being genuine or real.
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Revitalize (verb) – /ˌriːˈvaɪtəlaɪz/ – To give new life or vigor to something.
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Intrinsic (adjective) – /ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk/ – Belonging naturally; essential.
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Dilution (noun) – /daɪˈluːʃən/ – The action of making something weaker in force, content, or value.
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Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
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Preservation (noun) – /ˌprezəˈveɪʃən/ – The action of preserving something.
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Indigenous (adjective) – /ɪnˈdɪdʒɪnəs/ – Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native.
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Commercialization (noun) – /kəˌmɜːʃəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – The process of managing or running something principally for financial gain.
Understanding and using these words correctly can significantly enhance your essay’s lexical resource score.
The effects of globalization on cultural identity is another crucial topic to explore when discussing cultural diversity. It’s important to consider how global influences interact with local traditions and how this impacts the enrichment of societies.
In conclusion, the topic of how cultural diversity enriches societies, particularly through the lens of cultural tourism, is a complex and nuanced issue that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key arguments, structuring your essay effectively, and using appropriate vocabulary, you can craft a well-reasoned response to this type of question.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of education in preserving cultural diversity
- The impact of technology on cultural traditions
- Balancing national identity and multiculturalism in modern societies
Remember to post your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and deepen your understanding of how cultural diversity enriches societies.
How to promote social cohesion in multicultural societies is an essential aspect to consider when discussing the enrichment of societies through cultural diversity. Exploring this topic can provide valuable insights for your IELTS Writing Task 2 essays.
