IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays: How Immigration Contributes to Cultural Diversity (Band 6-9)

Immigration and cultural diversity have been recurring themes in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past trends and current global issues, it’s highly likely that questions related to immigration and its impact on 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 the presence of immigrants in a country enriches its cultural diversity. Others think that immigrants pose a threat to the local culture and traditions. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analysis of the Question

This question requires candidates to:

1. Discuss the positive view: Immigration enriches cultural diversity
2. Discuss the negative view: Immigration threatens local culture and traditions
3. Provide their own opinion on the issue

The question tests the ability to present balanced arguments, use appropriate examples, and express a clear personal stance.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Immigration has long been a contentious issue, with some viewing it as a source of cultural enrichment while others perceive it as a threat to local traditions. In my opinion, while immigration does present certain challenges, its overall impact on cultural diversity is largely positive.

Those who support immigration often argue that it brings fresh perspectives and experiences to a society. Immigrants introduce new cuisines, art forms, and traditions, which can broaden the cultural horizons of the local population. For instance, the vibrant multicultural atmosphere in cities like London or New York is a testament to how immigration can create a rich tapestry of diverse cultures coexisting and influencing each other. This cultural exchange can lead to innovation in various fields, from gastronomy to music, ultimately enriching the host country’s cultural landscape.

On the other hand, critics of immigration contend that an influx of foreign cultures can dilute or even supplant local traditions. They fear that as immigrant communities grow, their customs and values may overshadow those of the host country, leading to a loss of national identity. This concern is particularly prevalent in smaller countries or regions with strong cultural traditions. For example, some European countries have expressed worries about the impact of large-scale immigration on their language, religious practices, and social norms.

In my view, while the concerns about preserving local culture are valid, the benefits of cultural diversity brought by immigration outweigh the potential drawbacks. A balanced approach that encourages integration while respecting both immigrant and local cultures can lead to a more vibrant and resilient society. Countries can implement policies that promote cultural exchange and understanding, such as multicultural education programs or community events celebrating diverse traditions. This approach can help mitigate fears of cultural loss while harnessing the positive aspects of diversity.

In conclusion, immigration undoubtedly contributes to cultural diversity, and with proper management, this diversity can be a source of strength rather than division. By fostering an environment of mutual respect and cultural exchange, societies can reap the benefits of immigration while preserving their core cultural values.

Immigration enriching cultural diversity

Explanation of Band 8-9 Score

This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to its high band score:

1. Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly presenting the writer’s own opinion.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (e.g., “On the other hand,” “In my view,” “For instance”).

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “contentious issue,” “cultural horizons,” “vibrant multicultural atmosphere,” “dilute or even supplant”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly (e.g., complex sentences, conditional statements, passive voice).

5. Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Immigration is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think it’s good for a country’s culture, while others worry it might harm local traditions. I will discuss both sides and give my view.

People who support immigration say it brings new and interesting things to a country. When immigrants come, they bring their food, music, and customs with them. This can make a country more exciting and diverse. For example, in many big cities, you can find restaurants with food from all over the world. This shows how immigration can make a place more interesting culturally.

However, some people are worried about immigration. They think that too many immigrants might make the local culture less important. They are afraid that their own traditions might be forgotten if there are too many new cultures in the country. For instance, some people worry that their language might be used less if many immigrants speak different languages.

In my opinion, immigration is generally good for a country’s culture. While it’s true that we should protect local traditions, having new cultures can make a country richer in many ways. I think if people are open-minded and willing to learn from each other, both local and immigrant cultures can exist together happily.

To conclude, immigration does change a country’s culture, but I believe this change is mostly positive. If managed well, immigration can make a country more diverse and interesting without losing its original culture.

Cultural exchange between immigrants and locals

Explanation of Band 6-7 Score

This essay demonstrates features that place it in the Band 6-7 range:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the treatment of the topic is less comprehensive compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear overall structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated (e.g., repetitive use of “Some people” and “They think”).

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay (e.g., repeated use of “good” and “interesting”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but with less variety and flexibility than the Band 8-9 essay.

5. Development of Ideas: Main points are supported with examples, but the development is less thorough and nuanced compared to the higher band essay.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Cultural diversity (noun) – /ˈkʌltʃərəl daɪˈvɜːrsəti/ – The existence of different cultures or ethnic groups within a society
2. Enrich (verb) – /ɪnˈrɪtʃ/ – To improve or enhance the quality or value of something
3. Dilute (verb) – /daɪˈluːt/ – To make something weaker in force, content, or value
4. Supplant (verb) – /səˈplænt/ – To take the place of (something else), typically by force
5. Integration (noun) – /ˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃn/ – The process of combining or adding parts to make a unified whole
6. Multicultural (adjective) – /ˌmʌltiˈkʌltʃərəl/ – Relating to or containing several cultural or ethnic groups within a society
7. Coexist (verb) – /ˌkoʊɪɡˈzɪst/ – To exist together or at the same time
8. Influx (noun) – /ˈɪnflʌks/ – An arrival or entry of large numbers of people or things
9. Resilient (adjective) – /rɪˈzɪliənt/ – Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions
10. Assimilation (noun) – /əˌsɪməˈleɪʃn/ – The process of taking in and fully understanding information or ideas

In conclusion, the topic of immigration and its impact on cultural diversity is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for such questions, practice writing balanced arguments, using specific examples, and clearly expressing your own opinion. Some potential future questions might include:

• “Should governments prioritize the integration of immigrants or the preservation of local culture? Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
• “Some people argue that globalization and immigration are eroding national identities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
• “Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having a multicultural society.”

Remember to practice writing essays on these topics, focusing on developing clear arguments, using varied vocabulary, and maintaining good essay structure. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.