Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Encourage Cultural Appreciation in Schools – Sample Essays and Expert Analysis

Cultural appreciation in schools is a crucial topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and past exam questions, it’s highly likely that candidates will encounter this theme in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question and provide sample essays to help you prepare effectively.

Analyzing the Question

Some people think that schools should teach children about the importance of cultural appreciation. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

This question asks for your opinion on whether schools should actively teach cultural appreciation. It’s an agree/disagree essay, requiring you to state your position clearly and support it with relevant arguments and examples.

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

Here’s a high-scoring sample essay that demonstrates the qualities expected for a Band 8-9 response:

Cultural diversity is an integral part of our globalized world, and I strongly agree that schools should play a pivotal role in teaching children about the importance of cultural appreciation. This essay will explore the reasons why this approach is crucial and how it can benefit students in the long run.

Firstly, teaching cultural appreciation in schools helps foster a more inclusive and harmonious society. By exposing children to various cultures, traditions, and perspectives from an early age, we can cultivate empathy and understanding among future generations. This awareness can significantly reduce prejudice and discrimination, leading to more cohesive communities. For instance, schools that incorporate multicultural events and celebrations often report improved inter-ethnic relationships among students.

Moreover, cultural appreciation education prepares students for the increasingly globalized job market. In today’s interconnected world, the ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds is a valuable skill. By learning about different cultures, students develop cross-cultural communication skills and cultural intelligence, which are highly sought after by international companies. A study by the British Council found that employers consistently rank cultural awareness as one of the top skills they look for in graduates.

Additionally, teaching cultural appreciation can enhance students’ critical thinking skills. By examining different cultural practices and beliefs, students learn to question their own assumptions and develop a more nuanced understanding of the world. This process encourages them to think beyond their immediate environment and consider multiple perspectives when approaching complex issues.

However, it is crucial that schools implement cultural appreciation education thoughtfully and sensitively. Teachers should be trained to present diverse cultures accurately and respectfully, avoiding stereotypes or oversimplification. The curriculum should also be designed to be inclusive, representing a wide range of cultures rather than focusing solely on dominant ones.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that schools should teach children about the importance of cultural appreciation. This approach not only promotes social harmony but also equips students with essential skills for their future careers and personal development. By fostering a generation that values and understands cultural diversity, we can contribute to building a more tolerant and cooperative global society.

(Word count: 345)

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

Now, let’s look at a sample essay that would typically score in the Band 6-7 range:

In today’s multicultural world, I agree that schools should teach children about the importance of cultural appreciation. This essay will discuss why this is important and how it can help students.

Firstly, teaching cultural appreciation in schools can help create a more friendly society. When children learn about different cultures, they can understand and respect people from various backgrounds. This can reduce problems like racism and discrimination. For example, in my school, we had a cultural day where students shared food and customs from their countries, which made everyone more interested in each other’s cultures.

Secondly, learning about different cultures can help students in their future jobs. Many companies now work internationally, so understanding different cultures is very useful. Students who know about other cultures might find it easier to get jobs in global companies. They can communicate better with people from other countries and avoid misunderstandings.

Another reason is that learning about other cultures can make students more open-minded. They can learn new ways of thinking and solving problems. This can help them in many areas of life, not just at school.

However, schools need to be careful when teaching about cultures. They should make sure they don’t use stereotypes or only focus on the most well-known cultures. It’s important to include many different cultures in the lessons.

In conclusion, I think schools should teach children about cultural appreciation because it helps create a better society, prepares students for future jobs, and makes them more open-minded. This knowledge will be very useful for students in their future lives.

(Word count: 253)

Key Writing Tips

1. For Band 8-9:

   • Use sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures
   • Provide in-depth analysis and well-developed arguments
   • Include specific examples or research to support your points
   • Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the topic

2. For Band 6-7:

   • Use a mix of simple and complex sentences
   • Provide clear main ideas with some supporting details
   • Include personal examples or general observations
   • Show a good understanding of the topic, but with less depth than higher bands

Important Vocabulary to Remember

1. Cultural appreciation (noun) /ˈkʌltʃərəl əˌpriːʃiˈeɪʃən/ – Understanding and valuing different cultures
2. Inclusive (adjective) /ɪnˈkluːsɪv/ – Including all people, things, or groups
3. Harmonious (adjective) /hɑːrˈməʊniəs/ – Free from disagreement or conflict
4. Empathy (noun) /ˈempəθi/ – The ability to understand and share the feelings of others
5. Cross-cultural communication (noun) /krɒs ˈkʌltʃərəl kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃən/ – Exchanging information between people from different cultural backgrounds
6. Cultural intelligence (noun) /ˈkʌltʃərəl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/ – The ability to relate and work effectively across cultures
7. Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – Characterized by subtle differences
8. Oversimplification (noun) /ˌəʊvəˈsɪmplɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ – The act of making something simpler than it really is
9. Stereotypes (noun) /ˈsteriəʊtaɪps/ – Widely held but fixed and oversimplified images or ideas of a particular type of person or thing
10. Multicultural (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈkʌltʃərəl/ – Relating to or containing several cultural or ethnic groups

Cultural Appreciation in Schools

Conclusion

Understanding how to write about cultural appreciation in schools is crucial for IELTS Writing Task 2 success. The topic’s relevance in today’s globalized world makes it a frequent subject in exams. To further enhance your skills, consider practicing with these additional prompts:

1. Discuss the challenges schools might face when implementing cultural appreciation programs.
2. How can cultural appreciation in schools contribute to global peace and understanding?
3. Should cultural appreciation be taught as a separate subject or integrated into existing curricula?

Remember, the key to improving your IELTS writing skills is consistent practice. Try writing an essay on one of these topics or the main question discussed in this article. Feel free to share your essay in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice will help you develop the skills needed to excel in your IELTS Writing Task 2.

For more insights on related topics, check out our articles on the role of cultural diversity in education and cultural heritage preservation.