Social cohesion in multicultural societies is a topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and the increasing global focus on diversity and integration, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to be a popular subject in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a relevant question and provide sample essays to help you prepare effectively for this topic.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that in multicultural societies, the government should encourage minority groups to preserve their cultural identities. Others think the government should encourage all groups to integrate and assimilate into the mainstream society. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question addresses a complex issue in multicultural societies: whether to preserve distinct cultural identities or promote assimilation. It requires you to:
- Discuss the view of preserving cultural identities
- Discuss the view of encouraging integration and assimilation
- Present your own opinion on the matter
Let’s examine two sample essays that tackle this question, one aiming for a Band 8-9 score and another for a Band 6-7 score.
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
In today’s globalized world, many countries face the challenge of balancing cultural diversity with social cohesion. While some advocate for the preservation of minority cultural identities, others argue for integration into the mainstream society. In my opinion, a nuanced approach that combines elements of both strategies is the most effective way to promote social harmony in multicultural nations.
Proponents of preserving cultural identities argue that this approach enriches the overall societal fabric. By allowing minority groups to maintain their traditions, languages, and customs, a country can foster a vibrant and diverse cultural landscape. This diversity can lead to increased creativity, innovation, and cross-cultural understanding. Moreover, preserving one’s cultural heritage can provide individuals with a sense of belonging and identity, which is crucial for their psychological well-being and social integration.
On the other hand, those who support assimilation contend that a shared national identity is essential for social cohesion. They argue that encouraging all groups to adopt the mainstream culture and values can prevent the formation of isolated communities and reduce social tensions. A common language and shared cultural norms can facilitate better communication and understanding between different groups, leading to a more unified society.
In my view, the most effective approach lies in striking a balance between these two perspectives. Governments should encourage the preservation of cultural identities while simultaneously promoting a sense of national unity. This can be achieved through policies that celebrate cultural diversity, such as multicultural festivals and educational programs that teach about different cultures. At the same time, governments should focus on creating a shared national identity based on common values such as democracy, equality, and respect for diversity.
Furthermore, promoting bilingualism or multilingualism can serve as a bridge between preserving cultural identities and fostering integration. By encouraging minority groups to maintain their languages while also mastering the national language, countries can create a more inclusive and cohesive society. This approach allows individuals to retain their cultural heritage while fully participating in the broader national community.
In conclusion, while both preservation of cultural identities and assimilation have their merits, a balanced approach that combines elements of both strategies is likely to be most effective in promoting social cohesion in multicultural societies. By celebrating diversity while fostering a shared national identity, countries can create harmonious and inclusive communities that benefit from the richness of multiculturalism.
(Word count: 377)
Diverse multicultural society
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
In multicultural societies, there is often debate about how to handle different cultural groups. Some people think the government should help minority groups keep their cultural identities, while others believe everyone should integrate into the main society. I think both views have good points, but a mix of the two approaches is probably best.
Those who support preserving cultural identities say it’s important for people to keep their traditions and languages. This can make society more interesting and diverse. It can also help people feel proud of their background and more comfortable in the country. For example, allowing people to celebrate their own festivals or speak their languages at home can make them feel welcome.
On the other hand, people who favor integration say it’s necessary for everyone to adapt to the main culture. They think this can help avoid problems between different groups and make the country more united. If everyone speaks the same language and follows similar customs, it might be easier for people to understand each other and work together.
In my opinion, a balance between these two ideas is the best solution. Governments should encourage people to keep important parts of their culture, but also help them become part of the larger society. This could mean having multicultural events where everyone can learn about different cultures, while also making sure all groups learn the national language and understand the country’s laws and values.
For instance, schools could teach about various cultures and religions, but also make sure all students learn the country’s main language and history. This way, people can keep their identity but also feel part of the larger community.
To conclude, while both preserving cultural identities and encouraging integration have their benefits, I believe a mixed approach is best for creating a harmonious multicultural society. This can help create a country where diversity is celebrated, but everyone also feels connected to each other.
(Word count: 309)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced argument.
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Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases (e.g., “foster a vibrant and diverse cultural landscape,” “psychological well-being,” “social cohesion”). The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still effectively conveys the main ideas.
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Grammar: The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates a wider range of complex structures (e.g., “By allowing minority groups to maintain their traditions…,” “While both preservation of cultural identities and assimilation have their merits…”). The Band 6-7 essay uses mostly simple and compound sentences.
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Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and a more sophisticated argument.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly. The Band 6-7 essay is also coherent but uses simpler transitions.
Vocabulary to Remember
- Social cohesion (noun) /ˈsəʊʃəl kəʊˈhiːʒən/ – the willingness of members of a society to cooperate with each other
- Assimilate (verb) /əˈsɪmɪleɪt/ – to adopt the ways of another culture, causing similarity
- Integrate (verb) /ˈɪntɪɡreɪt/ – to combine or be combined to form a whole
- Multicultural (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈkʌltʃərəl/ – relating to or containing several cultural or ethnic groups
- Cultural identity (noun phrase) /ˈkʌltʃərəl aɪˈdentɪti/ – the identity of a group or culture, or of an individual as far as influenced by belonging to a group or culture
- Mainstream society (noun phrase) /ˈmeɪnstriːm səˈsaɪəti/ – the dominant cultural group in a society
- Cross-cultural understanding (noun phrase) /krɒs ˈkʌltʃərəl ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ/ – the ability to understand and appreciate different cultures
- National unity (noun phrase) /ˈnæʃənl ˈjuːnəti/ – the state of being united or joined as a whole within a nation
In conclusion, promoting social cohesion in multicultural societies is a complex but crucial topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding different perspectives and developing a balanced approach, you can craft a strong essay on this subject. Remember to practice writing essays on related topics, such as the role of education in promoting cultural understanding or the impact of globalization on cultural identities. You can find more resources on these topics at IELTS.net and IELTS.net.
To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your ideas and get feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.
