Cultural globalization and its effects on youth behavior is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on analysis of past exams and current trends, this topic has a high probability of appearing in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think 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.
Analyzing the Question
This question addresses the complex relationship between cultural traditions and tourism, touching on the broader theme of cultural globalization’s impact on societies. It requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that using cultural traditions for tourism can destroy them
- Explore the opposing view that this commercialization is necessary for preservation
- Provide a personal opinion on the matter
Now, let’s examine sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring response.
Band 8 Sample Essay
Cultural heritage and tourism have become increasingly intertwined in our globalized world, sparking a debate about the preservation of traditions. While some argue that commercializing cultural practices for tourists may lead to their degradation, others contend that it is a vital means of ensuring their survival. In my opinion, a balanced approach that carefully manages tourism’s impact on cultural traditions is the most effective solution.
Those who oppose using cultural traditions as tourist attractions often cite the risk of commodification and loss of authenticity. When sacred rituals or ancient customs are performed primarily for visitors’ entertainment, they may lose their original meaning and significance to the local community. For example, traditional Balinese dances, once integral to religious ceremonies, are now frequently staged in hotels for tourists, potentially diluting their cultural importance. This commercialization can lead to a superficial representation of complex traditions, reducing them to mere spectacles.
On the other hand, proponents argue that tourism can provide the financial resources necessary to maintain and preserve cultural traditions that might otherwise fade away. In many cases, the economic incentives created by tourism encourage younger generations to learn and continue their cultural practices. For instance, in Peru, the influx of tourists interested in traditional Andean textiles has revitalized weaving communities, providing income and renewed pride in their craft. This economic support can be crucial for sustaining traditions in the face of modernization and globalization.
The influence of globalization on youth culture is particularly relevant here, as young people often find themselves caught between preserving their heritage and embracing global trends. By making cultural traditions economically viable, tourism can help bridge this gap, allowing youth to maintain connections to their roots while participating in the global economy.
In my view, the key lies in striking a delicate balance between preservation and promotion. Cultural traditions can benefit from tourism if managed responsibly, with local communities retaining control over how their heritage is presented and shared. This approach requires careful planning, education, and regulation to ensure that traditions are not cheapened or misrepresented. For example, the New Zealand government’s collaboration with Maori communities to develop authentic cultural tourism experiences demonstrates how this balance can be achieved.
Cultural globalization impact on youth behavior
In conclusion, while the commercialization of cultural traditions for tourism poses risks, it also offers opportunities for preservation and revitalization. The challenge lies in developing sustainable tourism models that respect and authentically represent cultural heritage while providing economic benefits to local communities. By doing so, we can ensure that cultural traditions remain vibrant and relevant in our increasingly globalized world.
(Word count: 424)
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
The use of cultural traditions as tourist attractions is a controversial topic. Some people think it can destroy these traditions, while others believe it’s the only way to save them. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, using cultural traditions for tourism can be harmful. When traditions are performed for tourists, they might lose their original meaning. For example, traditional dances that were once part of religious ceremonies might become just a show for visitors. This can make the traditions less important to local people, especially the younger generation. Also, some traditions might be changed to make them more interesting for tourists, which can lead to them becoming less authentic.
On the other hand, tourism can help save cultural traditions. In many places, young people are not interested in learning about their culture because they think it’s old-fashioned. But when tourists come to see these traditions, it can make local people proud of their culture again. Tourism also brings money, which can be used to keep traditions alive. For example, in some countries, traditional craft makers can earn a living by selling their products to tourists.
The influence of culture on consumer behavior is important to consider here. Tourists often want to buy authentic cultural products, which can encourage local people to continue making them.
In my opinion, using cultural traditions for tourism can be good if it’s done carefully. It’s important that local people are involved in deciding how their traditions are shown to tourists. This way, they can make sure their culture is respected and presented accurately. Also, some of the money from tourism should be used to teach young people about their traditions, so they can continue them in the future.
Balancing cultural traditions and tourism
In conclusion, while there are risks in using cultural traditions for tourism, I believe it can be a way to save these traditions if it’s managed well. The key is to find a balance between preserving the authenticity of traditions and allowing tourists to experience them.
(Word count: 366)
Explaining the Band Scores
Band 8 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates the qualities of a high-scoring response:
- Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are used with awareness of style and collocation.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used accurately and appropriately, with only rare minor errors.
Key strengths include:
- Sophisticated vocabulary (e.g., commodification, superficial representation)
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear and balanced argument
- Relevant examples to support points
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay shows characteristics of a mid-range response:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but some points are more fully developed than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some cohesive devices are overused or under-used.
- Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task, with some attempts at less common vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with some errors that do not impede communication.
Areas for improvement:
- More sophisticated vocabulary and expressions
- Greater variety in sentence structures
- More specific examples to illustrate points
- Deeper analysis of the issues
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Cultural globalization (noun) – /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˌgləʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – The transmission of ideas, meanings, and values around the world in such a way as to extend and intensify social relations.
Commodification (noun) – /kəˌmɒdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ – The transformation of goods, services, ideas, or other entities that may not normally be regarded as goods into a commodity.
Authenticity (noun) – /ɔːθenˈtɪsɪti/ – The quality of being genuine or real.
Revitalize (verb) – /riːˈvaɪtəlaɪz/ – To give new life or vigor to.
Superficial (adjective) – /ˌsuːpəˈfɪʃəl/ – Existing or occurring at or on the surface; apparent rather than real.
Heritage (noun) – /ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – Valued objects and qualities such as cultural traditions that have been passed down from previous generations.
Dilute (verb) – /daɪˈluːt/ – Make (something) weaker in force, content, or value by modification or addition.
Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
Modernization (noun) – /ˌmɒdənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – The process of adapting something to modern needs or habits.
Preservation (noun) – /ˌprezəˈveɪʃən/ – The action of preserving something; maintenance or retention of something in its original or existing state.
In conclusion, the impact of cultural globalization on youth behavior, particularly in the context of tourism and tradition, is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. The importance of cultural awareness in global business further underscores the significance of this theme. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider practicing with similar topics such as:
- The effects of global media on local cultures
- The role of technology in preserving or eroding cultural traditions
- The impact of international tourism on indigenous communities
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.