Cultural heritage preservation is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately once every 4-5 months in recent tests. This topic tests candidates’ ability to discuss the balance between cultural preservation and economic development, a particularly relevant issue for developing nations.
Cultural heritage preservation workers carefully restoring ancient temple architecture
Analyzing the Task Question
Some people believe that governments should spend money protecting cultural heritage sites even when their countries face economic difficulties. Others say that money should be spent on more essential needs. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for preserving cultural heritage sites despite economic challenges
- Present opposing views prioritizing essential needs
- Provide their own perspective with supporting reasons
- Maintain a balanced approach while clearly stating their position
Band 8.5 Sample Essay
The preservation of cultural heritage sites during economic hardship is a contentious issue that merits careful consideration of both perspectives. While some advocate for continued investment in cultural preservation regardless of circumstances, others argue that basic societal needs should take precedence.
Those who support ongoing heritage site protection emphasize that these sites represent irreplaceable aspects of human history and cultural identity. Once lost or damaged, these historical treasures cannot be recovered, resulting in permanent damage to a nation’s cultural fabric. Additionally, well-maintained heritage sites can generate substantial tourism revenue, potentially helping countries overcome economic challenges in the long term.
However, critics argue that during periods of economic difficulty, governments must prioritize essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. They contend that allocating limited resources to preserve historical sites while citizens lack access to basic necessities is morally questionable. Furthermore, they suggest that heritage preservation could be temporarily scaled back rather than completely abandoned, allowing for a more balanced approach to resource allocation.
In my view, while cultural heritage preservation is undeniably important, governments should adopt a flexible approach during economic hardship. I believe that a strategic reduction in preservation funding, rather than complete elimination, would allow countries to address immediate societal needs while still maintaining their most significant historical sites. This balanced approach could involve seeking international funding, implementing innovative preservation techniques, and developing sustainable tourism models to offset maintenance costs.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Many people have different opinions about whether governments should spend money on protecting cultural heritage sites when they have economic problems. This essay will discuss both sides of this issue.
On one side, people think protecting cultural places is very important. These places show our history and culture, and if we don’t protect them now, they might be destroyed forever. For example, many tourists come to see old temples and buildings, which helps the country make money from tourism.
However, other people say we should spend money on more important things first. When people don’t have enough food or good hospitals, it might not be right to spend lots of money on old buildings. They think we should first make sure everyone has basic things they need to live.
I think both sides have good points, but I agree more with the second view. While cultural sites are important, we should first take care of people’s basic needs. Maybe governments can find other ways to protect cultural sites, like getting help from other countries or private companies, while they use their main money for important things like schools and hospitals.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts with well-developed ideas
- Coherence & Cohesion: Logical organization with clear progression
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary with natural and precise usage
- Grammatical Range: Complex structures used accurately
- Word count: 274
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses main points but less developed
- Coherence & Cohesion: Basic organization with some progression
- Lexical Resource: Adequate vocabulary with some repetition
- Grammatical Range: Mix of simple and complex structures
- Word count: 186
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- cultural heritage (n) /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – traditional beliefs, values, customs
- preservation (n) /ˌprezəˈveɪʃn/ – protection from harm or decay
- irreplaceable (adj) /ˌɪrɪˈpleɪsəbl/ – impossible to replace
- contentious (adj) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing disagreement or debate
- precedence (n) /ˈpresɪdəns/ – priority in importance
- sustainable (adj) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to continue over time
- strategic (adj) /strəˈtiːdʒɪk/ – carefully planned to achieve a specific goal
Consider practicing with these related topics:
- Balancing modernization with traditional architecture
- Government funding for museums vs public services
- Tourism impact on historical sites
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
