Questions about preserving and promoting indigenous arts and cultures have appeared frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2, particularly between 2019-2023. This topic reflects growing global concerns about cultural preservation and often appears in various forms, from discussing government responsibilities to examining the role of education in cultural preservation.
Indigenous arts and cultural preservation challenges in modern society
Analysis of Current IELTS Topic Trend
Recent IELTS exams have featured several variations of this topic. Here’s one of the most representative questions:
Some people believe that governments should invest more money to protect and promote indigenous arts and cultures, while others think the money should be spent on more important things. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Understanding the Question
- Topic: Government funding for indigenous arts and cultures
- Task: Discuss both views + give opinion
- Key aspects to cover: Financial priorities, cultural preservation, social benefits
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The allocation of government funds between cultural preservation and other priorities has become a contentious issue. While some advocate for increased investment in indigenous arts and cultures, others argue that these resources could be better utilized elsewhere. I believe a balanced approach is necessary, though with a slight emphasis on cultural preservation.
Those who support increased funding for indigenous arts and cultures present compelling arguments. Firstly, these cultural elements represent irreplaceable aspects of human heritage that, once lost, cannot be recovered. For instance, many traditional art forms in Southeast Asian countries are facing extinction due to inadequate support and modernization. Additionally, indigenous cultures often contain valuable traditional knowledge about sustainable living and environmental preservation that could benefit modern society.
However, opponents argue that governments face more pressing challenges. They contend that resources should prioritize fundamental needs like healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. In developing nations particularly, limited budgets must often address basic necessities before cultural initiatives. For example, in many South Asian countries, improving access to quality education and healthcare services remains a critical priority.
In my view, while basic societal needs must be met, protecting indigenous arts and cultures should not be viewed as a luxury but as an essential investment in our collective heritage. A balanced approach could involve integrating cultural preservation into educational programs and tourism development, creating self-sustaining models that generate both cultural and economic benefits. This strategy has proven successful in countries like South Korea, where traditional arts have been effectively preserved while contributing to the tourism sector.
Educational programs successfully preserving indigenous culture
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Today, many people have different opinions about government spending on indigenous arts and cultures. Some think it’s very important, but others say the money should go to other things. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
People who support spending money on indigenous arts and cultures have good reasons. First, these traditions are part of our history and identity. If we don’t protect them, they might disappear forever. Second, indigenous arts can help tourism and make money for local communities. For example, in my country, traditional festivals attract many tourists every year.
On the other hand, some people think the government should spend money on more important things. They say we need better hospitals, schools, and roads. These things help people’s daily lives more directly. Also, in poor countries, many people don’t have enough food or clean water, so these basic needs should come first.
I think both sides have good points, but we should try to save our traditions while also taking care of basic needs. Maybe governments can find ways to do both things together. For example, they can teach traditional arts in schools or help indigenous people sell their crafts to make money.
Detailed Band Score Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay Analysis
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts with well-developed ideas
- Coherence and Cohesion: Logical organization with clear progression
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary with natural usage
- Grammatical Range: Complex structures used accurately
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis
- Task Response: Addresses main points but with less development
- Coherence and Cohesion: Basic organization with some progression
- Lexical Resource: Adequate vocabulary with some repetition
- Grammatical Range: Mix of simple and complex structures
Key Vocabulary
- Indigenous (adj) /ɪnˈdɪdʒɪnəs/ – native to a particular place
- Cultural preservation (n) /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˌprezəˈveɪʃn/ – protecting cultural heritage
- Contentious (adj) /kənˈtɛnʃəs/ – causing disagreement
- Irreplaceable (adj) /ˌɪrɪˈpleɪsəbl/ – impossible to replace
- Self-sustaining (adj) /ˌsɛlfséˈsteɪnɪŋ/ – able to continue independently
- Heritage (n) /ˈhɛrɪtɪdʒ/ – inherited traditions and culture
- Extinction (n) /ɪkˈstɪŋkʃən/ – the state of no longer existing
Writing Practice Suggestion
Try writing your own essay about similar topics:
- The role of technology in preserving indigenous cultures
- Should schools include indigenous cultural studies in their curriculum?
- The impact of tourism on indigenous communities
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners.
