Cultural appropriation is a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years, particularly in discussions about social justice, cultural sensitivity, and globalization. This subject has appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions several times, making it an important theme for test-takers to understand and prepare for. Based on past exam trends and current societal discussions, it’s likely that questions related to cultural appropriation will continue to appear in future IELTS exams.
Let’s examine a relevant IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:
Some people believe that cultural appropriation should be discouraged, while others argue that it promotes cultural exchange and understanding. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Understand the concept of cultural appropriation
- Discuss arguments for discouraging cultural appropriation
- Discuss arguments for allowing or encouraging cultural appropriation
- Provide a personal opinion on the issue
The question is balanced, asking for both perspectives before requesting the candidate’s own view. This structure allows for a clear, well-organized essay that demonstrates critical thinking and the ability to consider multiple viewpoints.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
In today’s interconnected world, the issue of cultural appropriation has become increasingly contentious. While some argue that it should be discouraged to protect cultural heritage and respect minority groups, others contend that it fosters cultural exchange and mutual understanding. In my opinion, while sensitivity is crucial, controlled cultural borrowing can lead to positive outcomes when done respectfully and with proper acknowledgment.
Those who oppose cultural appropriation often argue that it can lead to the exploitation and misrepresentation of minority cultures. They contend that when dominant cultures adopt elements from marginalized groups without proper understanding or context, it can trivialize important cultural symbols and practices. For instance, the use of Native American headdresses as fashion accessories at music festivals has been criticized for disrespecting sacred traditions. Moreover, there are concerns that cultural appropriation can economically disadvantage the original culture, as outsiders profit from selling or promoting borrowed cultural elements.
On the other hand, proponents of cultural exchange argue that borrowing between cultures is a natural and beneficial process that has occurred throughout history. They believe that cultural appropriation, when done respectfully, can lead to increased awareness, appreciation, and understanding of different cultures. For example, the global popularity of yoga has led to greater interest in Indian philosophy and spirituality. Additionally, cultural borrowing can result in innovative artistic expressions and fusion cuisines that enrich global culture.
In my view, while it is essential to be mindful of the potential negative impacts of cultural appropriation, completely discouraging it could hinder cultural evolution and cross-cultural understanding. I believe the key lies in promoting respectful cultural exchange, where borrowed elements are properly acknowledged, understood, and used in a way that honors their origins. Education plays a crucial role in this process, helping people understand the significance of cultural practices and symbols before adopting them.
In conclusion, while the concerns surrounding cultural appropriation are valid, I believe that fostering respectful cultural exchange is more beneficial than outright discouragement. By promoting education, awareness, and mutual respect, we can create a world where cultures can share and learn from each other without losing their unique identities or feeling exploited.
(Word count: 339)
Band 6-7 Essay
Cultural appropriation is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think it should not be allowed, while others believe it helps cultures understand each other better. I will discuss both sides and give my own thoughts on this issue.
People who are against cultural appropriation say it can hurt minority cultures. They think it’s wrong when people from powerful cultures use things from smaller cultures without really understanding them. For example, when people wear traditional clothes from other cultures as costumes, it can be seen as disrespectful. Also, some worry that big companies make money from other cultures’ ideas without giving anything back.
On the other hand, some people think cultural appropriation can be good. They say that when cultures share things, it helps everyone learn about each other. For instance, when people in one country start eating food from another country, they might become more interested in that culture. This can lead to more understanding between different groups of people.
In my opinion, I think it’s important to be careful about using things from other cultures, but we shouldn’t stop all cultural sharing. I believe that if people learn about and respect the cultures they borrow from, it can be a good thing. We should try to understand the meaning behind cultural practices and use them in a way that shows respect.
To conclude, while we need to be aware of the problems with cultural appropriation, I think that sharing between cultures can be positive if done with respect and knowledge. It’s important to learn about other cultures and use their ideas in a way that honors where they came from.
(Word count: 283)
Band 5-6 Essay
Cultural appropriation is when people use things from other cultures. Some people think this is bad, but others think it is good. I will talk about both ideas.
People who don’t like cultural appropriation say it is not fair to small cultures. They think big cultures take ideas from small cultures and don’t understand them. For example, when people wear clothes from other cultures as costumes, it can be bad. Also, some people make money from other cultures’ ideas.
But some people think cultural appropriation is okay. They say it helps people learn about different cultures. When people eat food from other countries, they might want to know more about that country. This can make people understand each other better.
I think we should be careful when we use things from other cultures, but we don’t need to stop it completely. It’s good to learn about other cultures and use their ideas if we do it nicely. We should try to understand why things are important in other cultures.
In the end, I think sharing between cultures can be good if we do it with respect. We should learn about other cultures and use their ideas in a good way.
(Word count: 196)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates the following characteristics of a high band score:
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. It uses a range of cohesive devices and each paragraph has a clear central topic.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Examples include “contentious,” “foster,” “trivialize,” and “innovative artistic expressions.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. It demonstrates consistent control of complex language.
Band 6-7 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates the following characteristics of a mid-range band score:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others. The format is appropriate, and the conclusion reflects the position.
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Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some cohesive devices may be overused or faulty. Each paragraph has a clear central topic.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary, though there may be some inaccuracy.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
Band 5-6 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates the following characteristics of a lower mid-range band score:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas. The format is generally appropriate.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally coherent with some organization, but there may be a lack of overall progression. Basic cohesive devices are used.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task. There may be noticeable errors in word choice and collocation.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a limited range of structures. Complex sentences are rare and may contain errors. Errors are frequent but do not greatly impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Cultural appropriation (noun) – /ˌkʌltʃərəl əˌprəʊpriˈeɪʃən/ – The adoption of elements of one culture by members of a different culture without understanding or respecting the original culture.
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Contentious (adjective) – /kənˈtenʃəs/ – Causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument.
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Marginalized (adjective) – /ˈmɑːdʒɪnəlaɪzd/ – Treated as insignificant or peripheral.
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Trivialize (verb) – /ˈtrɪviəlaɪz/ – To make something seem less important or serious than it really is.
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Innovative (adjective) – /ˈɪnəvətɪv/ – Featuring new methods; advanced and original.
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Proponent (noun) – /prəˈpəʊnənt/ – A person who advocates for or supports something.
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Fusion (noun) – /ˈfjuːʒən/ – The process of combining different things to create something new.
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Exploitation (noun) – /ˌeksplɔɪˈteɪʃən/ – The action of using someone or something unfairly for one’s own benefit.
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Acknowledgment (noun) – /əkˈnɒlɪdʒmənt/ – Recognition or admission of the truth or existence of something.
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Mutual (adjective) – /ˈmjuːtʃuəl/ – Experienced or done by each of two or more parties towards the other or others.
In conclusion, the topic of cultural appropriation is a complex and nuanced issue that requires careful consideration. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, remember to balance your arguments, use specific examples, and clearly state your own opinion. Practice writing essays on similar topics, such as:
- The impact of globalization on cultural identity
- The role of cultural festivals in promoting understanding between different communities
- The preservation of traditional cultures in the modern world
To further improve your writing skills, try composing an essay based on the question provided in this article and share it in the comments section. This practice will help you refine your arguments, improve your vocabulary, and gain valuable feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.