IELTS HUBIELTS Positive-Negative Essay on Culture & World & Society
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Different cultures are mixing today and the world is becoming a global village.
Is it a positive or a negative development?
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Paraphrase topic: cultures mixing to create a global village. State that while advantages exist, the disadvantages are argued to be more significant.
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Discuss positive aspects: encourages unity and mutual respect (e.g., multicultural societies like Canada, Australia). Enhances societies by sharing ideas/traditions (e.g., Eastern meditation/mindfulness in Western societies).
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Discuss negative aspects (argued as more significant): possible fading of unique cultures/traditions (e.g., disappearance of native languages/customs). Global standardization imposing norms (e.g., Western fast-food chains, threat to local food, health issues).
Conclusion
Summarize main points (unity/enhancement vs. fading/enforcement). Restate opinion that negative effects are more significant. Emphasize protecting cultural diversity and respecting local traditions.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
In today's world, the merging of various cultures is becoming more noticeable, creating a so-called global village. While this has some advantages, it's argued that the disadvantages are more significant.
The blending of cultures can encourage unity and mutual respect among people from different backgrounds. This is seen in multicultural societies like Canada and Australia, where various cultural practices live together peacefully, fostering a global community spirit. Moreover, this cultural mix can enhance societies by sharing ideas and traditions. For example, the impact of Eastern meditation on Western societies has led to the use of mindfulness techniques, improving mental health.
However, we can't ignore the negative effects of this cultural merging. The main worry is the possible fading of unique cultures and traditions. This is evident in the slow disappearance of native languages and customs, as they're overshadowed by more dominant cultures, resulting in a loss of cultural diversity. Also, this global standardization can impose certain cultural norms, which may not be accepted by all societies. This is clear in the worldwide spread of Western fast-food chains, which not only threaten local foods but also contribute to health problems like obesity.
In conclusion, while the mixing of cultures can encourage unity and enhance societies, the negative effects of cultural fading and the enforcement of foreign norms are more significant. The protection of cultural diversity and respect for local traditions should be emphasized in our increasingly global world.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
In the contemporary era, the amalgamation of diverse cultures is increasingly evident, leading to the concept of a global village. While this development brings certain benefits, it is posited that the drawbacks are more pronounced.
The fusion of cultures can foster a sense of unity and mutual understanding among people from different backgrounds. This can be exemplified by the multicultural societies of Canada and Australia, where diverse cultural practices coexist harmoniously, promoting a sense of global citizenship. Furthermore, this cultural intermingling can lead to the enrichment of societies through the exchange of ideas and traditions. For instance, the influence of Eastern meditation practices on Western societies has led to the adoption of mindfulness techniques, contributing to mental health improvements.
However, the negative implications of this cultural convergence cannot be overlooked. The primary concern is the potential erosion of individual cultures and traditions. This can be seen in the gradual disappearance of indigenous languages and customs, as they are overshadowed by dominant cultures, leading to a loss of cultural diversity. Additionally, this global homogenization can lead to the imposition of certain cultural norms, which may not resonate with all societies. This is evident in the global spread of Western fast-food chains, which not only undermines local cuisines but also contributes to health issues such as obesity.
In conclusion, while the blending of cultures can promote unity and enrich societies, the negative impacts of cultural erosion and the imposition of foreign norms outweigh these benefits. The preservation of cultural diversity and respect for local traditions should be prioritized in our increasingly globalized world.