IELTS HUBIELTS Discussion Essay on Culture & World & Work
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some think increasing business and cultural contact between nations is positive. Others think it leads to the disappearance of the national identity.
Discuss both views and state your own opinion.
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Paraphrase topic about increasing international contact. State that some see it positively while others worry about national identity loss. State own opinion (agrees with positive view).
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Topic sentence discussing the worries about losing national identity. Point 1: Foreign businesses overshadowing local ones (economic identity). Example: Walmart. Point 2: Cultural blending weakening unique customs. Example: Halloween vs local festivals.
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Topic sentence presenting the view that advantages outweigh disadvantages (writer's view). Point 1: Leads to economic growth and development. Example: Foreign investment in India. Point 2: Cultural exchanges enrich identity through sharing. Example: Yoga becoming global but highlighting Indian culture.
Conclusion
Summarize both views (concerns about identity vs benefits). Restate opinion that advantages of economic growth and cultural enrichment are more convincing, referencing examples.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
In the globalized world, some people support the growth of business and cultural interactions between countries, seeing it as a good thing. I agree with this view, even though others worry that these interactions might weaken national identity.
Those who worry about losing national identity due to global engagement have valid reasons. First, they say that foreign businesses can overshadow local ones, which form the core of a country's economic identity. They point to global retail giants like Walmart, whose presence in different countries has sometimes led to local businesses failing. Second, they argue that more cultural contact can lead to a blending of cultures, which can water down unique national customs and traditions. An example is the global celebration of Halloween, a mainly Western tradition, which can overshadow local festivals and traditions.
Despite these worries, I believe that the advantages of more international interaction are greater than the possible disadvantages. One strong argument is that such interaction can lead to economic growth and development. This is clear in countries like India, where foreign investment has greatly helped the economy, leading to better living standards. Also, cultural exchanges can enrich a nation's cultural mix rather than weaken it. This is because exposure to different cultures can lead to a sharing of ideas and traditions, which can enhance national identity rather than weaken it. For example, yoga, an ancient Indian practice, has become popular worldwide, but this has not lessened its importance in Indian culture, instead it has highlighted it.
In conclusion, while there are arguments that more international engagement could result in the loss of national identity, I believe that the advantages of economic growth and cultural enrichment are more convincing. The examples of foreign investment helping economies and cultural exchanges enhancing national identities support this view.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
In the realm of globalization, some individuals advocate for the expansion of business and cultural exchanges between nations, viewing it as a positive development. I align myself with this perspective, despite the contrasting belief that such interactions may result in the erosion of national identity.
Those who fear the loss of national identity due to international engagement do not lack justifiable reasons. Firstly, they argue that the influx of foreign businesses often leads to the overshadowing of local enterprises, which are the backbone of a nation's economic identity. This argument is extended by the example of global retail giants like Walmart, whose presence in various countries has sometimes led to the decline of local businesses. Secondly, they contend that increased cultural contact can result in cultural homogenization, diluting unique national customs and traditions. An example of this is the widespread celebration of Halloween, a predominantly Western tradition, in various parts of the world, which may overshadow local festivals and traditions.
However, despite these concerns, I maintain that the benefits of increased international interaction outweigh the potential drawbacks. One compelling argument is that such interaction fosters economic growth and development. This is evident in countries like India, where foreign investment has significantly boosted the economy, leading to improved living standards. Moreover, cultural exchanges can enrich a nation's cultural tapestry rather than erode it. This is because exposure to diverse cultures can lead to a mutual exchange of ideas and traditions, enhancing rather than diminishing national identity. For instance, the popularity of yoga, an ancient Indian practice, has grown globally, yet this has not diminished its significance in Indian culture but rather has amplified it.
In conclusion, while there are arguments suggesting that increased international engagement could lead to the loss of national identity, I believe that the benefits of economic growth and cultural enrichment make a stronger case. The examples of foreign investment boosting economies and cultural exchanges enhancing national identities underscore this perspective.