IELTS HUBIELTS Discussion Essay on World & Culture & Money
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some people believe that trade and cultural relationships between the countries are a positive development, while others disagree.
Discuss both views and include your own opinion.
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Paraphrase question about trade/cultural relationships (positive vs negative). State both views exist and introduce author's agreement with the positive view.
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Topic sentence presenting arguments against global trade/cultural exchange. Point 1: Economic issues (local businesses struggle, job loss, foreign goods hurt local industry). Point 2: Cultural issues (loss of national identity, foreign influence weakens traditions/customs, potential disappearance of local languages/rituals).
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Topic sentence presenting arguments for and stating author's support. Point 1: Potential for economic growth (new markets/opportunities for local companies, example: China's trade ties). Point 2: Cultural ties promote mutual understanding/respect (peaceful living together, example: EU cultural exchange).
Conclusion
Summarize arguments against (damage to local industry, cultural loss) and arguments for (economic growth, mutual understanding). Restate author's opinion that advantages outweigh negatives.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
In the world of global connections, some people support the idea of enhancing trade and cultural links between countries, seeing it as a positive move, a viewpoint I agree with. However, others see these relationships as harmful.
Those against global trade and cultural exchange often point to economic and cultural issues. They believe that local businesses may struggle against international competition, possibly causing job loss and economic uncertainty. They also worry that the arrival of foreign goods might outshine local ones, thereby hurting local industries. Moreover, they are concerned that cultural ties could lead to the loss of national identity, as foreign influences might weaken local traditions and customs. They emphasize this by pointing out the potential disappearance of local languages and rituals, which are crucial to a country's cultural heritage.
Despite these worries, I side with those who support international trade and cultural ties. One of the main reasons is the potential for economic growth that trade relationships offer, as they can create new markets and opportunities for local companies. This is shown by countries like China, whose economic success is due to its strong international trade ties. Moreover, cultural ties promote mutual understanding and respect between countries, which can result in peaceful living together. This is seen in the European Union, where cultural exchange has significantly contributed to peace among its member countries.
In conclusion, while there are reasonable arguments against international trade and cultural ties, such as potential damage to local industries and cultural loss, I think the advantages, such as economic growth and promoting mutual understanding, outweigh the negatives.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
In the realm of global interaction, some individuals advocate for the strengthening of trade and cultural ties between nations, viewing it as a progressive step, a stance with which I concur. Conversely, others perceive such relationships as detrimental.
Those in opposition to international trade and cultural exchange often cite economic and cultural concerns. They argue that local industries may suffer in the face of international competition, potentially leading to unemployment and economic instability. This argument is extended by the fact that the influx of foreign goods can overshadow local products, thus stifling indigenous industries. Additionally, they fear that cultural relationships can lead to the erosion of national identity, as foreign influences may dilute local traditions and customs. This point is further emphasized by the potential loss of indigenous languages and rituals, which are integral to a nation's cultural heritage.
Despite these concerns, I align myself with those who champion international trade and cultural relationships. One of the primary reasons is the economic growth potential that trade relationships bring, as they can open up new markets and opportunities for local businesses. This is exemplified by countries like China, whose economic boom can be attributed to its robust international trade relationships. Furthermore, cultural relationships foster mutual understanding and respect between nations, which can lead to peaceful coexistence. This is evident in the European Union, where cultural exchange has played a significant role in maintaining peace among member states.
In conclusion, while there are valid arguments against international trade and cultural relationships, such as potential harm to local industries and cultural erosion, I believe the benefits, including economic growth and fostering mutual understanding, outweigh the drawbacks.