IELTS Discuss Both Views Essay: Culture Topics with Sample Answers
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Culture-related essay topics are frequently seen in the IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 and often focus on the interaction between tradition and modernity. Common subtopics include multicultural societies, traditional customs vs. modern values, language preservation, tourism’s impact on culture, and media influence. These questions assess your ability to discuss societal changes and cultural identity.
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Essay Topics
- Topic 1: Some people think that it is good for a country’s culture to import foreign movies and TV programmes. Others think that it is better to produce these locally. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- Topic 2: Many languages are at risk of disappearing as few people speak them. Some believe governments should fund efforts to preserve them, while others think this is a waste of money. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
TaskSome people think that it is good for a country’s culture to import foreign movies and TV programmes. Others think that it is better to produce these locally. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
How to approach the essay:
• Understand the Question: Identify the two opposing views — (1) supporting local film/TV production for cultural preservation and (2) valuing foreign media for cultural enrichment. Realize you must discuss both and give your opinion.
| Advantages of Local Films & TV | Advantages of Foreign Films & TV |
|---|---|
| • Educate youth about national culture and history • Promote national pride and identity • Reflect relatable local daily life • Adapt foreign storylines into culturally relevant versions | • Improve foreign language skills (e.g., English through “F.R.I.E.N.D.S.”) • Expand cultural awareness and global perspectives • Influence fashion, lifestyle, and broaden taste (e.g., Korean drama impact in Vietnam) • Turn passive viewers into more globally aware individuals |
• Opinion and Structure: Decide your stance early (e.g., support for foreign imports), and reflect this in the introduction and conclusion. Use clear topic sentences and real-life examples to support each side.
Model Answer
There is a widely held belief that producing films and television programs locally significantly benefits a country’s cultural landscape. While this undoubtedly has several advantages, I feel that the importation of foreign films and programs can bring about meaningful and positive changes to a nation’s culture.
Supporters of local film and television production argue that it promotes cultural development for two primary reasons. Firstly, from an educational standpoint, when young people watch local films, they gain deeper insights into the culture and history of their homeland. As a result, this exposure fosters an appreciation for their nation’s core values and helps instill a sense of identity and pride among adolescents. Secondly, from an entertainment perspective, local television programs often depict familiar aspects of daily life, allowing viewers to easily relate to the content. Moreover, even storylines and themes inspired by foreign media can be effectively adapted into local versions, often becoming highly popular with domestic viewers.
On the other hand, I believe that bringing in foreign films and television programs has a positive impact on a nation’s culture. Firstly, it exposes local audiences to foreign languages. For instance, many Vietnamese students have reported significant improvements in their English proficiency as a result of watching the television series “F.R.I.E.N.D.S.” Secondly, foreign media enhances cultural understanding by introducing viewers to different ways of life, thereby broadening a nation’s perspective. A case in point is how Korean dramas have notably influenced fashion trends among the youth in Vietnam, demonstrating the cultural impact of international media.
To sum up, locally produced media certainly plays a role in safeguarding cultural identity, but it would be short-sighted to overlook the transformative influence of foreign films and television. By offering new languages, perspectives, and trends, imported content not only entertains but also opens cultural doors—turning passive viewers into global citizens.
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Commentary
Essay Question:
Some people think that the best way to preserve a country’s culture is to produce films and television programs locally. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Introduction
Clarity:
• Topic is clearly introduced.
Thesis:
• Clearly states the writer’s opinion (supports foreign media), while acknowledging the opposing view.
Body Paragraphs
Main Ideas (Pros/Cons):
Pros of local production:
• Enhances cultural education for youth.
• Relatable content reflecting daily life.
• Foreign concepts can be localized successfully.
Benefits of foreign media:
• Language acquisition (e.g., English through F.R.I.E.N.D.S.).
• Exposure to global cultures (e.g., Korean drama fashion influence).
Coherence:
• Balanced discussion of both perspectives.
• Smooth transitions (“On the other hand,” “Firstly,” “Secondly”).
Conclusion
Summary:
• Restates key points effectively.
• Clear reaffirmation of the writer’s stance in favour of foreign media.
Vocabulary & Grammar
High-Level Vocabulary:
• Significantly – to a large extent.
• Instill – to gradually cause someone to accept an idea or feeling.
• Proficiency – a high level of skill.
• Perspective – a point of view.
• Enriching – improving the quality of something.
Academic Phrases:
• “From an educational standpoint”
• “A case in point”
• “There is a widely held belief that…”
Complex Sentences:
• “As a result, this exposure fosters appreciation for their nation’s core values and helps instill a sense of identity and pride among adolescents.”
• “A case in point is how Korean dramas have notably influenced fashion trends among the youth in Vietnam…”
Task
Many languages are at risk of disappearing as few people speak them. Some believe governments should fund efforts to preserve them, while others think this is a waste of money. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
How to approach the essay:
• Understand the Question: Identify the two views — one supports government funding to preserve endangered languages, the other sees it as a waste of money. You must discuss both sides and clearly state your own opinion.
| Arguments For Preserving Minority Languages | Arguments Against Preserving Minority Languages |
|---|---|
| • Prevents cultural extinction and preserves traditions • Language reflects identity and worldview • Moral unfairness if the majority decides fate of a minority language • Example: Cultural diversity loss if languages disappear | • A single language promotes efficient communication • Reduces need for translation and misunderstandings • Preservation is costly and burdens public budgets • Example: Canada spends heavily on Indigenous language support, sparking debate over priorities |
• Decide Your Opinion: Choose a clear stance (e.g., support preservation), and reflect this in both your introduction and conclusion. Ensure the conclusion ties the arguments together and reinforces your viewpoint.
Model Answer
It is widely acknowledged that opinions differ on whether governments should allocate public funds to preserve minority languages. I firmly support the view that money should be invested in protecting these languages for several compelling reasons.
Languages spoken by only a handful of individuals are at a significant risk of disappearing unless governments take active steps to preserve them. The disappearance of minority languages would result in major cultural losses, especially in terms of reduced diversity. For instance, the unique customs and traditions of minority groups may be permanently lost once their languages vanish, as language reflects how people express their identity and relate to the world. Additionally, it is unjust for the majority, who may not utilize a particular language, to determine the fate of that language.
On the other hand, some people believe that communication would be more efficient and convenient if everyone spoke a single language, as this would reduce the time spent on translation and also minimize misunderstandings. Moreover, the financial burden of implementing minority language preservation programs can be substantial. A significant portion of the funding for these initiatives comes from public budgets, which are ultimately derived from taxpayers. For instance, in countries like Canada, substantial government resources are allocated to maintaining Indigenous languages, and some argue these could be redirected to more pressing public services such as healthcare or education.
To conclude, while protecting minority languages may come with financial challenges, the cultural and social value they bring is irreplaceable. Supporting linguistic diversity is not only a way to honor the past but also a commitment to a richer and more inclusive future.
Commentary
Essay Question:
Many languages are at risk of disappearing as few people speak them. Some believe governments should fund efforts to preserve them, while others think this is a waste of money. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Introduction
Clarity:
• Topic is introduced clearly and directly.
Thesis:
• Writer clearly states their stance in favor of government funding.
Body Paragraphs
Main Ideas (Pros/Cons):
Support for preservation:
• Minority languages face extinction.
• Cultural diversity and identity loss.
• Unfair for majorities to decide a language’s fate.
Opposing view:
• A single language enhances communication.
• High cost to maintain dying languages.
• Example: Canadian government funding Indigenous language programs.
Coherence:
• Both sides are addressed fairly.
• Clear topic sentences and transitions (“On the other hand…”).
Conclusion
Summary:
• Restates key points (cost vs. value).
• Reaffirms opinion effectively with more engaging language.
Vocabulary & Grammar
High-Level Vocabulary:
• Preserve – to protect or maintain.
• Substantial – large in amount or importance.
• Irreplaceable – impossible to substitute or recover once lost.
• Inclusive – involving all parts of society.
• Indigenous – any group of people native to a specific region.
Academic Phrases:
• “It is widely acknowledged that…”
• “Take active steps to…”
• “A significant portion of…”
Complex Sentences:
• “The disappearance of minority languages would result in major cultural losses, especially in terms of reduced diversity.”
• “Supporting linguistic diversity is not only a way to honor the past but also a commitment to a richer and more inclusive future.”
