Cultural preservation has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately 3-4 times annually in recent years. Given its significance in modern society and The role of governments in supporting culture, this topic likely maintains high relevance for future tests.
Government officials discussing cultural preservation policies
Analysis of Recent IELTS Question
Some people believe that governments should spend money to preserve their cultural heritage, while others think governments should invest in more critical needs like healthcare and education. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Question Analysis
- Topic: Government spending priorities
- Task: Discussion + Opinion
- Key elements: Cultural heritage vs. essential services
- Scope: National budget allocation
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The allocation of government resources between cultural preservation and essential services has sparked considerable debate. While both areas deserve attention, I believe a balanced approach favoring basic needs while maintaining cultural heritage is optimal.
Those advocating for cultural preservation argue that protecting historical sites and traditions is crucial for maintaining national identity. For instance, countries like Japan have successfully preserved ancient temples and traditional arts while The role of language preservation in cultural identity remains strong. Furthermore, cultural heritage can generate significant tourism revenue, supporting economic growth.
However, proponents of prioritizing healthcare and education emphasize these services’ fundamental role in societal development. Investment in medical facilities and schools directly impacts citizens’ quality of life and future prospects. Modern economies require healthy, educated populations to compete globally, making these services essential for national progress.
In my view, while cultural preservation merits support, governments should primarily focus on essential services. A pragmatic approach would be allocating a larger portion of the budget to healthcare and education while maintaining reasonable funding for cultural programs. This strategy ensures basic needs are met while preventing cultural erosion.
Traditional cultural activities being preserved
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Many people have different opinions about how governments should spend money. Some think cultural heritage is important, while others believe healthcare and education need more support.
People who support cultural preservation say it helps keep traditions alive. When governments spend money on museums and historical buildings, they help people remember their history. This can also help tourism and make money for the country.
On the other hand, healthcare and education are very important for people’s lives. If people are sick or cannot get good education, they cannot have a good future. Many countries need better hospitals and schools to help their citizens.
I think both are important, but healthcare and education should get more money. Governments should try to save some money for cultural things, but people’s health and education must come first. This way, everyone can have a better life while still keeping their culture.
Band Score Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear progression of ideas
- Balanced argument with nuanced opinion
- Cohesive devices used naturally
- Relevant examples and supporting evidence
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Simple but clear language
- Basic argument structure
- Some repetition
- Limited range of complex sentences
- Basic examples
Key Vocabulary
- cultural heritage (n) /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – traditional culture
- allocation (n) /ˌæləˈkeɪʃən/ – distribution of resources
- pragmatic (adj) /præɡˈmætɪk/ – practical and realistic
- fundamental (adj) /ˌfʌndəˈmentl/ – basic and essential
- erosion (n) /ɪˈroʊʒn/ – gradual destruction
Advanced Sentence Structures
- Complex with concession: “While cultural preservation merits support, governments should primarily focus on essential services.”
- Parallel structure: “These services directly impact citizens’ quality of life and future prospects.”
- Conditional perfect: “If governments had invested more in cultural preservation earlier, many traditions might not have been lost.”
Consider practicing by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments for feedback and discussion.
