IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays: Indigenous Rights Protection – Band 6, 7, and 9 Model Answers

The protection of indigenous rights has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations, particularly as global awareness of cultural preservation and indigenous communities’ challenges continues to grow. Based on analysis of past IELTS exams and current trends, this theme has appeared in various forms, often connecting to broader topics like importance of protecting cultural diversity.

Let’s examine a recent IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:

Some people believe that governments should protect indigenous languages from extinction, while others think it is not necessary in the modern world. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Analysis of the Question

This question requires candidates to:

• Discuss arguments for and against government protection of indigenous languages
• Present a balanced discussion of both perspectives
• Clearly state and support their own position
• Provide relevant examples and explanations

Sample Essay 1 (Band 9)

Modern society faces a critical dilemma regarding the effects of deforestation on local communities and their languages. While some argue that indigenous language preservation is unnecessary in our globalized world, I firmly believe that governments have a crucial responsibility to protect these linguistic treasures.

Those who oppose government intervention often cite practical reasons. They argue that global languages like English and Mandarin are more valuable for economic advancement and international communication. Furthermore, maintaining multiple indigenous languages can be costly and may hinder national unity and administrative efficiency.

However, the arguments for preserving indigenous languages are more compelling. Firstly, these languages contain unique cultural knowledge and perspectives that, once lost, cannot be recovered. For instance, many indigenous Australian languages contain sophisticated environmental knowledge accumulated over thousands of years. Secondly, language preservation helps maintain cultural identity and psychological well-being among indigenous communities.

Moreover, research has shown that bilingual education, including indigenous language instruction, can enhance cognitive development and academic performance. The success of New Zealand’s Māori language revival program demonstrates that government support can effectively preserve indigenous languages while promoting social inclusion.

In my view, governments must take active measures to protect indigenous languages through education policies, funding for language documentation, and support for bilingual programs. The benefits of preserving linguistic diversity far outweigh the challenges and costs involved.

Indigenous students learning their traditional language in a modern classroom

Sample Essay 2 (Band 7)

The preservation of indigenous languages is a debated topic in many countries today. While some people think governments should protect these languages, others believe it’s not important in modern times.

Those who support government protection of indigenous languages have several good points. First, these languages are part of cultural heritage and contain important traditional knowledge. Second, when people lose their native language, they often lose their identity and connection to their culture. For example, many Native American tribes are working hard to keep their languages alive because they are important for their ceremonies and traditions.

On the other hand, opponents argue that indigenous languages are less useful in today’s world. They say that international languages like English are more important for work and education. They also mention that protecting indigenous languages costs a lot of money that could be used for other things.

In my opinion, governments should protect indigenous languages because they are valuable parts of human culture. The impact of deforestation on indigenous communities shows how environmental changes can affect cultural preservation. We can support both modern education and indigenous language learning.

Key Vocabulary

1. Indigenous (adj.) /ɪnˈdɪdʒɪnəs/ – native to a particular place
2. Preservation (n.) /ˌprezəˈveɪʃn/ – the act of maintaining something
3. Linguistic diversity (n.) /lɪŋˈɡwɪstɪk daɪˈvɜːsəti/ – variety of languages
4. Cultural heritage (n.) /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – traditions passed down from previous generations
5. Bilingual education (n.) /baɪˈlɪŋɡwəl ˌedʒuˈkeɪʃn/ – teaching in two languages

High-scoring Sentence Structures

1. Complex sentence with concession: “While some argue that indigenous language preservation is unnecessary in our globalized world, I firmly believe that governments have a crucial responsibility to protect these linguistic treasures.”
2. Cause-effect structure: “When people lose their native language, they often lose their identity and connection to their culture.”
3. Complex sentence with multiple clauses: “Research has shown that bilingual education, including indigenous language instruction, can enhance cognitive development and academic performance.”

Practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.