Plan this advantages and disadvantages essay about culture with the ideas and outline below, write it on a 40-minute timer, then compare it with a band-8 model answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some countries are placing greater emphasis on teaching national history and traditions in schools.
Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
Pick two or three points from one or both columns. You do not need all of them, and your own examples score better than memorised ones.
Spend the first few minutes planning, then write.
0 words of 250 minimum
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Write your own answer first, then compare: how it answers the exact question, what each paragraph does, and which phrases you could borrow.
Some countries are giving more time in schools to national history and traditions. In my opinion, the benefits of this approach outweigh the drawbacks, provided that the teaching is balanced.
The main advantage is that it strengthens a sense of belonging. When children learn about the struggles and achievements of previous generations, they feel part of a shared story, which promotes pride and unity, especially in countries with many ethnic groups. Education of this kind also protects heritage by passing on customs, languages and stories that might otherwise be forgotten. In addition, understanding the origins of their country helps young people to make sense of present-day politics and society. A student who knows why a border exists or how a national constitution was written is better prepared to take part as a citizen.
However, there are potential disadvantages. If lessons present only a flattering version of the past, they may encourage narrow or nationalist attitudes and a lack of respect for other nations. History taught in a one-sided way may ignore uncomfortable events or the perspective of minorities, and students can then hold biased views. Another concern is time. The school day is limited, so extra hours on national history may reduce time for science, mathematics or foreign languages, which are essential for future careers.
I believe these problems can be avoided. History lessons should encourage students to look at evidence and different viewpoints, and traditions can be taught through projects, trips and festivals rather than through additional classroom hours. This keeps the benefits while preventing prejudice.
In conclusion, teaching national history and traditions builds identity and understanding, and the disadvantages can be reduced by careful planning, so the advantages are greater.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| national identity | sense of belonging to a nation |
| patriotism | love of one's country |
| curriculum | school programme |
| one-sided | presenting only one view |
| sense of pride | feeling of satisfaction |
| historical awareness | knowledge of history |
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