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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

The ease of international travel and the spread of various kinds of mass media all over the world have made it more possible than ever for people to know how other people live in other countries. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

The ease of international travel and the spread of various kinds of mass media all over the world have made it more possible than ever for people to know how other people live in other countries. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

In today's world, international travel and mass media have made it easier for people to learn about different cultures and lifestyles around the globe. This development has both advantages and disadvantages, and in my opinion, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

One of the main advantages is the opportunity for cultural exchange and understanding. When people have access to information about other countries through media and travel, they can gain a deeper appreciation for diverse traditions, customs, and ways of life. This can promote tolerance and reduce misunderstandings between different nations, leading to a more peaceful global community.

Furthermore, increased awareness of other cultures can also boost tourism and the economy. As individuals become more familiar with various destinations through media, they are more likely to visit these places, leading to economic growth and job creation in the tourism industry. This can benefit both developed and developing countries, as tourism can be a significant source of revenue.

However, there are also some disadvantages to this development. For instance, exposure to different lifestyles through mass media can lead to cultural homogenization, where certain cultures dominate and others are marginalized. Additionally, it may also contribute to the loss of traditional values and practices, as people adopt more globalized and westernized ways of living.

In conclusion, while there are drawbacks to the ease of international travel and the spread of mass media, such as cultural homogenization and loss of traditional values, the advantages of promoting cultural understanding and boosting tourism and the economy outweigh the disadvantages. Therefore, I believe that the benefits of this development are more significant in today's interconnected world.

Model Essay #2:

The ease of international travel and the spread of various kinds of mass media all over the world have made it more possible than ever for people to know how other people live in other countries. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?

In today's interconnected world, the ease of international travel and the widespread availability of mass media have undoubtedly allowed people to gain insights into the lives of individuals from various countries. However, while this development has certain advantages, I believe that the disadvantages outweigh the benefits.

One of the main drawbacks of this phenomenon is the potential for cultural appropriation and misrepresentation. With the influence of mass media, there is a risk of certain cultures being misrepresented or commodified for entertainment purposes. This can lead to the exploitation and disrespect of traditions and practices, ultimately diluting the authenticity of diverse cultures.

Furthermore, the rapid spread of information through mass media can also contribute to the erosion of local identities and values. As individuals are exposed to a constant stream of globalized content, there is a tendency for traditional customs and languages to be overshadowed by more dominant and commercialized forms of culture, leading to the loss of unique cultural heritage.

Additionally, the ease of international travel can also have negative environmental impacts, such as increased carbon emissions and strain on natural resources. The rise in tourism driven by media exposure can lead to overcrowding in popular destinations, causing environmental degradation and infringing on the quality of life for local communities.

In conclusion, while the ease of international travel and mass media may offer opportunities for cultural exchange and understanding, the potential for cultural appropriation, erosion of local identities, and environmental consequences present significant disadvantages. Therefore, I believe that the drawbacks of this development outweigh the advantages, and it is essential to consider the negative impacts of globalized information and travel on diverse cultures and the environment.

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