Practise under exam conditionsTask 2 essay · 40 minutes and at least 250 words, like the real test.
This practice question is designed to help you prepare for the IELTS Writing Task 2 component of the exam.
You should spend approximately 40 minutes on this task.
Remember to write at least 250 words in your response.
A well-structured essay that addresses all parts of the question directly will help you achieve a higher band score.
Task Prompt#
Write about the following topic:
In many parts of the world, traditional customs and ways of life are disappearing, replaced by modern, globalized alternatives. Some people believe governments should invest resources to preserve these traditions, while others think societies should be allowed to develop naturally without intervention.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer Outline#
Body Paragraph 1: Arguments for government intervention to preserve traditions#
Mind Map Ideas:
- Cultural heritage as a form of national identity and social cohesion
- Risk of permanent loss of knowledge, practices, and wisdom
- Economic benefits through cultural tourism
- Preservation of linguistic diversity and indigenous knowledge
- Examples of successful government preservation programs (festivals, museums, education)
Body Paragraph 2: Arguments against government intervention#
Mind Map Ideas:
- Natural cultural evolution as part of human progress
- Risk of artificially maintaining outdated practices
- Resource allocation concerns (funds could go to education, healthcare)
- Danger of “museumification” making traditions static rather than living
- Examples where traditions have naturally adapted to modern contexts
Body Paragraph 3: Your balanced opinion#
Mind Map Ideas:
- Selective preservation based on community desires and needs
- Balance between preservation and allowing natural evolution
- Importance of documentation even if practices change
- Role of education in maintaining awareness
- Sustainable approach that respects both tradition and innovation
We’d love to see your approach to this question!
A detailed sample response (Band 8-9) to this question will be provided in a follow-up post.
You can check back to compare your approach with our model answer.
Model answer (Band 8 style)
Write your own answer first, then compare structure and vocabulary. Task 2 · 259 words.
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Around the world, traditional crafts, festivals and ways of life are fading as societies modernise. Some believe governments should spend money preserving these traditions, while others think societies should be allowed to change naturally. I believe governments have a limited but important role in protecting traditions.
Those who oppose government intervention argue that cultures have always evolved. Traditions that people no longer find meaningful will naturally disappear, and attempts to preserve them artificially may turn living customs into tourist performances. They also point out that public money is limited and could be spent on more urgent needs such as healthcare and education. From this perspective, communities themselves should decide which traditions to keep.
On the other hand, there are strong reasons for some government support. Many traditions are disappearing not because people reject them, but because economic pressures make them impossible to sustain; a skilled weaver or instrument maker may simply be unable to earn a living. Once such knowledge is lost, it cannot be recovered. Traditions also contribute to national identity, social cohesion and tourism, which brings economic benefits. Modest funding for cultural festivals, apprenticeships and museums, or including traditional arts in school curricula, can keep these practices alive at relatively low cost.
In my view, governments should not try to freeze cultures in the past, but they should help communities preserve the traditions they value, especially those at risk of disappearing for economic reasons.
In conclusion, although societies should be free to develop, carefully targeted government support can protect valuable traditions that would otherwise be lost forever.
Task Response
Both views are explained, and the opinion is precise: support communities’ chosen traditions, avoid freezing culture.
Coherence & Cohesion
Clear structure with balanced paragraphs; “not because… but because…” highlights a key analytical point.
Lexical Resource
Cultural vocabulary: social cohesion, apprenticeships, curricula, evolve, tourist performances.
Grammatical Range
Mix of passive, conditional and relative structures, including “Once such knowledge is lost, it cannot be recovered.”
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