Task 2 Sample Question

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.

Write at least 250 words.

SAMPLE ANSWER

I agree that some countries are losing their traditional culture but this is not true in my case. In my country there are lot of tradicional festivals and special days to celebrate old customs and religous beliefs.

However, I don’t agree that genuine talent and real culture are dissappearing. I think that creating music and film using the latest technology is a talent justifiable. It may not be the same as playing a classical instrument or painting a masterpiece for example, but it is still creative and should be admired.

I think in some countries where there is great mix of nationalities and cultures, it is true that the original identity and culture of that country might be neglected and maybe even lost. However, if it is replaced by a mix of different cultures could be a richer and more interesting place to live.

Another point is that people don’t always celebrate tradicional holidays in the right way. For example, in my country we have lots of religous and national holidays but they have lost their real meaning. People don’t do anything special to celebrate these historic days, they just go shopping or stay at home.

In conclusion, I believe that people should try to keep their own traditions alive by passing to the next generation but it is also important to welcome new cultures and artforms which help to create a diversive and wonderful world.

(236 words)

SAMPLE FEEDBACK

SAMPLE ANSWER - LOWER

On the whole, I think that I agree with this statement. In my country, there always used to be a high level of respect for , which musicians studies for many years to become good at playing. Being such a musician was considered to be a very good thing to do. When I was a young child, my parents made me sit with them for many hours - or so it seemed - some evenings to listen to performances of this music. I must admit that I was sometimes bored by this, but I have learnt a respect for our culture from this. I also have a cousin who studied at an art and technology college for five years here. He now works as a painter and also a restorer of damaged old art works. I do not think that he is rich, but he is dedicated to his work, and he is helping to keep our past alive in the present.

Meanwhile, when I put on the TV, all I seem to see is people who I do not think ever studied music - but they are apparently playing it. However, they just imitate some kind of global rock, recorded by computers. None of it means anything. Last month, I visited the main museum here in my city. The contrast was interesting. There were fine pots and vases from thousands of years ago, but there were also 'paintings' by I suppose children. These 'paintings' showed no skill, no study, no culture.

In conclusion, I think it is unfortunately very true that we are losing our traditional culture and, with it, valuable skills and talents.

COMMENTS

SAMPLE ANSWER - HIGHER

I should state from the outset that I do not agree with this statement. I think it is based on false suppositions about what culture is, and misunderstands the present-day situation regarding culture.

I would like to attack the suppositions involved by applying them in parallel, or to similar situations. Perhaps we could start with the world of commerce or business. In this case, I will put my hand up and say that I am glad to the end of 'traditional' business practices - for example, slavery, child labour, and so on.

Next, I would like to consider architecture. Although I do not claim to be a fan of every modern concrete and glass shape I see in our cities, I am a fan, and a keen one, of windows, bathrooms, central heating, air conditioning, and so on. But for a traditionalist, of course, these things are bad, and we should return to the days of mud huts and food caught with stone arrows, perhaps.

What I have tried to demonstrate is that there is nothing automatically, naturally better about the past ways of doing things. We should not try to hold back the river of progress. We should accept the whole package.

I do not want to return to the time when all books were written by hand, and only a small percentage of the population could read. I do not want paintings to be hidden away in the homes of the very rich.

Finally, there is the question of 'talent'. This statement assumes that there is no talent involved in making films or computer games or TV programmes. I can only suggest that the person who made the statement visits a studio such as the one where I work to see for himself or herself the complex operations involved.

COMMENTS

TIPS

• The reader of your essay will not know where you are unless you say.
• You can spend quite a bit of your essay describing the situation in your country in relation to the statement. You can compare and contrast this information with other places you know about or have heard about.
• Read the statement carefully. There are three components, and each one should form a section of your essay.
• Firstly, describe traditional culture in your country. Secondly, describe newer forms of arts and entertainment, especially those that involve the use of technology. Thirdly, describe and evaluate the impact of these developments on talent and culture.
• Use language effectively, so that it is clear when you are describing facts and when you are giving your opinions.

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