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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Should cultural institutions repatriate stolen artifacts?

IELTS.WORK Free Online Writing Practice # 1712767581

Task 2: Should cultural institutions repatriate stolen artifacts?

Model Answer:

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for the return of stolen or removed artifacts from museums and other cultural institutions around the world. Some argue that these objects should be repatriated to their countries of origin, while others contend that they are better off in the institutions where they have been preserved and studied. In this essay, I will discuss the arguments for and against the repatriation of stolen artifacts and give my own opinion on the matter.

On one hand, it can be argued that cultural institutions should indeed return these artifacts to their rightful owners. Firstly, many of these objects were taken from their original locations during times of colonization or conquest, when the indigenous people had little say in the matter. This raises ethical questions about whether it is appropriate for Western countries to hold onto these items indefinitely. Additionally, returning artifacts can help promote a sense of national pride and identity among the people of the country from which they were taken.

On the other hand, those who oppose repatriation argue that cultural institutions in the West have played a significant role in preserving and studying these artifacts. As a result, it is claimed that keeping them where they are would be more beneficial for the world at large. Furthermore, there may be concerns about the ability of some countries to properly care for and protect these artifacts once they are returned.

In my opinion, while it is important to acknowledge the valuable work done by cultural institutions in preserving and studying these artifacts, the moral imperative to return them to their rightful owners cannot be ignored. While it may be true that some of these objects have been well-cared for in their current locations, there are also cases where they have not been treated with the respect they deserve.

Moreover, the process of repatriation could serve as an opportunity for cultural institutions in the West to collaborate with those from the countries of origin and share knowledge about how best to care for these artifacts. This would not only promote a sense of global responsibility but also contribute to the preservation and understanding of our shared heritage.

In conclusion, while there are valid arguments on both sides of the debate over whether cultural institutions should repatriate stolen artifacts, I believe that the ethical considerations and potential benefits of doing so ultimately outweigh any concerns about their care and preservation. The return of these objects to their countries of origin would not only promote a sense of national pride but also encourage a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect among nations.

Score (according to IELTS scoring standards):
- Task Response: 9
- Coherence and Cohesion: 8.5
- Lexical Resource: 8
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 8.5
- Overall Score: 8.5

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