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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Is cultural appropriation ever acceptable?

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic: "Is cultural appropriation ever acceptable?"

Model Answer:

Cultural appropriation, the act of adopting or borrowing elements from a different culture without understanding or respecting their significance, has become a topic of considerable debate in recent years. Some argue that it can be acceptable if done in a respectful and informed manner, while others maintain that it is inherently wrong. This essay will discuss both sides of the argument before presenting a conclusion.

Firstly, proponents of cultural appropriation assert that it can be acceptable if the individual or group borrowing elements from another culture does so with genuine appreciation and respect for its significance. For example, when a non-Asian person learns and performs traditional Asian dances, they may gain a deeper understanding of the culture and its history. In this context, cultural appropriation is seen as a form of cross-cultural exchange that can foster mutual respect and learning.

On the other hand, opponents of cultural appropriation argue that it is inherently wrong because it often involves the exploitation or commodification of cultures by those in positions of power. For instance, when a dominant culture adopts elements from a marginalized one without understanding their context or meaning, it can result in the misrepresentation and trivialization of that culture. This may reinforce stereotypes and perpetuate harmful stereotypes about minority groups.

In conclusion, whether cultural appropriation is acceptable depends on the intentions, knowledge, and respect shown by those participating in the act. While it can be an opportunity for cross-cultural understanding if done responsibly, it becomes problematic when it involves exploitation or misrepresentation of other cultures. Ultimately, a balance between celebrating diverse cultural expressions and respecting their origins is essential to avoid perpetuating negative stereotypes and power imbalances.

IELTS Scoring Standards:

- Task Response: 8/9 (The essay addresses the question effectively and demonstrates a clear understanding of both sides of the argument.)
- Coherence and Cohesion: 8/9 (The essay is logically structured, with clear transitions between paragraphs, and each point is well connected to the main topic.)
- Lexical Resource: 8/9 (The language used is varied and appropriate, with some less common vocabulary and accurate use of grammar.)
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 8/9 (The essay has a few minor grammatical errors but overall demonstrates a high level of accuracy in grammar usage.)

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