IELTS.WORK

IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Should cultural appropriation be considered a m of racism?

IELTS.WORK Free Online Writing Practice # 1710981352

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic:Should cultural appropriation be considered a form of racism?

Model Answer:

Cultural appropriation, the act of adopting or borrowing elements from one culture by members of another culture, has become a subject of debate in recent years. Some argue that it is a harmless exchange of ideas and practices, while others consider it a form of racism. This essay will explore both perspectives and examine whether cultural appropriation should indeed be regarded as a manifestation of racial prejudice.

On one hand, critics of cultural appropriation assert that it can contribute to the perpetuation of stereotypes and the marginalization of minority groups. By adopting elements from other cultures without understanding or respecting their historical and social significance, individuals may inadvertently reinforce negative images of those cultures. For example, wearing Native American headdresses at costume parties can be seen as offensive, as it reduces a significant aspect of a culture to a superficial symbol devoid of meaning.

Furthermore, cultural appropriation is sometimes accompanied by the exploitation of minority groups for profit. Fashion designers, for instance, have been known to incorporate elements from indigenous cultures without giving due credit or compensation to the communities from which these ideas originated. This practice can be seen as a form of cultural imperialism, where dominant cultures appropriate and commodify aspects of subordinate cultures for their own benefit.

On the other hand, proponents of cultural exchange argue that appropriation is not inherently racist but can become so depending on the context and intention behind it. They contend that sharing and borrowing ideas across cultures can lead to a greater appreciation of diversity and promote cross-cultural understanding. For example, the integration of salsa dancing into mainstream Western culture has helped popularize this art form and spread awareness about Latin American heritage.

Moreover, some argue that cultural exchange is a natural part of human history and should not be stigmatized. Throughout time, societies have borrowed and adapted ideas from one another, leading to the evolution of art, cuisine, and other aspects of culture. While it is essential to recognize and respect the origins of these ideas, the act of borrowing itself does not necessarily constitute racism.

In conclusion, whether cultural appropriation should be considered a form of racism depends on the context and intention behind it. While there are instances where appropriation can perpetuate stereotypes and exploit minority groups, it is important to recognize that cultural exchange can also promote understanding and appreciation for diverse cultures. Ultimately, it is crucial to approach cultural borrowing with sensitivity, respect, and a genuine interest in learning about the richness of human heritage.

Score:

Task Response: 8.5/9 - The essay provides a well-structured response to the question, presenting both perspectives on cultural appropriation and providing relevant examples. The argument is coherent and flows logically from one point to another.

Coherence and Cohesion: 7.5/8 - The essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. However, there are a few minor instances where the sentences could be better connected for improved flow.

Lexical Resource: 8.0/9 - The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary and phrases to express complex ideas. Some less common words may not be perfectly accurate in their specific contexts, but they generally convey the intended meaning effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 7.5/8 - The grammar is mostly accurate, with only a few minor errors that do not significantly impact the overall comprehension of the essay.

Overall Score: (Task Response x 2 + Coherence and Cohesion + Lexical Resource + Grammatical Range and Accuracy) / 4 = (17 + 15 + 16 + 14) / 4 = 62 / 4 = 15.5

Overall Band Score: 7.0

Source: https://ielts.work/?id=1710981352&page=ielts-writing-practice

For more: https://ielts.work/?page=ielts-writing-practice