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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Should cultural heritage sites be protected during armed conflicts?

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Task 2 Writing Topic:"Should cultural heritage sites be protected during armed conflicts?"

Model Answer:

In recent years, there has been a growing debate over the importance of preserving cultural heritage sites during times of conflict. Some argue that these sites hold significant historical and cultural value, and should be spared from destruction at all costs. Others, however, believe that such sites are often unintentionally damaged as a result of military operations, and resources should be prioritized to protect more vital infrastructure. In this essay, I will discuss the reasons for protecting cultural heritage sites during armed conflicts, along with the counterarguments against this stance.

Firstly, cultural heritage sites hold immense historical, artistic, and symbolic value, which contributes to a nation's identity and pride. Destroying these sites is akin to erasing a part of a nation's history and heritage, which can have long-lasting psychological effects on the population. For example, the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan by the Taliban in 2001 was not only an act of iconoclasm but also a symbolic attack on Afghanistan's rich cultural heritage.

Moreover, protecting cultural heritage sites can help preserve the collective memory of a nation and its people. These sites often serve as a link between the past and the present, allowing individuals to connect with their ancestors and understand their cultural roots. By preserving these sites, future generations can continue to learn from the lessons of history and prevent the recurrence of past mistakes.

On the other hand, some argue that prioritizing the protection of cultural heritage sites during armed conflicts is not always feasible or wise. Military operations often require the use of strategic locations, which may inadvertently result in damage to nearby cultural sites. In such cases, resources should be allocated to safeguard more critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and schools, rather than attempting to protect historical monuments at all costs.

Additionally, the protection of cultural heritage sites can sometimes be exploited by opposing forces for political or propaganda purposes. For instance, claiming that an enemy is deliberately destroying these sites can garner support from the international community and potentially escalate a conflict further. Therefore, focusing on other priorities during times of armed conflict may be more beneficial in terms of achieving long-term peace and stability.

In conclusion, while cultural heritage sites undoubtedly hold immense historical and symbolic value, it is essential to consider the broader implications of prioritizing their protection during armed conflicts. Balancing the preservation of these sites with the need for strategic military operations and the necessity of safeguarding more critical infrastructure is a complex issue that requires careful evaluation and thoughtful decision-making. Ultimately, striking a balance between these competing interests will be vital in ensuring the long-term survival and protection of our shared cultural heritage.

IELTS Band Score:

Overall Band Score: 8.0

Task Response: 9.0
Coherence and Cohesion: 9.0
Lexical Resource: 8.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 8.0

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