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

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

Model Answer:
In recent years, the concept of cultural appropriation has become a subject of debate among individuals from diverse backgrounds. While some argue that cultural appropriation is inherently racist, others believe it to be a harmless exchange of ideas and traditions. In this essay, we will analyze whether cultural appropriation should be considered a form of racism or not.

On one hand, critics of cultural appropriation argue that when individuals from a dominant culture adopt elements from marginalized cultures without understanding their historical and social significance, it can lead to misrepresentation and perpetuate stereotypes. For example, wearing traditional Native American headdresses at festivals is seen as disrespectful because it trivializes the cultural and spiritual significance of these items in Indigenous cultures. Furthermore, cultural appropriation often involves exploitation, as dominant cultures capitalize on the unique aspects of marginalized cultures for personal gain or aesthetic purposes without giving due credit or recognition to the original creators. In this sense, cultural appropriation can be seen as a form of racism because it reinforces power imbalances and perpetuates stereotypes about certain groups.

On the other hand, proponents of cultural exchange argue that cultural appropriation is not inherently racist but rather a natural part of human evolution and progress. They emphasize that individuals should be free to express themselves through various art forms and traditions from different cultures. For instance, many musicians draw inspiration from diverse musical styles, which can lead to the creation of innovative genres that celebrate multiculturalism. Similarly, fashion trends often incorporate elements from multiple cultural backgrounds, reflecting a globalized world where people are interconnected like never before. As such, critics argue that outlawing cultural appropriation would stifle creativity and limit artistic expression.

In conclusion, whether or not cultural appropriation should be considered a form of racism depends on one's perspective. While it is essential to recognize the potential harm caused by the misuse and exploitation of marginalized cultures, we must also celebrate the richness that comes from diverse cultural exchanges. To strike a balance between these two viewpoints, it is crucial to educate individuals about the historical and social context behind various traditions, promote respectful engagement with other cultures, and ensure appropriate credit and recognition for original creators.

Scoring:
- Task Response: 9 (The essay provides a comprehensive response to the question, addressing all aspects of the topic.)
- Coherence and Cohesion: 8.5 (The essay is well organized with a clear progression of ideas, but some areas could be more cohesive with better use of signposting.)
- Lexical Resource: 9 (The vocabulary used is varied and appropriate for the topic, with a few minor errors in grammar or spelling.)
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 8.5 (The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures and sentence types, with only a few minor errors affecting clarity.)

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