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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Should cultural practices be protected by intellectual property laws?

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic: Should cultural practices be protected by intellectual property laws?

Model Answer:
Cultural practices play a significant role in preserving the identity, history, and traditions of various societies around the world. As globalization continues to progress at an unprecedented pace, there is a growing concern about the protection of these practices through intellectual property (IP) laws. In this essay, I will argue that cultural practices should indeed be protected by IP laws in order to maintain cultural diversity and ensure the survival of indigenous knowledge systems.

Firstly, IP laws can provide legal protection for unique aspects of a culture, such as traditional songs, dances, and art forms. For instance, the Maori people of New Zealand have successfully used copyright law to protect their traditional performances known as 'Kapa Haka' from commercial exploitation by tourism companies. This protection helps to ensure that the cultural heritage of these communities is not appropriated or commodified without their consent.

Secondly, IP laws can help safeguard indigenous knowledge systems that have been developed over centuries of trial and error. These systems often contain valuable information about natural resources management, sustainable agriculture, and traditional medicine practices. For example, the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) has established the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library to document and protect indigenous knowledge related to biodiversity and health. By providing legal protection for these practices, IP laws can encourage respect for the wisdom of indigenous communities and prevent the misappropriation of their knowledge by pharmaceutical companies or other commercial entities.

However, critics argue that IP laws may not always be effective in protecting cultural practices due to the complexity and diverse nature of cultural expressions. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the implementation of these laws does not infringe upon the rights of marginalized communities who may lack the resources and legal expertise to assert their claims effectively.

In conclusion, while there are potential challenges in applying IP laws to protect cultural practices, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. By providing legal protection for cultural expressions and indigenous knowledge systems, IP laws can help maintain cultural diversity and ensure the survival of unique traditions around the world.

IELTS Scoring:
Task Response: 9 (Excellent) - The candidate has fully addressed all aspects of the question, presenting a well-structured and detailed answer that demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Coherence and Cohesion: 9 (Excellent) - The candidate has presented a clear and logical argument with smooth transitions between ideas. The paragraph structure is consistent and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource: 8.5 (Expert) - The candidate uses a wide range of vocabulary, including less common or more specific words related to the topic. Some phrases or expressions may be idiomatic or colloquial, but they do not detract from the overall clarity of the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 8 (Expert) - The candidate demonstrates a high level of accuracy in grammar and syntax, with only minor errors that do not affect the overall understanding of the text. Some complex sentences are used effectively to convey the message clearly.

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