IELTS Writing Practice Test 6 From Recent Test (12/12/2015)

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic:

People should follow the customs and traditions when people start to live in a new country. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Outline

Identifying the essay type: Agree or disagree 
Structuring the essay:

INTRODUCTION:

many people hold this opinion. I completely agree with it.

BODY

Paragraph 1: [Problems if local customs are not followed]

[1] Difficulties for new residents who do not follow customs and traditions of host country -example: if they start a business, they have to know local business customs in order to be successful.

[2] Some actions will be illegal in the host country and will make local people angry, too -example: Singapore.

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Paragraph 2: [Benefits of following local customs and traditions]

[1] Local people will accept newcomers who do this – more integration, easier to make friends.

[2] New immigrants will enjoy the traditions and be able to take part in community life -example: enjoy festivals.

CONCLUSION: 

repeat, using some different words.

BAND 8.0+ SAMPLE ANSWER:

Many people argue that foreigners should adapt to the local customs and traditions when they come to reside in a new country. I completely agree with this view.

Newcomers will certainly face difficulties if they do not conform to the norms of social behaviour in the host country. Firstly, it will become almost impossible for them to blend into their new environment. For example, an entrepreneur who comes to live in a new country and starts up a business must be aware of the business practices of that country. There are bound to be many pitfalls, not only legal ones but also simply in terms of winning and keeping customers. Secondly, recent immigrants might fall foul of the law if they do not respect the behaviour and customs of locals. In Singapore, for instance, residents will consider newcomers dirty and ill-mannered if they litter the street or spit gum in public places.

There are also many benefits for foreigners when they do adopt the customs and traditions of their new country of residence. One advantage is that local people will be more welcoming when they feel that the newcomers are showing respect for the local way of life. The establishment of closer links with the host community might lead to greater integration and mutual understanding. Another benefit is the richness of the experience which newcomers will gain from enjoying aspects of local customs and traditions, enabling them to participate in community life and avoid social isolation. During festivals and national holidays, especially, they will feel like they ‘belong’ in their new country.

In conclusion, I would argue that it is essential for new residents to follow the traditions and habits of locals in the host community in order to integrate fully into society.

(293 words)

Useful vocabulary

• The norms of social behaviour: standards of behaviours that are typical of and accepted within society
• Host country
• Blend into
• An entrepreneur
• Bound to (be)
• Pitfalls
• Fall foul of the law
• Newcomers
• Integration
• Mutual understanding
• Social isolation

Hope you can find this post intriguing. Try to practice writing every day to improve your writing skills. You can find more tips and lessons about the IELTS test on ieltsmaterial.com. Don’t forget “Practice makes perfect”.

Also check :

• Tips to Improve IELTS Writing Skills
• IELTS Writing recent actual test
• IELTS Writing Answer sheet
• IELTS map vocabulary
• IELTS Writing Task 1 Connectors