Multicultural Societies, in which there is a Mixture of Different Ethnic People - IELTS Writing Task 2 Agree/Disagree Essay

An Agree/Disagree essay question is one of the most common question types you will come across in the IELTS Writing Task 2. 

In this, you will be given an opinion or statement to which the test takers must respond with agreement or disagreement. In some cases, there is a statement in this as, “To what extent do you agree or disagree?” as well. So, here is where most candidates like you stumble. Should you agree or disagree completely? Or is it okay to take a neutral stand? 

This is what our article on the Agree/Disagree IELTS topic, “Multicultural Societies, in which there is a Mixture of Different Ethnic People,” will teach you! So why wait? Let us begin! 

Question - Multicultural Societies, in which there is a Mixture of Different Ethnic People - IELTS Writing Task 2 

Structure Breakdown

Band 8 Sample Answer - Multicultural Societies, in which there is a Mixture of Different Ethnic People

Multicultural societies, where people from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds live together, tend to offer a variety of advantages that strongly outweigh any potential disadvantages. I firmly agree that such societies bring more benefits than drawbacks to a country.

To begin with, multicultural environments give space to both economic growth and innovation. When people from different cultural backgrounds come together, they also bring unique skills, different perspectives and problem-solving ways. This diversity boosts creativity in workplaces and also strengthens a country’s competitiveness in the global market. For instance, many technologically advanced nations have been highly benefited from attracting skilled migrants who contribute to entrepreneurship, research, and even the overall labour force. Without this cultural mix, these countries would struggle to fill in the skill gaps and maintain a decent economic progress.

Moreover, multicultural societies enrich the social as well as the cultural life of a country. Exposure to different traditions, cuisines, and languages does broaden people's understanding of the world and also promotes tolerance. This in turn leads to more open-minded people in the country who are also better equipped to live peacefully in a highly interconnected world. Cultural fests and international events may also strengthen social cohesion as they allow communities to celebrate diversity rather than fear it.

In conclusion, the advantages of multicultural societies contribute to economic growth, an enriched cultural life and a strengthened global relationship which clearly outweighs any of its disadvantages. 

Band 9 Sample Answer - Multicultural Societies, in which there is a Mixture of Different Ethnic People

The world today is noted for its ever-expanding diversity and cosmopolitan societies flourishing throughout. It is commonly asserted that this increasing multicultural nature of society has had a largely worthwhile impact with few shortcomings. I agree with this statement and will elaborate upon the reasons for doing so in the subsequent paragraphs.

Firstly, multicultural societies can enable a greater exchange of ideas between cultures, allowing mutual respect to develop among different ethnic groups. Psychologist Gordon Allport backed this and implied that augmented contact between ethnic groups would foster the dissipation of social prejudices. In a multicultural society where people from diverse backgrounds commingle, inter-group contact can help boost greater tolerance. This will eventually lead to a peaceful and prosperous world.

Multicultural societies can also provide opportunities for people to learn about other cultures and discover new languages to connect with people from all over. It allows people to experience new foods and immerse themselves in the traditions and customs of other cultures. This builds cross-cultural communication and will enable people to develop cooperation with others. Lastly, multiculturalism would also promote tourism, thereby helping the economy by bringing significant revenue.

However, on the opposing side, indigenous populations of any region might become sceptical towards this and feel that their populations will dwindle due to the widespread inbound travel from other countries. It might also lead to heightened tensions between communities instead of bringing them closer. There might also be cultural appropriation which is hurtful to the sentiments of people whose cultural heritage is being exploited. Lastly, multiculturalism may also lead to a rise in sovereign debt, causing monetary problems for countries.

In conclusion, it can be said that while multiculturalism does have some drawbacks, for the most part, it can be considered to have largely constructive aspects which bring communities closer together and nurtures harmonious ties among people with diverse cultural roots.

Vocabulary to Answer the “Multicultural Societies, in which there is a Mixture of Different Ethnic People” Essay

• Cosmopolitan

Meaning – Including people from different cultures or countries
Example – Even in the 19th century, Kolkata was a large cosmopolitan city.

• Flourish

Meaning – Thrive
Example – It was on the stage that he found his calling and truly flourished as an actor.

• Commingle

Meaning – Blend or mix
Example – The truth commingled with concocted stories to result in his account of events.

• Immerse

Meaning – Submerge or devote
Example – She immersed herself in the film and became thoroughly invested in the lives of the characters.

• Sceptical

Meaning – Wary or suspicious
Example – He was sceptical of their intentions when they came asking for money.

• Appropriation

Meaning – The act of unfairly seizing or commandeering something
Example – The country was left in a crisis after its financial resources had been subjected to appropriation by corrupt officials.

• Indigenous

Meaning – Native
Example – There are two species of mushrooms that are indigenous to Jharkhand.

• Heightened

Meaning – Increased
Example – The imminent exams heightened her anxiety.

• Prejudice

Meaning – Preconceived notions that are not based on actual experience
Example – The rampant prejudice towards her in the workplace ultimately resulted in her quitting her job.

• Dissipation

Meaning – Depletion or loss
Example – As soon as she stepped out into the cold, she could feel the dissipation of the warmth she had felt inside the house.