Culture & SocietyDiscuss Both ViewsIntermediateHigh Frequency

IELTS Essay: Some people think visitors to other countries should imitate local customs an...

Prompt

Some people think visitors to other countries should imitate local customs and behavior. Some people disagree with the opinion, arguing that the host country should welcome cultural difference. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

#cultural respect#tourism etiquette#cultural diversity#host-visitor relations#integration vs. difference

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Band 7 → 9 — Band 7 argues visitors should adapt or hosts should accommodate with straightforward reasoning, while Band 9 critiques power imbalances, argues for mutual respect and pragmatic adaptation (respect local norms without demanding cultural abandonment), and notes that best outcomes emerge from dialogue.

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Key concepts in this essay

Distinction between basic respect (not mocking, learning key phrases) and complete assimilation demands
Power imbalances between tourists and hosts, especially in economically dependent regions
Mutual respect and cultural exchange as alternatives to one-directional accommodation
Practical norms (dress codes, etiquette) versus deeper cultural values

Pitfalls the model essay avoids

Presenting a false binary (visitors conform completely vs. no adaptation expected) when context-appropriate behavior is nuanced
Ignoring power dynamics: hosts often have to accommodate visitors for economic reasons, not vice versa
Treating cultural difference as inherently creating friction rather than enrichment

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