There are 6 common question types for IELTS writing task 2, in which, the first one "(To what extent) do you agree or disagree?" is the type that I have been practicing recently. As I want to familiarize myself with different types of questions, today I'm going to practice the 4th - Is this a positive or negative development? Although this is just the first post of me writing this type, I find it somewhat intriguing. Maybe because the chosen topic is what I love to discuss about.
This is my first post that is written without me reading any sample answers. I start to build up my ideas and try to map out some outlines before writing, which I have never done before as I always write down instinctively without arranging my thought. I realize that when I plan my answer, my writing seems to be clearer and more logical, the structure and coherence of each paragraph also get better. I think so. 😄
And I get better at controlling the length of my essay, too.
Q: In many countries, people now wear Western clothes (suits, jeans) rather than traditional clothing. Why? Is this a positive or negative development?
A: Today, many people around the world express a strong preference for Western wearing styles over traditional costumes. While there may be several good reasons for this, I truly believe that in the long term, this could be deemed as a negative issue.
To begin with, it is somewhat explainable why western clothes such as suits and jeans gradually become well-liked by many people. First, today is the time of global integration, and Western countries, with its superiorities as developed ones, would have certain influences on others in many ways including wearing styles. Second, clothes like jeans and suits are preferred for the convenience and comfort brought to wearers while some traditional clothes, Korean and Japanese ones, for instance, require a great effort to put on as they can be really ornate and frilly. And finally, Western wear is more fashionable and also appropriate in plenty of circumstances, whereas traditional costume is normally dressed up for some special occasions only.
However, all the above-mentioned plausible reasons could not justify the downsides of this trend in the long term. Traditional clothing reflects the cultural identity of a country and differs a country from the others. It tells us not just a way of dressing but a nation’s history, local folklore, and indigenous lifestyle. Western clothes might be in vogue, but its over-popularity probably leads to the elimination of traditional costume in many countries, which would result in the world losing its cultural diversity.
In conclusion, even though the presence of Western clothes in many places in the world is understandable, I think that letting it outweigh traditional costume is ultimately a negative development.
Total word count: 271 - perfect.