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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Governments spend a lot of money on public celebrations such as national holidays and public festivals. Some people say that the government spends too much on this and that they should use this money on other useful things.

Do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Sample Answer 1: [Disagreement]
Commemoration of important national events is a part of a nation's pride and a way to show respect for its tradition and history. Such events are instrumental in motivating the new generation to be patriots and bestowing tribute to people whose contributions are unforgettable. Thus the amount spent on such celebrations is justified.

To begin with, public ceremonies are important in terms of spreading nationality, giving mass people a reason to forget their differences and improving public relations. The amount spent on such events is often disputed by many, but this opinion, in no way, is practical, and the importance of observing national events is unparalleled. Such a celebration, for example, Independence Day, teaches us who we really are, how much our ancestors sacrificed to give us freedom, and how we are all connected as a nation. In my early childhood, I did not show an acute interest in the history of our country until I noticed the way people observe Independent Day and how the whole nation remembers the sacrifices of the martyrs of our country. We need to celebrate our significant national days to pass the history to the next generation.

Now getting back to using the funds on more important things - a government already has a plan in place for disaster recovery and using funds for important sectors. Each sector in a country already gets a share of the national budget, and we need to focus more on prudently using the funds for true development, not switching funds from one important cause to another. Finally, festivals are people's fundamental rights, and a government should always support such public festivals including religious and national galas to prove that the authority works for the contentment of the public.

To conclude, public celebrations and the government's role in organising them and using the national fund to support it have a great influence in fostering nationality, showing a government's support to the people. This is why the amount spent on such events is essential.

Model Answer 2: [Agreement]
All around the globe, governments allocate a significant amount of funds towards public celebrations such as national holidays, religious and national days and traditional festivals. Some individuals argue that the government spends excessive amounts of money on these events and should instead allocate it towards other useful purposes. In this essay, I will argue in favour of this statement.

The governments should not spend a considerable amount of money on public celebrations when many people, particularly those in developing nations, are poor, lack access to proper healthcare and education, and are unemployed. For example, in several countries, significant proportions of the population live below the poverty line and lack access to basic amenities, including food and shelter. Under these circumstances, spending a substantial amount on public celebrations is an unnecessary luxury.

Another reason why excessive spending on public celebrations may not be rational is that it may create an unnecessary financial burden on the government, leading to other essential services being neglected. For instance, if a government allocates a significant portion of its budget on national celebrations, it may end up underfunding critical sectors like education, social security, and infrastructure. This can result in a lack of basic amenities and facilities, which can negatively impact the overall well-being and progress of society.

In conclusion, governments, especially in developing nations like ours, should allocate a very small fund for public celebrations and reserve a much bigger budget towards more pressing needs. I think that governments already spend too much money on public celebrations, and this budget should be better utilised on public health, education, social security, job creation and infrastructural development.

Model Answer 3: [Disagreement]
Governments, all around the world, allocate a significant amount of their budget for public celebrations such as national holidays and festivals. While some argue that the government spends too much money on these events, I strongly disagree with this statement. In my opinion, the spending on public celebrations is justified, and I believe that the government should continue to fund these events.

It is essential to understand that public celebrations play a significant role in a country's cultural heritage and social cohesion. Cancelling these celebrations could result in the loss of cultural identity and traditions that unite the nation. Moreover, public celebrations can help promote tourism, generating revenue and creating jobs. For instance, the Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a significant source of revenue for the city's economy, with more than a million people visiting the city each year. Similarly, Oktoberfest in Germany attracts millions of visitors worldwide, and the festival has a positive impact on the country's tourism industry. These celebrations also foster cultural heritage and tradition.

Furthermore, public celebrations can bring people together and provide a sense of belonging and national pride. These events offer an opportunity for people to celebrate their achievements, remember their history, and acknowledge their shared values. For instance, Independence Day celebrations in our country remind us of our shared values of liberty and democracy.

In conclusion, while there may be arguments against spending on public celebrations, I believe that the money spent on these events is justified. These celebrations serve as a symbol of a country's cultural heritage and unity, and they also generate revenue, create jobs, and promote tourism. Therefore, governments should continue to allocate funds for these celebrations.

• IELTS Essay
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