IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1264 - It is possible to tell a lot about a person’s culture and character from clothes
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people say that it is possible to tell a lot about a person’s culture and character from their choice of clothes.
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.
Model Answer 1: [Agreement]
The way we dress is a crucial aspect of our everyday life. Some people believe that an individual's choice of clothing can reveal a lot about their cultural background and character. I completely agree with this statement as I believe that clothes serve more than just the practical purpose of covering our bodies; they are a reflection of our personality and culture.
To commence with, the type of clothing someone wears can provide insight into their cultural background. Every culture has its unique dress code, which signifies its traditions and beliefs. For instance, in India, women wear sarees, salwar kameez, and lehengas, while men wear dhoti kurta, sherwani, or suits on formal occasions. In contrast, in Western countries, people usually wear suits, skirts, and trousers. Therefore, by observing someone's clothing, we can determine their cultural background, which in turn can help us understand their beliefs and values.
Furthermore, a person's clothes can also indicate their character traits. The way someone dresses can show their level of confidence, professionalism, and creativity. For instance, a person who dresses professionally in clean, ironed clothes portrays confidence and respectability. On the other hand, someone who wears bright, colourful clothes indicates a creative and flamboyant personality. Therefore, clothes serve as a nonverbal way of communicating someone's personality traits, and we can make judgments based on this observation.
In conclusion, I believe that an individual's choice of clothing can tell a lot about their culture and personality. Clothing can reveal someone's cultural background, beliefs, and values, as well as their personality traits. By observing someone's attire, we can make inferences about their nature and personality. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to how we dress and the message we convey through our clothing.
Model Answer 2: [Disagreement]
It is a commonly held belief that one can deduce a great deal about an individual's character and cultural background based on their clothing choices. While this might be true in some cases, it is not accurate in most cases. This is why I disagree with this viewpoint as I believe that clothing can often be deceptive and misleading.
While it is true that clothing can sometimes provide insight into an individual's background and personality, it is important to recognize that clothing can also be used as a tool for deception. People often wear clothing that does not reflect their true selves, or they may deliberately dress in a way that misrepresents their cultural identity to fit in with a certain group. In such cases, it is impossible to accurately deduce an individual's character or cultural background from their clothing choices alone. For instance, scam masters often dress nicely to give positive impressions to their victims. Therefore, we can not judge someone's character solely from the dresses they wear.
Furthermore, the rapid pace of change in fashion trends and the availability of diverse styles from all around the world means that it is becoming increasingly difficult to associate certain clothing choices with specific cultures or personalities. For example, a person who wears traditional clothing from their culture may do so purely for the purpose of preserving their heritage, but it would be inaccurate to make assumptions about their character or beliefs based on that clothing alone. Moreover, with globalisation, people in many places wear the same types of dresses and follow similar fashion trends. This does not make them people of the same character or tradition.
In conclusion, while clothing can provide some insights into an individual's background and personality, it can also be used to deceive or misrepresent. Therefore, I believe that it is not accurate to judge a person's true character or cultural background solely based on their clothing choices. It is important to look beyond clothing and to get to know an individual as a whole before making any assumptions.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay question:
Some people say that it is possible to tell a lot about a person’s culture and character from their choice of clothes.
Do you agree or disagree?
Essay type:
Opinion Essay (Agree or Disagree).
Main question of this essay:
Do you agree or disagree that a person's clothing choices reveal their culture and character?
Arguments supporting the view that clothes reflect culture and character:
1. Clothes reflect cultural identity:
Clothing often symbolises cultural heritage and traditions, providing insight into a person’s background. Individuals commonly wear attire that represents their ethnic, religious, or national identities. For example, traditional garments such as Japanese kimono or Scottish kilts clearly reflect cultural heritage.
2. Clothing choices indicate personal values and attitudes:
People often choose clothes that align with their beliefs, values, or social attitudes. For instance, someone who regularly wears sustainable, eco-friendly clothing likely values environmental responsibility and ethical practices.
3. Clothes can reveal personality traits:
The style, colour, and type of clothes individuals choose often represent their personality traits and characteristics. For instance, vibrant colours and bold patterns might suggest an outgoing personality, while neutral or minimalist styles may indicate a reserved character.
4. Attire indicates professional status and social roles:
Clothing choices can offer clues about an individual's profession, social position, or economic status. For example, someone wearing formal business attire is likely involved in a corporate or professional environment, whereas casual clothing may suggest a more informal or creative role.
5. Clothing reflects personal values and beliefs:
The choice of attire often mirrors personal values, such as modesty, independence, or conformity. For example, religious individuals might choose conservative clothing to adhere to their beliefs and showcase their faith.
Arguments against judging a person's culture and character based solely on clothing:
1. Clothing can be misleading or superficial:
People often dress in certain ways due to practical considerations rather than to express their true character or culture. Clothes can be influenced by trends, necessity, or convenience rather than individual identity. For instance, business attire worn at work does not necessarily indicate a person's personal beliefs or background.
2. Globalisation has homogenised clothing styles:
Modern fashion trends have become globalised, leading many individuals worldwide to wear similar clothes, irrespective of cultural or personal differences. For example, jeans and t-shirts are worn universally, offering minimal clues about one's cultural identity.
3. Clothes may provide a superficial impression:
Judging someone by their appearance alone can lead to superficial assessments that overlook deeper aspects of character and culture. For example, someone dressed casually might be mistakenly perceived as less serious or professional, despite their skills or knowledge.
4. Personal circumstances limit clothing choices:
Financial status or job requirements often limit an individual's clothing choices, making it unreliable to infer character or culture. For example, people with limited financial resources might not wear clothes that accurately reflect their personal preferences or cultural affiliations.
5. Misinterpretation and stereotypes:
Relying on clothing to infer culture or character can reinforce stereotypes or lead to incorrect assumptions. For instance, people may mistakenly associate particular styles of clothing with negative characteristics, causing unfair judgments and prejudice.
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