IELTS Wrting Task 2 - Culture - Follow customs and traditions in new countries

Hi everyone,

I'm aming for IELTS Writing 7.0. Please review and comment my below essay.

Thank you.

People should follow the customs and traditions when people start to live in a new country. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In our globalised world, it is often argued that foreigners should adapt to the local customs and traditions when they come to dwell in a new country. In my opinion, immigrants should simultaneously respect the native rules and conserve their own identities and traditions.

There are manifold advantages of conforming the local norms when people are trying to integrate into a new community. Firstly, there are innumerable cultural pitfalls that to avoid. In the Middle East and India, for example, newcomers might be considered ill-mannered if they eat with their left hands. Furthermore, recent immigrants might fall foul of the law if they do not respect the comportment and customs of locals. As an instance, littering the street is not only an impolite behaviour but also an illegal act in Singapore.

On the other hand, it is also vital for immigrants to be proud of their national identities and preserve their cultural traditions. Their next generations might be born in the adopted country, but they will be taught about languages and customs of their ethnic backgrounds. More importantly, cultural sharing between immigrants and the indigenous helps forming multiculturalism which has been the cornerstone of various developed countries. As an example, Australian society has been accepting multiculturalism as nation-building endeavor, which has contributed to the sustainable development of Australia's economy and civilisation.

In conclusion, in spite of the fact that respecting native customs and traditions is necessary, I believe that people should be encouraged to embrace their national cultures when they reside overseas.

Word count: 252.