You should spend about 40 minutes on IELTS writing task 2.
Some people say patriotism causes problems and is negative overall. Others feel that it is beneficial for society at large. Do the advantages of patriotism outweigh its disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. You should write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer
Many feel that patriotism has a beneficial impact overall. Although there are legitimate reasons to be proud of one’s country, patriotic feelings generally produce more negatives than positives. In this essay, both aspects of patriotism will be discussed to reach a conclusion.
Proponents of patriotism argue it is a natural impulse with tangible benefits. Firstly, a strong sense of patriotism can be motivating. Individuals who have pride in their country are more likely to work hard for the common good, for example, soldiers serving in the military, healthcare workers during national emergencies, and even familiar workers contributing to a flourishing national economy. Secondly, individuals can invest in their country’s successes to support their self-esteem, like most people who support their country root for their home team. Success elevates their mood and connects them to a broader community.
However, patriotism is often taken to extremes. It occurs most frequently with vulnerable segments of society. For instance, it is common for military recruiters to target less affluent individuals. If they serve in a war abroad, then there is a strong likelihood they will later suffer from a mental or physical handicap. More generally, most people employ patriotism as a proxy for their achievements. This can be evidenced by the uproar surrounding the Olympics every four years. This stereotypically patriotic event costs taxpayers tremendously, inflames tensions between rival countries, and distracts from investing time in personal development.
In conclusion, though patriotism is beneficial economically and in terms of self-esteem at times, the drawbacks of disassociation are more significant. Mental health should not be dependent on the fortunes of one’s compatriots.
Structure of the essay
You were given an advantages/disadvantages essay and you have to decide whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
Once you are clear about the advantages and disadvantages, you can plan your essay and then write it.
General Statement – Many feel that patriotism has a beneficial impact overall.
Question Paraphrased – Although there are legitimate reasons to be proud of one’s country, patriotic feelings generally produce more negatives than positives.
Outline of the Essay – In this essay, both aspects of patriotism will be discussed to reach a conclusion.
Body Paragraph 1
Advantages
- Proponents of patriotism argue it is a natural impulse with tangible benefits.
- A strong sense of patriotism can be motivating.
- Individuals who have pride in their country are more likely to work hard for the common good.
- For example, soldiers serving in the military, healthcare workers during national emergencies.
Body Paragraph 2:
Disadvantages
- Patriotism is often taken to extremes.
- It occurs most frequently with vulnerable segments of society.
- Most people employ patriotism as a proxy for their achievements.
- For example, it is common for military recruiters to target less affluent individuals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, though patriotism is beneficial economically and in terms of self-esteem at times, the drawbacks of disassociation are more significant. Mental health should not be dependent on the fortunes of one’s compatriots.