IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write at least 250 words.
Some argue that patriotism is the primary cause of wars globally Others feel that it serves to prevent less ethical politicians from running a country and starting wars
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Sample Answer:
Patriotism is a feeling of strong love and loyalty to one’s country, and it is an emotion often associated with starting wars. On the other hand, it is argued that patriotism can also be used to prevent less ethical politicians from running a country and starting wars. This essay will discuss both sides of this opinion before providing a conclusion.
Those who argue that patriotism is the main cause of wars globally point to the fact that there is a long history of wars being fought between countries with rival nationalistic ideologies. For example, the Second World War was largely caused by the conflicting ideas of Nazi Germany and Allied nations about what constituted a nation and what should be done to protect it. This suggests that patriotism can lead to conflict when a nation believes that its own values and interests are more important than those of its neighbours.
On the other hand, patriotism can also be seen as a force for good in the world. It can be used to prevent less ethical politicians from assuming power and launching wars. For instance, in some countries, citizens take part in peaceful demonstrations to oppose leaders who are seen as war-mongers or who do not have the nation’s best interests at heart. This can help to ensure that such leaders are not elected and that their policies of war and conflict are not enacted.
In conclusion, patriotism can be seen as both a cause of war and as a force for preventing war. It is important for citizens of any nation to be aware of the dangers of blindly following nationalistic ideologies and to be willing to stand up to those who would use patriotism for their own agendas. At the same time, patriotism can be a powerful tool for preventing war and ensuring that ethical leaders remain in power.