Speak About Identity, Heritage, and Global Change
Why This Matters
Most IELTS students say:
“I like music and food.”
“Culture is important because it is old.”
But Band 7–8 responses go deeper.
They explore how identity is formed, how global cultures collide, and how tradition evolves or disappears under modern pressure.
Because IELTS isn’t just about what you like — it’s about how the world works.
Topic Introduction
Culture in IELTS goes far beyond art or food.
It’s the system of values, beliefs, and behaviours that shape how people live — and how societies manage change.
You may be asked to discuss:
- Cultural preservation
- Globalisation’s effect on identity
- Multiculturalism and integration
- Cultural appropriation or conflict
Understanding these themes gives you the power to write and speak like a real academic thinker.
High-Impact Vocabulary for IELTS: Culture & Society
| Word | Band | Meaning | Example Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cultural identity | 7.5 | Sense of belonging to a specific culture | Identity shapes values and worldviews. |
| Heritage | 7.0 | Traditions or history passed down | Museums help preserve cultural heritage. |
| Cultural appropriation | 8.0 | Use of another culture’s elements without context | It’s controversial in fashion and media. |
| Multiculturalism | 7.5 | Coexistence of multiple cultures | Raises questions about tolerance and integration. |
Vocabulary Deep Dive
1. Cultural Identity (Band 7.5)
Definition: The sense of belonging to a specific cultural group.
IELTS Use: Cultural identity plays a vital role in shaping a person’s values and worldview.
Insight: It’s not just about where you’re from — it’s about how you see the world. Many people today hold mixed or hybrid identities shaped by tradition, migration, or media.
2. Heritage (Band 7)
Definition: The practices, artifacts, and values passed down from past generations.
IELTS Use: Many governments fund museums and festivals to preserve cultural heritage.
Insight: Heritage isn’t just history — it’s identity in motion. Losing it means losing connection. But preserving it doesn’t mean resisting change.
3. Cultural Appropriation (Band 8)
Definition: Use of elements from another culture without understanding or permission.
IELTS Use: Cultural appropriation has become a controversial issue in fashion and media.
Insight: Cultural exchange can enrich — but appropriation can offend. Wearing traditional dress for style without meaning? That can be exploitation. Context matters.
4. Multiculturalism (Band 7.5)
Definition: A policy or condition where multiple cultures exist within one society.
IELTS Use: Multiculturalism can promote tolerance, but it also raises questions about integration.
Insight: Multiculturalism tests how much difference a society can handle — not just in food or language, but in values and power. Is everyone included equally?
IELTS Writing Task Prompt
Prompt:
Some believe that multicultural societies are more tolerant and creative. Others think they lead to conflict and division. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Band 6:
“Different people live in one place. It’s sometimes good, sometimes bad.”
Band 7+:
“While multicultural societies often foster innovation and inclusivity, they may also struggle with integration and social cohesion.”
Writing Frame:
“Although ______ encourages diversity, it may also create ______.”
IELTS Speaking Challenge
Question:
Is it important to preserve cultural traditions in your country?
Band 6:
“Yes, traditions are important because they are old and nice.”
Band 7+:
“Preserving cultural traditions is vital, as they provide continuity and identity in a rapidly changing world.”
Try This Frame:
“I think preserving ______ is important because it reminds people of ______.”
Grammar Focus: Show Complexity with Modality
Band 6 students say:
“It is good.”
“Culture is disappearing.”
Band 7+ students say:
“It can be divisive.”
“Cultural identity may be weakened in urban areas.”
Upgrade modal phrases:
- can be
- may lead to
- tends to
- is often associated with
Practice:
“Different cultures live together. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes not.”
→ “Multicultural societies can be both enriching and challenging, depending on how inclusion is managed.”
Want to learn the 10 grammar shifts that boost your score? [Join the full course →]
Vocabulary Recap
- Cultural identity
- Heritage
- Cultural appropriation
- Multiculturalism
These aren’t just IELTS terms — they’re thinking tools to elevate your essays and speaking responses.
Next Step: Go Deeper
Explore how culture connects to:
Or…
👉 Join IELTS Vocabulary Transformation — and speak about culture like someone ready for university-level discourse.
Culture isn’t just a topic.
It’s your chance to show that you understand the world — and can express your place in it with clarity and power.