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Essay 3 – Model question
TASK
Your class has attended a lecture on the action governments can take to make sure cultural heritage is preserved for future generations. You have made the notes below.
• increase funding for museums.
• protect old buildings.
• teach the importance of cultural heritage in schools.
‘Cultural heritage isn’t just about buildings – it’s about a way of life.’
‘It’s the responsibility of the older generation to pass on a cultural heritage to the next generation.’
‘Museums are the best places to keep shared memories of a community.’
Write an essay for your tutor, discussing two of the priorities in your notes. You should explain which priority you think is more important, giving reasons to support your opinion.
You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed in the discussion but you should use your own words as far as possible.
Write your essay in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.
Essay 3 – Model answer
Cultural heritage is an invaluable asset for all generations to enjoy. It is about knowing where we have come from and having pride in the place we live. In this essay I will discuss two priorities for the government’s support of the cultural heritage in our community.
The first idea is to increase funding to museums. People say that museums are the heart of cultural heritage preservation. Not only do they display objects, they also teach and provide information about them. Increased funding could attract better care of objects, more specialised staff and more fun displays, in turn attracting more people to visit and learn. On the other hand, I would argue that it is unreasonable to expect governments to give more money to museums when they have got more important things to spend people’s taxes on.
The second idea is to protect old buildings. It has become clear in recent years that governments can no longer afford to provide generous grants to help people maintain their historically significant houses. I am sure there are many voluntary organisations which would be prepared to work on conservation projects. Nevertheless, the government could provide protection to ensure that old buildings are not demolished or transformed out of character.
In my view, the most pressing priority is to provide protective legislation for old homes and buildings. I am not alone in my concern about the loss of historical features which take such pride of place in and give character to our communities.
[+/- 240 words]