How to read the question

• This is an opinion essay: To what extent do you agree or disagree requires a clear position in the introduction that stays consistent through to the conclusion.
• The statement has two dimensions, different cultures and different ages, so a strong answer addresses both rather than writing only about international music.
• The phrase a good way does not mean the only way or the best way; you can agree that music is effective without claiming it solves all cultural or generational divisions.
• A partly agreeing position works well, for example accepting that music unites people while noting that musical tastes can also separate generations or groups.
• Focus on bringing people together, such as shared experiences, understanding and community, not on unrelated benefits of music such as relaxation or brain development.
• Use concrete examples, such as international festivals, community choirs or songs shared at family celebrations, rather than vague claims that everyone loves music.

Suggested position

I largely agree that music is an effective way of bringing together people of different cultures and ages, although I accept that it can sometimes divide people as well as unite them.

Paragraph plan

1. 1

   Introduction

   Paraphrase the idea that music can unite people from different cultures and generations, then state your position: largely agree, with the reservation that music can also divide.

2. 2

   Body paragraph 1: music across cultures

   Argue that music does not need a shared language because rhythm and melody express emotion directly. Use international festivals and songs from countries such as South Korea or Nigeria becoming global hits as examples, and explain how this creates curiosity and reduces stereotypes.

3. 3

   Body paragraph 2: music across generations, and its limits

   Explain how families share songs at weddings and festivals and how community choirs bring teenagers and pensioners together. Then concede that tastes are often tied to age and identity, so young people may choose music partly to be different from their parents.

4. 4

   Conclusion

   Restate that music is one of the most powerful ways to unite people because it appeals to shared emotions, while noting that the effect is strongest when people are open to unfamiliar styles.

Ideas and arguments

• Music is a universal language: listeners can respond emotionally to a song even when they do not understand the words.
• International music festivals bring together audiences and performers from many different countries.
• Global streaming means songs from countries such as South Korea or Nigeria can reach listeners worldwide, sparking interest in those cultures.
• Families share songs at weddings, birthdays and religious festivals, connecting grandparents, parents and children.
• Community choirs and amateur bands often include members of all ages who work together as equals.
• Learning a traditional instrument from an older relative passes cultural heritage from one generation to the next.
• Counterpoint: musical tastes are strongly linked to age and identity, which can create a generation gap.
• Counterpoint: some music is tied to particular groups or political movements and can reinforce divisions.

Band 8+ model answer

294 words · An original model answer written for ieltswrites, not an official answer. It stays in English, as in the exam.

Why this answer scores highly

Task Response

The essay addresses both cultures and ages, gives a clear position of largely agreeing, and develops each point with specific examples, while a brief counterargument adds depth without undermining the stance.

Coherence and Cohesion

Paragraphs move logically from cultures to generations to limitations, each with a clear topic sentence, and linking phrases such as this is why, nevertheless and overall guide the reader.

Lexical Resource

Natural, precise vocabulary such as rhythm and melody, break down stereotypes, rehearse and perform as equals and reinforce divisions shows a wide lexical range on the topic.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

The essay combines complex sentences with relative clauses, concessive structures, passive forms and conditional ideas, all used accurately and with correct punctuation.

Useful vocabulary

a universal language

something that people everywhere can understand, regardless of the language they speak

transcend barriers

go beyond differences such as language, culture or age

cultural exchange

the sharing of ideas, customs and art between different cultures

generation gap

differences in attitudes, tastes and behaviour between older and younger people

break down stereotypes

reduce simple, often unfair beliefs about a group of people

shared experience

an event or activity that people take part in together

community choir

a local singing group open to ordinary members of the public

cultural heritage

the traditions, music and customs passed down within a culture

foster a sense of belonging

help people feel that they are part of a group

reinforce divisions

make the differences between groups stronger

evoke emotions

bring feelings into a person's mind

a unifying force

something that brings people together

Common mistakes

• Writing only about different cultures and ignoring different ages, or the other way round, which leaves part of the statement unaddressed.
• Discussing general benefits of music, such as reducing stress or helping children learn, that have nothing to do with bringing people together.
• Giving an unclear position, for example agreeing in the introduction but mainly disagreeing in the body paragraphs.
• Relying on vague claims such as everyone in the world loves music without specific examples or explanation.
• Repeating the words music and people together in every sentence instead of paraphrasing with unite, connect and bridge the gap.
• Writing a one-sided essay that never acknowledges any limitation, which can make the argument seem less convincing.

Frequently asked questions

Which Cambridge book is this question from?

This question about music bringing people of different cultures and ages together is Writing Task 2 of Test 3 in Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic, published in 2019.

Do I need to write about both cultures and ages?

Yes. The statement mentions both, so a high-scoring answer should discuss how music connects people from different cultural backgrounds and from different generations.

Can I partly agree with this statement?

Yes. You can largely agree while noting a limitation, such as music sometimes dividing generations, as long as your overall position is clear and consistent.

How many words should I write for this Task 2?

Write at least 250 words; around 270-310 words gives enough space to develop two or three well-supported points in 40 minutes.