IELTS Essay # 1342 – People who travel outside of their country are more tolerant

IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Sample Answer 1:
It is often claimed that people who travel to different countries and get exposed to diverse cultural and traditional aspects become more tolerant of others and develop an understanding of our differences. I wholeheartedly agree with this opinion, and in this essay, I will explain why I believe so.

To begin with, travelling to other countries allows us blend into a different environment where we constantly experience a way of life that is different from ours. We tend to eat local food, interact with people the way they are accustomed to, and try to respect their customs. This helps us partake in a different tradition in a way that is prejudice-free and interactive. It is not like judging a custom without ever understanding it, and this is so powerful to comprehend why some people follow a custom or behave in a certain way, which is totally different from ours. For example, before travelling to some Asian countries, I never realised the reason for eating food with hands. This seemed like an unhygienic and unacceptable custom to me as a Westerner. However, after spending some time in those Asian countries and indulging in my food with my bare hands, I now realise why it is so widespread a custom in those countries.

Moreover, when we travel to a foreign land, we are generally open to experiencing new things as we want proper value for the money we spend. This perception alone helps us enjoy a food that we would otherwise avoid, talk to strangers, and get to learn about new places and their history. Not to mention, all those experiences only enrich our understanding of people and their cultural differences. The more we travel, the more we realise that people around the world feel the same way and have the same inner feeling, even though our culture, race and nationality are not the same. This understanding makes us more tolerant of others and helps us realise how similar we are, even though our cultures are different on the surface. For instance, I always thought carnivorous people are not kind to animals. This perception of mine changed when I travelled to the Middle East a few years ago, and met some of the kindest people in my life who are not vegetarians like me. Without travelling, I would always have misguided perceptions about it.

To conclude, travelling to other countries is an excellent way of broadening our minds and perceptions about different cultures, customs, and perhaps the best way to eliminate our cultural prejudices while embracing differences.

Model Answer 2:
It is often said that people who travel abroad are more tolerant and have a better comprehension of other cultures and faiths. I agree with the view. In this essay, I will express that international travel indeed fosters greater tolerance and understanding among individuals.

One significant reason why travelling outside one’s own country promotes tolerance and understanding is the exposure to diverse cultures. When individuals travel beyond their familiar surroundings, they are immersed in new customs, traditions, and ways of life. For instance, a person visiting Japan from Europe may encounter different social norms and etiquette. Through this experience, they come to appreciate the significance of bowing as a gesture of respect and learn about the value placed on harmony in Japanese culture. Such encounters enable travellers to understand and respect cultural differences, fostering a sense of tolerance and acceptance.

Another compelling factor contributing to the development of tolerance through international travel is the opportunity to challenge stereotypes and prejudices. Often, misconceptions about other cultures are rooted in ignorance or a lack of exposure. For example, a person from a Western country may have preconceived notions about Middle Eastern culture based on media portrayals. However, when they visit a Middle Eastern country, they might discover a warm and hospitable community, breaking down stereotypes and dispelling unfounded prejudices.

In conclusion, exposure to diverse cultures and the opportunity to challenge stereotypes and biases create a helping environment for personal growth and increased empathy. Thus, international travel broadens one’s horizons and nurtures a sense of acceptance and appreciation for the richness of human diversity. Thus, travelling abroad positively influences an individual’s level of tolerance and understanding of differences.