Most people have forgotten the meaning behind traditional or religious festivals

 
66 
January 1, 2020 
57.
 
Museums and galleries 1 
Museums and art galleries should focus on works that show the history and culture 
of their own country rather than works of other parts of the world. 
To what extent do you agree or disagree? 
SAMPLE ANSWER 1: MOSTLY DISAGREE 
Many people claim that it is more important for museums to display work from the country 
where they are located rather than draw from other places around the world. I partly agree 
that museums are a valuable educational tool to learn about one’s own country but overall 
museums should aspire to broaden people’s perspective rather than narrow and deepen it. 
Proponents of museums mainly showcasing works from their own country often point out 
that they help people connect with their country’s culture and history. Children all over the 
United States learn about American history from their textbooks. They learn about the 
constitution, the founding fathers, and the various wars of liberation America has fought. 
However, if they go to a museum to see the actual historical documents from the period this 
will likely have a more memorable impression. Seeing a famous work of art or historical 
document up close, they may notice notice details that were not in their book and feel a 
more personal connection to their country. 
Although there is a strong argument to be made for museums specialising in this way, I feel 
it is more important for people to gain a broader view of cultures around the world. Most 
people cannot afford to travel abroad and even if they do, they are unlikely to experience 
another culture deeply as a tourist. Museums are a great opportunity for people of all ages 
to learn about other countries. Someone visiting the British Museum in London will see 
artifacts from every continent in the world without a plane ticket. Over the years if they 
keep returning to the museum they will learn more and more. 
Museums will inevitable show a mixture of works from their own country as well as other 
countries. In my opinion, it is more important for people to take in the breadth of culture of 
the whole world rather than just their country. If children start from a young age learning 
about the world they are likely to grow up more tolerant. 

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