You will have 20 minutes to plan, write and revise an essay about the topic below. Your response will be judged on how well you develop a position, organize your ideas, present supporting details, and control the elements of standard written English. You should write 200-300 words.
Xenophobia has accelerated rapidly in Western countries. Why is this happening and what solutions do you suggest?
Xenophobia has become a major issue in Western nations in recent years, and the trend is accelerating rapidly. Xenophobia is the fear and hatred of foreigners or strangers, and it manifests itself in numerous ways, such as discrimination, harassment, and violence against immigrants. In this essay, we will examine why xenophobia is on the rise in Western nations and suggest potential solutions to this problem.
Some people believe that immigrants are displacing native-born citizens in the job market, which has contributed to the rise in xenophobia. They believe that the willingness of immigrants to accept lower wages reduces wages and employment opportunities for native-born citizens. Despite the fact that this belief is frequently based on myths and stereotypes rather than facts, it is widely held by many.
Fear of terrorism also contributes to the increase in xenophobia. Following a series of terrorist attacks in Europe and the United States, some individuals have begun to associate immigrants with terrorism. This association is also based on myths and generalizations, but it has led to a great deal of fear and hostility towards immigrants, especially those from Muslim-majority countries.
To combat xenophobia, we must first debunk the myths and stereotypes that fuel it. We must educate the public about the contributions immigrants make to our societies and economies, and stress that they pose no threat to our safety or employment.
We must also promote integration and social cohesion-promoting policies. This includes policies that help immigrants learn the language, find employment, and participate in civic life. Additionally, we should provide the means for communities to build relationships across cultural and linguistic divides.
In conclusion, xenophobia is a significant issue in Western nations, and it is fueled by economic anxiety and fear of terrorism. To address this issue, we must dispel the myths and stereotypes that fuel it and promote integration and social cohesion policies. We can create a more welcoming and inclusive society for all with the right approach.
PTE Academic was launched in 2009 by Pearson Language Tests.