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Why are people interested in family history research?

This IELTS essay question was asked last Saturday in an IELTS Writing test.

IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:

Some people are very interested in researching their family history. Other people say this is a waste of time and that we should focus instead on the present and future generations.


Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

IELTS Essay Answer | Family history research

Genealogy holds much attraction for some people, but others tend to believe that it is preferable to concentrate on the present generations and those of the future. However, it is quite possible that better understanding family events in the past can also help consolidate families both now and in the future, and therefore both views have value.

Investigating and exploring family roots in order to create a family tree can be a worthwhile activity. The A family tree can illustrate to young children in the family and future generations their direct ancestry and help them understand their own path of descendancy. Knowledge of this family heritage can help give people a stronger sense of belonging, both emotionally and spiritually. Clearly genealogy places primary emphasis on the past; however, it can provide considerable insight for families both now and in the future.

As young people tend to enjoy greater mobility regarding where they work and live than their parents and grandparents, they can also suffer from a feeling of disconnection, or a lack of sense of belonging; often as a result of less frequent contact with direct and extended family members due to the pressures of modern life. Lack of proximity and weaker family ties as many families grow beyond their original local roots can lead to family bonds becoming less obvious to current generations. This can make it more challenging to celebrate and share their common family heritage.

Therefore, it could be said that while the present generation might be the most important, and future generations are planned, researching past family history can aid in helping both maintain a sense of belonging and firmly establish family roots for the benefit of modern families which are becoming more widely dispersed across the globe in many cases, a trend which will no doubt continue in future generations.




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