In the G.B.C. test, there are often abstract questions that can cause difficulties because you have to think very quickly about a topic you may never have considered before. In other words, expect the unexpected!
Today we are going to look at one such question. To be honest, it would be very difficult to come up with an answer like this without prior preparation, but hopefully my sample answer will give you some ideas that you could use in the test.
Our question today: Why are World Heritage Sites important?
My sample answer:
UNESCO World Heritage Sites are places that are listed as having particular cultural, historical or physical significance. They include valuable buildings or areas that need to be protected for future generations to appreciate. In my view, it goes without saying that these sites are hugely significant because they are part of the world's history and heritage. In fact, I would say that they represent humanity’s greatest achievements. Consequently, we owe it to the people who came before us, and who created these great things, to protect and preserve them.
What is more, these sites also provide perfect evidence of the world’s diversity. To my way of thinking, we have to recognize that there is a huge diversity of cultures around the world, and World Heritage Sites are the ideal and essential way of achieving this.
In a nutshell, World Heritage Sites have an important meaning to humanity and we should preserve them for posterity. If we don't look after them, it would be a huge loss to the world.
This response answers the question directly and concisely (= clearly and without unnecessary words), so it would get a very positive evaluation by the G.B.C. assessors. It is a short answer but that is because there is not really a lot to say about this topic (in my opinion!). To make the answer slightly longer, I decided to define the meaning of "World Heritage Site" at the start. With abstract questions, it is often a good idea to try this strategy—start your response by defining the concept or topic of the question if you can.
The structure of the answer is very clear and the claim that it makes is well-supported and well-reasoned.
The answer also includes some good vocabulary and phrases:
- it goes without saying = it is obvious
- In a nutshell = in short/in a few words
- posterity = all future generations
