Explore what makes diverse societies work — and what challenges they face — while practising advanced vocabulary and commenting on complex ideas.
Read the text about cultural diversity in modern societies. Then answer the comprehension questions.
Walk through any major European city today and you will hear dozens of languages, see restaurants from every corner of the globe, and meet people whose families came from five different continents. Cultural diversity — the presence of many different cultures, ethnicities and perspectives within one society — has become one of the defining features of the modern world. But is it always a source of strength, or can it also be a cause of tension?
Supporters of multiculturalism argue that diverse societies are more creative and innovative. Research has shown that teams made up of people with different backgrounds tend to come up with more original solutions to problems because they bring a wider range of experiences and viewpoints. Cities like London, New York and Berlin are often cited as examples of places where cultural mixing has produced vibrant art, music and food scenes. Immigration has also been an economic benefit in many countries, helping to fill shortages of skilled workers in fields such as healthcare, engineering and technology.
Critics, however, point out that diversity can create challenges. When people from very different backgrounds share the same public spaces, schools and workplaces, misunderstandings and conflicts can arise. Some argue that without a shared sense of values or identity, social cohesion — the feeling that members of a society belong together — is difficult to maintain. Integration takes time and effort from all sides: newcomers must learn the language and customs of their new home, while the host society must be prepared to accept change and challenge its own assumptions.
Most sociologists agree that the key is not to force people to abandon their cultural identity, but to find common ground. A successful diverse society does not require everyone to be the same — it requires mutual respect, equal rights, and opportunities for all. As one researcher put it: "The goal is not a melting pot, where differences disappear, but a mosaic, where each piece keeps its colour while contributing to a larger, more beautiful picture."
1 According to the text, cultural diversity has become one of the defining features of the .
2 Research shows that diverse teams tend to produce more to problems.
3 Immigration has been an economic benefit partly because it helps fill shortages of .
4 "Social cohesion" means the feeling that members of a society .
5 The text says that integration requires effort from .
6 Most sociologists believe the key is to find between different groups.
7 The "mosaic" metaphor at the end of the text means that each culture should while contributing to society.
8 The opposite of the "mosaic" model described is the , where differences disappear.
Choose the best linking word or passive structure to complete each sentence. Think carefully about the logical relationship between the ideas.
Contrast: although / however / despite / whereas / even though
Cause/result: because / therefore / as a result / due to / consequently
Addition: furthermore / moreover / in addition / not only … but also
Passive: Use when the action is more important than the actor → Cities are often cited as examples.
1 Diversity can be a source of creativity; , it can also lead to misunderstandings if people do not communicate well.
2 The researchers found that diverse teams were more innovative. , they discovered that communication was key to success.
3 its challenges, most experts agree that diversity makes societies stronger in the long run.
4 Integration takes time and effort from newcomers. , the host society must also be prepared to change and adapt.
5 The goal of a diverse society is not to force people to give up their identity; , it is to build mutual respect among different groups.
6 London, New York and Berlin as examples of culturally vibrant cities. (passive)
7 Cultural mixing has produced vibrant art and music scenes. , it has also contributed to new forms of literature and cuisine.
8 Equal opportunities and mutual respect for all members of a diverse society. (passive with modal)
Match each term to its definition. All words appear in the reading text or are closely related to its themes.
1 The presence of many different cultures, backgrounds and perspectives in one place:
2 The process by which people from different backgrounds become part of the wider society:
3 A society or policy that accepts and celebrates many different cultures existing together:
4 The feeling that all members of a community share a bond and belong together:
5 Accepting and respecting opinions, beliefs and behaviours that differ from your own:
6 A hidden belief or assumption that unfairly favours one group over another:
7 The idea that one group has the right or natural ability to rule over others:
8 A point of view or angle from which a situation is considered:
Write a comment or short essay (100–150 words) on one of the following topics. Use linking words from Exercise B and vocabulary from Exercise C.
Topic 1 — Mosaic or melting pot? Do you think diverse societies are stronger when people keep their cultural identities, or when they adapt to a shared culture? Defend your position using arguments from the text and your own ideas.
Topic 2 — Diversity in your community: Is your own city or region culturally diverse? What examples of cultural mixing do you see around you? Do you think this diversity is a strength or a challenge — or both?
Topic 3 — "Same same but different": Think about a time you noticed that different cultures approach the same situation in very different ways (e.g. greeting customs, food, school culture). What did you learn from that experience?
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