Practice Tests
IELTS Reading (AC) Task 1 #206

A. Cancel culture, or call-out culture, is a modern form of public shaming in which an individual, often a public figure, is "cancelled"—that is, ostracised and boycotted—after they have said or done something that is considered offensive or objectionable. This phenomenon is predominantly facilitated by social media, where outrage can spread rapidly and calls for accountability can be amplified on a global scale. The targets of cancel culture often face significant consequences, including damage to their reputation and loss of employment or professional opportunities.

B. Proponents of cancel culture view it as a necessary tool for social justice and accountability. They argue that it gives a voice to marginalised groups and provides a mechanism for holding powerful individuals and institutions responsible for their actions or words, particularly in cases where traditional legal or institutional channels have failed. From this perspective, it is a form of grassroots activism that can challenge harmful norms and promote greater social responsibility.

C. Critics, however, raise serious concerns about the nature and effects of cancel culture. They argue that it often lacks due to process, devolving into a form of mob justice where individuals are condemned without a fair hearing or a chance for redemption. There are fears that it stifles free speech and open debate, creating a climate of fear where people are afraid to express nuanced or unpopular opinions for fear of being publicly shamed. The permanence of online condemnation and the often disproportionate nature of the punishment are also major points of criticism.

D. The debate over cancel culture is a complex one, touching on fundamental questions about free speech, accountability, forgiveness, and the power of social media in shaping public discourse. It reflects the ongoing cultural and political tensions in many societies as they grapple with how to address historical injustices and navigate disagreements in an intensely public and digitally connected age.