Arts education has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, reflecting its significance in modern educational discourse. The topic of how arts education fosters creativity is particularly relevant, as it intersects with broader discussions on educational reform, personal development, and innovation in society. Based on past exam trends and current educational debates, we can expect this theme to continue appearing in future IELTS tests. Let’s examine a specific question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that schools should focus on academic subjects, while others believe that arts education is equally important. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that schools should prioritize academic subjects
- Explore the perspective that arts education is equally important
- Provide a personal opinion on the matter
The key challenge is to balance both viewpoints while clearly articulating your own stance. Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-band response.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
There is an ongoing debate about the relative importance of academic subjects versus arts education in schools. While some argue for a focus on traditional academic disciplines, others advocate for equal emphasis on the arts. In my opinion, a balanced approach that incorporates both is crucial for a well-rounded education.
Proponents of prioritizing academic subjects argue that these disciplines form the foundation of critical thinking and practical skills needed in the job market. Mathematics, sciences, and languages are seen as essential for future career prospects and economic success. Moreover, in an increasingly competitive global economy, a strong academic background is often viewed as a prerequisite for university admissions and professional advancement.
On the other hand, supporters of arts education emphasize its role in fostering creativity and emotional intelligence. Subjects like music, visual arts, and drama provide unique opportunities for self-expression and cultural understanding. Arts education has been shown to enhance cognitive skills, improve academic performance in other subjects, and develop crucial soft skills such as teamwork and communication. Furthermore, in an era of automation, creative and artistic skills may become increasingly valuable in the job market.
Benefits of Arts Education
In my view, the dichotomy between academic subjects and arts education is a false one. A comprehensive education should encompass both. While academic subjects provide the necessary knowledge base and analytical skills, arts education complements this by nurturing creativity, emotional intelligence, and cultural awareness. This holistic approach prepares students not just for exams and careers, but for life itself.
In conclusion, schools should strive for a balanced curriculum that values both academic and artistic disciplines. By doing so, we can foster well-rounded individuals capable of critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and cultural appreciation – skills that are invaluable in our complex, rapidly changing world.
(Word count: 290)
Explanation of Band Score 8-9
This essay demonstrates the qualities of a high-band response:
- Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating a personal opinion.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Paragraphing is appropriate and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with precision. Uncommon lexical items are used naturally (e.g., “dichotomy,” “holistic approach”).
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used accurately. Complex sentences are handled with confidence.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
There is a debate about whether schools should focus more on academic subjects or give equal importance to arts education. Both sides have valid points, and I will discuss them before giving my opinion.
Those who support focusing on academic subjects believe that these are more important for students’ futures. Subjects like math, science, and languages are seen as essential for getting good jobs and being successful in life. They argue that in today’s competitive world, students need strong academic skills to get into good universities and find well-paying jobs. Also, these subjects teach important skills like critical thinking and problem-solving.
On the other hand, supporters of arts education say it is just as important. They believe that subjects like music, art, and drama help students be more creative and express themselves better. Arts education can also improve students’ performance in other subjects and help them develop important social skills. Additionally, as the job market changes, creative skills might become more valuable in the future.
In my opinion, both academic subjects and arts education are important, and schools should try to balance them. While academic subjects provide necessary knowledge, arts education helps develop creativity and emotional intelligence. I think this balanced approach will help students become well-rounded individuals who can succeed in different aspects of life.
To conclude, schools should aim to provide a mix of academic and artistic subjects. This will help students develop a range of skills that will be useful in their future lives and careers.
(Word count: 253)
Explanation of Band Score 6-7
This essay demonstrates the qualities of a mid-band response:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though the development of ideas is less thorough than in the higher band essay.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated.
- Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used, but lacks the precision and sophistication of the higher band essay.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence structures is used, with generally good control, though not as varied as in the higher band essay.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Some people think schools should focus on academic subjects, but others think arts education is also important. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
People who support academic subjects think they are more important for students’ futures. Math, science, and languages are needed for good jobs. They say these subjects help students get into university and find good jobs later. These subjects also teach important skills like thinking and solving problems.
Other people think arts education is important too. They say subjects like music and art help students be more creative. Arts can also help students do better in other subjects and make friends. Some people think creative skills will be more important in future jobs.
I think both academic subjects and arts are important. Schools should teach both. Academic subjects give knowledge, but arts help with creativity. I think students need both to be successful in life.
In conclusion, I think schools should teach both academic subjects and arts. This will help students learn different skills for their future.
(Word count: 161)
Explanation of Band Score 5-6
This essay demonstrates the qualities of a lower mid-band response:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task, but ideas are underdeveloped and the opinion is not fully clear.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but paragraphing and cohesive devices are limited.
- Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, with some errors in word choice.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Simple sentence structures dominate, with limited use of complex sentences.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Foster (verb) /ˈfɒstə(r)/ – to encourage the development of something
- Holistic (adjective) /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected
- Dichotomy (noun) /daɪˈkɒtəmi/ – a division or contrast between two things
- Prerequisite (noun) /priːˈrekwəzɪt/ – something required as a prior condition
- Nurture (verb) /ˈnɜːtʃə(r)/ – to care for and encourage growth or development
- Cognitive (adjective) /ˈkɒɡnətɪv/ – related to the mental process of acquiring knowledge
- Automation (noun) /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃn/ – the use of automatic equipment in manufacturing or other processes
- Well-rounded (adjective) /ˌwel ˈraʊndɪd/ – having a personality that is fully developed in all aspects
- Curricul
um (noun) /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – the subjects comprising a course of study in a school - Innovative (adjective) /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ – featuring new methods; advanced and original
Conclusion
The topic of arts education fostering creativity is a significant one in IELTS Writing Task 2. It touches on broader themes of educational philosophy, personal development, and societal progress. As we’ve seen through these sample essays, the key to success lies in addressing all aspects of the question, providing balanced arguments, and articulating a clear personal opinion.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of creativity in the modern workplace
- The impact of technology on arts education
- The balance between vocational and liberal arts education in universities
Remember, the best way to improve your writing skills is through consistent practice. We encourage you to write your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you refine your skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
For more insights on education-related topics, you might find our article on the importance of encouraging creative thinking in education helpful. It provides additional context on how creativity shapes educational outcomes and personal development.