Art and its role in society is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately once every 4-5 months in actual tests. Based on analysis of past papers from 2018-2023, questions about art’s social impact, government funding for arts, and preservation of traditional art forms are particularly common. Let’s examine a recent task 2 question that exemplifies this topic:
Some people think that governments should spend money to support artists such as painters and musicians. Others believe that this money should be spent on other important things. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
- Topic: Government funding for arts
- Task type: Discussion + Opinion
- Key areas to address:
- Arguments for government support of artists
- Arguments against government support
- Personal stance with justification
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The allocation of government funds between artistic endeavors and other social priorities is a contentious issue that merits careful consideration. While some advocate for state support of artists, others contend that public money should be directed elsewhere. In my view, while other areas deserve priority, maintaining some level of arts funding is crucial for society’s cultural wellbeing.
The case for government support of artists rests on several compelling arguments. Firstly, art enriches society’s cultural fabric and preserves our heritage for future generations. Museums, galleries, and concert halls serve as repositories of human creativity and innovation, fostering social cohesion and national identity. Moreover, many artists struggle to sustain themselves solely through their work, particularly in their early careers. Government funding can provide crucial support during these challenging periods, enabling talented individuals to develop their skills and contribute meaningfully to society.
However, opponents raise valid concerns about prioritizing artistic funding over other pressing needs. Critical infrastructure, healthcare, and education often face resource constraints that directly impact citizens’ daily lives. In developing nations particularly, basic necessities like clean water, adequate housing, and medical facilities might require immediate attention. These fundamental requirements arguably deserve precedence over cultural investments.
In my opinion, while essential services should receive primary consideration, completely eliminating arts funding would be short-sighted. A balanced approach is necessary, where governments allocate a modest but sustainable portion of their budget to support the arts while maintaining focus on crucial social services. This could involve implementing selective funding programs that target promising artists or specific cultural initiatives with broader social benefits.
Government balanced spending approach between arts and essential services
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
The question of whether governments should give money to artists or spend it on other things is debated by many people. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion about this topic.
Some people think supporting artists is important. First, art makes our society more beautiful and interesting. When artists get money from the government, they can create paintings, music, and other art forms that make people happy. Second, many artists are poor and need help to continue their work. If they don’t get support, they might have to stop making art.
However, other people say this money should go to more important things. For example, building hospitals and schools is very necessary. Also, some cities need better roads and transportation. These things help more people in their daily life than art does. Poor people need food and housing more than they need art.
In my opinion, governments should spend most money on basic needs first. But they should also give some money to artists because art is important for culture. Maybe they can find a way to do both things by making a good plan for spending money.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts with well-developed ideas
- Coherence/Cohesion: Logical organization with clear progression
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary with natural usage
- Grammar: Complex structures used accurately
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses main points but less developed
- Coherence/Cohesion: Basic organization with some progression
- Lexical Resource: Adequate but repetitive vocabulary
- Grammar: Mix of simple and complex structures with some errors
Key Vocabulary
- contentious (adj) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing disagreement or debate
- cultural fabric (n) /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈfæbrɪk/ – the combined beliefs and practices of a society
- repositories (n) /rɪˈpɒzɪtəriz/ – places where things are stored and found
- precedence (n) /ˈpresɪdəns/ – the condition of being more important
- short-sighted (adj) /ʃɔːt ˈsaɪtɪd/ – lacking foresight; focusing only on immediate benefits
Conclusion
The role of art in society remains a significant IELTS topic. Practice writing responses to similar questions like “Should traditional arts receive special protection in modern society?” or “Do museums play an important role in education?” Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and improvement.
