The topic of how music and arts education influence child development is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on past exam trends and the growing emphasis on holistic education, this subject is likely to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s analyze a relevant question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that children should learn to play a musical instrument or create art at school, while others believe that these subjects are a waste of time. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question directly addresses the role of music and arts education in schools, making it an excellent representation of the broader topic. Let’s break down the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
The question presents two contrasting views:
- Children should learn music or art at school
- These subjects are a waste of time
It requires you to:
- Discuss both perspectives
- Provide your own opinion
Key points to consider:
- Benefits of music and art education
- Potential drawbacks or opportunity costs
- The role of creative subjects in overall child development
- Balancing academic and artistic education
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay for Band 8
Music and art education in schools has been a topic of debate for many years. While some argue that these subjects are essential for a child’s development, others consider them a waste of valuable learning time. This essay will examine both viewpoints before presenting my own perspective on the matter.
Proponents of music and art education argue that these subjects play a crucial role in a child’s holistic development. Learning to play an instrument or create art can enhance cognitive skills, improve concentration, and boost creativity. Moreover, these activities often serve as outlets for emotional expression, potentially contributing to better mental health and well-being. From this perspective, music and art are not mere extracurricular activities but fundamental components of a well-rounded education.
On the other hand, critics contend that time spent on music and art could be better utilized for core academic subjects. In an increasingly competitive global economy, they argue that students need to focus on subjects like mathematics, science, and languages to secure future job prospects. Furthermore, not all children have a natural inclination or talent for music or art, potentially leading to frustration and wasted resources.
In my opinion, while academic subjects are undoubtedly important, the benefits of music and art education far outweigh the perceived drawbacks. These creative disciplines foster skills that are valuable across various aspects of life and work, such as problem-solving, perseverance, and self-expression. Additionally, exposure to the arts can broaden a child’s perspective and cultural understanding, contributing to their overall personal growth.
In conclusion, I believe that music and art should be integral parts of school curricula. A balanced education that includes both academic and creative subjects is essential for nurturing well-rounded individuals capable of thriving in diverse environments. By embracing music and art alongside traditional subjects, schools can provide students with a more comprehensive and enriching educational experience.
(Word count: 309)
Music and arts education impact on child development
Band 8 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates several qualities that contribute to its high band score:
Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices. Each paragraph focuses on a specific point, and ideas flow logically.
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Examples include “holistic development,” “cognitive skills,” “extracurricular activities,” and “perseverance.”
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly. Complex sentences are used effectively without errors that impede communication.
Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations. The writer’s opinion is clearly justified in the concluding paragraph.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
There is a debate about whether children should learn music or art in school or if these subjects are not useful. Some people think it’s important, while others believe it’s a waste of time. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
Those who support music and art in schools say it helps children develop in many ways. Learning an instrument or drawing can make kids smarter and more creative. It can also help them express their feelings better. These subjects might make school more fun and interesting for some students.
On the other hand, some people think music and art are not as important as other subjects. They believe children should spend more time studying math, science, and languages because these subjects are more useful for getting jobs in the future. Also, not all children are good at music or art, so it might be frustrating for them.
In my opinion, I think music and art should be taught in schools. While academic subjects are important, creative subjects can help children develop different skills that are useful in life. For example, learning music can teach patience and teamwork, while art can improve imagination and problem-solving skills.
To conclude, I believe that schools should include both academic and creative subjects like music and art. This balanced approach can help children become well-rounded individuals who are prepared for different challenges in life.
(Word count: 249)
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates qualities that place it in the Band 6-7 range:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the discussion of each viewpoint could be more developed.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated compared to the Band 8 essay.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate but less varied and precise compared to higher band scores. There are some attempts at using less common vocabulary (e.g., “well-rounded individuals”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control, but lacks the flexibility and accuracy seen in higher band scores.
Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented clearly but with less elaboration and support compared to the Band 8 essay.
The influence of music on mental health and emotions is a related topic that further explores the benefits of music education.
Sample Essay for Lower Band Score
Some people think kids should learn music or art in school. Other people think it’s not good. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who like music and art in school say it’s good for kids. It can make kids smart and happy. They can learn new things and have fun. Some kids really like music and art.
But some people don’t like music and art in school. They think kids should learn other things like math and reading. These subjects might help kids get jobs when they grow up. Also, some kids don’t like music or art.
I think music and art are good in school. Kids can learn many things from these subjects. They can be creative and learn to work with others. It’s not just about getting a job, but about being a good person.
In the end, I think schools should teach music and art. It’s good for kids to learn many different things. This can help them in their life.
(Word count: 159)
Lower Band Score Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a lower band score:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses the basic requirements of the task but lacks depth in discussion and analysis.
Coherence and Cohesion: The structure is simple and repetitive. Cohesive devices are limited and basic.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is simple and repetitive, with limited range and precision.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Sentences are predominantly simple with limited use of complex structures. There are some grammatical errors, but they don’t significantly impede communication.
Development of Ideas: Ideas are present but underdeveloped, lacking in detail and support.
Children learning music in a school classroom
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Holistic development (noun): Complete growth of a person, including physical, mental, and social aspects.
Pronunciation: /həʊˈlɪstɪk dɪˈveləpmənt/Cognitive skills (noun phrase): Mental abilities used in the process of acquiring knowledge.
Pronunciation: /ˈkɒɡnətɪv skɪlz/Extracurricular activities (noun phrase): Activities that fall outside the normal curriculum of school education.
Pronunciation: /ˌekstrəkəˈrɪkjʊlər ækˈtɪvɪtiz/Well-rounded (adjective): Having a personality that is fully developed in all aspects.
Pronunciation: /ˌwel ˈraʊndɪd/Perseverance (noun): Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties.
Pronunciation: /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/Self-expression (noun): The expression of one’s feelings, thoughts, or ideas, especially in writing, art, music, or dance.
Pronunciation: /ˌself ɪkˈspreʃən/Integral (adjective): Necessary and important as a part of a whole.
Pronunciation: /ˈɪntɪɡrəl/Curriculum (noun): The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college.
Pronunciation: /kəˈrɪkjʊləm/
These vocabulary items can help elevate your essay and demonstrate a wider range of lexical resources.
Conclusion
The topic of music and arts education’s impact on child development is a significant one in IELTS Writing Task 2. As we’ve seen through these sample essays, the key to success lies in addressing all parts of the question, organizing your ideas coherently, using a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and developing your ideas with relevant examples and explanations.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of creativity in education
- Balancing academic and non-academic subjects in schools
- The importance of arts in society
Remember, practice is crucial for improving your writing skills. Try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active approach to learning can significantly enhance your IELTS Writing performance.
Is homeschooling a viable alternative to traditional schooling? and the impact of early childhood education on lifelong learning are other related topics that can provide additional perspectives on education and child development.