Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: The Importance of Arts Education in Developing Creativity

Arts education plays a crucial role in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression. This topic has gained significant attention in recent years and has appeared in various forms in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on the analysis of past IELTS exams and current educational trends, it is highly likely that questions related to the Importance Of Arts Education In Developing Creativity will continue to be featured in future tests.

Let’s examine a relevant IELTS Writing Task 2 question and explore how to approach it effectively:

Some people think that schools should no longer teach arts subjects (e.g. music, dance, painting) as they are not essential for the future careers of students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analyzing the Question

This question addresses the debate surrounding the importance of arts education in schools. It requires you to:

1. Consider the role of arts subjects in education
2. Evaluate their impact on students’ future careers
3. Express your opinion on whether these subjects should continue to be taught

The key elements to focus on are:

• The perceived non-essential nature of arts subjects
• The relationship between arts education and future careers
• Your personal stance on the issue

Sample Essay (Band 8-9)

Here’s a high-scoring sample essay addressing the question:

In recent years, there has been a growing debate about the relevance of arts subjects in school curricula, with some arguing that they should be removed due to their perceived lack of importance for students’ future careers. However, I strongly disagree with this view and believe that arts education plays a crucial role in developing well-rounded individuals and fostering essential skills for the modern workforce.

Firstly, arts education is fundamental in nurturing creativity and innovative thinking. In today’s rapidly evolving job market, employers increasingly value employees who can think outside the box and come up with novel solutions to complex problems. Subjects like music, dance, and painting encourage students to explore their imagination, experiment with different ideas, and express themselves in unique ways. These experiences cultivate a creative mindset that can be applied across various professional fields, from business and technology to science and engineering.

Moreover, arts subjects contribute significantly to the development of crucial soft skills. Through group projects, performances, and exhibitions, students learn to collaborate effectively, communicate their ideas clearly, and develop empathy and cultural awareness. These interpersonal skills are invaluable in any career path and are often cited by employers as being just as important as technical knowledge. Additionally, the process of creating and refining artistic works instills discipline, perseverance, and attention to detail – qualities that are highly sought after in the professional world.

Furthermore, arts education provides a balanced and holistic approach to learning. It offers students an outlet for self-expression and emotional development, which is crucial for their overall well-being and mental health. This balance is essential in preparing students for the challenges of adult life and helping them become well-adjusted individuals capable of managing stress and maintaining a healthy work-life balance in their future careers.

In conclusion, while it is true that not all students will pursue careers directly related to the arts, the skills and qualities developed through arts education are universally applicable and invaluable in any professional setting. Rather than eliminating arts subjects, schools should strive to integrate them more effectively with other disciplines, recognizing their role in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and personal growth – all of which are essential for success in the 21st-century workforce.

(Word count: 345)

Arts education fostering creativity

Sample Essay (Band 6-7)

Here’s a sample essay that would typically score in the Band 6-7 range:

In today’s world, there is a debate about whether schools should continue teaching arts subjects like music, dance, and painting. Some people think these subjects are not important for students’ future jobs. I disagree with this idea and believe arts subjects should still be taught in schools.

One reason why arts subjects are important is that they help students be more creative. In many jobs today, being creative is very useful. When students learn music or painting, they learn to think in new ways and come up with new ideas. This skill can help them in many different jobs, not just in art-related careers.

Another point is that arts subjects teach important skills that are useful in many jobs. For example, when students work on art projects together, they learn how to work in teams and communicate well. These skills are very important in most jobs. Also, when students practice music or dance, they learn to be disciplined and work hard, which are good habits for any job.

Arts subjects also help students express themselves and understand their feelings. This is important for their mental health and can help them deal with stress in their future jobs. Learning about art can also help students understand different cultures, which is useful in today’s global workplace.

However, it’s true that not all students will become artists or musicians in the future. But the skills they learn from arts subjects can be used in many different careers. Schools should try to show students how the skills from arts subjects can be used in other areas of work.

In conclusion, I believe schools should continue teaching arts subjects. While they may not directly lead to jobs in the arts for all students, they teach important skills like creativity, teamwork, and self-expression. These skills are valuable in many different careers and help students become well-rounded individuals.

(Word count: 309)

Key Points to Note When Writing

1. Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The higher band essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced argument.

2. Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases (e.g., “nurturing creativity,” “interpersonal skills,” “holistic approach”), while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.

3. Grammar: The higher band essay demonstrates a wider range of complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler constructions but still maintains grammatical accuracy.

4. Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and a more comprehensive argument.

5. Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay shows more sophisticated use of linking words and phrases, creating a smoother flow of ideas.

Important Vocabulary to Remember

1. Curriculum (noun) /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college
2. Innovative (adjective) /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ – Featuring new methods; advanced and original
3. Interpersonal skills (noun phrase) /ˌɪntəˈpɜːsənl skɪlz/ – Abilities used to communicate and interact with others effectively
4. Holistic (adjective) /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole
5. Self-expression (noun) /ˌselfɪkˈspreʃn/ – The expression of one’s feelings, thoughts, or ideas, especially in writing, art, music, or dance
6. Perseverance (noun) /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ – Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success
7. Well-rounded (adjective) /ˌwel ˈraʊndɪd/ – Having a personality that is fully developed in all aspects
8. Critical thinking (noun phrase) /ˈkrɪtɪkl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ – The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment

Conclusion

The importance of arts education in developing creativity is a topic that resonates with current educational debates and is likely to appear in various forms in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for such questions, practice writing essays on related topics such as:

• The role of creativity in education
• Balancing academic subjects with arts and physical education
• The impact of arts education on personal development
• The importance of creativity in the modern workplace

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Practice writing essays on these topics and consider sharing them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active approach to learning will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.