Arts education in early childhood has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and the growing emphasis on holistic child development, it’s likely that this topic will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS exams and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Children engaged in art activities
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that children should learn to play a musical instrument at school as part of their basic education. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
This question focuses on a specific aspect of arts education – learning to play a musical instrument. It requires you to present your opinion on whether this should be a mandatory part of children’s basic education. You need to consider the benefits and potential drawbacks of incorporating musical instrument instruction into the school curriculum.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Music education is often considered a luxury rather than a necessity in school curricula. However, I strongly agree that learning to play a musical instrument should be an integral part of children’s basic education due to its numerous cognitive, emotional, and social benefits.
Firstly, learning a musical instrument enhances cognitive development in children. Studies have shown that music education improves memory, spatial reasoning, and language skills. When children learn to read music and play an instrument, they are essentially engaging in a complex cognitive task that strengthens neural connections in the brain. This cognitive enhancement can transfer to other academic areas, potentially improving overall academic performance.
Moreover, playing a musical instrument fosters emotional intelligence and self-expression. Music provides a unique outlet for children to express their feelings and creativity, which is crucial for emotional development. Learning an instrument also teaches patience, perseverance, and the value of practice, all of which are essential life skills that extend far beyond the realm of music.
Additionally, group music activities promote social skills and teamwork. When children play in orchestras or bands, they learn to listen to others, cooperate, and work towards a common goal. These experiences can significantly enhance their social competence and ability to collaborate effectively in various life situations.
However, it is important to acknowledge that implementing mandatory music education may present challenges. Schools may face budget constraints or lack qualified instructors. To address this, educational institutions could explore partnerships with local music organizations or implement peer-learning programs where older students mentor younger ones.
In conclusion, the benefits of learning to play a musical instrument far outweigh the potential challenges of implementation. By including music education as part of the basic curriculum, schools can provide children with a well-rounded education that nurtures cognitive, emotional, and social development, preparing them for success in all areas of life.
(Word count: 298)
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
I agree that children should learn to play a musical instrument at school as part of their basic education. This is because learning music has many benefits for children’s development.
One important reason is that playing a musical instrument can help children’s brain development. When kids learn music, they use different parts of their brain, which can help them get better at other subjects too. For example, learning to read music notes might help them understand math better.
Also, playing music can make children feel good about themselves. When they practice and get better at playing an instrument, they feel proud of what they can do. This can help them feel more confident in other areas of their life too.
Another good thing about learning music at school is that it can help children make friends. When they play music together in groups, they learn how to work with others and listen to each other. These are important skills that they can use in many situations in life.
However, some people might say that adding music lessons to schools could be expensive. Schools might need to buy instruments and hire music teachers. But I think the benefits for children are worth the cost.
In conclusion, I believe that learning to play a musical instrument should be part of children’s basic education at school. It helps their brain development, makes them feel good about themselves, and teaches them how to work with others. These are all important things for children to learn as they grow up.
(Word count: 249)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced argument.
Vocabulary: The band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases, such as “cognitive development,” “neural connections,” and “emotional intelligence.” The band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still conveys the main ideas effectively.
Grammar: The higher band essay demonstrates a wider range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and passive voice. The band 6-7 essay uses mostly simple and compound sentences.
Task Response: Both essays address the question directly, but the band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and considers potential counterarguments.
Coherence and Cohesion: The band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated linking words and phrases to connect ideas, while the band 6-7 essay relies on simpler transitions.
Important Vocabulary to Remember
- Cognitive development (noun) /ˈkɒɡnɪtɪv dɪˈveləpmənt/ – The growth of intellectual abilities and skills
- Neural connections (noun phrase) /ˈnjʊərəl kəˈnekʃənz/ – The links between nerve cells in the brain
- Emotional intelligence (noun phrase) /ɪˈməʊʃənəl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/ – The ability to understand and manage emotions
- Self-expression (noun) /self ɪkˈspreʃən/ – The expression of one’s feelings, thoughts, or ideas
- Perseverance (noun) /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ – Continued effort and determination despite difficulties
- Social competence (noun phrase) /ˈsəʊʃəl ˈkɒmpɪtəns/ – The ability to interact effectively with others
- Curriculum (noun) /kəˈrɪkjʊləm/ – The subjects comprising a course of study in a school
- Holistic development (noun phrase) /həˈlɪstɪk dɪˈveləpmənt/ – The development of a child’s physical, emotional, intellectual, and social abilities
In conclusion, the importance of arts education in early childhood, particularly music education, is a significant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. When writing about this subject, focus on the cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of arts education. Consider potential challenges and how they might be addressed. Practice writing essays on related topics, such as the role of visual arts in early education or the impact of dance classes on child development. Remember to structure your essay clearly, use appropriate vocabulary, and provide specific examples to support your arguments.
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This exercise will help you apply the strategies and vocabulary discussed in this article, improving your IELTS Writing skills.
To further enhance your understanding of early childhood education topics, you might find these articles helpful: