Arts education plays a crucial role in nurturing creativity, a topic that has been gaining prominence in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This subject has appeared in various forms in past exams and is likely to continue being a significant theme in future tests. Let’s explore a sample question and provide model essays to help you prepare for this important topic.
Arts Education and Creativity
Analyzing the Question
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:
Some people think that schools should spend more time teaching creative arts subjects like music and drama. Others believe that sciences and technology are more important subjects. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question addresses the ongoing debate about the balance between arts education and STEM subjects in schools. It requires you to:
- Discuss arguments for prioritizing creative arts subjects
- Explore reasons for emphasizing sciences and technology
- Present your own perspective on the issue
Model Essay for Band 8-9
Here’s a high-scoring essay that effectively addresses all aspects of the question:
In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, there is an ongoing debate about the relative importance of creative arts subjects versus sciences and technology in school curricula. While both areas offer unique benefits to students, I believe that a balanced approach incorporating both is essential for holistic development.
Proponents of increased focus on creative arts argue that subjects like music and drama are crucial for fostering creativity and emotional intelligence. These disciplines encourage students to think outside the box, express themselves freely, and develop a deeper understanding of human emotions and experiences. Moreover, arts education has been shown to improve cognitive skills, enhance academic performance in other subjects, and boost students’ self-confidence. In an increasingly automated world, these uniquely human skills may prove invaluable in the job market of the future.
On the other hand, advocates for prioritizing sciences and technology emphasize the growing demand for STEM skills in the modern workforce. They argue that proficiency in these areas is essential for driving innovation, economic growth, and solving global challenges such as climate change and healthcare issues. Furthermore, technological literacy is becoming increasingly important in nearly every aspect of daily life, making it crucial for students to develop a strong foundation in these subjects.
In my opinion, the ideal approach is to strike a balance between creative arts and STEM subjects. Both areas complement each other and contribute to a well-rounded education. For instance, the creative problem-solving skills developed through arts education can be applied to scientific research and technological innovation. Conversely, technology can be used to enhance and expand artistic expression, as seen in digital art and music production.
By integrating arts and sciences, schools can foster interdisciplinary thinking and prepare students for a future that requires both creativity and technical expertise. This balanced approach would not only cater to diverse student interests and abilities but also equip them with a versatile skill set that can adapt to the ever-changing demands of the global job market.
In conclusion, while both creative arts and STEM subjects have their merits, the most effective educational strategy is one that incorporates both. By doing so, schools can nurture well-rounded individuals capable of navigating the complex challenges of the 21st century with both creativity and technical proficiency.
(Word count: 353)
Model Essay for Band 6-7
Here’s a sample essay that demonstrates the writing expected for a Band 6-7 score:
There is a debate about whether schools should focus more on teaching creative arts or science and technology subjects. Both sides have valid points, and I will discuss them before giving my opinion.
Those who support more time for creative arts subjects like music and drama believe these are important for students’ development. Arts education can help students become more creative and express themselves better. It can also improve their confidence and help them understand different cultures. Some people think that in the future, creative skills will be very important in jobs, so students need to learn them now.
On the other hand, many people argue that science and technology subjects are more important in today’s world. They say that these subjects are necessary for getting good jobs and for countries to develop economically. Technology is becoming more important in everyday life, so students need to learn about it. Also, many of the world’s problems, like climate change, need scientific solutions.
In my opinion, both types of subjects are important, and schools should try to teach both. Creative arts can help students think in new ways, which can be useful in science and technology too. At the same time, understanding technology can help students create new forms of art. I think the best approach is to have a mix of both types of subjects in schools.
To conclude, while some people prefer creative arts and others prefer science and technology, I believe that both are valuable. Schools should aim to provide a balanced education that includes both types of subjects to prepare students for the future.
(Word count: 268)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
Essay Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates more sophisticated paragraph development and transitions.
Language Use: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.
Argument Development: The higher-scoring essay provides more detailed explanations and examples to support its points, while the Band 6-7 essay makes valid points but with less elaboration.
Coherence and Cohesion: Both essays use linking words and phrases, but the Band 8-9 essay demonstrates more varied and sophisticated use of cohesive devices.
Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides a more nuanced discussion and a clearer personal opinion.
Vocabulary to Remember
Here are some key vocabulary items related to this topic:
Holistic development (noun phrase): /həʊˈlɪstɪk dɪˈveləpmənt/ – The development of a person as a whole, including physical, mental, and social aspects.
Interdisciplinary (adjective): /ˌɪntədɪsəˈplɪnəri/ – Involving two or more academic disciplines.
Cognitive skills (noun phrase): /ˈkɒɡnətɪv skɪlz/ – Mental abilities related to thinking, learning, and problem-solving.
Technological literacy (noun phrase): /ˌteknəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ˈlɪtərəsi/ – The ability to use, understand, and evaluate technology.
Innovation (noun): /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ – The introduction of new ideas, methods, or products.
Curriculum (noun): /kəˈrɪkjʊləm/ – The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college.
STEM (acronym): /stem/ – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Versatile (adjective): /ˈvɜːsətaɪl/ – Able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities.
Proficiency (noun): /prəˈfɪʃənsi/ – A high degree of skill or expertise.
Nurture (verb): /ˈnɜːtʃə/ – To care for and encourage the growth or development of something.
Conclusion
The importance of arts education in fostering creativity is a significant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key arguments and practicing with sample essays like those provided, you can improve your ability to tackle this subject effectively. Remember to balance your discussion of both viewpoints and clearly state your own 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 artistic expression
- Balancing traditional and modern subjects in school curricula
We encourage you to write your own essay based on the question provided and share it in the comments section. This practice will help you refine your writing skills and receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.
To further enhance your understanding of related topics, you may want to explore our articles on the role of education in promoting innovation and how to foster innovation in education.