Public art plays a crucial role in urban development, and this topic has been appearing with increasing frequency in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on analysis of past exams and current trends, we can expect to see more questions related to the importance of public art in cities. Let’s explore a sample question and examine high-scoring essay responses to help you prepare for this topic.
Some people think that governments should spend money on public art like paintings and sculptures in public areas. Others think this is a waste of money and the funds should be spent elsewhere. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question asks you to discuss two contrasting views on government spending on public art. It requires you to:
- Explain why some people support government funding for public art
- Discuss reasons why others consider it a waste of money
- Present your own opinion on the issue
Remember to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your position.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Public art has become a topic of debate in many cities, with some advocating for government funding while others argue against it. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on the matter.
Proponents of government spending on public art argue that it enhances the aesthetic appeal of urban spaces and contributes to a city’s cultural identity. Sculptures, murals, and installations can transform bland cityscapes into vibrant, engaging environments that attract both residents and tourists. Moreover, public art can serve as a source of civic pride, fostering a sense of community and belonging among citizens. By investing in art, governments demonstrate a commitment to creativity and cultural development, which can have positive ripple effects on the local economy and quality of life.
On the other hand, critics contend that allocating funds to public art is frivolous when cities face more pressing issues. They argue that taxpayer money should be directed towards essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure improvements. In their view, beautifying public spaces is a luxury that should not take precedence over addressing fundamental urban challenges like homelessness or inadequate public transportation. Additionally, some question the universal appeal and accessibility of public art, suggesting that it may not benefit all segments of society equally.
In my opinion, while addressing basic urban needs is crucial, investing in public art is not mutually exclusive with tackling other urban issues. A balanced approach that allocates resources to both practical necessities and cultural enrichment can yield the best results for urban development. Public art has the potential to revitalize neighborhoods, boost tourism, and improve overall quality of life, which in turn can generate economic benefits that support other urban initiatives. Furthermore, the importance of public transportation in modern cities can be enhanced by integrating art into transit systems, making commutes more enjoyable and encouraging public transport use.
In conclusion, I believe that government spending on public art is a worthwhile investment when balanced with other urban priorities. By thoughtfully incorporating art into public spaces, cities can create more livable, inspiring environments that benefit residents and visitors alike, while still addressing essential urban needs.
(Word count: 379)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The topic of government spending on public art is controversial. Some people think it’s a good idea, while others believe it’s a waste of money. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support public art funding argue that it makes cities more beautiful and interesting. Paintings and sculptures in public areas can make boring streets look nicer and give people something to enjoy. It can also make people feel proud of their city and attract tourists. For example, many people visit cities like Paris or Rome to see the famous art and architecture.
However, others think spending money on public art is not necessary. They believe that governments should use the money for more important things like hospitals, schools, or fixing roads. These people argue that in cities with many problems, like homelessness or bad traffic, spending money on art is not the right choice. They think helping people with basic needs is more important than making the city look pretty.
In my opinion, I think both views have good points. It’s true that cities need to take care of basic needs first, but I also believe that public art is important for making cities better places to live. Maybe governments can find a way to balance spending on both art and essential services. For instance, they could involve local artists in building more green spaces or improving public transportation, combining art with practical urban improvements.
To conclude, while there are arguments for and against government spending on public art, I think a balanced approach that considers both art and essential services is the best way to improve cities for everyone.
(Word count: 309)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:
- Clear, well-organized structure with a coherent argument
- Varied sentence structures and advanced vocabulary (e.g., “aesthetic appeal,” “civic pride,” “ripple effects”)
- In-depth analysis of both viewpoints with specific examples
- A nuanced personal opinion that acknowledges the complexity of the issue
- Relevant linking to other urban development topics
Band 6-7 Essay
This essay shows good writing skills but with some limitations:
- Clear structure and addresses all parts of the question
- Some variety in language, but less sophisticated vocabulary and sentence structures
- Basic analysis of both viewpoints with general examples
- Personal opinion is present but less developed
- Some attempt to link ideas, but less cohesive overall
Key Vocabulary
- Urban development (noun) /ˈɜːbən dɪˈveləpmənt/ – The growth and improvement of cities and towns
- Aesthetic appeal (noun phrase) /esˈθetɪk əˈpiːl/ – The pleasing appearance or attractiveness of something
- Civic pride (noun phrase) /ˈsɪvɪk praɪd/ – A feeling of satisfaction in belonging to a community
- Revitalize (verb) /ˌriːˈvaɪtəlaɪz/ – To give new life or vigor to something
- Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – The basic physical systems of a country or region
- Frivolous (adjective) /ˈfrɪvələs/ – Not having any serious purpose or value
- Allocate (verb) /ˈæləkeɪt/ – To distribute for a particular purpose
- Contentious (adjective) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – Causing or likely to cause disagreement
- Vibrant (adjective) /ˈvaɪbrənt/ – Full of energy, brightness, and life
- Cultural enrichment (noun phrase) /ˈkʌltʃərəl ɪnˈrɪtʃmənt/ – The process of improving the quality of life through arts and culture
In conclusion, the importance of public art in urban development is a topic that requires careful consideration of multiple perspectives. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, practice balancing different viewpoints and articulating your own opinion clearly. You might encounter similar questions about urban planning, such as the impact of electric cars on air quality in cities or whether governments should provide free public transport. To improve your writing skills, try composing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.