The topic of arts education and its role in fostering creativity has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on recent trends and the growing emphasis on creative skills in the modern workforce, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to appear in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS exams and provide sample essays to help you prepare effectively.
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that schools should spend more time teaching creative skills like art and music. Others believe that academic subjects are more important. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question directly addresses the debate between arts education and traditional academic subjects. It requires you to:
- Discuss the view that schools should focus more on creative skills
- Discuss the opposing view that academic subjects are more important
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
Let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality to understand how to approach this question effectively.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In the ongoing debate about educational priorities, some advocate for a greater emphasis on creative subjects like art and music, while others maintain that academic disciplines should take precedence. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint on this crucial issue.
Proponents of increased arts education argue that these subjects are essential for fostering creativity and innovative thinking. They contend that in our rapidly evolving world, the ability to think outside the box and generate novel solutions is invaluable. Furthermore, arts education can enhance emotional intelligence, self-expression, and cultural awareness, skills that are increasingly recognized as vital in both personal and professional spheres. For instance, studies have shown that students engaged in music education often demonstrate improved cognitive abilities and academic performance across various subjects.
On the other hand, those who prioritize academic subjects argue that these disciplines provide the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for success in higher education and the job market. They assert that subjects like mathematics, sciences, and languages form the bedrock of a well-rounded education and are crucial for developing critical thinking and analytical skills. Moreover, in an increasingly competitive global economy, proficiency in these core subjects is often seen as a prerequisite for many career paths.
In my opinion, while both viewpoints have merit, I believe that a balanced approach integrating both creative and academic subjects is ideal. The dichotomy between arts and academics is, in many ways, a false one. Creative skills and academic knowledge are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary. For example, the problem-solving skills developed in mathematics can enhance creative thinking in art, while the creativity nurtured in music can inspire innovative approaches to scientific research.
Furthermore, the integration of arts into academic subjects, known as arts integration, has shown promising results in enhancing overall learning outcomes. This approach not only makes learning more engaging but also helps students develop a more holistic understanding of complex concepts. By fostering both creative and analytical thinking, schools can better prepare students for the multifaceted challenges of the 21st century.
In conclusion, while the debate between arts education and academic subjects continues, the most effective educational approach likely lies in finding a balance between the two. By valuing both creative and academic pursuits, schools can nurture well-rounded individuals equipped with the diverse skill set required to thrive in our rapidly changing world.
(Word count: 377)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating the writer’s own opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “arts integration” and “emotional intelligence.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly.
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with explanations and examples, showing depth of critical thinking.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
There is a debate about whether schools should focus more on teaching creative skills like art and music or concentrate on academic subjects. This essay will discuss both sides of this argument and give my opinion.
Some people think that schools should spend more time teaching creative skills. They believe that these skills are important for developing creativity and imagination. Art and music can help students express themselves and understand different cultures. These subjects can also make school more enjoyable for many students. For example, learning to play an instrument can be a fun and rewarding experience.
On the other hand, others argue that academic subjects are more important. They say that subjects like math, science, and languages are essential for getting good jobs and going to university. These subjects teach critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are needed in many professions. Additionally, in a competitive job market, having strong academic skills can give students an advantage.
In my opinion, both creative and academic subjects are important, and schools should try to balance them. Creative skills can help students become more innovative and expressive, which is valuable in many fields. At the same time, academic subjects provide necessary knowledge and skills for future careers. I think schools should find ways to integrate creative elements into academic subjects and vice versa.
For example, schools could use art projects to teach history or use music to help with math concepts. This approach could make learning more interesting and help students see connections between different subjects. By combining creative and academic learning, schools can prepare students better for the diverse challenges they will face in the future.
In conclusion, while both creative skills and academic subjects have their benefits, I believe the best approach is to incorporate both into education. This balanced approach can help create well-rounded students who are prepared for various aspects of life after school.
(Word count: 309)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good qualities but has some areas for improvement:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices could be more sophisticated.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but could be more varied and precise.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences but could demonstrate a wider range of structures.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant but could be supported with more specific examples or evidence.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowadays, people have different opinions about what schools should teach. Some think art and music are important, but others say academic subjects are better. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
Some people think schools should teach more art and music. They say these subjects help students be creative. Art and music are fun and make students happy. When students do art, they can show their feelings. Music helps students learn about different cultures. These subjects can make school more interesting for students who don’t like studying all the time.
But other people think academic subjects are more important. They say subjects like math, science, and English help students get good jobs. These subjects are necessary for university too. In today’s world, it’s important to be good at these subjects to have a successful career. Many companies want workers who are smart in these areas.
I think both types of subjects are important. Creative subjects like art and music help students think in new ways. This can be useful in many jobs. But academic subjects give students important knowledge they need for work and life. I believe schools should teach both kinds of subjects.
Schools could try to mix creative and academic subjects. For example, they could use art to teach history or use music in math class. This way, students can learn both types of skills at the same time. It would make learning more fun and help students understand better.
In conclusion, I think schools should teach both creative and academic subjects. This will help students become good at many different things, which is important for their future.
(Word count: 267)
Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates basic competence but has several areas for improvement:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the task, but ideas are underdeveloped and lack depth.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a basic structure, but paragraphing and cohesive devices are limited.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is simple and repetitive, with limited use of topic-specific terms.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay relies heavily on simple sentence structures with limited complexity.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are present but lack elaboration and specific examples.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Foster (verb) /ˈfɒstə(r)/: To encourage or promote the development of something.
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Innovative (adjective) /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/: Introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking.
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Cognitive (adjective) /ˈkɒɡnətɪv/: Related to the mental processes of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning.
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Proficiency (noun) /prəˈfɪʃənsi/: A high degree of skill or expertise.
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Integration (noun) /ˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃn/: The action or process of combining two or more things in an effective way.
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Holistic (adjective) /həʊˈlɪstɪk/: Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole.
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Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/: Having many different aspects or features.
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Nurture (verb) /ˈnɜːtʃə(r)/: To care for and encourage the growth or development of.
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Dichotomy (noun) /daɪˈkɒtəmi/: A division or contrast between two things that are represented as being opposed or entirely different.
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Complementary (adjective) /ˌkɒmplɪˈmentri/: Combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other or another.
Conclusion
The debate on the importance of arts education in fostering creativity versus the focus on traditional academic subjects is likely to remain a relevant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. As you prepare for your exam, consider practicing with similar questions, such as:
- “Some people believe that creativity cannot be taught and is an innate skill. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
- “In the age of technology, is arts education still relevant? Discuss the pros and cons.”
- “Should arts education be mandatory in all schools? Why or why not?”
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Practice writing essays on these topics and share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active approach to learning will significantly enhance your IELTS Writing skills and prepare you for success in the exam.