IELTS Writing Task 2: The Role of Museums in Education – Sample Essays Band 6-9 with Analysis

Introduction

Museums have long served as custodians of cultural heritage and knowledge, making their educational role a frequently examined topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This question appears approximately 2-3 times per year in actual exams, testing candidates’ ability to discuss cultural institutions, education methods, and societal values. Understanding how to approach this topic effectively can significantly boost your writing score.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover three authentic sample essays representing Band 8-9, Band 6.5-7, and Band 5-6 levels, complete with detailed scoring analysis. You’ll also learn essential vocabulary, high-scoring sentence structures, and practical strategies to elevate your writing performance. Whether you’re aiming for a Band 6 or targeting Band 9, this article provides actionable insights tailored to your current level.

Here are verified past IELTS Writing Task 2 questions related to museums and education:

1. “Some people think that museums should be enjoyable places to entertain people, while others believe that the purpose of museums is to educate. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.” (Reported: January 2019, July 2021)

2. “Museums and art galleries should concentrate on works that show the history and culture of their own country rather than works of other parts in the world. To what extent do you agree or disagree?” (Reported: March 2018, November 2020)

3. “Some people believe that museums should be free for everyone, while others think they should charge an entrance fee. Discuss both views and give your opinion.” (Reported: May 2017, September 2022)

Question & Analysis

Some people think that museums should be enjoyable places to entertain people, while others believe that the purpose of museums is to educate. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Question Type: Discussion + Opinion Essay

This is a classic “discuss both views and give your opinion” question that requires you to:

1. Present both perspectives equally – Dedicate approximately equal space to entertainment and education viewpoints
2. Provide clear reasoning – Explain why some people favor each approach
3. State your position – Clearly articulate which view you support or propose a balanced stance
4. Support with examples – Use specific illustrations to strengthen your arguments

Key Terms to Understand:

• “Enjoyable places to entertain” – Museums as leisure destinations offering fun, interactive experiences
• “Purpose…to educate” – Museums as institutions primarily focused on knowledge transmission and learning
• “Discuss both views” – Requires balanced treatment of both perspectives before expressing your opinion

Common Pitfalls:

• Discussing only one view thoroughly while neglecting the other
• Failing to clearly state your own opinion
• Using generic examples instead of specific museum-related illustrations
• Not addressing the educational aspect when discussing role of museums in educating the public about history

Strategic Approach:

1. Introduction: Paraphrase question + outline both views + thesis statement
2. Body Paragraph 1: Entertainment perspective with reasoning and examples
3. Body Paragraph 2: Education perspective with reasoning and examples
4. Body Paragraph 3 (optional): Your balanced opinion or synthesis
5. Conclusion: Summarize key points and restate your position

Band 8-9 Sample Essay

Characteristics of Band 8-9 Writing:

A Band 8-9 essay demonstrates sophisticated control of language, presents a fully developed position with relevant, extended examples, and uses cohesive devices naturally. It exhibits wide lexical range with very natural and sophisticated control of features, rare minor errors, and a wide range of grammatical structures used flexibly and accurately.

The debate over whether museums should prioritize entertainment or education has intensified in recent decades as cultural institutions compete for public attention. While some advocate for museums as engaging leisure destinations, others contend that their fundamental purpose remains educational. This essay will examine both perspectives before arguing that the most effective museums successfully integrate both functions.

Proponents of entertainment-focused museums argue that engaging experiences are essential for attracting diverse audiences. In an era dominated by digital distractions, museums must offer immersive, interactive exhibits that capture visitors’ imagination rather than presenting dry, academic displays. The Science Museum in London, for instance, features hands-on experiments and virtual reality experiences that draw millions of visitors annually, particularly families with children who might otherwise find traditional museums uninviting. Furthermore, entertainment value can serve as a gateway to learning, as visitors who initially come for enjoyment may inadvertently absorb educational content. This approach recognizes that emotional engagement often facilitates deeper understanding than passive observation.

Conversely, advocates for education-centered museums maintain that entertainment should never overshadow their primary mission of knowledge preservation and transmission. Museums house irreplaceable artifacts and scholarly expertise that distinguish them from theme parks or entertainment venues. The British Museum’s Egyptian collection, for example, provides authentic historical insights that cannot be replicated through purely entertaining experiences. Critics worry that excessive focus on entertainment may result in superficial exhibitions that sacrifice accuracy and depth for popularity. Moreover, museums receive public funding and tax exemptions precisely because they serve educational purposes, creating an ethical obligation to prioritize learning outcomes over commercial appeal.

In my view, these objectives need not be mutually exclusive; rather, the most successful museums strategically balance education and entertainment. Interactive technologies can present complex historical narratives in accessible formats without compromising academic rigor. The Smithsonian National Museum of American History demonstrates this synthesis by combining engaging multimedia presentations with meticulously researched content. Such an integrated approach ensures museums remain relevant to contemporary audiences while fulfilling their fundamental educational mandate.

In conclusion, although both entertainment and education represent valid priorities, modern museums should strive to harmoniously blend these elements. By making learning enjoyable rather than viewing these goals as opposing forces, museums can maximize their societal impact and ensure their continued relevance in the digital age.

Word Count: 398

Band Score Analysis

Why This Essay Excels:

1. Sophisticated thesis statement – “This essay will examine both perspectives before arguing that the most effective museums successfully integrate both functions” clearly signals the essay’s direction

2. Extended, specific examples – Rather than generic statements, the essay cites actual museums (Science Museum, British Museum, Smithsonian) with specific details about their approaches

3. Complex sentence structures – Seamlessly combines multiple clauses: “In an era dominated by digital distractions, museums must offer immersive, interactive exhibits that capture visitors’ imagination rather than presenting dry, academic displays”

4. Natural cohesion – Ideas flow logically without mechanical linking phrases, using sophisticated connectors like “Conversely,” “Furthermore,” and “Moreover” appropriately

5. Nuanced argument – Avoids simplistic either/or thinking by proposing synthesis: “these objectives need not be mutually exclusive”

6. Strong lexical precision – Uses exact vocabulary: “irreplaceable artifacts,” “meticulously researched,” “ethical obligation” rather than vague terms

7. Clear personal voice – The opinion is evident throughout, particularly in the third body paragraph and conclusion, without being overly personal or informal

IELTS Writing Task 2 band score criteria comparison for museum education essays

Band 6.5-7 Sample Essay

Characteristics of Band 6.5-7 Writing:

A Band 6.5-7 essay addresses all parts of the task with a clear position, though development may be less fully extended than Band 8-9. It uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately though there may be some under/over-use. The essay demonstrates sufficient lexical range with some flexibility and precision, and uses a variety of complex structures with good control, though errors may occur in attempting complex language.

The question of whether museums should focus on entertainment or education has become increasingly debated in modern society. Some people believe museums should be fun places where people can enjoy themselves, while others think the main purpose should be teaching people about history and culture. In my opinion, both aspects are important, but education should be the primary goal.

Those who support entertainment-focused museums have several good reasons. Firstly, many people, especially young children, find traditional museums boring because they just display objects behind glass with long descriptions. If museums include more interactive activities, games, and exciting exhibits, more people will want to visit them. For example, some museums now have virtual reality experiences where visitors can explore ancient civilizations, which makes learning more interesting. Additionally, when people enjoy their museum visit, they are more likely to return and bring their friends and family, which helps museums earn money and stay open.

On the other hand, many people argue that education must remain the central purpose of museums. Museums contain valuable historical artifacts and important cultural items that cannot be found anywhere else. The main responsibility of museums is to preserve these objects and teach the public about their significance. If museums focus too much on entertainment, they might present information in a simplified or inaccurate way just to make it more exciting. For instance, a history museum that adds too many games might not properly explain the serious lessons we should learn from historical events. Furthermore, museums receive government funding because they provide educational benefits to society, so they have an obligation to prioritize learning.

In my view, museums should combine both entertainment and education effectively. While the educational purpose should come first, museums can use entertaining methods to make learning more accessible and engaging. The key is to ensure that entertainment serves education rather than replacing it. Modern technology offers many possibilities to present educational content in enjoyable ways without sacrificing accuracy or depth.

In conclusion, although both entertainment and education have their merits, I believe museums should primarily focus on education while incorporating entertaining elements to enhance the learning experience. This balanced approach will help museums fulfill their social responsibility while remaining attractive to visitors.

Word Count: 392

Band Score Analysis

Direct Comparison with Band 8-9:

The Band 6.5-7 essay communicates effectively and addresses the task, but lacks the lexical sophistication, example specificity, and grammatical complexity that characterize Band 8-9 writing. This demonstrates an important principle in IELTS writing: it’s not about longer essays or more complex vocabulary, but rather precision, development, and natural language use. Much like the role of museums in educating the public, effective essay writing requires finding the right balance between accessibility and sophistication.

Band 5-6 Sample Essay

Characteristics of Band 5-6 Writing:

A Band 5-6 essay addresses the task though some parts may be more fully covered than others. The format may be inappropriate in places. It presents relevant main ideas but these may be limited and insufficiently developed. Uses basic cohesive devices but these may be inaccurate or repetitive. Uses limited vocabulary which may be minimally adequate for the task, with noticeable errors in spelling and word formation. Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but makes frequent errors that may cause some difficulty for the reader.

Nowadays, there is a discussion about what is the main purpose of museums. Some peoples think museums should be enjoyable and fun, but other peoples believe museums should educate people. I will discuss both view in this essay.

First of all, many person support that museums should be entertainment places. The reason is that if museums are boring, peoples will not visit them. Young people and childrens like to play games and do activities, they don’t like to just look at old things in glass boxes. So museums should have more fun activities to attract visitors. For example, they can make games about history or have videos to show information. Also, if museums are fun, more peoples will come and museums can make more money to continue operating.

However, other peoples think education is more important purpose for museums. Museums have many important historical objects that people need to learn about. These things can teach us about our history and culture which is very valuable. If museums only focus on entertainment, maybe they will not teach people correctly about history. Sometimes entertainment can make the information not serious. Museums get money from government because they educate people, so they should focus on teaching not just entertaining.

In my opinion, I think both entertainment and education are important for museums. Education should be the main purpose but museums can also use some entertainment to make learning more interesting for visitors. If museums are too boring, nobody will come, but if they are only entertainment, people will not learn anything. So museums need to find balance between these two things.

In conclusion, some people want museums to be fun places while others want them to educate. I believe museums should focus on education but also use entertainment methods to make it interesting. This way museums can teach people and also attract more visitors at the same time.

Word Count: 345

Band Score Analysis

Learning from Mistakes

Additional grammatical issues:

• Article usage: “The reason is that” should be “One reason is that” (first mention)
• Vocabulary repetition: The word “peoples” appears 7 times with consistent errors
• Sentence structure: Over-reliance on simple subject-verb-object patterns
• Pronoun reference: “These things” is vague and could be replaced with “These artifacts” or “These objects”

How to Improve from Band 6 to Band 7:

1. Master basic grammar – Focus on common errors: subject-verb agreement, plural forms, article usage. These frequent mistakes in basic grammar significantly impact scoring.

2. Expand vocabulary range – Replace repeated basic words (“important,” “good,” “many”) with more precise alternatives. Learn topic-specific vocabulary and academic collocations.

3. Develop examples fully – Instead of “they can make games about history,” write “they can create interactive digital games where visitors solve historical puzzles, such as decoding ancient languages or planning medieval battles.”

4. Use cohesive devices naturally – Move beyond mechanical “First,” “Second,” “In conclusion.” Learn phrases like “Furthermore,” “Conversely,” “This suggests that,” “As a consequence.”

5. Increase sentence variety – Practice complex sentences with multiple clauses. Combine related ideas rather than writing choppy, simple sentences.

6. Proofread systematically – Allocate 3-5 minutes to check: subject-verb agreement, plurals, articles, and spelling in every practice essay.

Common IELTS Writing mistakes in museum education essays with corrections

Essential Vocabulary

Topic-Specific Vocabulary

Academic Collocations

Transitional Phrases

Synonyms and Alternatives

When considering the role of governments in arts funding, this specialized vocabulary becomes particularly relevant, as museums often depend on public financial support to maintain their educational missions while implementing engaging visitor experiences.

IELTS vocabulary word map for museum and education related terms

High-Scoring Sentence Structures

1. Complex Subordination with Participial Phrases

Formula: Participial phrase + main clause + subordinate clause

Example from Band 8-9 Essay: “Recognizing that emotional engagement often facilitates deeper understanding, museums increasingly incorporate interactive elements that transform passive observers into active participants.”

Why it scores well: This structure demonstrates sophisticated control by combining a present participle phrase that establishes context, followed by a main clause and a relative clause. It shows the writer can handle multiple grammatical elements within a single, coherent sentence.

Additional Examples:

• “Understanding the diverse needs of modern audiences, curators design exhibitions that balance academic rigor with accessible presentation.”
• “Having witnessed declining visitor numbers, many museums have invested in digital technologies that enhance traditional displays.”
• “Faced with budget constraints, cultural institutions must carefully prioritize preservation efforts while maintaining public programming.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Dangling participles: “Walking through the museum, ancient artifacts amazed me” (artifacts weren’t walking)
• Correct: “Walking through the museum, I was amazed by the ancient artifacts”

2. Non-Defining Relative Clauses

Formula: Subject + non-defining relative clause (which/who + information) + verb + complement

Example from Band 8-9 Essay: “The British Museum’s Egyptian collection, which contains over 100,000 objects spanning 11,000 years, provides authentic historical insights that cannot be replicated through purely entertaining experiences.”

Why it scores well: Non-defining relative clauses add sophisticated detail without disrupting sentence flow. The commas indicate additional, non-essential information that enriches the main point. This structure shows lexical flexibility and grammatical accuracy.

Additional Examples:

• “Interactive technology, which has revolutionized museum experiences, enables visitors to explore historical contexts in unprecedented depth.”
• “The Smithsonian Institution, which receives millions of visitors annually, demonstrates how museums can successfully balance entertainment and education.”
• “Traditional display methods, which rely primarily on text panels and static exhibits, often fail to engage younger audiences effectively.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Using “that” instead of “which” in non-defining clauses: “The museum, that opened in 1990…”
• Forgetting commas: “The curator who organized the exhibition received an award” (defining) vs. “The curator, who has 20 years of experience, organized the exhibition” (non-defining)

3. Cleft Sentences for Emphasis

Formula: It + be + emphasized element + relative clause + main clause

Example from Band 8-9 Essay: “It is precisely because museums house irreplaceable artifacts that they bear an ethical obligation to prioritize educational accuracy over commercial appeal.”

Why it scores well: Cleft sentences restructure information to highlight specific elements, showing sophisticated control of emphasis and information structure. This demonstrates advanced writing skills beyond basic sentence construction.

Additional Examples:

• “It is through interactive exhibitions that museums can effectively engage digital-native generations without compromising educational content.”
• “What distinguishes museums from entertainment venues is their commitment to scholarly research and historical accuracy.”
• “It was the integration of virtual reality technology that transformed the visitor experience at the Natural History Museum.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Incorrect verb agreement: “It is museums that plays an important role”
• Correct: “It is museums that play an important role”

4. Advanced Conditional Structures

Formula: Should/Were/Had + subject + verb (inverted conditional) + main clause

Example from Band 8-9 Essay: “Were museums to focus exclusively on entertainment, they would risk sacrificing the scholarly integrity that distinguishes them from commercial attractions.”

Why it scores well: Inverted conditionals demonstrate sophisticated grammatical knowledge rarely seen in lower band essays. This formal structure is particularly appropriate for academic writing contexts.

Additional Examples:

• “Should museums neglect their educational mandate, they would undermine the very foundation that justifies public funding.”
• “Had cultural institutions failed to adapt to technological advances, they would have lost relevance among contemporary audiences.”
• “Were visitors provided with contextualized information, their engagement with exhibits would deepen significantly.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Mixing conditional types: “If museums would focus on education, they will attract more visitors”
• Correct: “If museums focused on education, they would attract more visitors” (second conditional)

5. Concessive Clauses with “While/Although”

Formula: While/Although + contrasting idea + main clause with unexpected result

Example from Band 8-9 Essay: “While entertainment value can serve as a gateway to learning, the fundamental purpose of museums must remain centered on knowledge preservation and transmission.”

Why it scores well: Concessive clauses show the ability to present nuanced arguments by acknowledging opposing viewpoints before presenting the main claim. This demonstrates critical thinking and balanced argumentation.

Additional Examples:

• “Although digital technologies offer unprecedented possibilities for engagement, they cannot replace the authenticity of encountering genuine historical artifacts.”
• “While some critics dismiss interactive exhibits as superficial, properly designed installations can facilitate deeper understanding than traditional displays.”
• “Though museums face pressure to generate revenue, their educational mission should take precedence over commercial considerations.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Using “despite” with a clause: “Despite museums need funding…”
• Correct: “Although museums need funding…” or “Despite needing funding…”

6. Nominalization for Academic Tone

Formula: Abstract noun (derived from verb/adjective) + preposition + concrete noun + verb

Example from Band 8-9 Essay: “The integration of entertainment elements with educational content represents the most effective approach for contemporary museums seeking to maximize societal impact.”

Why it scores well: Nominalization transforms actions into abstract concepts, creating a more formal, academic tone typical of high-scoring essays. It allows complex ideas to be expressed concisely as subjects or objects of sentences.

Additional Examples:

• “The preservation of cultural heritage requires substantial financial investment and specialized expertise.”
• “The transformation of museums from passive repositories to interactive learning environments has enhanced their relevance.”
• “The prioritization of entertainment over education could result in the erosion of museums’ scholarly credibility.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Over-nominalizing, creating awkward prose: “The facilitation of the implementation of the transformation…”
• Better: “Facilitating the transformation…” or “To facilitate and implement the transformation…”

Understanding these structures proves equally valuable when discussing the role of governments in cultural preservation, where similar argumentation patterns and grammatical sophistication enhance essay quality.

Self-Assessment Checklist

Before Writing (2 minutes)

Task Analysis:

• [ ] Have I identified the question type (discussion, opinion, problem-solution)?
• [ ] Do I understand all key terms in the question?
• [ ] Have I planned both perspectives if required?
• [ ] Is my position clear in my mind?

Planning:

• [ ] Have I brainstormed 2-3 specific examples for each main point?
• [ ] Have I outlined my paragraph structure?
• [ ] Do I have a clear thesis statement?
• [ ] Have I allocated ideas logically across paragraphs?

While Writing (35 minutes)

Introduction (5 minutes):

• [ ] Have I paraphrased the question rather than copying it?
• [ ] Is my thesis statement clear and directly addresses the question?
• [ ] Have I outlined what the essay will discuss?

Body Paragraphs (20 minutes):

• [ ] Does each paragraph start with a clear topic sentence?
• [ ] Have I provided specific examples rather than general statements?
• [ ] Am I using cohesive devices naturally, not mechanically?
• [ ] Have I developed each main idea with 2-3 supporting sentences?
• [ ] Am I varying my sentence structures?
• [ ] Am I using topic-specific vocabulary appropriately?

Conclusion (3 minutes):

• [ ] Have I summarized my main points without introducing new ideas?
• [ ] Is my final position consistent with my introduction?
• [ ] Have I provided a broader perspective or implication?

Language Quality:

• [ ] Am I using a mix of simple and complex sentences?
• [ ] Have I included some Band 8-9 vocabulary naturally?
• [ ] Am I avoiding repetition of basic words?
• [ ] Are my sentences grammatically correct?

After Writing (3 minutes)

Content Review:

• [ ] Have I fully addressed all parts of the question?
• [ ] Is my opinion clear throughout?
• [ ] Are all examples relevant and specific?
• [ ] Have I met the minimum word count (250+)?

Grammar Check:

• [ ] Subject-verb agreement correct throughout?
• [ ] Articles (a/an/the) used appropriately?
• [ ] Plural forms correct?
• [ ] Verb tenses consistent and appropriate?
• [ ] Pronoun references clear?

Vocabulary Check:

• [ ] Have I avoided repeating the same basic words?
• [ ] Are collocations natural (e.g., “make a decision” not “do a decision”)?
• [ ] Have I spelled topic-specific words correctly?
• [ ] Word forms correct (noun vs. adjective vs. verb)?

Cohesion Check:

• [ ] Does each paragraph connect logically to the next?
• [ ] Are linking words appropriate and not overused?
• [ ] Is pronoun reference clear (“it,” “they,” “this”)?
• [ ] Have I varied my cohesive devices?

Time Management Tips

40-Minute Strategy:

1. Planning: 5 minutes

   • Analyze question: 2 minutes
   • Brainstorm and outline: 3 minutes

2. Writing: 32 minutes

   • Introduction: 5 minutes
   • Body Paragraph 1: 8 minutes
   • Body Paragraph 2: 8 minutes
   • Body Paragraph 3 (if needed): 8 minutes
   • Conclusion: 3 minutes

3. Review: 3 minutes

   • Grammar and spelling: 2 minutes
   • Final content check: 1 minute

Emergency Time Scenarios:

If you’re running out of time (5 minutes left):

• Write a brief 2-sentence conclusion summarizing your main points
• Do a quick grammar scan focusing on subject-verb agreement and articles
• Ensure your opinion is clearly stated in the introduction

If you finish early:

• Check for repetitive vocabulary and replace with synonyms
• Ensure all examples are specific, not generic
• Verify that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence
• Look for opportunities to combine short, choppy sentences into complex ones

Practice Recommendations:

For Band 5-6 students:

• Focus first on error-free simple sentences before attempting complex structures
• Practice one new sentence structure per week
• Build a personal vocabulary list of 10 words per topic

For Band 6.5-7 students:

• Challenge yourself to eliminate one “safe” phrase per essay (like “In my opinion” or “I think”)
• Practice incorporating 2-3 advanced structures naturally per essay
• Focus on developing specific, detailed examples

For Band 7+ students:

• Experiment with sophisticated structures (cleft sentences, inversion)
• Focus on natural, varied cohesion rather than mechanical linking
• Ensure every example is specific with concrete details

Conclusion

Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2 essays on museum education requires understanding not just what to write, but how to write it effectively across different band levels. The three sample essays presented demonstrate that improvement involves more than simply using difficult vocabulary—it requires developing specific examples, varying sentence structures naturally, and presenting nuanced arguments with clarity.

Key Takeaways:

1. Specificity matters more than complexity – Band 8-9 essays cite actual museums with concrete details rather than vague generalizations
2. Balance is essential – Successfully addressing both perspectives with equal development before stating your position
3. Grammar accuracy trumps ambition – Error-free Band 7 writing outscores Band 6 writing with attempted but failed complex structures
4. Natural cohesion beats mechanical linking – Sophisticated essays flow logically without relying on “Firstly, Secondly, Finally”
5. Examples must be relevant and extended – Generic statements like “some museums have games” should become specific illustrations like “The Science Museum in London features hands-on experiments and virtual reality experiences”

Your Path to Improvement:

Regardless of your current level, consistent practice with focused feedback yields results. If you’re scoring Band 5-6, concentrate on eliminating basic grammatical errors and developing paragraph structure. For Band 6.5-7 writers, prioritize expanding vocabulary range and incorporating more sophisticated sentence patterns. Those targeting Band 8-9 should refine their ability to present nuanced arguments with authentic, specific examples while maintaining flawless accuracy.

Realistic Timeline:

• Band 5 to Band 6: 2-3 months of focused practice
• Band 6 to Band 7: 3-4 months with systematic improvement
• Band 7 to Band 8: 4-6 months of refinement and advanced technique mastery

Consider exploring related topics such as the role of technology in public engagement, which often intersects with museum education discussions in IELTS exams. Understanding how technological advances influence educational institutions provides valuable context and examples for multiple essay topics.

Action Steps:

1. Practice writing one essay per week using the question types and structures demonstrated here
2. Self-assess using the checklists provided, noting specific areas for improvement
3. Build your vocabulary bank with the essential terms and collocations from this guide
4. Analyze model essays by identifying specific grammatical structures and how they’re used
5. Share your practice essays in IELTS study communities for peer feedback

Remember that IELTS Writing improvement is cumulative—each essay you write with focused attention to specific skills builds your overall competence. The difference between band levels often comes down to consistency, accuracy, and the ability to develop ideas fully rather than attempting to impress with overly complex language.

Start practicing today with the question analyzed in this article, applying the sentence structures and vocabulary you’ve learned. Time yourself, follow the checklist, and compare your work honestly against the band descriptors. With systematic practice and attention to the specific features that distinguish each band level, you can achieve your target score and demonstrate your true writing potential.