Arts education has been a recurring topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, with questions often focusing on its importance and role in school curricula. Based on recent trends, there’s a high likelihood that candidates may encounter questions related to prioritizing arts education in schools. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays for different band scores, providing valuable insights for IELTS preparation.

Analyzing the Question

Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:

Some people think that arts education (e.g. music, drama, and painting) should be given more importance in school curricula. Others believe that subjects like science and technology are more important. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question requires candidates to:

1. Discuss arguments for prioritizing arts education
2. Present arguments for prioritizing science and technology
3. Provide a personal opinion with justification

Sample Essays for Different Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay Sample

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, the debate between prioritizing arts education versus science and technology in school curricula has gained significant traction. While both sides present compelling arguments, I believe that a balanced approach, integrating both arts and STEM subjects, is crucial for a well-rounded education.

Proponents of arts education argue that subjects like music, drama, and painting play a vital role in developing students’ creativity, emotional intelligence, and self-expression. These skills are increasingly valuable in a world that demands innovation and out-of-the-box thinking. Moreover, arts education has been shown to enhance cognitive abilities, improve academic performance across other subjects, and foster cultural awareness and appreciation.

On the other hand, advocates for science and technology emphasize the growing demand for STEM skills in the job market. They argue that prioritizing these subjects prepares students for future careers in fields like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy. The rapid technological advancements of the 21st century underscore the importance of equipping students with strong scientific and technological foundations.

In my opinion, the ideal approach is to strike a balance between arts and STEM education. This integration, often referred to as STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), can provide students with a comprehensive skill set. By combining analytical thinking from STEM subjects with the creativity and innovation fostered by arts education, we can nurture well-rounded individuals capable of addressing complex global challenges.

STEAM Education

Furthermore, the arts and sciences are not mutually exclusive but often complement each other. Many scientific breakthroughs have been inspired by artistic thinking, and numerous art forms have been revolutionized by technological advancements. By exposing students to both disciplines, we encourage interdisciplinary thinking and problem-solving skills that are invaluable in today’s interconnected world.

In conclusion, while the importance of science and technology in our modern world cannot be overstated, the value of arts education should not be underestimated. A balanced curriculum that gives due importance to both arts and STEM subjects will best prepare students for the diverse challenges and opportunities of the future, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability.

(Word count: 339)

Band 6-7 Essay Sample

The question of whether arts education or science and technology should be given more importance in school curricula is a topic of much debate. Both sides have valid points, and I will discuss them before giving my own opinion.

Those who support arts education argue that subjects like music, drama, and painting are important for students’ development. They believe that these subjects help students to be creative and express themselves. Arts can also help students understand different cultures and improve their overall academic performance. Some people say that in a world where machines are doing more jobs, creative skills from arts education will be very important.

On the other hand, supporters of science and technology say these subjects are more important for students’ futures. They argue that the world needs more people with skills in areas like computers, engineering, and science to solve big problems like climate change. They also point out that jobs in these fields often pay well and are in high demand.

In my opinion, both arts and science/technology are important, and schools should try to balance them. I think this approach, sometimes called STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), is the best way to prepare students for the future. By learning both arts and science, students can develop different kinds of skills that will help them in many areas of life.

For example, learning art can help students be more creative in science projects, while learning technology can give artists new ways to make their art. This mix of skills can help students solve problems in new and interesting ways.

In conclusion, while science and technology are very important in today’s world, arts education should not be forgotten. A balanced education that includes both can help students become well-rounded and ready for different challenges in the future.

(Word count: 309)

Band 5-6 Essay Sample

Some people think schools should teach more arts like music and painting. Other people think science and technology are more important. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.

People who like arts education say it is good for students. They think it helps students be creative and express their feelings. Arts can also help students learn about different cultures. Some people say arts help students do better in other subjects too.

But other people think science and technology are more important. They say these subjects help students get good jobs in the future. Many jobs now need people who know about computers and science. These jobs often pay well.

I think both arts and science are important. Schools should teach both. This way, students can learn different things and be ready for many kinds of jobs. Learning arts can help students think in new ways, which can be good for science too. And learning science can help artists use new technology in their work.

For example, a student who learns both art and science might make a new kind of computer program that helps people make music. This shows how both subjects can work together.

In conclusion, I think schools should teach both arts and science. This will help students be ready for different jobs and challenges in the future.

(Word count: 217)

Analyzing the Essays

Band 8-9 Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates excellent coherence, cohesion, and lexical resource, key factors in achieving a high band score:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a well-developed argument.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Cohesive devices are used effectively.
3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with flexibility and precision. Uncommon lexical items are used naturally.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used accurately. There are no noticeable errors.

Band 6-7 Essay Analysis

This essay shows good control of language but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay:

1. Task Response: All parts of the task are addressed, but the development of ideas is less thorough.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some cohesive devices are overused or inadequate.
3. Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task, with some attempts at less common vocabulary.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with generally good control and only occasional errors.

Band 5-6 Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates basic competence but with notable limitations:

1. Task Response: The task is addressed, but some aspects are inadequately developed.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: The overall organization is apparent, but paragraphing is not always logical.
3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary range is limited, with some inaccuracies in word choice and usage.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Sentence structures are simple with limited variety. Errors occur but do not impede communication.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Curricula (noun) /kəˈrɪkjələ/ – The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college
2. Interdisciplinary (adjective) /ˌɪntərˈdɪsəpləneri/ – Involving two or more academic disciplines
3. Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – The action or process of innovating; a new method, idea, product, etc.
4. Cognitive (adjective) /ˈkɒɡnətɪv/ – Related to the mental processes of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning
5. Holistic (adjective) /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole
6. Adaptability (noun) /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ – The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions
7. Nurture (verb) /ˈnɜːtʃə(r)/ – To care for and encourage the growth or development of
8. Complementary (adjective) /ˌkɒmplɪˈmentri/ – Combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other or another

Conclusion

The topic of prioritizing arts education in school curricula is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

1. The role of creativity in education
2. Balancing traditional and modern subjects in schools
3. The impact of technology on arts education

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.