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IELTS Writing Task 2:
Arts In Schools (Agree Disagree) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

Get Band 9 IELTS Writing Task 2 model answers for 'Arts in Schools' agree/disagree prompts. Learn from Band 6-9 examples with expert scoring breakdowns.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Arts In Schools (Agree Disagree) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers | English AIdol Blog

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Get Band 9 IELTS Writing Task 2 model answers for 'Arts in Schools' agree/disagree prompts. Learn from Band 6-9 examples with expert scoring breakdowns.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Arts In Schools (Agree Disagree) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Some people believe that schools should require students to study arts subjects. Others think students should choose their own subjects. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

The arts are important for students. Some people say schools should make students study arts, but others think students should choose. I agree with the first view.

First, arts help students in many ways. They learn to be creative and express themselves. For example, painting helps students think differently. Also, arts can make students better at other subjects. Music helps with math, and drama helps with communication. So, schools should teach arts to all students.

But some people say students should choose. They think students know what they like. If a student doesn't like arts, they might not do well. But I think schools should still make them try. Maybe they will like it later.

In conclusion, I think schools should require arts. It helps students in many ways, even if they don't like it at first.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): Presents a position but with limited development. (5.0)
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically ordered but with some repetition. (6.0)
  • Lexical Resource (LR): Uses some less common vocabulary but with some errors. (6.0)
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Makes frequent grammatical errors. (5.5)

Band 7.0 Answer

The debate over whether schools should mandate arts education or allow students to choose is contentious. I firmly believe that arts should be compulsory for all students.

Proponents of mandatory arts education argue that it fosters creativity and self-expression. For instance, visual arts encourage divergent thinking, while music enhances mathematical abilities. Additionally, arts education can improve academic performance in other subjects. A study by the International Child Art Foundation found that students engaged in arts education performed better in standardized tests. Therefore, integrating arts into the curriculum benefits students holistically.

Conversely, some argue that students should have the autonomy to choose their subjects. They contend that forced participation might lead to disinterest and poor performance. However, I contend that initial reluctance does not negate the long-term benefits. Exposure to arts can spark unexpected interests and skills that students might not discover otherwise.

In conclusion, while allowing student choice has merit, the benefits of mandatory arts education outweigh the drawbacks. Schools should prioritize arts education to cultivate well-rounded individuals.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with relevant, extended arguments. (7.0)
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. (7.0)
  • Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a mix of common and less common vocabulary appropriately. (7.0)
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Makes some grammatical errors but maintains overall accuracy. (6.5)

Band 8.0 Answer

The role of arts in education has long been a topic of debate. While some advocate for student autonomy in subject selection, I contend that compulsory arts education is indispensable.

Advocates of mandatory arts education posit that it nurtures creativity and critical thinking. For example, engaging in theatrical performances enhances communication skills, while participating in musical ensembles fosters teamwork. Furthermore, arts education has been linked to improved academic performance. A report by the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities revealed that arts-engaged students exhibit higher levels of academic achievement and social engagement. Thus, integrating arts into the curriculum is beneficial for students' cognitive and emotional development.

On the other hand, proponents of student choice argue that forcing students to study arts may lead to resentment and disengagement. They suggest that students should have the freedom to pursue subjects that align with their interests. However, I argue that initial resistance does not negate the long-term benefits of arts education. Exposure to diverse artistic disciplines can broaden students' perspectives and foster a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

In conclusion, while allowing students to choose their subjects has its merits, the advantages of mandatory arts education are more compelling. Schools should prioritize arts education to cultivate well-rounded, creative individuals.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported arguments. (8.0)
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices. (8.0)
  • Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of vocabulary appropriately and flexibly. (8.0)
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with minimal errors. (7.5)

Band 9.0 Answer

The debate surrounding the compulsory nature of arts education in schools is multifaceted. While some advocate for student autonomy, I firmly believe that mandatory arts education is essential for holistic development.

Proponents of mandatory arts education argue that it cultivates creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression. For instance, engaging in visual arts encourages divergent thinking, while participating in musical ensembles fosters collaboration and discipline. Moreover, arts education has been shown to enhance academic performance. A comprehensive study by the National Endowment for the Arts found that students involved in arts education exhibit higher levels of academic achievement, social engagement, and civic responsibility. Thus, integrating arts into the curriculum is pivotal for students' cognitive and emotional growth.

Conversely, advocates of student choice contend that forcing students to study arts may lead to disengagement and resentment. They posit that students should have the autonomy to pursue subjects that align with their interests and strengths. However, I contend that initial reluctance does not negate the long-term benefits of arts education. Exposure to diverse artistic disciplines can broaden students' horizons, foster a lifelong appreciation for the arts, and develop skills that are invaluable in the modern world.

In conclusion, while allowing students to choose their subjects has its merits, the advantages of mandatory arts education are more compelling. Schools should prioritize arts education to cultivate well-rounded, creative, and socially responsible individuals.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported arguments. (9.0)
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices. (9.0)
  • Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of vocabulary appropriately and flexibly. (9.0)
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with minimal errors. (9.0)

Vocabulary Highlights

  1. Compulsory (adj): Required by rule or law. Example: Compulsory education laws ensure that all children attend school.
  2. Holistic (adj): Emphasizing the importance of the whole and the interdependence of its parts. Example: A holistic approach to education considers the student's emotional and social needs.
  3. Cultivate (v): To foster the growth or development of something. Example: Schools should cultivate creativity through arts education.
  4. Divergent (adj): Differing from one another; deviating from the standard or norm. Example: Divergent thinking is encouraged through arts education.
  5. Autonomy (n): The right or condition of self-government. Example: Students should have autonomy in choosing their subjects.
  6. Resentment (n): Bitter indignation at being treated unfairly. Example: Forcing students to study arts may lead to resentment.
  7. Perspective (n): A particular attitude towards or way of regarding something; a point of view. Example: Exposure to arts can broaden students' perspectives.
  8. Civic (adj): Relating to a city or town, especially in terms of its social, political, and cultural life. Example: Arts education fosters civic responsibility.
  9. Invaluable (adj): Extremely useful; indispensable. Example: Arts education develops invaluable skills.
  10. Multifaceted (adj): Having many different aspects or features. Example: The debate surrounding arts education is multifaceted.
  11. Pivotal (adj): Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else. Example: Arts education is pivotal for students' growth.
  12. Engagement (n): The act of engaging or the state of being engaged. Example: Arts education enhances student engagement.
  13. Discipline (n): The practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment if necessary. Example: Musical ensembles foster discipline.
  14. Comprehensive (adj): Including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something. Example: A comprehensive study revealed the benefits of arts education.
  15. Horizon (n): The limit of a person's knowledge, experience, or interest. Example: Arts education broadens students' horizons.

Common Mistakes

  1. Lack of Clear Position: Some students fail to present a clear stance on the issue, leading to a lower Task Response score.
  2. Insufficient Support: Arguments are not adequately supported with examples or evidence, resulting in a weaker response.
  3. Poor Cohesion: Ideas are not logically connected, making the essay difficult to follow.
  4. Limited Vocabulary: Using repetitive or basic vocabulary can lower the Lexical Resource score.
  5. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical mistakes can detract from the overall quality of the essay.

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