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

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The Prompt

Paraphrased Prompt:

Many schools are reducing time spent on arts education to focus on core subjects. What are the problems caused by this trend? Suggest solutions and support your ideas with examples.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The arts are being cut in schools because teachers think they are not important. This is a problem because it can make students less creative and not good at thinking in different ways. Also, students might not like school as much. To fix this, schools should make arts a part of other classes. For example, students can draw pictures in history class to learn better. Also, schools should have more arts programs after school so students can join if they want. This way, students can still learn the important subjects but also have fun with arts.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: Band 6 (Presents a problem and some solutions but lacks depth and development)
• Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6 (Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition and awkward transitions)
• Lexical Resource: Band 6 (Uses some appropriate vocabulary but with frequent errors and limited range)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6 (Uses simple sentence structures with frequent errors)

Band 7.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The reduction of arts education in schools has become a prevalent issue, leading to several problems. Firstly, it limits students' creative thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential in today's world. Secondly, it can result in a decline in students' overall academic performance, as arts often serve as a motivating factor. To address these issues, schools should integrate arts into other subjects. For instance, students can create visual representations of historical events to enhance their understanding. Additionally, schools should offer more extracurricular arts programs, allowing students to explore their interests outside regular class hours. By doing so, schools can ensure that students receive a well-rounded education that fosters both academic and creative growth.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: Band 7 (Presents a clear problem and solutions with some development and examples)
• Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7 (Ideas are logically organized with clear transitions and some use of cohesive devices)
• Lexical Resource: Band 7 (Uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary with some less common lexical items and occasional errors)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7 (Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with some errors)

Band 8.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The diminishing emphasis on arts education in schools has sparked considerable debate, with critics highlighting its detrimental effects on students' holistic development. One primary issue is the stifling of creativity and innovation, as arts education fosters divergent thinking and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, the reduction of arts programs can lead to a decline in student engagement and motivation, ultimately impacting academic performance. To mitigate these problems, schools should adopt a more integrated approach to education. For example, incorporating artistic elements into subjects like history or science can make learning more engaging and memorable. Additionally, schools should allocate more resources to extracurricular arts programs, providing students with opportunities to explore their talents and interests. By doing so, schools can create a more dynamic and enriching educational environment that caters to the diverse needs of students.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: Band 8 (Presents a clear problem and well-developed solutions with relevant examples)
• Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8 (Ideas are logically organized with clear transitions and effective use of cohesive devices)
• Lexical Resource: Band 8 (Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items and few errors)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8 (Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with few errors)

Band 9.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The erosion of arts education in schools, driven by an overemphasis on core academic subjects, has engendered a myriad of challenges that necessitate urgent attention. Primarily, this trend impedes the cultivation of creative and critical thinking skills, which are indispensable in an increasingly complex and innovative world. Moreover, the marginalization of arts programs can engender a sense of disenfranchisement among students, leading to decreased motivation and engagement. To rectify these issues, educational institutions must embrace a more holistic approach to curriculum design. For instance, interdisciplinary projects that amalgamate artistic expression with core subjects can enhance learning outcomes and foster a more inclusive educational environment. Furthermore, schools should establish dedicated arts facilities and hire specialized instructors to provide high-quality arts education. By prioritizing the arts, schools can nurture well-rounded individuals who are equipped to thrive in both academic and creative pursuits.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: Band 9 (Presents a clear problem and well-developed solutions with relevant, extended examples)
• Coherence and Cohesion: Band 9 (Ideas are logically organized with clear transitions and effective use of cohesive devices)
• Lexical Resource: Band 9 (Uses a wide range of vocabulary with sophisticated and less common lexical items and rare errors)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 9 (Uses a wide range of complex sentence structures with rare errors)

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Diminishing (adjective): decreasing in size, importance, or value

• Example: The diminishing emphasis on arts education

1. Stifling (verb): preventing the expression of ideas or feelings

• Example: The stifling of creativity and innovation

1. Divergent thinking (noun): the ability to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions

• Example: Arts education fosters divergent thinking and problem-solving skills

1. Holistic (adjective): characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can only be understood in relation to the whole

• Example: A more holistic approach to education

1. Interdisciplinary (adjective): involving two or more academic disciplines or fields of study

• Example: Interdisciplinary projects that amalgamate artistic expression with core subjects

1. Amalgamate (verb): to combine or mix a number of things together

• Example: Amalgamating artistic expression with core subjects

1. Disenfranchisement (noun): the act of depriving someone of a legal right, especially the right to vote

• Example: The marginalization of arts programs can engender a sense of disenfranchisement

1. Engender (verb): to cause or give rise to a situation or feeling

• Example: The marginalization of arts programs can engender a sense of disenfranchisement

1. Indispensable (adjective): absolutely necessary

• Example: Creative and critical thinking skills are indispensable in an increasingly complex world

1. Innovative (adjective): introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking

• Example: An increasingly complex and innovative world

1. Marginalization (noun): the treatment of a person, group, or concept as insignificant or peripheral

• Example: The marginalization of arts programs

1. Dynamic (adjective): characterized by constant change, activity, or progress

• Example: A more dynamic and enriching educational environment

1. Enriching (adjective): making something more interesting or enjoyable by adding variety or quality

• Example: A more dynamic and enriching educational environment

1. Diverse (adjective): showing a great deal of variety; very different

• Example: The diverse needs of students

1. Nurture (verb): to care for and encourage the growth or development of someone or something

• Example: Nurturing well-rounded individuals

1. Thriving (adjective): prosperous and growing; flourishing

• Example: Equipped to thrive in both academic and creative pursuits

1. Indispensable (adjective): absolutely necessary

• Example: Creative and critical thinking skills are indispensable in an increasingly complex world

1. Innovative (adjective): introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking

• Example: An increasingly complex and innovative world

1. Holistic (adjective): characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can only be understood in relation to the whole

• Example: A more holistic approach to education

1. Interdisciplinary (adjective): involving two or more academic disciplines or fields of study

• Example: Interdisciplinary projects that amalgamate artistic expression with core subjects

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Problem-Solution Structure: Many students fail to clearly separate the problem and solution sections, leading to a disjointed and confusing essay.

1. Insufficient Examples: Students often provide vague or generic examples instead of specific, relevant ones that support their arguments.

1. Poor Vocabulary Choice: Using overly simple or repetitive vocabulary can limit the lexical resource score. Students should aim to use a wide range of appropriate and sophisticated words.

1. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical mistakes can significantly lower the score. Students should proofread their essays to ensure accuracy.

1. Lack of Coherence and Cohesion: Poorly organized ideas and weak transitions between paragraphs can make the essay difficult to follow. Students should use cohesive devices to connect their ideas logically.

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