IELTS Writing Task 2: Arts In Schools (Positive/Negative) - Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Some people argue that schools should require all students to study arts subjects, while others believe students should focus only on academic subjects. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

This is a common IELTS Writing Task 2 topic that tests your ability to present balanced arguments and express a personal opinion. Your response should be at least 250 words.

Model Answers With Scoring Breakdowns

Band 6.0 Answer

There are two different views about whether schools should teach arts. Some people think arts are important, others think schools should focus on academic subjects.

People say arts are good because they help creativity. For example, painting and music make people more creative. Also, arts can reduce stress. But, some people think arts take time from important subjects like math and science. They say schools should spend money on science labs, not art rooms.

I think arts should be in schools. My school had art classes and they helped me relax. But, maybe schools should have less art if they don't have enough money.

In conclusion, arts have good and bad points. Maybe schools can have some arts but not too much.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development; some ideas are relevant but not fully extended
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 5.5 - Uses some cohesive devices but often inappropriately; paragraphing is attempted but not always logical
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses a limited range of vocabulary; some errors in word choice
• Grammar Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Attempts complex sentences but with frequent errors; punctuation is often incorrect

Band 7.0 Answer

The debate surrounding the inclusion of arts in the school curriculum has divided opinions. While some advocate for mandatory arts education, others contend that academic subjects should take precedence.

Proponents of arts education argue that it fosters creativity and self-expression. For instance, participating in theater or drawing can help students develop innovative thinking skills. Moreover, arts can serve as a therapeutic outlet, reducing stress and anxiety among students. However, opponents of arts in schools point out that these subjects require significant resources. Schools often face budget constraints, and allocating funds to arts programs might divert attention from core subjects like mathematics and science, which are essential for academic success.

In my opinion, arts should be integrated into the school curriculum but not at the expense of academic subjects. A balanced approach would ensure that students benefit from both creative and analytical skills. For example, schools could offer arts as elective courses or integrate arts into other subjects, such as using visual arts to teach history.

In conclusion, while arts education offers numerous benefits, it is crucial to strike a balance between artistic and academic pursuits to ensure a well-rounded education.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended arguments; supports ideas with some examples
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively; paragraphing is logical and easy to follow
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary; some less common lexical items are used appropriately
• Grammar Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms; makes occasional errors but they do not impede understanding

Band 8.0 Answer

The role of arts in the school curriculum has long been a contentious issue, with proponents and detractors offering compelling arguments. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting a personal stance.

Those in favor of arts education contend that it cultivates creativity and critical thinking. For example, engaging in musical composition or sculpture encourages students to think outside the box, a skill highly valued in the modern workforce. Furthermore, arts programs can foster social skills and collaboration, as students often work in groups to produce performances or exhibitions. Conversely, critics argue that arts subjects are not as academically rigorous as STEM fields. They believe that resources would be better spent on science labs or advanced mathematics programs, which could better prepare students for higher education and careers in technical fields.

I am inclined to agree with the former viewpoint, as I believe that a well-rounded education should encompass both artistic and academic pursuits. However, I acknowledge the need for balance. Schools should strive to integrate arts into the curriculum without compromising the quality of instruction in core subjects. This could be achieved through interdisciplinary projects that combine arts with other subjects, such as using drama to teach literature or design to teach physics.

In conclusion, while the debate surrounding arts education is complex, the benefits of incorporating arts into the school curriculum are manifold. By finding a balance between artistic and academic pursuits, schools can provide students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for the challenges of the 21st century.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with fully extended and supported arguments; uses relevant examples
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices skillfully; paragraphing is logical and easy to follow; uses paragraphing to present a clear progression of ideas
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary; uses less common lexical items with precision
• Grammar Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms; makes only occasional errors

Band 9.0 Answer

The incorporation of arts in the school curriculum has sparked a spirited debate, with proponents championing its benefits and critics expressing reservations about its practicality. This essay will critically examine both viewpoints before advocating for a balanced approach.

Advocates of arts education posit that it nurtures creativity, innovation, and emotional intelligence. For instance, participation in visual arts or theater can enhance problem-solving skills and foster resilience. Moreover, arts programs can serve as a catalyst for social integration, bringing together students from diverse backgrounds. However, detractors argue that arts subjects often lack the academic rigor of core disciplines. They contend that the resources allocated to arts could be more effectively utilized to enhance STEM education, thereby equipping students with skills that are in high demand in the contemporary job market.

I firmly believe that arts should occupy a prominent place in the school curriculum, but not at the expense of academic subjects. Schools should adopt an integrated approach, where arts are seamlessly woven into other disciplines. For example, history lessons could be enriched through role-playing activities, while science concepts could be illustrated through artistic representations. This approach would not only make learning more engaging but also demonstrate the interconnectedness of different fields of knowledge.

In conclusion, the debate surrounding arts education is multifaceted, with compelling arguments on both sides. However, by adopting an integrated approach, schools can harness the benefits of arts without compromising the quality of academic instruction. Ultimately, a well-rounded education should aim to cultivate both the creative and analytical faculties of students, thereby preparing them for the complexities of the modern world.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with fully extended and supported arguments; presents a logical conclusion
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices skillfully; paragraphing is logical and easy to follow; uses paragraphing to present a clear progression of ideas
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precision; uses less common lexical items with full flexibility and natural collocation
• Grammar Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms; makes no errors in grammar, punctuation, or spelling

Key Vocabulary for This Topic

1. Curriculum (noun) - the subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college

• Example: The school curriculum should be regularly updated to reflect contemporary needs.

1. Creativity (noun) - the use of imagination or original ideas to create something; inventiveness

• Example: Arts education fosters creativity and innovative thinking.

1. Self-expression (noun) - the process of expressing one's thoughts, feelings, or ideas

• Example: Painting is a powerful form of self-expression for many individuals.

1. Therapeutic (adjective) - relating to the treatment or cure of a disorder or disease

• Example: Engaging in music can have therapeutic benefits, reducing stress and anxiety.

1. Allocate (verb) - to distribute or apportion something

• Example: Schools need to allocate resources wisely to ensure a balanced education.

1. Precedence (noun) - the condition of being regarded or treated as of greater importance than someone or something else; priority

• Example: Some argue that academic subjects should take precedence over arts in schools.

1. Foster (verb) - to encourage the development of something, especially something desirable

• Example: Arts programs can foster social skills and collaboration among students.

1. Contentious (adjective) - causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial

• Example: The role of arts in the school curriculum is a contentious issue.

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

• Example: Engaging in musical composition can encourage innovative thinking skills.

1. Spirited (adjective) - full of energy, enthusiasm, and determination

• Example: The debate surrounding arts education has sparked a spirited discussion.

1. Champion (verb) - to support, defend, or advocate for something or someone

• Example: Proponents champion the benefits of arts education.

1. Reservations (noun) - a feeling of doubt about the suitability or effectiveness of something

• Example: Critics express reservations about the practicality of arts education.

1. Rigorous (adjective) - extremely thorough and careful

• Example: Arts subjects often lack the academic rigor of core disciplines.

1. Equip (verb) - to provide someone with the necessary tools, resources, or skills

• Example: Resources could be more effectively utilized to equip students with essential skills.

1. Interdisciplinary (adjective) - involving the combined or coordinated application of several academic disciplines

• Example: Schools should adopt an interdisciplinary approach to integrate arts into the curriculum.

1. Seamlessly (adverb) - smoothly and continuously, with no apparent gaps or breaks

• Example: Arts should be seamlessly woven into other disciplines.

1. Enrich (verb) - to improve or enhance the quality or value of something

• Example: History lessons could be enriched through role-playing activities.

1. Illustrate (verb) - to clarify or demonstrate something by giving examples or evidence

• Example: Science concepts could be illustrated through artistic representations.

1. Multifaceted (adjective) - having many different aspects or features

• Example: The debate surrounding arts education is multifaceted.

1. Faculties (noun) - the natural abilities or powers of the mind

• Example: A well-rounded education should cultivate both the creative and analytical faculties of students.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Lack of Balance: Many students fail to present a balanced argument, focusing too much on one side of the debate. Remember, IELTS Writing Task 2 requires you to discuss both views before presenting your opinion.

1. Weak Examples: Some students provide vague or irrelevant examples. Make sure your examples are specific and directly support your arguments.

1. Poor Vocabulary Choice: Using overly simplistic or repetitive vocabulary can lower your Lexical Resource score. Aim to use a wide range of vocabulary, including some less common lexical items.

1. Grammar Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can impede understanding and lower your Grammar Range and Accuracy score. Practice using a mix of simple and complex sentence forms.

1. Inadequate Conclusion: A weak or rushed conclusion can negatively impact your overall score. Ensure your conclusion is well-developed and logically follows from your arguments.

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