The essay below tackles the topic of teaching art in high schools. For many IELTS candidates, education is a familiar and relatable subject, making it an ideal and recurring theme in the test.
Discussions around education often involve weighing the pros and cons of decisions, such as whether to prioritise certain subjects over others, making it a rich topic for argumentative essays like the one below.
Model Task 2 Question
Some people believe that art is an essential subject for children to learn in school, while others think it is a waste of time.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience.
Model Task 2 Answer
Some people believe that teaching art in schools is crucial for the holistic development of children, while others argue that it is an unnecessary distraction from core academic subjects. This essay will discuss both perspectives and explain why art should remain a vital part of the school curriculum.
On the one hand, proponents of art education argue that it fosters creativity and critical thinking skills in children. Engaging in artistic activities encourages self-expression and innovation, qualities that are invaluable in many professions. For example, a child painting a picture or crafting a sculpture learns how to translate abstract ideas into tangible forms, a skill transferable to problem-solving in other fields. Additionally, art serves as an outlet for stress and a means of exploring emotions, which can enhance students’ mental well-being.
On the other hand, critics claim that time spent on art could be better allocated to subjects like mathematics, science, and languages, which are often seen as more directly linked to career success. In a highly competitive job market, skills in these areas are often prioritised by employers. Furthermore, teaching art can place a financial strain on schools, as art supplies and specialised instructors are costly. Opponents of art education believe that these resources could be better invested in enhancing academic performance in core subjects.
However, despite these arguments, art should not be dismissed as irrelevant. Integrating art into the curriculum does not have to detract from other subjects; instead, it can complement them. For instance, artistic projects can be incorporated into subjects like history or science to make learning more engaging and memorable. Studies have shown that students involved in the arts often perform better in academics, as creative pursuits improve cognitive skills and concentration. Moreover, art education promotes cultural awareness, helping students appreciate diverse perspectives and fostering a sense of global citizenship.
In conclusion, while some people believe that art is a waste of time in schools, its benefits in fostering creativity, emotional well-being, and academic performance outweigh the drawbacks. Therefore, art should remain an essential component of education, ensuring that students develop not only academically but also socially and emotionally.
(Word count: 317)
Explanation of the Approach
Introduction
The introduction sets the stage by presenting the debate over the importance of art education. It introduces both sides of the argument and ends with a clear position: art should remain in schools.
First Body Paragraph
This paragraph supports the argument in favour of art education. It focuses on the benefits of fostering creativity, critical thinking, and emotional well-being, all backed by examples to make the point compelling.
Second Body Paragraph
Here, the opposing viewpoint is presented. The focus is on the practical concerns of prioritising core subjects and financial limitations. This provides a balanced view, showing that the essay considers both sides of the argument.
Third Body Paragraph
This paragraph reinforces the argument for art by addressing the counterpoints made in the previous paragraph. It demonstrates how art can complement academic subjects and improve overall performance while emphasising its broader societal benefits.
Conclusion
The conclusion summarises the key points and reiterates the position that art is essential in schools. It emphasises that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, providing a strong closing statement.
This structure ensures a balanced, coherent essay that aligns with IELTS Writing Task 2 expectations. Each paragraph is purposeful, addressing a specific aspect of the question while maintaining a consistent argument.
Important note: We’ve added clear line breaks between paragraphs to ensure the examiner can easily identify where each one starts. Typed text can sometimes appear as a single block, which could lead to penalties for poor paragraphing.
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