Is The Traditional Music of a Country More Important Than the International Music - IELTS Band 9 Sample Essay

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Model Essay 1

Music today exists in countless forms, ranging from ancient folk melodies to globally streamed pop. While it is undeniable that music is essential to human life for emotional, social, and cognitive reasons, I strongly believe that a country’s traditional music is more important than international music. This essay will explain why humans fundamentally need music and argue that traditional music plays a deeper cultural and social role than globally popular genres.

Music is essential because it fulfils profound psychological and social needs that language alone cannot satisfy. On an individual level, music regulates emotions, reduces stress, and helps people process complex feelings such as grief, hope, or motivation. For instance, people instinctively turn to calming music during anxiety or energetic rhythms during exercise, showing music’s power to influence mental states. Socially, music acts as a unifying force, strengthening bonds within communities through shared experiences such as celebrations, religious ceremonies, or national events. Even in modern societies dominated by technology, music remains a vital form of emotional expression and connection, enabling people to communicate feelings that may otherwise remain unspoken. Therefore, music is not a luxury, but a fundamental human necessity embedded in daily life.

Although international music promotes cultural exchange and global connection, traditional music is more important because it preserves a nation’s identity, history, and values. Traditional music reflects collective memories, social struggles, and cultural philosophies that cannot be fully captured by globalized genres designed for mass appeal. For example, folk songs often narrate historical events, rural life, or spiritual beliefs, transmitting cultural knowledge across generations. In contrast, international music, while entertaining and innovative, tends to prioritize commercial success and universal themes, which can dilute local cultural significance. If traditional music fades, a society risks losing an essential part of its cultural heritage. Thus, safeguarding traditional music ensures cultural continuity and strengthens national identity in an increasingly homogenized global culture.

In conclusion, music is indispensable for emotional well-being and social cohesion, making it a fundamental part of human existence. While international music enriches cultural exposure, traditional music holds greater importance because it preserves identity, history, and shared values. Protecting traditional music alongside global influences allows societies to remain culturally grounded while still engaging with the wider world.

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Model Essay 2

In the contemporary world, people are exposed to an unprecedented mix of local and global musical styles. While music is essential for human development and intellectual growth, I firmly argue that traditional music is ultimately more important than international music. This essay will first explain why music is necessary as a tool for cognitive and creative development, and then demonstrate that traditional music plays a uniquely irreplaceable role in preserving linguistic heritage and strengthening social cohesion.

Music is necessary because it actively shapes human cognition, creativity, and learning rather than merely providing emotional comfort. Scientific studies show that musical exposure enhances memory, pattern recognition, and problem-solving skills, which is why music education is often linked to higher academic performance. For example, learning rhythm and melody trains the brain to recognize structures, sequences, and variations—skills that are transferable to mathematics and language learning. Beyond cognition, music fuels creativity by encouraging imagination and abstract thinking, allowing individuals to explore ideas beyond rigid logic. In workplaces and classrooms alike, background music is frequently used to stimulate focus and innovation. Therefore, music is not simply entertainment; it is a powerful mental exercise that sharpens intelligence and nurtures creative potential throughout life.

Traditional music is more important than international music because it preserves linguistic identity and reinforces collective social values in ways global music cannot replicate. Many traditional songs are composed in local dialects or endangered languages, acting as living archives of vocabulary, pronunciation, and storytelling traditions. For instance, indigenous or rural music often embeds moral lessons, social norms, and communal responsibilities within lyrics passed down orally for generations. International music, by contrast, usually relies on dominant global languages and commercially appealing themes, offering limited educational or cultural depth. While global music trends change rapidly, traditional music provides continuity, anchoring societies to their historical roots. Without it, future generations may lose not only artistic heritage but also linguistic richness and social wisdom embedded within these musical forms.

In conclusion, music is vital because it develops cognitive abilities and creative thinking, making it an essential component of human growth. Although international music contributes to global connectivity, traditional music remains more significant due to its role in preserving language, values, and social unity. Maintaining traditional music ensures cultural depth and intellectual continuity in an increasingly standardized global culture.

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