You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people believe that art, such as painting and music, does not improve people’s lives, so the government should not spend money on it.
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experiences.
You should write at least 250 words.
Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Sample Essay 1
The assertion that forms of art like painting and music do not enhance individuals' lives, and thus should not receive government funding, is a topic of considerable debate. This viewpoint, focusing on the direct, tangible benefits of government expenditure, fails to acknowledge the broader, nuanced impacts of art on society.
To begin with, art is an essential pillar of cultural expression and identity. It offers a unique lens through which societal values, history, and traditions are reflected and preserved. For example, Renaissance paintings provide insights into historical events and societal norms of their time, while contemporary music often reflects current social issues. This cultural significance of art goes beyond mere aesthetic appreciation; it serves as a beacon of national heritage and identity, fostering a sense of unity and continuity in society.
Furthermore, art has a profound impact on human development and education. Studies have shown that exposure to art enhances cognitive abilities, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. In educational environments, integrating art into curricula has been found to improve students' academic performance and interpersonal skills. These benefits illustrate that art is not a mere luxury but an essential component of holistic education, nurturing minds capable of innovation and empathy.
Additionally, the arts sector is a substantial economic driver. It creates employment opportunities, stimulates tourism, and promotes local businesses. Dismissing the economic contributions of the arts overlooks the significant return on investment that government funding in this sector can yield. For instance, cities known for their vibrant art scenes often attract more tourists, boosting local economies.
In conclusion, the belief that art lacks significant value to warrant government funding is a narrow viewpoint. The extensive cultural, educational, and economic advantages of art are crucial for a progressive society. Hence, investing in the arts is not merely spending but a strategic investment in cultural depth, educational enrichment, and economic growth. Art's diverse benefits go beyond aesthetics, playing a key role in societal development.
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Sample Essay 2
The debate over whether art, including painting and music, significantly enhances people's lives, and thus warrants government funding, is multifaceted. Proponents of reduced spending on art argue that it does not substantially contribute to societal progress, advocating for resources to be allocated to more pragmatic sectors. However, this perspective overlooks the profound and multifarious impacts of art on individual and societal well-being.
Firstly, art plays an instrumental role in cultural preservation and societal enrichment. It acts as a conduit for expressing cultural heritage, fostering a sense of identity and continuity. For instance, indigenous paintings and traditional music are not mere artistic expressions; they are repositories of history and culture. This preservation of cultural identity is essential for the social fabric, contributing to a more cohesive society. Furthermore, art stimulates creativity and innovation, qualities that are invaluable in problem-solving across various fields. The creativity nurtured by engaging with art transcends the realm of aesthetics and permeates into technological and scientific arenas, thereby fostering a more innovative society.
Moreover, the benefits of art extend to mental health and education. Exposure to art has been linked to improved cognitive abilities and emotional well-being. In educational settings, incorporating art enhances learning experiences, fostering critical thinking and emotional intelligence. This holistic development is crucial in preparing individuals for the complexities of modern life. Additionally, the arts sector is a significant economic contributor, generating employment and attracting tourism. Thus, investment in art is not merely a cultural expenditure but a strategic economic decision.
In conclusion, viewing art as non-beneficial to people's lives is a narrow perspective. The varied impacts of art on culture, education, emotional well-being, and the economy highlight its crucial role in society. Therefore, government funding for the arts is not just a cultural duty but a strategic move for societal growth, as art's value extends beyond aesthetic enjoyment to enrich society comprehensively.
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Sample Essay 3
There is a saying that art, such as painting and music, should not be included in the government budget because it does not improve the life of the population. This essay strongly agrees with this statement, and it is going to demonstrate how it is a lot more important for a government to spend most of its fund on citizens’ basic needs, such as healthcare, education, public transport.
One of the most effective uses of a government fund is to reduce the day-to-day expenditure of citizens’ essentials. This reduction could be in terms of providing subsidies on healthcare and education. In fact, these factors are more relevant to people’s lives than art due to the implication caused to individuals when these services are deficient. Furthermore, a robust health and education system can produce produce a healthy and skilled workforce which has a trickle-down effect on the overall economy and happiness. A healthy and educated person stays active, earns money, can meet the basic needs, and eventually lives a decent happy life. For instance, Canadian citizens’ happiness index rose from 55% to 86% over the last few decades, and all this is due to the government funded education and healthcare services.
In addition, public transportation system is another fundamental area where government fund should be prioritized. General people of a country predominantly use the mode of public transports, such as the bus, train etc. If these means are fast and efficient enough, the commuters would need less travel time and save a significant number of productive hours, which can eventually benefit the overall national economy. For example, the Chinese government had a massive amount of budget to develop its public transport system in the 1990s, as a result, they are enjoying the benefit of an overall economic growth.
To conclude, when it comes to the priority of government spending between art and other essentials, I am convinced that there are a lot more fundamental areas, like health education, and a proper functioning public transportation system to be addressed at first.
Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Comments