Many people believe that music is just a form of entertainment, whilst others believe that music has a much larger impact on society today. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Sample Answer 1 : Band 8

There are those who claim that music is solely for entertainment purposes while others feel it has larger societal implications. In my opinion, ostensibly most people listen to music for fun, however it still opens up pathways for fringe elements of society to become mainstream.

Those that argue for the narrower view of music can easily highlight the ways in which music is consumed today. People listen to music at parties, nightclubs, and weddings to dance and enjoy themselves. They listen using streaming services like YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify to relax throughout the average day. The end result of all that listening is not that individuals think deeply about the lyrics or in any way question their actions, attitudes, or prejudices. Moreso than narrative forms of entertainment like movies and books, music is almost purely for entertainment and rarely rises above the level of subconscious enjoyment.

While there is some truth to the argument above, music turns a positive spotlight on previously underrepresented demographic groups. People do not simply listen to music; they are also apt to follow and admire their favourite artists. One of the best examples of this is the championing of LGBT lifestyles. Elton John was an early example of an artist whose sexuality was fluid at a time when many viewed this behaviour as deviant. He did not come out as gay until much later but his influence on aspiring artists and the average listener was immense. Today, there are many artists who are openly gay and this not only reduces bigotry in general by undermining its logic but also inspires others to come out. A person listening to and following artists in any genre today accepts these once alternative lifestyles as the norm.

In conclusion, music has an important role to play in society by giving voice to previously silent groups. In the same way that music broke down racial barriers in the 20th century, the 21st century will be the century of inclusion.

Word Count: 330

Analysis

1. There are those who claim that music is solely for entertainment purposes while others feel it has larger societal implications. 2. In my opinion, ostensibly most people listen to music for fun, however it still opens up pathways for fringe elements of society to become mainstream.

1. 1. Paraphrase the overall topic for the whole essay.
   2. Write your opinion – make it clear so the examiner knows which side you support!

1. Those that argue for the narrower view of music can easily highlight the ways in which music is consumed today. 2. People listen to music at parties, nightclubs, and weddings to dance and enjoy themselves. 3. They listen using streaming services like YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify to relax throughout the average day. 4. The end result of all that listening is not that individuals think deeply about the lyrics or in any way question their actions, attitudes, or prejudices. 5. Moreso than narrative forms of entertainment like movies and books, music is almost purely for entertainment and rarely rises above the level of subconscious enjoyment.

1. Write a clear topic sentence with a main idea at the end.
2. Develop your main idea with specific information.
3. Keep mentioning specific examples such as real streaming services.
4. State the result to continue developing the main idea.
5. Relate it back to the overall topic/your main idea to finish development.

1. While there is some truth to the argument above, music turns a positive spotlight on previously underrepresented demographic groups. 2. People do not simply listen to music; they are also apt to follow and admire their favourite artists. 3. One of the best examples of this is the championing of LGBT lifestyles. 4. Elton John was an early example of an artist whose sexuality was fluid at a time when many viewed this behaviour as deviant. 5. He did not come out as gay until much later but his influence on aspiring artists and the average listener was immense. 6. Today, there are many artists who are openly gay and this not only reduces bigotry in general by undermining its logic but also inspires others to come out. 7. A person listening to and following artists in any genre today accepts these once alternative lifestyles as the norm.

1. Write another topic sentence with a new main idea.
2. Start to explain your main idea.
3. Here I begin a very specific example.
4. Use a real artist or song if possible!
5. Develop the example – don’t run away from it.
6. Keep developing it.
7. Finish developing your example and generalise it a bit.

1. In conclusion, music has an important role to play in society by giving voice to previously silent groups. 2. In the same way that music broke down racial barriers in the 20th century, the 21st century will be the century of inclusion.

1. Repeat your opinion.
2. Add in final detail/thought to get full marks from the IELTS examiner.

Reading Practice

Read some examples here of socially important/defining songs:

https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2019/12/songs-of-the-decade-2010s

Speaking Practice

Answer the following questions about music from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Music

1. Do you like music?
2. Which types of music do you like?
3. Would you like to learn a musical instrument?
4. Do you prefer listening to music by yourself or with someone else?

Writing Practice

Answer this similar question then check my sample answer:

Some people say that music is a good way of bringing people of different cultures and ages together.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? (Recent IELTS Exam/Test)