Some people think that the government is wasting money on arts and that this money could be better spent elsewhere. To what extent do you agree with this view?
IELTS Writing Task 2 : Opinion Essay
Sample Answer 1: Band 8
Everyone has their own opinion and concerns; I think that art is also an important aspect of life. We human beings are social animals. We need things that inspire us to help each other and live together. There could be many reasons why the government should spend money on arts and also why they should not. In my opinion, art is as important as any other sector and should receive government support.
There are several reasons why the government should spend money on the arts. One of the main reasons is that art reflects the culture of a country and promotes people’s understanding of their culture and architecture. Most of us are oblivious to our ancient cultures and traditions, and we look up to art to learn about our culture and heritage.
Secondly, the government should invest in art as it acts as a revenue factor too. For example, people from outside the country come to see the historical buildings and by maintaining its artistic legacy, a country can encourage tourists to visit again and again. This practice boosts the tourism sector and eventually the economic growth of a country.
Thirdly, the art sector employs many people. For example, artists like singers and dancers have a huge fan following. Their shows are watched by thousands of people. Such events employ hundreds of people. Without government funding, many art forms will die down and that will be a huge loss for the country.
However, spending on arts should not be at the expense of other sectors like education, healthcare, or defense. Those are certainly more important and hence should receive funding too, but I believe that the art sector should not be neglected too.
To conclude, I believe that the government should distribute its funds evenly to all sectors including the arts because every sector has its contribution to the development of a country.
Structure of the essay
You were given an opinion essay which means you had to pick a side. So,
• Do you agree that the government should spend less on the arts?
or
• Do you disagree that the government should spend more on the arts?
Once you pick the side, you can start planning your essay and then writing it.
Don’t forget to state your opinion on it.
Introduction
Question Paraphrased – Everyone has their own opinion and concerns; I think that art is also an important aspect of life. We human beings are social animals. We need things that inspire us to help each other and live together.
A thesis statement – In my opinion, art is as important as any other sector and should receive government support.
Body Paragraph 1:
Topic: Central idea: Art reflects the culture of a country.
Supporting points:
• Most of us are oblivious to our ancient cultures and traditions, and we look up to art to learn about our culture and heritage.
Body Paragraph 2:
Topic: Central idea: The government should invest in art as it acts as a revenue factor too.
Supporting points:
• As all students are different and have different fields of interest, it should be left to the students to pursue their field of interest whether it is maths, science or arts, and drama.
• Some students love maths and physics, pursue a career in engineering, some love science, and biology, pursue a career in the medical fields, likewise some love music, dance, or drama and tend to pursue a career as a singer, musician, dancer, or actor.
Body Paragraph 3 :
Central idea: The art sector employs many people.
Supporting points:
• This practice boosts the tourism sector and eventually the economic growth of a country.
• Such events employ hundreds of people. Without government funding, many art forms will die down and that will be a huge loss for the country.
Example: People from outside the country come to see the historical buildings and by maintaining
its artistic legacy, a country can encourage tourists to visit again and again.
Body paragraph 4
The other side of the argument:
• Spending on arts should not be at the expense of other sectors like education, healthcare or defense.
Yet you believe that your side is logical or right.
• Those are certainly more important and hence should receive funding too, but I believe that the art sector should not be neglected too.
Conclusion
I believe that the government should distribute its funds evenly to all sectors including arts
because every sector has its contribution to the development of a country.
