IELTS Essay-wise Ideas On Arts

1. Some people think that the government is wasting money on the arts and that this money could be better spent elsewhere. To what extent do you agree with this view?

• Agree:

  • Essential sectors need more funding (e.g., healthcare, education, infrastructure).

  • Immediate impact of arts funding is less visible in terms of economic growth or poverty reduction.

  • Private sector can take over arts funding (e.g., corporate sponsorships, private galleries).

  • Money better spent on public welfare projects, like affordable housing or job creation (e.g., poverty reduction in developing nations).

  • Limited audience for the arts means it benefits only a small portion of society.

  • Technology and innovation sectors offer better returns on investment (e.g., AI research, renewable energy projects).

• Examples:

  • UK’s NHS needing more funding instead of arts projects.

  • Corporate sponsorship of art fairs in New York.

  • Infrastructure projects in low-income countries needing government investment.

• Disagree:

  • Arts boost tourism and contribute significantly to the economy (e.g., Louvre in France).

  • Cultural identity and national heritage are preserved through the arts (e.g., traditional dance in Bali).

  • Mental health benefits from arts therapy and creative expression.

  • Community building through public art projects (e.g., murals and installations in Mexico).

  • Government funding ensures access to arts for all socioeconomic groups, preventing elitism.

  • Encourages creativity and innovation across sectors, even in science and business.

• Examples:

  • France’s Louvre generating millions in tourism.

  • Art therapy programs in mental health clinics worldwide.

  • Public art projects revitalizing cities like Berlin.

2. Many people think that museums and galleries should only show work from local artists rather than work from other countries. Do you agree?

• Agree:

  • Promotes local culture and history (e.g., Irish art in Dublin galleries).

  • Supports local artists financially, giving them more visibility (e.g., Australian Aboriginal art).

  • Boosts national pride and cultural identity by showcasing local talent (e.g., Mexico’s indigenous art).

  • Preserves and protects local heritage, preventing it from being overshadowed by international trends.

  • Encourages the development of unique national art styles and traditions.

  • Government funding focused on local artists can lead to greater national cultural awareness.

• Examples:

  • Irish artists’ exhibitions in Dublin promoting local history.

  • Australian Aboriginal art gaining recognition in local galleries.

  • Mexico City museums displaying indigenous heritage.

• Disagree:

  • Cultural exchange enriches society and promotes understanding (e.g., international exhibits at the British Museum).

  • Broadens perspectives by exposing people to diverse art forms and ideas (e.g., New York’s MoMA).

  • International art provides educational value, showing global artistic trends (e.g., European Renaissance art in global museums).

  • Art transcends borders, and limiting exhibits to local work restricts learning opportunities.

  • Attracts tourists who seek a more global experience (e.g., world art exhibitions in major cities).

  • Blending local and international art fosters a more inclusive and dynamic cultural environment.

• Examples:

  • British Museum’s global art collections broadening visitors’ understanding of world cultures.

  • New York’s MoMA featuring international modern art movements.

  • International art biennales attracting diverse audiences.

3. Art is considered an essential part of all cultures throughout the world. However, these days fewer and fewer people appreciate art and turn their focus to science, technology, and business. Why do you think that is? What could be done to encourage more people to take interest in the arts?

• Reasons for declining interest:

  • Job prospects in science, tech, and business are more lucrative (e.g., Silicon Valley tech jobs).

  • Technology provides instant entertainment, reducing patience for traditional art (e.g., streaming platforms).

  • Art seen as less relevant in a fast-paced, digital world.

  • STEM subjects promoted more in schools, sidelining art education.

  • Art is perceived as elitist or only for the wealthy (e.g., exclusive art galleries in Europe).

  • Shift in values—more emphasis on practical skills and innovation rather than creativity.

• Examples:

  • Silicon Valley's tech industry attracting young talent.

  • Streaming services like Netflix drawing attention away from traditional art forms.

  • Coding programs being more emphasized in schools than painting or drawing.

• Encouraging interest:

  • Combine art with technology, like digital or interactive art (e.g., VR art exhibits).

  • Public art projects that make art accessible to everyone (e.g., street art in Berlin).

  • Improve art education and make it more engaging for students.

  • More community involvement in arts through local festivals and exhibitions.

  • Highlight the role of art in well-being and mental health.

  • Support from influencers or celebrities to make art “cool” again.

• Examples:

  • Virtual reality art exhibits attracting tech-savvy audiences.

  • Street art festivals in Berlin bringing art to the public.

  • Celebrity endorsements making art more popular among youth.

4. Some people think that art is an essential subject for children at school while others think it is a waste of time. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

• Essential:

  • Fosters creativity and imagination, helping children think outside the box (e.g., art projects in Finland’s schools).

  • Enhances problem-solving skills through creative expression.

  • Improves emotional intelligence and self-expression in children.

  • Teaches cultural appreciation and diversity (e.g., learning Indigenous art in Australia).

  • Balances academic pressures by providing a creative outlet.

  • Inspires future careers in creative industries (e.g., graphic design, animation).

• Examples:

  • Finland’s art programs fostering creative thinking.

  • Art programs teaching Indigenous art in Australia.

  • Students inspired to pursue creative careers in graphic design.

• Waste of time:

  • STEM subjects provide better job prospects, making art less useful in the long run.

  • Schools have limited time, and core subjects like math and science should be prioritized.

  • Art is not always practical, and students can pursue it as a hobby.

  • Technological skills are in demand, so coding and engineering should replace art in curriculums.

  • Extracurricular programs can cover art for those truly interested.

  • Limited resources in schools mean arts programs often suffer.

• Examples:

  • STEM focus in countries like South Korea leading to tech job growth.

  • Coding programs replacing traditional art classes in some schools.

  • Schools in developing nations prioritizing math and science over creative subjects.

5. Artists need a certain amount of freedom to develop their creativity. Some people think that artists should have total freedom to express any thoughts and ideas. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

• Agree:

  • Creativity thrives on freedom, allowing artists to push boundaries (e.g., Banksy’s political street art).

  • Art challenges societal norms, creating important discussions (e.g., Picasso’s “Guernica” on war).

  • Censorship limits artistic potential and stifles creativity (e.g., Soviet-era censorship of artists).

  • Art can inspire social change and raise awareness on key issues (e.g., feminist art movements).

  • Total freedom leads to innovation, sparking new artistic movements (e.g., Dadaism post-WWI).

  • Expression of diverse viewpoints enriches society.

• Examples:

  • Banksy’s political art making statements on social issues.

  • Picasso’s “Guernica” reflecting the horrors of war.

  • Soviet-era censorship limiting artists’ ability to critique society.

• Disagree:

  • Some art can be harmful or offensive (e.g., art that promotes hate speech).

  • Freedom needs responsibility, especially when public funds are involved.

  • Offensive art can hurt social harmony, especially in diverse societies (e.g., religious controversies).

  • Regulations necessary to prevent exploitation or glorification of negative behavior (e.g., violence in art).

  • Public decency and cultural sensitivity should be considered.

  • Freedom has limits in any profession, and art is no exception.

• Examples:

  • Controversial religious art causing public outrage.

  • Hate speech in art harming certain groups.

  • Regulations in Singapore ensuring art respects public decency.

6. Most artists earn low salaries and should therefore receive funding from the government in order for them to continue with their work. To what extent do you agree?

• Agree:

  • Most artists struggle financially, and without support, they might stop creating (e.g., Van Gogh living in poverty).

  • Art enriches society culturally, so public funding benefits everyone (e.g., traditional art in India).

  • Government funding can provide stability, allowing artists to focus on creativity (e.g., public art grants in Canada).

  • Art supports national identity, which should be preserved with public money (e.g., Mexican murals funded by the government).

  • Artists help build community through public art installations.

  • Helps young, emerging artists who lack financial backing.

• Examples:

  • Van Gogh’s financial struggles during his lifetime.

  • Traditional Indian art forms surviving through public funding.

  • Canadian art grants providing financial stability for local artists.

• Disagree:

  • Government funds should prioritize essential services, like healthcare and education.

  • Private sponsorships can support artists, reducing the need for public money (e.g., corporate funding of galleries).

  • Merit-based funding is better, with artists receiving funds based on their success (e.g., competitive grants).

  • Encourage artists to monetize their work online, diversifying income streams (e.g., platforms like Patreon).

  • Funding creative industries like design or film can support artists indirectly.

  • Artists should be self-sufficient, like entrepreneurs in other fields.

• Examples:

  • Private sponsorships of galleries in London.

  • Successful artists monetizing their work on platforms like Patreon.

  • Competitive grant programs ensuring the best projects are funded.