Plan this discussion essay about education with the ideas and outline below, write it on a 40-minute timer, then compare it with a band-8 model answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that subjects like art, music and sport are less important in school than maths and science. Others believe they are equally valuable.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
Pick two or three points from one or both columns. You do not need all of them, and your own examples score better than memorised ones.
Spend the first few minutes planning, then write.
0 words of 250 minimum
Your answer stays on this page only. Copy it before you leave.
Write your own answer first, then compare: how it answers the exact question, what each paragraph does, and which phrases you could borrow.
Some people think that art, music and sport are less important in school than mathematics and science, while others believe they are equally valuable. I agree with the second view, although I accept that core academic subjects have special importance.
Those who prioritise maths and science have reasonable arguments. These subjects underpin many well-paid careers in engineering, medicine and technology, and a country that wants a strong economy needs a workforce with these skills. Numeracy and scientific understanding are also needed in everyday life, for managing money or evaluating health advice. As school time is limited, some people feel that it should be devoted to what has the clearest practical return.
However, I believe the creative and physical subjects are equally valuable. Sport improves health, teaches teamwork and discipline, and helps pupils to deal with both winning and losing. With rising rates of childhood obesity, regular physical activity is increasingly important. Art and music develop imagination and emotional expression, and many students who struggle academically find confidence and motivation through them. Studies also suggest that learning an instrument can improve concentration and memory, which supports performance in other subjects. In addition, creativity is highly valued by employers, since new ideas in design, advertising and technology come from people who are trained to think imaginatively. Finally, children have different talents, and a curriculum limited to science and maths ignores those who would excel elsewhere.
A balanced timetable therefore serves pupils best, giving everyone the chance to discover their abilities.
In conclusion, while maths and science are vital, art, music and sport contribute to health, creativity and confidence. I believe all of these subjects deserve to be treated as equally important in schools.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| core subjects | main subjects like maths |
| creative subjects | art, music and drama |
| balanced education | broad learning |
| teamwork | working together |
| extracurricular | outside the main curriculum |
| holistic development | all-round growth |
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