IELTS-Blog

When R took the IELTS test in India, the following questions were asked in the Writing and Speaking sections:

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

We were given a chart showing the number of international applicants from four different countries intending to study in universities of one European country.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Some cities have vehicle-free days when private cars, trucks and motorcycles are banned from the city center. People are encouraged to use public transportation such as buses, taxis and metro on vehicle-free days. To what extent do you think the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Speaking test

Interview

Cue Card

Describe a place where people go to listen to music. Please say

– What place it is?
– What kind of music do they play there?
– Who introduced the place to you?

Discussion

– Do you think that music will change in the future? How?
– Can music be used in education? In what way?
– Does music have an effect on emotions?

The essay topic below was seen in the Academic IELTS exam in Hong Kong, April 2018.

Academic Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people say that artists such as painters, writers and musicians affect our life more than scientists. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

Model Answer

The importance of science to the development of human race has been emphasised throughout history, however, arts may appeal to a broader audience, giving rise to the opinion that artists have a more profound effect on our life.

The way scientific discoveries improve our lives is easier to quantify than art, and for that reason it may appear that the impact of science on everyday aspects of our living is greater than that of arts. From miracles of technology powering our smart phones to newest cures for deadly diseases, science is the main driver responsible for these benefits of living in the 21st century, producing tangible and measurable outcomes.

However, science mainly deals with data and the latter often causes confusion and a sense of overwhelm in people who are not analytically inclined. Art, on the other hand, touches people on a completely different level, it connects to their feelings and senses. Different forms of art, such as music, paintings or books, move us in varying ways; they all have the power to transform a person, change their mood, elicit a sense of happiness and improve well-being in an instant.

Not only feelings, but also human health is in the sphere of influence of arts. Music can be helpful to ease anxiety and improve mental health, aid pain relief or assist physical recovery. For instance, dementia patients benefit from singing in choirs and even the effects of neurological damage can be reduced by listening to a rhythmical tune.

Arts are also thought to contribute to important skills such as concentration and academic achievements. Inspired by a work of art some may wish to create one of their own, and while in the process they may develop the ability to focus on a task for a long period of time and also improve their personal confidence.

In conclusion, I feel that while science is present in many areas of our life and its achievements are more obvious, the influence of arts is greater and it affects people on a considerably deeper level.

You can find more IELTS model essays here.