Some think that quality art can be made by anyone while others think that it requires special talent and ability. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Sample Response
A discussion today involves whether or not art should be practiced by everyone, rather than only by a talented few. In my opinion, given that art is not only a tool of self-expression but also a medium of talent, the widespreadness of its production helps to provide a diversity of viewpoints.
On the one hand, some individuals may argue that by leaving art to talented people, less time is wasted by those whose art would not get attention anyway. These people might argue that some individuals are simply hard-wired to create good art, and as such, no amount of training can allow those less talented to reach the same level as them.
On the other hand, it could be said that art might simply need to challenge people’s perspectives instead of purely being a showcase of skill and talent. It could be argued that traditionally, those who are able to pursue art are people from more affluent backgrounds, as such, despite their works being of high quality, they nonetheless can often be repetitive. Thus, many artists might use their art as a valuable tool of self-expression, although it might not necessarily take a lot of talent to make it. For instance, one of the most visited art museums in London is the Tate Modern, containing many art pieces that are simply swirls of one colour on a canvas.
Overall, I would argue that although not everyone can be a great artist, great artistry can come from anyone.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Use natural framing Original: A discussion today involves whether or not Suggested revision: Current debate centres on whether Why it matters: This replacement introduces the debate more naturally and concisely.
- 2. Clarify the meaning Original: a medium of talent Suggested revision: a means of displaying talent Why it matters: Talent is displayed through art rather than serving as its medium.
- 3. Avoid awkward nominalisation Original: the widespreadness of its production Suggested revision: broader participation in artistic production Why it matters: This phrase clearly refers to more people taking part in making art.
- 4. Clarify the reference Original: same level as them Suggested revision: same level as naturally talented artists Why it matters: Naming the comparison group removes the vague pronoun reference.
- 5. Express purpose precisely Original: art might simply need to Suggested revision: art may simply aim to Why it matters: The replacement states a possible artistic purpose more idiomatically.
- 6. Improve parallel structure Original: instead of purely being a showcase of skill and talent Suggested revision: rather than merely showcase skill and talent Why it matters: This structure parallels the preceding verb phrase “challenge people’s perspectives.”
- 7. Signal the contrast Original: Thus Suggested revision: By contrast Why it matters: The sentence shifts from repetitive affluent art to other artists’ self-expression, so a contrast marker fits the relationship.
- 8. Clarify pronoun structure Original: it might not necessarily take a lot of talent to make it Suggested revision: producing it may not necessarily require a great deal of talent Why it matters: Making the activity the subject removes the awkward double use of “it.”
- 9. Sentence rewrite Original: On the one hand, some individuals may argue that by leaving art to talented people, less time is wasted by those whose art would not get attention anyway. Suggested revision: On the one hand, some individuals may argue that leaving art to talented people prevents others from spending time on work that may attract little attention. Why it matters: The active structure makes the relationship between talent, time, and attention easier to follow.
- 10. Sentence rewrite Original: It could be argued that traditionally, those who are able to pursue art are people from more affluent backgrounds, as such, despite their works being of high quality, they nonetheless can often be repetitive. Suggested revision: It could be argued that, traditionally, those able to pursue art have come from more affluent backgrounds; as a result, their work, despite being high quality, can often be repetitive. Why it matters: A semicolon corrects the comma splice and clarifies the relationship between the two clauses.
Suggested Rewrites
- A discussion today involves whether or not Current debate centres on whether
- a medium of talent a means of displaying talent
- the widespreadness of its production broader participation in artistic production
- same level as them same level as naturally talented artists
- art might simply need to art may simply aim to
- instead of purely being a showcase of skill and talent rather than merely showcase skill and talent
Why this response received Band 7.0
The response's strongest feature is its clear opinion and coherent comparison of the two views, expressed through controlled complex sentences and varied vocabulary. The first view is less fully developed than the second, and a few formulations are awkward or overly sweeping. The highest priority is to expand the case for innate talent with a specific explanation or example, creating more even development across the discussion.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
Both views are addressed and a clear opinion is maintained, though the argument for special talent is comparatively brief.
Develop the first view with a concrete example and a fuller explanation of why talent might be indispensable.
Coherence and Cohesion
The response is logically organised, with clear paragraph purposes and generally smooth progression between ideas.
Break up the long second body paragraph so its distinct claims and example are more evenly developed.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is flexible and topic-appropriate, with some effective phrasing alongside occasional awkward choices such as widespreadness.
Replace unusual abstractions with more natural and precise academic expressions.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A varied range of complex sentences is handled accurately, with only occasional punctuation and clause-linking lapses.
Avoid joining independent clauses with commas and check the punctuation around linking expressions such as as such.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
Some think that quality art can be made by anyone while others think that it requires special talent and ability. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.