In recent times, many suggest dropping subjects such as Art, Sport and Music from the school curriculum for subjects such as Information Technology. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this suggestion?

Same questionCompare 2 different answers (Band 7–8)

Sample Response

1

These days, many people arguemany opine that subjects such as art, sports, and musicsubjects like art, sports, and music should be replaced bywith more technology-related subjects. I disagree with this view because I believethis opinion as I believe that while it is important for students to be proficient in technology, it should not come at the expense of the arts and sports.

2

To begin with, arts and sports are important for a well-rounded education. These subjects promote creativity, self-expression, and teamwork, all of which are essential for personal growth and development. Additionally, students who participate in these subjects often have stronger mental well-beingbetter mental health and academic performance. For example, studies have shown that students who participate in music programs have higher math and reading scores and are more likely to graduate from high school.

3

Moreover, arts and sports are not only forms of entertainment but are also crucial for preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion. Art and music, in particular, are integral components of many cultures, serving as means of expressingconduits for expressing unique identities and traditions. For example, the vibrant rhythmsvibrant and rhythmic beats of traditional African drumming have been passed down through generations, preservingcarrying the stories and history of communities. These art forms play an important role in preserving traditions and promoting diversity, fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity among community members. Similarly, sports events, whether traditional games or modern competitions, bring people together, transcending societal divides.

4

In conclusion, while technology-related subjects are important in the modern world, they should not come at the expense of the arts and sports. All of these subjects are important for a well-rounded education, personal growth and development, preserving cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion. Therefore, schools should strive to maintain a balanced curriculum that includes all of these subjects.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 8.0

The response presents a clear, consistent position and develops two persuasive reasons with relevant examples, supported by strong organization and controlled language. The main limitation is some repetition of broad terms such as ‘important’ and a slight imbalance toward defending arts and sports rather than directly examining the proposed curricular trade-off. Refining lexical variety and making that comparison more explicit would produce an even sharper argument.

Band score breakdown

IELTS Writing Criteria Scores

TR

Task Response

8.0
Scoring rule

The response fully addresses the proposal with a clear position, well-developed reasons, and relevant supporting examples.

Next step

Make the comparison with technology subjects slightly more explicit within each main argument to sharpen the evaluation.

CC

Coherence and Cohesion

8.0
Scoring rule

Ideas progress logically through well-focused paragraphs, and cohesive devices are used naturally and unobtrusively.

Next step

Strengthen the link between the cultural example and the curriculum decision with one concise interpretive sentence.

LR

Lexical Resource

8.0
Scoring rule

A wide and precise vocabulary supports nuanced discussion, with only minor repetition of general evaluative words.

Next step

Vary repeated terms such as ‘important’ with more specific language that states each subject’s distinct educational value.

GRA

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

8.0
Scoring rule

A wide range of complex structures is used accurately, with consistently clear and controlled sentences.

Next step

Continue refining sentence economy so that densely modified examples remain as direct as the central argument.

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IELTS Writing Task 2

In recent times, many suggest dropping subjects such as Art, Sport and Music from the school curriculum for subjects such as Information Technology. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this suggestion?

Your response

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