Some people think that governments should give financial support to creative artists such as painters and musicians. Others believe that creative artists should be funded by alternative sources. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Sample Response
People have different views about government funding for creative artiststhe government funding of creative artists. While some people disagree with the idea of government sponsorship for artists, I believe that art projects should be funded bymoney for art projects should come from both governments and other sources.
Some art projects definitely require help from the state. In the UK, there are many works of art in public spaces, such as streets or squares in city centres. In Liverpool, for example, there are several new statues and sculptures in the city's docklandsthe docks area of the city, which has been redeveloped recently. These artworks represent the city's culture and heritageculture, heritage and history. They serve to educate people about the city and actabout the city, and act as landmarks or talking points for visitorsvisitors and tourists. Governments and local councils should fundpay creative artists to produce this kind of art, because without such financial assistancewithout their offering financial assistance, our cities would be much less interesting and attractive.
On the other hand, I can understand the arguments against government spending onfor art. The main reason for this view is that more important problems are now at the top of the government’s agenda. For example, state fundsbudgets need to be spent on education, healthcare, infrastructure and security, among other areas. These public services are vital for a country to function properly, whereas the work of creative artists, even in public places, is a luxury. Another reason for this opinion is that artists work like other professionalsdo a job like any other professional, and they should therefore earn their own money by selling their work.
In conclusion, there are good reasons why artists should rely on alternative sources of financial support, but in my opinion government help is sometimes necessary.
Why this response received Band 8.0
The response is strongest in its balanced, well-developed treatment of both funding positions, supported by a specific public-art example and a consistently clear opinion. The main limitation is that the alternative-funding side is somewhat less fully explored, relying mainly on artists selling their work. To strengthen an already accomplished argument, develop one additional credible alternative source and connect it explicitly to the final mixed-funding position.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
Both views are addressed directly and developed with relevant reasoning, while the writer's qualified opinion remains clear throughout.
Develop the alternative-sources case with one more concrete funding route, such as private patronage or commercial sponsorship.
Coherence and Cohesion
The essay is logically sequenced, paragraphs have clear central purposes, and cohesion is handled naturally across the argument.
Make the relationship between the two body arguments and the final mixed-funding position even more explicit in the conclusion.
Lexical Resource
A wide and precise vocabulary is used naturally, including effective topic-specific language about public services, heritage, sponsorship, and state budgets.
Continue refining less direct expressions so every phrase is as economical and natural as the strongest parts of the essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
The response uses a wide range of complex structures with consistently accurate grammar and punctuation.
Maintain this control while varying sentence openings slightly more to add further stylistic flexibility.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
Some people think that governments should give financial support to creative artists such as painters and musicians. Others believe that creative artists should be funded by alternative sources. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.