Schools play a vital role in developing students’ creative abilities, making this topic frequently appear in IELTS Writing Task 2. Similar to the role of music education in personal development, this theme has appeared in various forms across recent test dates, particularly in 2022-2023.
Sample Question Analysis
Some people think that schools should focus on academic subjects rather than spending time teaching creative skills. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question requires candidates to evaluate the balance between academic and creative education, similar to discussions about importance of art education for fostering creativity.
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
The debate over prioritizing academic subjects versus creative skills in schools has garnered significant attention. While academic foundations are crucial, I strongly disagree with marginalizing creative education as it plays an equally vital role in students’ development.
Firstly, creative skills are fundamental to innovation and problem-solving in the modern workplace. Students who develop creative thinking abilities alongside traditional academic knowledge are better equipped to tackle complex challenges and adapt to rapidly changing industries. This combination of skills is particularly valuable in fields like technology and design, where importance of teaching coding in primary schools demonstrates the merger of technical and creative thinking.
Moreover, creative education enhances cognitive development and emotional intelligence. When students engage in creative activities, they develop critical thinking skills, emotional expression, and self-awareness. These qualities are essential for personal growth and social interaction, complementing rather than competing with academic learning.
Furthermore, creative education often reinforces academic understanding. For instance, project-based learning that incorporates creative elements helps students better comprehend and retain academic concepts. This integrated approach to education produces well-rounded individuals capable of both analytical and innovative thinking.
In conclusion, while academic subjects remain important, schools must maintain a balanced approach that nurtures both academic and creative capabilities. This comprehensive education system better prepares students for future challenges and opportunities.
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
The role of creative education in schools is often debated. I disagree with the idea that schools should focus only on academic subjects because both types of education are important for students’ future.
Creative skills are needed in many jobs today. When students learn to be creative, they can solve problems better and come up with new ideas. This helps them in their future careers, especially in modern jobs that need both knowledge and creativity.
Also, creative activities help students learn better. For example, when students use art or music to learn history or science, they remember the information more easily. This shows that creative skills support academic learning rather than taking away from it.
Finally, creativity helps students develop important life skills. They learn to express themselves, work with others, and think differently about problems. These skills are as important as academic knowledge in real life.
In conclusion, schools should teach both academic subjects and creative skills because both are necessary for students’ success in the modern world.
Key Vocabulary
- marginalizing (v.) /ˈmɑːrdʒɪnəlaɪzɪŋ/ – to treat something as unimportant
- cognitive development (n.) /ˈkɒɡnətɪv dɪˈveləpmənt/ – growth of thinking abilities
- innovative thinking (adj.+n.) /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ – new ways of thinking
- self-awareness (n.) /ˌselfəˈweənəs/ – understanding of oneself
- comprehensive (adj.) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete, including all aspects
High-scoring Sentence Structures
- Complex sentence with concession: “While academic foundations are crucial, I strongly disagree with marginalizing creative education.”
- Compound-complex sentence: “When students engage in creative activities, they develop critical thinking skills, emotional expression, and self-awareness.”
- Parallel structure: “This integrated approach produces well-rounded individuals capable of both analytical and innovative thinking.”
We encourage readers to practice writing their own essays on this topic and share them in the comments section for feedback and discussion.