Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: Art Topics, Vocabulary, and Sample Essays

Art is a significant and frequently encountered topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, falling under the categories of Social Issues or Culture. To achieve a high score in this section, candidates need more than just a rich vocabulary; they must also demonstrate critical thinking, logical argumentation, and the ability to provide persuasive examples and evidence.

This article by ECE English provides an overview of the Art topic, introduces common question types, compiles essential vocabulary and collocations, and develops ideas for various aspects of the subject. In particular, we will delve into an in-depth analysis and provide sample essays for one of the most common question types.

Common Question Types in IELTS Writing Task 2 – Topic: Art

Learners can refer to the following sample questions in the Art topic to visualize how questions are framed and the aspects that may be covered:

• Opinion Essay:

Question 1: Some people believe that every human can create art. Other people think that art can only be created by people with special talents. Do you agree or disagree?

Question 2: The government’s investment in arts, music and theatre is a waste of money. Governments should invest these funds in public services instead. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

• Discussion Essay:

Question: Creative artists should be given freedom to express their ideas through words, pictures, music or films. Some people nevertheless think that the government should restrict artists’ freedom of expression. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

• Advantages/Disadvantages:

Question: Some people think that art and music are not important subjects for children to study at school. What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying art and music at school?

Essential Vocabulary and Collocations for IELTS Writing Task 2 – Topic: Art

To write effectively about Art, mastering specialized vocabulary and collocations is crucial. Below is a list of essential terms and collocations accompanied by illustrative examples:

I. Specialized Vocabulary

A. Nouns:

• Artwork (n)
• An art exhibit/exhibition (n)
• A gallery (n)
• An artifact/artefact (n)
• Masterpiece (n)
• Aesthetics (n)
• Artistry (n)
• Cultural heritage (n)
• Cultural identity (n)
• Freedom of expression (n)
• Censorship (n)
• Rating system (n)
• Taboo topics (n)
• Patronage (n)
• Public funding (n)
• Commercialization of art (n)
• Creative outlet (n)
• Artistic integrity (n)
• Cultural exchange (n)
• Preservation (n)
• Renaissance (n)
• Genius (n) / Geniuses (pl)
• Recognition (n)
• Privilege (n)
• Recidivism (n) (relevant when discussing the impact of art on behavior)
• Social security (n) (relevant when discussing public investment)

B. Adjectives:

• Innate/Inborn (adj)
• Abstract (adj)
• Figurative (adj)
• Contemporary (adj)
• Inventive (adj)
• Aesthetically pleasing (adj)
• Gifted (adj)
• Extraordinary (adj)
• Intangible (adj)
• Adroit (adj)

C. Art Forms & Movements:

• Visual arts (n)
  • Painting (n)
    • Oil painting
    • Acrylic painting
    • Ink painting
    • Digital painting
    • Charcoal drawing
    • Pencil sketch
    • Portrait
    • Graffiti
    • Fresco
    • Gouache
    • Caricature
    • Engraving
  • Sculpture (n)
  • Photography (n)
  • Architecture (n)
• Performance art (n)
  • Music (n)
  • Theatre (n)
  • Choreography (n) (verb: choreograph)
• Literary arts (n)
  • Poetry (n)
• Art movements/styles:
  • Realism
  • Romanticism
  • Socialist realism
  • Surrealism
  • Symbolism
  • Critical realism
  • Naturalism
  • Classicalism
  • Impressionism

II. Collocations

• Style of painting
• Piece of art / Work of art
• Form of art
• Individuals with innate talent / Gifted people
• Have a flair for art / Have inborn ability
• Have astonishing skills of
• Have an eye for drawing
• Have a lifelong passion for art
• To broaden one’s mind and outlook
• To spark an interest in somebody
• To inspire somebody with something
• To be bowled over by something
• To place/put something on display
• To enjoy beautiful work of art
• To create a masterpiece
• To be displayed at an art gallery
• To appreciate the beauty of nature/humans
• To express one’s self
• To be an inspiration to someone
• To stand the test of time
• Compose some catchy songs
• Choose the right angles for their pictures
• Be deeply ingrained in people’s mind
• Through dogged perseverance
• Become more adroit
• Depict perfection in something
• The aesthetic qualities of something
• Stage a play
• Appeal to audiences
• Ongoing debate
• Universal human ability
• Artistic excellence stems from inborn skills
• Set them apart
• Accelerate the learning process
• Is not confined to
• Refinement of artistic skills
• Underlying causes (relevant when discussing social issues)

Common Ideas for the Art Topic

To write a strong essay on Art, you need to equip yourself with solid ideas and arguments for various aspects. Below is a summary of key ideas and suggestions for development:

Issue 1: Human Ability to Create Art (Talent vs. Universal Ability)

• Viewpoint 1: Everyone can create art
  • Availability of courses and guidance: Today, there are countless courses, workshops, and online resources for drawing, sculpture, music, etc., helping people access theoretical knowledge and basic skills.
    • Development: Even those without innate talent can learn, practice, and create works of aesthetic or personal value.
  • Advancement of technology and AI: Graphic design software, music apps, and AI with complex algorithms allow users with basic skills to create intricate works.
    • Development: AI can assist in creating layouts, color palettes, or even composing music, lowering technical barriers for non-professionals.
  • Art as a form of personal expression: The primary purpose of art is to express emotions, ideas, and personal experiences. Everyone has emotions and ideas to express.
    • Development: Community art projects often demonstrate that everyone, regardless of skill level, can contribute and find joy in creation.
• Viewpoint 2: True art can only be created by those with innate talent
  • The intangible and abstract nature of art: The ability to “breathe life” into a work, convey deep emotions, or create groundbreaking uniqueness often cannot be taught and depends on innate talent.
    • Development: For example, writing poetry is not just about rhyming but the ability to perceive and transform emotions into words naturally.
  • Creativity and uniqueness: “Masterpieces” often stem from a unique vision, sensitivity, and superior creativity of the artist, which learned skills or algorithms can hardly replicate.
    • Development: If only techniques or technology are applied, works may become uniform, lacking the “soul” and distinctiveness that define true artistic value.
  • Recognition and lasting influence: Great artists like Mozart, Picasso, and Van Gogh are recognized for their extraordinary innate abilities, creating works with profound and lasting influence.

Issue 2: Freedom of Expression in Art

• Reasons for freedom:
  • Preserving artistic value and creativity: Art is a medium for artists to express their emotions, thoughts, and personal vision. If heavily censored or edited, the work loses its original value, limiting the artist’s creativity and talent.
    • Development: This can lead to uniformity and a lack of innovation in art.
  • Promoting social dialogue and reflecting reality: Art often acts as a mirror reflecting society, raising questions, challenging norms, and stimulating critical thinking.
    • Development: Censorship can prevent the discussion of sensitive but important issues, undermining the social role of art.
  • Rating systems as an alternative: Instead of total censorship, age or content rating systems can be applied to protect vulnerable groups (e.g., children) while still allowing artists freedom of expression.
    • Development: Films with violent or adult content are rated and age-restricted, allowing the creator to convey their message without negatively impacting children.
• Reasons for regulations/restrictions:
  • Impact on cultural values and social norms: Some overly free artistic works may contradict the moral values, beliefs, or traditional cultural norms of a society, causing opposition or misunderstanding.
    • Development: This can erode cultural identity or create a distorted image of a community.
  • Impact on social security and public order: Sensitive topics like extreme violence, racism, or incitement to hatred, if uncontrolled, can cause controversy, conflict, or even lead to behavioral disorders or increased crime, especially among the youth.
    • Development: For example, overly violent content can negatively affect the psychology and behavior of minors.
  • Protecting vulnerable groups: Children and those with sensitive psychological states need protection from inappropriate or potentially harmful content.

Issue 3: Government Investment in Culture and Art

• Reasons for government investment:
  • Preserving and promoting cultural heritage and national identity: Art is a treasure trove preserving the history, traditions, and values of a nation. Investing in art helps preserve traditional art forms, historical sites, and affirms cultural identity on the international stage.
    • Development: This helps combat cultural assimilation and maintains diversity.
  • Economic and tourism development: Cultural and artistic activities (theaters, museums, festivals, galleries) attract tourists, create jobs, and boost the local economy.
    • Development: The creative industry also contributes significantly to the national GDP.
  • Improving quality of life and social welfare: Art brings joy, inspiration, education, and community connection. It can be a form of mental therapy, helping to reduce stress and improve mental health.
    • Development: Art programs for children can develop creative thinking and social skills.
• Reasons for investing in other areas (instead of art):
  • Prioritizing urgent social issues: The government has a responsibility to address basic and urgent issues like healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social security, which directly affect people’s lives and safety.
    • Development: Investing in art can be seen as a waste if essential public services are not guaranteed.
  • Investment efficiency and fiscal responsibility: Some argue that investment in art yields benefits that are hard to quantify and are not as direct as improving roads, hospitals, or schools.
    • Development: Government budgets are limited and need to prioritize areas that provide clear and widespread benefits to the majority of the population.
  • Responsibility of the private sector: Art can also be funded by private donors, non-profit organizations, or through commercial activities.
    • Development: The government can focus on creating a favorable environment for art to develop rather than directly funding it.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays – Topic: Art

1. Question: Some people believe that every human can create art. Other people think that art can only be created by people with special talents. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

(Contributed and refined by Ms. Nguyen Hoang My)

Art has been a fundamental part of human culture, and there is an ongoing debate over whether it is a universal human ability or a skill reserved for a few gifted people. While some argue that anyone can engage in artistic creation, others believe that true art is only produced by individuals with exceptional talent. I personally believe that although talent enhances artistic output, the ability to create art is inherently human and accessible to all.

On the one hand, many people believe that art is an exclusive area of those with natural ability. According to this view, artistic excellence stems from inborn skills such as superior hand-eye coordination, a keen eye for detail, or emotional sensitivity. These individuals often stand out from a young age and may receive recognition and formal training early in life. For example, geniuses like Mozart or Picasso demonstrated extraordinary capabilities that set them apart, reinforcing the idea that great art requires innate talent. Moreover, the very nature of profound art, often described as intangible and abstract, suggests that the ability to infuse a work with deep emotion and unique vision cannot simply be taught; it is a gift that only a select few possess, allowing them to create masterpieces that resonate across generations.

On the other hand, I would argue that while talent can accelerate the learning process, creating art is not limited to the gifted. Art is fundamentally a form of expression, and anyone with the desire and dedication can participate in it. With practice and guidance, even individuals with no obvious talent can produce meaningful and aesthetically pleasing works. The widespread availability of art courses, workshops, and online tutorials today empowers individuals from all backgrounds to acquire fundamental techniques and principles. Furthermore, the advent of technology and artificial intelligence has democratized art creation, enabling people with basic skills to utilize algorithms and software to produce complex visual or musical pieces. Community art projects, for instance, often involve people of all backgrounds who contribute equally regardless of skill level, proving that artistic expression is not confined to the talented few.

In conclusion, the question of whether art is a talent or a universal ability presents valid arguments from both sides. While it is undeniable that exceptional individuals possess innate talent that allows them to achieve remarkable artistic excellence and create masterpieces, this should not overshadow the broader human capacity for creativity. Therefore, I firmly maintain that everyone has the capacity to create art, and artistic expression should be viewed as a universal human right rather than a privilege of the few. Encouraging artistic participation across all levels of society can enrich lives, foster greater understanding and connection, and contribute to a more vibrant cultural heritage.

2. Question: The government’s investment in arts, music, and theatre is a waste of money. Governments should invest these funds in public services instead. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

It is often argued that the government should finance public services instead of spending its budget on arts, music, and theatre. Although I agree that the government’s investments in public services play a very important role, I think that proper funding of the arts sector is also crucial for society.

On the one hand, the government should definitely allocate a large part of its budget to public services. This economic sector determines the overall quality of life, ensuring that basic services, like schools, hospitals, and roads, are available to all citizens irrespective of their income or social status. Public services satisfy the primary needs of society and thus need proper funding, while artists and musicians are not curing diseases or building houses, so their role is secondary. For example, any country can live without music concerts, but the absence of medicine will create significant problems. That’s why the government should adequately finance public services in the first place.

On the other hand, arts, music, and theatre are not a waste of money, since they are an integral part of society’s cultural and intellectual development and amusement. Firstly, art and music draw people’s attention to diverse phenomena and represent the inward significance of things. Quite often a single drawing, piece, or song can exhort myriads of people to reconsider their attitude towards some situation. This way, art serves as a major source of the nation’s personal and intellectual development. Moreover, visiting museums, watching movies, and listening to music are common ways of relaxation and entertainment. Thus, the art sector is also important for society and should not be neglected.

To conclude, though I agree that the government should allocate a large part of its budget to such urgent needs of society as public services, I think that arts, music, and theatre should also be financed since they play an important role in people’s development and entertainment.

3. Question: The government should lower the budget on the arts in order to allocate more money to education. To what extent do you agree?

Due to the limits of national budgets, many today are fiercely debating the proper level of funding for the arts and education. While some argue that the arts have important historic value, I side with those who recognize the societal value of education.

On the one hand, many insist that the arts are an important reminder of national history. A good example of this would be the countless paintings of historic events and key figures that became prominent and fashionable during the Renaissance. These pictures now deepen not only our understanding of those events but also the psychology and values of the individuals producing and becoming patrons of art at that time. It is therefore likely that art made today will also give important clues to future generations as to the history and character of their ancestors.

On the other hand, education is the key to the progress of a nation. This can be most clearly seen in developing countries. After World War II, for instance, South Korea’s economy was decimated and there were few pathways to a stable nation. The government invested massively in education and the result is some of the most important companies in the world were founded, ranging from Samsung to LG to Hyundai. These companies contribute to the economy and have greatly raised the standard of living for all citizens. I believe efforts to fund education like the one detailed above have a clear and tangible impact.

In conclusion, art is important for its value in terms of history, but education is by far more important for its economic effects. Governments should strike some balance but prioritize education.

4. Question: Some people say that art (e.g. painting, music, poetry) can be made by everyone whereas others believe that it can be only made by those with special abilities. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

While some people believe that everyone has the ability to create art, others believe that only those with special talents are able. Personally, I believe that everyone has the ability to create art; however, some people are more naturally gifted than others.

On one hand, creating art is something that everyone can do. However, not every painting will be a masterpiece, nor every song a hit. Whether it is a painting, a song, or a poem, art is the personal expression of the artist, and its quality is subjective to the viewer or listener. For example, while there are many people who believe that the Mona Lisa is a brilliant work of art, there are also many people who do not appreciate it. So, while people may argue over how good a painting or a song is, I believe the main factor that defines whether something is art or not is whether it is a unique expression of the individual who created it, and not about how beautiful or popular it is; therefore, everyone can create art.

However, creating art may be far easier or more enjoyable for those who are naturally gifted or talented, and the art they produce may be appreciated much more by others. Art is about expressing an idea, emotion, or feeling via a specific medium, such as painting or music, and it is much easier for those who are skilled with a paintbrush, a guitar, or the use of language. There are many people who simply become too frustrated and quickly give up because they do not have the skill or patience to be able to express what is inside of them, while those blessed with certain skills are able to express their ideas with ease and grace.

In conclusion, although I believe that everyone has the ability to create art, many people who do not have the natural talent or ability are easily frustrated and therefore give up quickly. However, this does not mean that they cannot create art; they simply lack patience and humility.

Conclusion

The Art topic is an indispensable part of IELTS Writing Task 2, requiring thorough preparation in both vocabulary and ideas. This article by ECE has provided you with a comprehensive overview of question types, essential vocabulary and collocations, along with key arguments for each aspect of the topic. In particular, with the detailed analysis and diverse sample essays, we hope you have gained a solid foundation to confidently conquer this part of the exam.

Keep practicing analyzing questions, outlining, and developing ideas to improve your writing skills!