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Art, Sport and Music Are Being Dropped from the School Curriculum - IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay

Updated: Nov 5


Art, Sport and Music Are Being Dropped from the School Curriculum - IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay


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Sample Essay 1

In recent years, some have advocated for removing subjects like Art, Sport, and Music from school curricula, arguing that they should be replaced with Information Technology courses. While the emphasis on technology skills is undeniably essential in today’s digital world, I believe that a balanced curriculum, which includes creative subjects, provides students with a more holistic education. This essay will discuss how the arts nurture creativity and emotional intelligence and why they are equally as important as technical skills in shaping well-rounded individuals.


Firstly, subjects like Art, Music, and Sport cultivate essential skills that go beyond academics, such as creativity, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. For instance, engaging in music or art encourages students to express themselves, understand complex emotions, and think innovatively. These qualities are invaluable in many professional fields, where creativity and emotional insight can lead to breakthroughs and foster a positive work environment. Furthermore, physical education encourages teamwork, discipline, and resilience—qualities that directly contribute to personal development and societal well-being. Ignoring these subjects risks creating a generation overly focused on technical knowledge without the emotional intelligence or social skills necessary to thrive in diverse environments.


On the other hand, proponents argue that Information Technology equips students with critical skills for the modern workforce, where digital literacy is essential. However, focusing solely on technology-based subjects could create an imbalance, limiting students' overall growth. While IT skills are crucial, they are best developed alongside other disciplines that challenge the mind and foster diverse perspectives. For example, a student proficient in both coding and creative thinking is likely to bring a more innovative approach to problem-solving than one trained exclusively in technical skills. Hence, a curriculum that incorporates both technical and creative subjects enables students to become versatile thinkers and adaptable individuals, ready to excel in a rapidly changing world.


In conclusion, while Information Technology is undeniably important, subjects such as Art, Sport, and Music play an irreplaceable role in developing creative, emotionally intelligent, and socially skilled individuals. A balanced curriculum that includes both IT and creative subjects best prepares students for success in both their professional and personal lives.


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Sample Essay 2

Many argue that subjects like Art, Sport, and Music should be eliminated from the school curriculum in favor of Information Technology. However, I firmly disagree with this notion. Removing creative and physical subjects would deprive students of crucial developmental benefits that go beyond academic or technical achievements. This essay will explore how arts and physical education support mental well-being and critical thinking, which are indispensable in an increasingly complex world.


To begin with, subjects such as Art, Sport, and Music are integral to fostering mental health and emotional resilience among students. In today’s high-stress educational environment, creative and physical activities serve as essential outlets for stress relief, helping students manage anxiety and cultivate a balanced lifestyle. For example, sports activities promote physical fitness and release endorphins, which are known to improve mood and reduce stress. Similarly, art and music allow students to express emotions that they might struggle to convey otherwise, creating a supportive environment that nurtures mental well-being. Without these subjects, students may become overly focused on academics, risking burnout and diminished mental health.


Furthermore, the arts play a critical role in enhancing cognitive skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. Unlike technical subjects that often focus on structured, linear thinking, creative subjects encourage students to think outside the box and approach problems from multiple perspectives. For instance, in art or music classes, students learn to experiment, adapt, and interpret abstract ideas, skills that are valuable across all fields, including technology. The cognitive flexibility gained from such subjects complements technical expertise, ultimately producing individuals who can navigate complex, interdisciplinary challenges. Consequently, a curriculum that solely emphasizes Information Technology would limit students' ability to innovate and adapt, key competencies for success in any career.


In conclusion, while Information Technology is crucial in today’s digital age, removing Art, Sport, and Music from the curriculum would be detrimental to students’ mental well-being and cognitive development. A holistic education that includes both technical and creative subjects equips students to thrive not only in their careers but also in their personal lives.



Sample Essay 3

In recent years, some argue that subjects like Art, Music, and Sport should be replaced in school curricula by more practical subjects like Information Technology. I fully support this view, as the modern job market increasingly demands technical skills, and the limited resources in education are better allocated to preparing students for future careers. This essay will discuss how focusing on IT can enhance students’ employability and ensure they remain relevant in a technology-driven world.


Firstly, incorporating Information Technology as a core subject equips students with essential skills for the digital age, significantly improving their job prospects. Today, nearly every industry relies on technology, whether in healthcare, finance, or marketing, making digital literacy indispensable. By replacing less job-oriented subjects with IT, schools can ensure that students develop critical skills like coding, data analysis, and digital problem-solving early on. These capabilities not only make students more competitive in the job market but also prepare them to adapt to a workforce that is increasingly dependent on technological innovation. This shift in focus from creative to practical subjects is necessary for young people to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving professional landscape.


Moreover, prioritizing IT in the curriculum helps students stay relevant in a world where technology is constantly advancing. With new software, platforms, and tools emerging frequently, individuals who lack a strong technological foundation may struggle to keep up. By emphasizing IT, schools can foster adaptability in students, enabling them to seamlessly integrate new technologies into their skill sets. While arts and sports may offer personal fulfillment, they often lack direct application in most career paths. Therefore, reallocating educational resources toward technology-based education provides students with lasting benefits, such as increased employability and the ability to navigate the inevitable shifts brought on by technological progress.


In conclusion, replacing subjects like Art, Sport, and Music with Information Technology is a necessary step to align education with the demands of a modern, technology-driven economy. Focusing on IT equips students with practical skills, enhances adaptability, and ensures that they remain competitive in an ever-evolving job market.


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