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Most Artists Earn Low Salaries and Should Therefore Receive Funding from the Government - Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essays


Most Artists Earn Low Salaries and Should Therefore Receive Funding from the Government - IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essays

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Sample Essay 1 (Agreement)

Many artists struggle to make a sustainable income, leading to debates on whether government funding should support their work. I strongly believe that state financial aid is crucial for artists to thrive and continue contributing to cultural enrichment. This essay will explore the financial challenges faced by artists and argue that government funding is essential to ensure the continuity of creative expression.


Artists often face inconsistent earnings due to the unpredictable nature of the art market. Many rely on sporadic sales, commissions, or freelance work, which makes it difficult to maintain a stable income. For instance, visual artists or musicians may go months without selling their work or receiving contracts, leaving them financially vulnerable and struggling to cover basic living expenses. This insecurity can drive talented individuals away from creative fields, forcing them to seek more financially secure but less fulfilling careers, which is a significant loss to society and culture. Government support would provide a reliable safety net, allowing artists to focus on their craft without the constant worry of financial instability, ultimately fostering more innovation and creativity in the arts.


Additionally, art plays an invaluable role in society, fostering creativity, cultural identity, and social cohesion. Artists often produce works that inspire, challenge norms, and reflect on societal issues, giving voice to underrepresented communities and initiating important conversations. Without financial backing, many creative projects that push boundaries or offer unique perspectives may never materialize, stifling artistic growth and societal progress. For example, experimental artists whose work doesn’t appeal to mass markets are less likely to survive without subsidies, as their work often challenges commercial viability. By offering financial assistance, governments ensure that a diverse range of artistic voices can flourish, enriching the cultural fabric of the nation and preserving the breadth of artistic expression for future generations.


In conclusion, government funding for artists is essential to both address their financial instability and promote the continued growth of cultural expression. Without this support, many artists would be unable to sustain their work, depriving society of invaluable artistic contributions. Hence, governments should prioritize funding for the arts to nurture creativity and preserve cultural heritage.


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Sample Essay 2 (Disagreement)

Many argue that artists, due to their often low earnings, should receive government funding to sustain their work. However, I completely disagree with this view. I believe that artists should be responsible for generating their own income, and that public funds should be allocated to more pressing societal needs such as healthcare and education.


Firstly, artists, like professionals in any other field, should adapt to market demands and manage their careers independently. In today’s world, there are numerous platforms, such as social media and online marketplaces, that allow artists to promote their work to a global audience, offering vast opportunities for financial success. Talented artists who produce work that resonates with the public are often able to build profitable careers and reach niche audiences. Therefore, providing government subsidies would undermine the principles of entrepreneurship and self-reliance that are key to any profession, while discouraging artists from innovating, improving their marketing strategies, or producing work that can be commercially viable in a competitive marketplace.


Secondly, public resources are limited and should be directed towards essential sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure, which benefit the wider population. Funding artists could be viewed as an inefficient use of taxpayer money, as it primarily benefits a small, specialized group rather than addressing broader societal issues that impact millions. For example, allocating public funds to improve hospitals, enhance public transport, or strengthen schools would have a far more significant impact on the general welfare than providing financial support to individuals in the arts. In times of economic strain and growing public needs, governments must prioritize projects that serve the public at large and provide tangible benefits, rather than subsidizing professions that should be self-sustaining.


In conclusion, I strongly believe that artists should be responsible for generating their own income rather than relying on government funding. Public resources should focus on critical areas like healthcare and education, ensuring that they benefit society as a whole.


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