IELTS Writing Task 1 Question
Creative artists should be given more freedom to express their ideas in the form of words, pictures, music, or films, and the government should not place any restrictions on them. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
SAMPLE ANSWER
INTRODUCTION
Although I personally often fail to understand what artists are trying to express, I fully agree with the statement. I will support this by referring to criticism of the government by artists and the funding of the arts. (38 words)
BODY
In the first place, artists are known to be critical (very important, vital) of any injustices (wrongdoings) in society. They often are not afraid (scared) to express their views through their art. In other words, they use their art to protest (to disagree strongly with sth). When they criticize (blame) the government because of one or more of its policies, they become very unpopular (very disliked by other people). For instance, artists in the United States criticized the government for the war in Vietnam. In South Africa, many artists were against the system called “Apartheid” and were often harassed (to keep upsetting or annoying someone by treating them in a way which is offensive to them) and persecuted (to treat somebody extremely badly, or to refuse them equal rights) to the extent that they had to flee the country and live in exile elsewhere.
Second, generally speaking, artists are performing their art not in order to (so as to) make money but rather to express their views and feelings. Therefore, they often need financial assistance to keep on performing their art. Governments are reluctant (unwilling) to help someone who is critical of (expressing an opinion when you think something is bad or wrong) what they are doing. I am of the opinion (opine, believe) that this is not a desirable (healthy) situation and should be changed wherever it occurs. To be more specific, governments should have enough (sufficient) courage, vision and self-confidence to allow artists to criticize their policies and actions.(188 words)
CONCLUSION
I have looked at this issue in terms of (in relation to) artists being critics of governments and requiring (needng) money (funds). The conclusion can be drawn (made) that it is hard to expect a government to fund such artists. (34 words)
Total words: 260
EDUCATIONAL NOTE
Apartheid was a system of government imposed on the population of South Africa in 1948. It was based on racial discrimination against the black African nations of the country. These people were restricted to certain areas called “homelands,” where living conditions were poor. In the “white areas,” these people had no voting rights, and apartheid laws ruled all aspects of their daily lives. The system was widely condemned by the international community and led to UN sanctions, resulting in the South African government having normal diplomatic relations only with Britain, Taiwan, and Israel. The system was abolished by the prime minister at the time, Mr. F. W. de Klerk. He freed all political prisoners, including Mr. Nelson Mandela, who became the first black president in 1994.