This Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 essay addresses the discussion on public funding. While it highlights essential services and arts funding, the ideas could benefit from more detailed examples and improved coherence. Enhancing these aspects can lead to a stronger essay and better scoring potential.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Question
Discuss both views · City Life · 40 min
Some people believe that city governments should allocate public funds only to essential urban services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Others argue that investment in arts, culture, and entertainment is equally important for enhancing the quality of urban life.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Write at least 250 words.
Score Breakdown
IELTS Writing Band Scores (1–9)
Summary: The essay meets the word count (291 words) and addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views and presenting a clear opinion. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited, and lexical resource could be more varied. Overall, it is a competent response.
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Some people argue that city governments should spend public money only on essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, while others believe that funding for arts, culture, and entertainment is equally important. This essay will discuss both views before presenting my own opinion.
On the one hand, it is often argued that essential services should be the top priority for government funding. Healthcare and education are fundamental to the well-being and development of citizens, and without proper hospitals, schools, and roads, a city cannot function effectively. For example, well-maintained infrastructure reduces traffic congestion and accidents, while investment in education leads to a more skilled workforce. Therefore, allocating public funds to these sectors ensures economic growth and improves the overall standard of living. From this perspective, spending money on arts and entertainment may be seen as less important compared to these basic needs.
On the other hand, supporters of funding arts and culture argue that these sectors play a significant role in improving the quality of life. Cultural events, museums, parks, and entertainment facilities make cities more attractive, promote tourism, and support local artists and businesses. Moreover, such investments help reduce stress and improve mental health by providing recreational opportunities for residents. A city that invests only in basic services may be functional but could lack creativity, cultural identity, and social cohesion.
In my opinion, while essential services should receive the majority of public funding, investment in arts, culture, and entertainment is also necessary. A balanced approach is the best solution because people need not only to survive but also to enjoy their lives.
In conclusion, although essential services are the primary responsibility of city governments, funding for arts and culture is equally important for creating a vibrant and livable city.
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Task Response6.5
Evaluation
The response covers both views and states an opinion, but the arguments are not fully extended. Examples are provided but lack detail or specificity.
Examples
Mentions healthcare, education, and infrastructure for essential services, and cultural events, museums, and parks for arts funding, but does not elaborate with concrete evidence or deeper analysis.
How to Improve
Expand on each view with more detailed examples, such as citing specific cities or studies that demonstrate the impact of funding decisions. Explain why arts funding is 'equally important' with stronger reasoning.
Coherence & Cohesion7
Evaluation
The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs for each view, an opinion paragraph, and a conclusion. Linking words are used appropriately, but paragraph connections could be smoother.
Examples
Effective use of 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand' to introduce contrasting views. However, within paragraphs, sentences are sometimes straightforward and could benefit from more cohesive devices.
How to Improve
Use a wider range of transitional phrases (e.g., 'Furthermore,' 'In contrast,' 'As a result') to enhance flow between ideas. Ensure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and supporting sentences that link logically.
Lexical Resource6.5
Evaluation
Vocabulary is adequate for the task and mostly accurate, but there is some repetition and a lack of sophisticated lexical items.
Examples
Repeated use of 'essential services,' 'public funds,' and 'investment.' Good use of terms like 'social cohesion' and 'recreational opportunities,' but overall variety is limited.
How to Improve
Incorporate synonyms (e.g., 'vital utilities,' 'municipal budgets,' 'cultural amenities') and more topic-specific vocabulary related to urban planning and public finance. Avoid repeating key phrases.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy7
Evaluation
Grammar is generally accurate with a mix of simple and complex sentences. No major errors are present, but there is room for more grammatical variety.
Examples
Complex sentence structure: 'While essential services should receive the majority of public funding, investment in arts, culture, and entertainment is also necessary.' Sentences are mostly error-free.
How to Improve
Demonstrate a wider range of structures, such as conditional sentences, passive voice, or nominalization. For example, 'If cities were to allocate more funds to arts, the quality of life might improve.'
Tip: Review the Band 9 model answer to see how a high-scoring essay structures arguments, uses advanced vocabulary, and maintains coherence throughout.
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