This Band 7.5 IELTS essay explores the importance of urban cultural investment alongside essential services like healthcare and education. While it effectively tackles both perspectives, there are notable areas for improvement, particularly in clarity and transitions. This analysis will help IELTS candidates enhance their writing for better results.
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 addresses the task effectively, presenting a well-balanced discussion on the allocation of public funds towards essential services and cultural investments with a clear stance. The response meets the word count requirement. While the organization is generally good, slight improvements could enhance the logical flow. The vocabulary used is varied and appropriate; however, there are some minor grammatical issues that slightly impact clarity.
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The way city governments allocates public funds has a profound impact on the quality of urban life While some argue that municipal budgets should focus exclusively on essential services such as healthcare education and infrastructure, others believe that barts, culture, and entertainment are equally vital for creating vibrant and inclusive cities. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my view that cultural investment is indispensable for sustainable urban development
On one hand, prioritizing essential services is seen as a practical and ethical obligation. In densely populated cities, access to reliable healthcare, quality education, and efficient infrastructure is critical for public safety and economic productivity. Hospitals, schools, and transport systems form the backbone of urban functionality. Supporters of this view argue that cultural initiatives, while enriching, are secondary luxuries that can be supported through private sponsorship or ticket revenue. Especially in cities facing budget constraints or social inequality, allocating funds to basic services is often considered non-negotiable.
However, advocates for cultural spending emphasize its transformative power in urban settings. Public investment in museums, theaters, parks, and festivals not only enhances the city’s identity but also fosters emotional well-being, creativity, and social cohesion. Cultural spaces provide platforms for dialogue, inclusion, and civic pride — particularly in diverse and marginalized communities. Moreover, arts and entertainment stimulate local economies through tourism, job creation, and small business growth. A city that neglects its cultural life may become efficient but emotionally disconnected, lacking inspiration and shared meaning.
In conclusion, while essential services must remain a priority, I firmly believe that arts and culture are integral to a thriving urban environment. A well-balanced city budget should reflect both practical needs and the human desire for connection, creativity, and joy. Investing in cultural life is not a luxury — it is a strategic choice that enrich city and strengthens their social fabric.
AI Feedback Report Details
Spelling · Grammar · Vocabulary · Criteria Analysis
Spelling Mistakes
2 errors| Misspelled Word | Corrected Word |
|---|---|
| allocates | allocate |
| barts | arts |
Grammatical Mistakes
2 errors| Mistake | Correction | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| quality of urban life While | quality of urban life. While | Missing punctuation: The sentence lacks a period before 'while'. |
| enrich city and | enrich cities and | Subject-verb agreement: 'city' should be plural to match 'their'. |
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Detailed Criteria Feedback
AI-powered analysis for each scoring criterion
Task Response8
Evaluation
The essay thoroughly addresses both perspectives on the topic and presents a clear opinion, fulfilling the task requirements. It provides a well-rounded discussion with supporting arguments.
Examples
The writer discusses essential services such as healthcare and infrastructure and contrasts them with cultural investments, concluding with a strong personal opinion.
How to Improve
Ensure all main ideas are equally developed with more detailed examples or evidence to further strengthen the argument.
Coherence & Cohesion7.5
Evaluation
The response is logically organized, and ideas generally flow well from one to another. There is effective use of linking devices within and between paragraphs.
Examples
Phrases like 'on one hand' and 'however' guide the reader through the discussion.
How to Improve
Further improve coherence by ensuring a more seamless transition between some of the ideas and refining paragraph structures.
Lexical Resource8
Evaluation
The essay demonstrates a good range of vocabulary with precise word choices appropriate for academic writing.
Examples
Terms like 'transformative power', 'inclusive cities', and 'strategic choice' showcase a varied vocabulary.
How to Improve
Continue to expand the range of vocabulary by integrating more discipline-specific terminology and avoiding repetition.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy7
Evaluation
There is a variety of complex sentence structures used throughout. However, some minor grammatical errors occasionally obscure meaning.
Examples
Errors in punctuation and sentence structure such as 'allocates public funds' instead of 'allocate public funds' need attention.
How to Improve
Pay careful attention to grammatical accuracy, particularly subject-verb agreement and punctuation, to enhance clarity and professionalism.
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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