Some people say that art subjects such as painting or drawing should not be made compulsory for high school students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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The debate over compulsory
art
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education hinges on conflicting perceptions of practicality.
While
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proponents argue that STEM subjects alone suffice for career readiness, I firmly oppose excluding arts from core curricula, as interdisciplinary learning cultivates cognitive flexibility essential for modern challenges. Undoubtedly, STEM disciplines are critical for academic progression. Mastery of scientific methodologies—through hypothesis testing and data analysis—enhances logical reasoning, a skill prioritized in university admissions.
For instance
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,
students
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excelling in physics often demonstrate problem-solving aptitudes valued by engineering programs, thereby securing competitive advantages.
However
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,
art
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education uniquely bridges STEM and humanities. The OECD’s 2022 study reveals that
students
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engaging in visual arts score 15% higher in spatial reasoning—a skill critical for architecture and robotics.
Similarly
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, bio-
art
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projects, where learners illustrate cellular structures through sculpture, deepen biological comprehension
while
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fostering creativity.
Such
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interdisciplinary synergy aligns with Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, which advocates nurturing diverse cognitive domains.
Moreover
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,
art
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education counterbalances STEM’s analytical
rigor
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rigour
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by cultivating emotional intelligence. Neuroscientists at Stanford found that adolescents enrolled in mandatory drama classes exhibit 30% higher empathy levels, as role-playing requires decoding verbal and nonverbal cues.
Conversely
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,
students
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confined to algorithmic thinking often struggle with collaborative innovation—a deficit starkly evident in tech industries, where 42% of engineers lack design communication skills (MIT, 2023). In conclusion, relegating arts to elective status disregards their role in holistic development. A curriculum integrating Kandinsky’s color theory with geometry, or digital
art
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with coding, exemplifies how artistic and scientific literacies synergize. Policymakers must resist false binaries,
instead
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designing pedagogies where brushstrokes and binary codes coexist—equipping
students
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not merely for jobs, but for adaptive, empathetic citizenship.

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coherence and cohesion
Consider simplifying some complex sentences to improve clarity, especially for readers who may not be very fluent in English.
task achievement
While the examples provided are strong, ensure that each point is explicitly connected back to the thesis to maintain a clear focus throughout the essay.
task achievement
The use of interdisciplinary examples is very effective in illustrating the argument for including art in the curriculum.
coherence and cohesion
The essay demonstrates a clear logical structure, with a strong introduction, body paragraphs, and a comprehensive conclusion.

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To get an excellent score in the IELTS Task 2 writing section, one of the easiest and most effective tips is structuring your writing in the most solid format. A great argument essay structure may be divided to four paragraphs, in which comprises of four sentences (excluding the conclusion paragraph, which comprises of three sentences).

For we to consider an essay structure a great one, it should be looking like this:

  • Paragraph 1 - Introduction
    • Sentence 1 - Background statement
    • Sentence 2 - Detailed background statement
    • Sentence 3 - Thesis
    • Sentence 4 - Outline sentence
  • Paragraph 2 - First supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 3 - Second supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 4 - Conclusion
    • Sentence 1 - Summary
    • Sentence 2 - Restatement of thesis
    • Sentence 3 - Prediction or recommendation

Our recommended essay structure above comprises of fifteen (15) sentences, which will make your essay approximately 250 to 275 words.

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Topic Vocabulary:
  • foster
  • creativity
  • imagination
  • emotional intelligence
  • express themselves
  • compulsory
  • hidden talents
  • detract
  • core subjects
  • inclination
  • stressful
  • unproductive
  • critical thinking
  • problem-solving skills
  • universal appeal
  • cultural education
  • diverse backgrounds
  • standardized testing
  • academic performance
  • quality
  • creativity
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