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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Music is played in every society and culture in the world today. Some people think that music brings only benefits to the individuals and societies. Others, however, think that music can have a negative influence on both. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Music is played in every society and culture in the world today. Some people think that music brings only benefits to the individuals and societies. Others, however, think that music can have a negative influence on both.

Music is an integral part of every society and culture worldwide. While some believe that music only has positive impacts on individuals and societies, others argue that it can also have negative influences. In my opinion, both views have merit, as music can bring about various effects on people and communities.

On the one hand, music has numerous benefits for individuals and societies. It can serve as a form of therapy, helping people to relax and reduce stress. For example, classical music is often used in healthcare settings to calm patients and promote healing. Furthermore, music can bring people together, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. Festivals and concerts provide opportunities for individuals to bond over their mutual love for music, transcending cultural and social barriers.

On the other hand, music can also have negative influences. Some genres of music contain explicit lyrics or promote violence and substance abuse, which can have detrimental effects, particularly on young listeners. For instance, research has shown that exposure to certain types of music can contribute to aggressive behavior and desensitization to violence. Moreover, excessive exposure to loud music can lead to hearing loss, posing a risk to individuals' health.

In conclusion, while music undoubtedly brings numerous benefits to individuals and societies, it can also have negative influences, particularly when it promotes harmful behaviors or poses health risks. Therefore, it is important for both individuals and communities to be mindful of the kind of music they engage with and its potential effects. Ultimately, music's impact depends on the choices and attitudes of those involved in creating, consuming, and regulating it.

Model Essay #2:

Music is played in every society and culture in the world today. Some people think that music brings only benefits to the individuals and societies. Others, however, think that music can have a negative influence on both.

Music is a universal language that is deeply ingrained in every society and culture around the globe. While some people argue that music brings only positive impacts to individuals and societies, others contend that it can also have negative influences. In my view, the benefits of music far outweigh any potential drawbacks, as it plays a crucial role in enriching people's lives and fostering social connections.

Those who advocate for the positive effects of music often highlight its ability to evoke emotions, uplift spirits, and inspire creativity. Music has the power to convey messages of love, hope, and unity, transcending barriers of language and culture. For example, during times of hardship, such as natural disasters or conflicts, music has been used to bring comfort and strengthen community bonds. Additionally, music education has been shown to enhance cognitive development and academic performance in children, contributing to their overall well-being.

Conversely, some argue that certain genres of music can have detrimental effects, particularly when they contain explicit or violent content. While this may be true to some extent, it is important to recognize that the impact of music largely depends on individual interpretation and the context in which it is consumed. Moreover, efforts can be made to promote responsible music production and consumption, ensuring that the messages conveyed align with positive values and do not incite harm.

In conclusion, the positive influences of music on individuals and societies are profound and far-reaching. Its capacity to evoke emotions, inspire creativity, and foster unity makes it an invaluable aspect of human experience. While it is essential to be mindful of the potential negative impacts of certain music genres, the overall benefits of music cannot be overlooked. Therefore, promoting diverse and responsible musical expressions can contribute to a more harmonious and enriched society.

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