IELTS Writing Task 2: 'music' topic

Arnie shared this question about music:

There are many different types of music in the world today. Why do we need music? Is the traditional music of a country more important than the international music that is heard everywhere nowadays?

Here's a quick plan to show you how I would approach this question:

1. Introduction: Paraphrase the idea that many types of music are found around the world, then briefly answer both parts of the question.
2. Paragraph answering the first question: Explain why we need music e.g. for enjoyment, to express ideas and emotions. Give an example from your experience, and/or explain what life would be like without music.
3. Paragraph answering the second question: It might be easier to argue that traditional music is more important e.g. because it expresses cultural identity, customs, history. Give an example from your country, and/or explain how you would feel if traditional music disappeared.
4. Conclusion: Repeat / summarise your views.

I'll continue with this question next week.

Comments

[Ajay]

Hi Simon
I got 7.0 bands in academic module, I extremely needs your help I don’t know whether I had to give academic or general ietls exam to apply for Australian PR, I send mail to different agencies, immigration consultant but I didn’t get unanimous answer from them, I have a plan to apply under Accountant skilled category.
Please reply me, I can only trust you.
Regards
Ajay

[Kofo]

It is true that nowadays we have different types of music all over the world, we need music for various reasons.And traditional music is more important than the modern music played worldwide.
Firstly,we need music for enjoyment,to express different ideas and emotions.For example, after a hectic day's work, when we are tired, we listen to music while relaxing on our sofa at home with our loved ones, worldwide, it is believed that music is the food of love and again we listen to music during exercise in the gym.In fact, it keeps us going during our household cleaning.
Secondly,the reason why traditional music is more important than the modern music is that it expresses our cultural identity, custom and history.For example,in my country, we have variety of music for different occasions such as naming and wedding ceremonies, coronation of a king,even when a king die. Further more,if a newborn baby is crying in my country, the mother will carry the baby on her back dancing and singing her traditional music for the child until he falls sleep. Any occasion, especially wedding and naming, without traditional music is like being in a grave yard, people will be unhappy, they will even be gossiping, speculating that may be something terrible has happened to the family,some may leave the place and go without informing the celebrant, this shows how important traditional is.
In conclusion,the world will be like a grave yard with the absence of music, most importantly the traditional music.

[Mh]

Previewing your Comment

Hi Ajay

I wonder whether you had a look at http://www.immi.gov.au or not. In this site you can find valuable information related to the skilled workers( skilled workers need GT IETS). There is points which you should already reach that to be eligible to immigrate to Australia. A variety of visas are to identify which one you are qualified in, such as visa sublcass 190,458,...
what is more important is you should already scored 7 in all band scored not simply got overall band score 7.

Good luck

[Kofo]

sorry, i omitted music in the last line of my third paragraph- how important tradition music is.

[Steven]

Hi Simon

For this type of question, will we be penalised if in intro paragraph we briefly answer why we need music...e.g. for relaxation purposes

and in paragraph 2 and 3, we then compare the pros and cons of traditional and international music.

So basically what happens if we don't use a whole paragraph to address the question 'why do we need music'?

[Ajay]

Hi Mh
Thanks for your valuable advice. I visited that site and got information but I didn’t able to understand why they mention “Unless you are required to do otherwise by your assessing authority you only need to take the general training test.”, Furthermore I got 7 bands in Academic so I have to give General IELTS exam again and how I can get 7 bands in each section because I didn’t score 7 each.
Looking forward to hearing from you.

[Mh]

Hi Ajay,

As Ive said Academic IELTS only is accepted for enrolling university. When you want to attend at university you need to prove that you have desire band score in academic IELTS. What the score is depends on the university you want to apply for.

But for immigration you need General Training IELTS and the minimum band score is band score 7 in every module. However, for more details I think you need to take advice from an adviser.

Best regards,

[Ajay]

Thanks Mh for your valuable advice

[Giang]

There are many different types of music in over the world today such as rock, country, pop, rap…we need music whether who you are, where do you come from, what do you do, i think so. According to me, the traditional music of country is more important than the international music.

The first I think we need music almost for enjoyment. You can see people enjoy music everywhere, on the street with ipod, on the bus, on the farm, as well as every time , when go for a walk, when studying, when be in a party. Beside others people use music as an instrument to express ideas and emotions. For example from myselft, my husband was a shy man, he was not confident of expressing his love to me, one night he sang the sing “thank you for loving me” alter his confession. Of couse i could not confuse with such romantic action.

Furthermore music is a popular relax method, it is available everywhere and everytime. After a stressful day or when we are tired we listen to music to relax and erase all fatigue.
Adding, music is the best and the most simple way to connect every one to another. Music and it melody makes people sit down together.

Imaging what life would be like without music. The world will become Boring, quiet …..
In the time of intergration not only in the economic but also all fields of society. International music appears around the world. However I think that the traditional music of country is more important because it expresses cultural identify, custom, history. There has many songs praising country, community, spirit of traditional music of my country. The lullabys and folks songs present custom as well as hístory be always in our heart as an encouragement. Our life will be dry without music.

In conclusion, one more I want to confirm the needing of music especially traditional music. Our life will be a droughty field if there are no music.

[Simon]

Hi Ajay,

Mh's advice seems really good to me. I'm afraid I can't add any more than that.

[Shan]

People listening to a variety of music is due to a number of reasons. And to me, traditional music cannot be replaced by international music despite the decreasing popularity.

Music plays an important role in our life. First of all, music is a simple pleasure. To me, listening to my favourite music can ease my stress from work and study. Besides, music is a necessary. Lots of people listen to music when they are walking on the street, waiting for friends and taking public transport because they are used to it. Plus, music can evokes individual's emotions and feeling. The melody of a song, the way that singer expressing the meanings and the lyrics can bring our emotions out. For example, many of my friends express their feeling of a tiring day by quoting the lyrics on facebook, or listening to fast-beat music. These explains why people cannot live without music.

In my opinion, I think traditional music is more important than international music in today's society. Traditional music is representative and specific to a country. It contains a country's history, culture and beliefs, and these can be found simply in the lyric of a song. Plus, traditional music can increase people sense of belonging to a country. Just like the traditional clothes and foods, traditional music not only can make people become proud of their countries because of the uniqueness, but also allow people to understand the country more. And these characteristics of the traditional music cannot be found in international music which emphasizes more on individual feeling and emotion.

To conclude, music brings a number of benefits to our life and we should focus more on our traditional music which is important to a country.

[M.Salamat]

Music is one of the important parts of the arts. The range of music is amazing, from traditional music to modern music that the former one includes many types such as Pop, Rock, Rap, Hip Hop, and so forth. I think traditional music is much more important than other types.

Music contributes enormously in our daily lives. People very often listen to music on many occasions, helping people to maintain or change their moods, such as happiness, sadness and sorrow. Moreover, there are benefits of listening music not only for healthy people but also for patients as music therapy. Studies show that listening to music can increase patients’ recovery, faster than those who do not so. In the film industry music is likely reflected much more than other fields. One may never imagine a movie without music. Nor would directors tend to produce silent movies.

Among different types of music, however, I believe in saving traditional music rather than international one. The reasons for this are many. Firstly, traditional music is considered as an integral part of a culture. This distinguishes a culture from others, acting as a distinctive element to identify cultures. Secondly, the traditional music contains not only lyrics, but also believes, thoughts and customs of a culture which being handed down from a generation to a generation. By praising local music people can protect their culture against gradual demise. Last but not least, I think international music are already valued and developed by another group of people as are popular with a vast majority of people.

As mentioned above, it is clear cut evidence why we need for music. And also I tend to pay more attention to traditional music than modern or international music.

[Shan]

I like your ideas M.Salamat!

[Dinesh]

As it is commonly understood,music is the international method which breaks all the language barriers.With out it,the world would be less interesting place as it is now.Having said that,traditional music of a county has more weight that the famous international music.

Naturally,people all over the world,with out a doubt,listening to music for many reasons.Some would listen for their enjoyment while others use music as a stress release method.In many countries,recent years,doctors taking the advantage of music as a way of treating to their patients.This sweeten sound waves has the ability to take over all your pain and suffering for an instant and has the capability to transform you into a different person.After considering all the facts,without music,life would be a wasteland.

Furthermore,in any part of the world,any given country,have their own tradition music.These unique music defines the culture and traditions of that particular country.People use music to express their believes.In fact,most cultures use music and singing as a way of praying for their gods.Moreover,tradition music also states the identity and customs of a country.Even though,music act such an important role,International music concurring the globe as a wild fire by putting the traditional music into a danger of disappearing forever.

to sum up,music has been one of the key ingredient of historic and modern human's live.Thus, more awareness should arise to rescue the historic music form dying by international music.

[Tom]

As a result of life's changes, now we have different kinds of music such as pop, rock, jazz, RnB..Music really plays an essential role in human life. And i think traditional music is more important than other types
At a glance, we need music for enjoyment. Apparently, music is not only a result from human needs, but also is a mean of communication. People have to suffer many pressures from work and family, so music helps them relax their mind, change their moods such as happiness, sadness. Music also reduces fatigue, brings new experiences and feelings through meaningful lyrics, smooth melodies like a funny song makes us feel happy and joyful. Besides, we usually use music as a way to express their feelings, emotions to others. For instance, a love song is necessary for couple. On an other hand, music is a physical therapy to help patient recovery. Studies show that patient who listen to music, recover faster than who do not.
Among varieties of music, i think traditional music is more important than international music. Firstly, traditional music is different and unique for every nations. Its present country’culture and it distinguishes a country from others. Secondly, traditional music also expresses our thought, our belief as well as our customs from a generation to another generation. Therefore, it is a part of history and a proud of nation. Finally, some characters in traditional music can be found in international songs which emphasize individual emotion and feeling.
To sum up, music is really an indispensable part of human life and we should maintain and improve value of tradition music in modern life.

[Oscar]

It is undeniable that the music is vital in our lives, the people is more happier listening all kind the rhythms and sounds than without it, Besides, the music has been considered as an universal language to express ideas and customs by centuries. Traditional and international music are excellent examples about it, both are really important and have relevant meaning about our roots and daily activities.

The human being needs the music for various reasons, Firstly, to get the life better, the music frees the senesces, relax the body and the mind, improves our mood, and sometimes is useful to cure some ills and stress, this new method is called as “music-therapy”. Secondly, the music “is pure communication”, it’s the better way to transfers messages and ideals to new generations, the musicians can write lyrics to show their points of views and can be listening by everybody. Thirdly, the music is “entertainment”, it’s the best way to enjoy and stay relax at the same time, for instance we can listen music while a long trip on plane, outdoor activities, or when we are working out. The world without music will be a quite different; the people behavior could change in a bad way.

It’s clear that the traditional music has a considerable importance in the local culture in each country or town and his influence is growing lately among people, On the other hand, the international music is capable to be broadcasted without borders and more people can be enjoy it freely, In my personal opinion the traditional has more importance because shows the culture, roots and custom of our pasts, besides, we can recover traditional lost, , In many countries the music has be part of our folklore represents how really are and where are came.

The music in both shapes is part of our life, it´s basic element and its necessary for our health, it’s a way to express and show our feelings.

[ZIAUL HUDA]

Currently, the world is presented with numerous kinds of music. This will be proven by looking at both halves of the question.
Firstly, music plays a key role in human life by eliminatin the work related stress and homesickness. Music has increasingly become very populor among all walks of life.
It is used for entertainment and to express the feelings and thoughts of individuals of all ages. One of the major reasons of the real need of music is that it helps to make relaxed from any sort of strain. For example, a friend of mine is a lawyer,who used to listen music composed by, Naushad, a great music director of bolly wood films only just to relax from his day long hectic work. AS this shows the vital need of music almost for everyone. Thus, it is understandable that music is a basic need of mankind.
Secondly, tradionally composed music is increasingly important than the international music around us. Traditional music reflects the cultural aspects, customs and the historical facts and fogures. Different types of traditional music is played on different occasions. For example, in my country music played on the occasion of a wedding ceremoney expresses the customs and rituals of our society.Thus, it is clear that traditional music is more important than the global music.
In conclusion, it has been proven that we need music as well as traditional music is more valuable than the international music.

[manisha]

Hello martin,
could you please suggest some ideas for the following essay.
Dieting can change one`s life for better or ruin one`s health completely.what is your opinion?

[Rocky]

There is no denying that wide variety of music is present in the world today, therefore, it has become an integral part of our life. I am firmly of the opinion that traditional music has more importance than the international music regardless of its wide presence.

From the beginning of civilization music was one of the most fundamental part of our society. Every individual nowadays listen to it on numerous occasions ranging from listening soft music for relaxing after a hectic busy schedule, or motivating themselves by listening fast music while doing training or exercise. Even the celebrations and emotional expressions require music. For instance, when our country won the cricket world cup in 2011, every individual turned up on the streets and were dancing on the traditional foot tapping huge drums music.

Traditional music is losing it's popularity because of international music's presence all over the world. But traditional music is of paramount importance because it showcases a country's cultural and historical background. This music provides the unique identity for a country on the international stage and even it helps a country to keep alive its cultural values. For example, all the Hindu wedding ceremonies which are performed in India play traditional flute for welcoming guests and this tradition is on the way through centuries. If the international music would replace it then the whole historical experience of a country will die, therefore, traditional music's importance could not be challenged.

Finally, music is a very essence of individual and society for centuries. A country depicts its culture and history through its traditional music, therefore, it is evident that its importance could not be undermine against international music.

[Mh]

Hi Rocky

A very good essay. If you don't mind I revised your essay in terms of grammar, but didn't consider Task response as I think covered most part of question. And if you don't mind again I leave my band score estimation :7.5

There is no denying that a wide variety of music is present in the world today, therefore, it has become an integral part of our life. I am firmly of the opinion that traditional music has more importance than the international music regardless of its wide presence.

From the beginning of civilization music was one of the most fundamental parts of our society. Every individual nowadays listens to it on numerous occasions ranging from listening soft music for relaxing after a hectic busy schedule, or motivating themselves by listening fast music while doing training or exercise. Even the celebrations and emotional expressions require music. For instance, when our country won the cricket world cup in 2011, every individual turned up on the streets and were dancing on the traditional foot tapping huge drum music.

Traditional music is losing its popularity because of international music's presence all over the world. But traditional music is of paramount importance because it showcases a country's cultural and historical background. This music provides the unique identity of a country on the international stage and even it helps a country to keep alive its cultural values. For example, all the Hindu wedding ceremonies which are performed in India play traditional flute for welcoming guests and this tradition is on the way through the centuries. If the international music would replace it then the whole historical experience of a country will die, therefore, traditional music's importance could not be challenged.

Finally, music is a very essence of individual and society for centuries. A country depicts its culture and history through its traditional music, therefore, it is evident that its importance could not be undermine against international music.

[Arnie]

Hello guys,

Thank you for answering the essay question that I posted. Thank you Simon for posting it :.
@Steven: Actually, we have the same question. I answered this essay with the thesis statement in the introduction.

[Manaa]

Hello everyone,

I seem to be quite late to interact in this post. Anyway, just wanted to share my essay. I hope you will enjoy reading it! :)

⇒ It is indubitable that the taste of music varies globally. It can be argued that music is an indispensible part of our life. Also, there are reasons to suggest that traditional music is highly essential than international music which will be explained in this essay.

Let us begin by the points that justify the need of music in our lives. Firstly, it is one of he best form of entertainment. Listening to music at the end of a hectic/tiresome day provides immense refreshment and relaxation. Likewise, it is a mode of relief during the time of both sadness and happiness. To be more precise, it touch our emotion by means of lyrics and melody of tunes. Moreover, it adds beauty to our life by killing our boredom and letting us express our feelings in the form of song or dance.

Talking about giving preference to traditional music than international music, the strongest point is that folk music is an asset of one’s nation, handed down from generations to generations. It mirrors our culture and tradition, our uniqueness. Therefore, it is our foremost responsibility to preserve such heritage/legacy and appreciate it by bringing out its best qualities. The other major argument is that folk music contributes in making social bonding stronger. To illustrate, playing such music during ceremonies create harmonious environment. This is likely to bring the feeling of oneness among fellowmen.

To summarize, music definitely has added beauty to the human civilization. Traditional music, on the other hand, is crucial for cultural development. If we neglect it, we might risk losing our own identity in near future.

[tamahome]

by October 13 ill be siting on my ielts test again, i know in my heart i can pass my writing category but as i notice to myself, whenever the time comes, i am exhausted maybe because of listening and reading part and i feel so nervous to the point that i cant even plan for my essay. and as a result sometimes i got block out and nothing else to write on my essay despite of my everyday practice. i've also bought simon's ebook. but then still 6.5. somebody out there who can give me some advice to overcome this problem that i have. thank you so much.

[Maia]

Nowadays, all over the world various types of music are found. Obviously, we need music for different reasons. In my opinion, the traditional music of a nation is more significant than the modern music that are played everywhere in the world.
On one hand, we need music for three reasons. Firstly, music is essential for entertainment because it is a part of social enjoyment for everyone. For instance, people like to dance in some modern or traditional music during party and social events. Secondly, music is a way of sharing ideas and knowledge. Finally, music is also helpful in expressing emotions such as happiness and sadness. Furthermore, people prefer to listen fast, slow and sentimental music depending on their situation and mood. Because of these reasons music is valuable for every individual.
On the other hand, the traditional music is more important because it represents a nation. A country’s culture, history and customs are introduced to others through the music. For example, in Nepal various folks and traditional music are played during social and cultural events like wedding ceremony and tradition festivals. The musical instruments such as traditional drums and customs are different from modern ones. These traditional musical events have become identity of the country among the international tourist. Moreover, when an individual is away from his country, he feels proud whenever he listens to his own traditional music. Therefore, the traditional music is very important.
In conclusion, music is an essential part of human life and the traditional music being a symbol of a country‘s pride is valuable for a nation. Perhaps in the future, everyone will know the importance of the traditional music and will be more conscious in preserving it.

Hello everybody, please give me your suggestion for this essay.

[Rocky]

Hi MH,

First of all thanks for your corrections, I am rather happy with your kind effort and kept note of all these errors. However, could you please explain me what is lacking in my assay which is not fulfilling the task response criteria, in that way it would be beneficial for me to understand my weaknesses.

Regards,
Rocky

[Rocky]

Hi Simon,

It would be great if you could add some comments on top of MH's comments.

Regards,
Rocky

[Simon]

FROM SIMON:

I'm afraid I no longer have time to answer everyone's questions individually. However, I do still read them all, and I try to answer some questions in a lesson once a week (usually Saturdays).

[robina]

I want 2 write an essay how i write. my ielts exams r very near but i know little bit about essay writing. these essays r very good i have got more knowledge

[Mh]

Hi Rocky
If you read my comment carefully, you find that I said that you covered the most part of question task. What I revised was about grammar points not other criteria.

Regards,

[Rocky]

Hi Mh,

Sorry I didn't read that carefully.

Regards,
Rocky

[josh]

In present day, we have variety of music from different parts of the world. we need music for a number of reasons such as releasing stress, expressing emotions and most importantly for enjoying. In comparison of traditional music and international music, i think traditional music is more important than the international music.

[senine]

Music is the common share of spiritual nutrition for all human beings. In this sense, the importance of traditional music outweighs that of international music.

People demmand music to satisfy their pyschological needs: stressful youth and mid-aged listen to and cry out R&R; lovers pursue their romance through light and sweet songs; Religous people seek faith in soul and spiritual songs of other kinds; the elderly who dream of the good old days gain some comforts in country music; there are even songs to satisfy people's sexual arousal. Since human emotion is so complicated, a person can have multiple needs of diversed music styles, that is, emotionally a person may feel like a teen, a mid-aged, and an old person via different music styles. That is one amazing function of music.

Any kind of music has its origin deeply rooted in related cultures, and that is why to an individual the music of his own country is more appealing, thus more important in most cases. Popular songs in particular, with lyrics in mother tongue, are perhaps the most moving art form to an average person. Though to some degree English songs are popular around the world, as well as master pieces of music, taking those writen by Beethoven as an example, are highly valued by all human races, traditional music from home country is always vital and irreplacable. it is the very music that you listened as a baby in your mother's arms, as a meccy broom in your wedding celemony, as a crying son in the funeral, and the music that accompanys you every day via radio, TV, or the Internet, in supermarket, parks, and even the barber's. Because of the accessiblity of native music we may ignore its existence, but when away we may taste the cultural abundance of it. My uncle, who maitained a minor bussiness in Indonesia, burst into tears when I sang a Chinese popular song in the 1980s. Native music, especially the traditional music, is that you loves but you've never recognized and that shines only after you are away, like parents who also nurture a son.

Music satisfies the spiritual wantings of a person, nurturing him emotionally like a parent, accompanying him like a friend. Since everyone has diversed cultural background, which originates different kinds of traditional music, traditional music from home country is more important than international music.

Kinds of wordy... Let's see how to cut it short.

[An Pham]

Thank you for all your helpful instructions. I got 7.5 in writing ,and the overall score is 7. I feel very happy about this. Have a good day, Dear Simon.

[Shafva]

In the modern world we come across various types of music. There may be several reasons people get attracted to music. I personally think traditional music of a country is very valuable than an international one.

Music is a part of life for most people. People may listen to music as a pasttime or to express emotions. Take for example, most people play music when they throw a party for their friends and family. Because it gives an additional happiness to people during celebrations. Without music life would be boring and not exciting.

From my point of view, traditional music is more important compared to international music. Traditional music gives people an identity of their culture and history. For instance, in my country, traditional musics are played during occassions such as marriages & baby showers. If tradional musics disappear it would be lost forever and furture generations wont know the importance and existence of such cultural values.

In conclusion, although there are variety of musics in the world, in my opinion, traditional music always has it own unique values.

[raxya kunwar]

People have their own definition and perception about music. But its obvious that every one defines it in a positive way.For me, music is the expression of feelings,a language to communicate with our soul. So, my concept of music coincides with the theme of traditional music.

Music is not only the sequence of lyrics and rhythm. Moreover its the language of emotions.It has special existence to individual.but the trend is changing with the taste of people with time.No matter how far or how speedily the world moves,traditional music has its own natural significance in the individual.

Turning to detail, traditional music is originated from a specific society. so,it reflects the culture and traditions of that particular community.it is the representation of country's history and beliefs. we prefer traditional music during occasions and celebrations.How modern one considers himself, he enjoys with the tune of tradituonal music in ceremonies. this is the real significance of this music,peope just feel it.

In sharp contrast to this,modern music has its modern existence.Youngsters are just following this trend. they are attracted to this music for entertainment.But the taste of people is dynamic,accordingly the music is changing. this illustrates thet it has no real existence like traditional music.unlikely,people are just crazy on the drum beats,they even cant recognize the lyrics.whereas we fall in love with every tone and lyrics of traditional music and respond to it.we find no emotional attachment with it.

Its not important what music we listen to , the concern is which is important , so its our responsibility to realize this and put some efforts in the protection of our identity.

[Lei Jiang]

Hi Simon,

Is it ok to give balanced opinion for question #2? I'd plan 5-paragraph essay as follows,

1. introduction
2. why we need
3. benefits of country music
4. benefits of international music
5. conclusion

[Asmaa]

Nowadays, music is becoming an international language. Every year, a majority of festivals all over the world are being held to collect people from different ages and cultures. Therefore, I fundamentally agree with this statement, and I will support my view with many examples.
To begin with, music has many benefits. For psychological benefits, recent studies found that music can modify our mood to be better. For example, if you feel boring, you can simply listen to a music track, which may be energetic, and that will definitely help you to overcome your boredom. This is mainly because music stimulates our brain to secrete hormones such as endorphins and enkephalins, which are responsible for relief and relaxation feeling, and serotonin, which is the hormone of happiness. In addition, music festivals which have been organized every year would help a lot to unite more people and give them great hope that the world will be better later. Undoubtedly, those concerts include a wide variety of singers from different nationalities, ages, and thoughts as a sign of Peace and unity.
Moreover, music can be directed to charity. Every year, charitable and non-governmental organizations hold festivals or carnivals to collect more money for mentally-challenged and physically-challenged people. Besides those, many of them are interested in war-torn victims and starvation victims. Many benefactors, and benevolents donate their money and time to help these organizations without any benefit in return. Meanwhile, it contain people from different ages.
As a result, it will give young people and adolescents a sense of identity, honor ,and responsibility, as well. Consequently, it will ensure a promising future for the whole world.
In conclusion, despite the fact that many may believe that music is not nessarily important, I argue that it encourages Peace and unity, which is paramount.