Read this writing task and underline the points you must deal with in your answer.
Some educationalists argue that non-exam, art based subjects such music, drama, and art should be compulsory in secondary school curriculum. They believe that activities such as these can improve overall academic performance.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Teaches teamwork e.g. drama
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Whose introduction agrees, disagrees and mentions both sides of the argument? Underline the words each writer uses to introduce his/her view.
Mika’s Introduction
People have different views about the role of arts subjects in secondary-school timetables. Some people believe that they have a beneficial impact on student’s learning, while others feel they are simply a form of creative relaxation. I agree with the former statement because I believe that they play a vital part in educational development.
Tom’s Introduction
Obviously, success at school does not depend on study alone, it’s true that arts subjects may help develop qualities in students that will further their educational achievement. However, non-exam subjects should never override the importance of academic subjects,such as maths and English.
Dillon’s Introduction
In today’s world, the importance of academic subjects has grown. So I tend to feel that school time should be spent on things that help students achieve good grades and get to university, rather than on subjects that have no purpose within the school environment.
Read the second paragraphs from Mika’s essay.
Underline the sentences in each paragraph that state the main idea.
Which sentences support the main ideas in each paragraph. What type of support does writer uses: reasons or examples?
Mika’s Essay
It is generally thought that activities in the arts can help students learn how to work in a team. A student who takes part in a theatrical production has to cooperate with other members of the cast, with the aim of producing a successful final show. The same is true of musicians who play in an orchestra. They also have to work together to produce the best sound. I would suggest that experiences like these can enhance a student’s ability to work with different types of people and participate successfully in a group project.
Tom’s Essay
People who value art lessons claim that it is important to exercise the imagination. This, they say, is likely to have a beneficial impact, due to the fact that students get a break from intellectual pursuits. On the other hand, others would argue that students have a lot of schoolwork to complete and they need to feel they have time to do this, otherwise they will get stressed. Art, it seems, can have a positive influence on students, but it could also undermine their sense of well-being.
Write out Mika’s third paragraph by re-ordering these sentences. Add one or two more phrases(parallel expressions) to introduce the arguments.
It might be something concrete like a painting or object, or it might be something abstract like a piece of music.
This sense of achievement may then stimulate someone to achieve more in other subjects.
Another way in which the arts can help students is that they can improve self-confidence.
Both types of product need plenty of time and creativity and, as a result, can make someone feel very proud of the outcome.
This is because art is often about making a product.
Write a conclusion to Mika’s Essay.
Answer
Another way in which the arts can help students is that they can improve self-confidence.This is because art is often about making a product.It might be something concrete like a painting or object, or it might be something absract like a piece of music. Both types of product need plenty of time and creativity and, as a result, can make someone feel very proud of the outcome. I believe that this sense of achievement may then stimulate someone to achieve more in other subjects
Some modern artists receive huge sums of money for the things they create, while others struggle to survive. Governments should take steps to resolve this unfair situation.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?