The Government Investment In Arts, Music And Theatre Is A Waste Of Money | Band 9 IELTS Essay Sample

The government’s investment in arts, music and theatre is a waste of money. Governments should invest these funds in public services instead. To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Here is a band 9 IELTS essay on this topic. Need help with IELTS writing? Get your IELTS essays, letters and reports corrected by me.

Band 9 IELTS essay sample 1

According to some people, the government should not invest in arts or music as they offer little return on investment. In their opinion, public money should be spent on improving social services and infrastructure. While I do admit that it is important to spend money on public services, arts cannot and should not be ignored.

Arts, music and theatre showcase the unique culture of a country. Without government funding many art forms cannot survive in this age of multimedia where round the clock entertainment is available at the fingertip. Hence, if the government ignores the art sector, many unique forms of dance, music or painting will disappear. This will be a huge loss of culture and identity. The art forms represent a country on the global stage. For example, India has unique dance and music forms. They showcase the history and culture of the country and play a huge role in attracting tourists. Consequently, the government of India is spending money on promoting classical dance and music. This has not only enabled talented people to pursue these art forms but also helped the country attract foreign tourists and earn money. Obviously, the argument that investing in arts is a waste of money does not hold water because just like any other sector, the art sector is also capable of generating revenue and providing employment.

Of course, public services cannot be neglected. They are crucial for the growth and development of the country. Every government has to invest in health, education and infrastructure. If these sectors are ignored, no nation can progress. Worse still, poor public services can cause the people to revolt against the government. However, investment in public services must not be at the expense of the art sector because both of them are required for a country to prosper. Hence, the governments must certainly prioritize social welfare; at the same time, it should also allocate a small proportion of its annual budget for conserving art.

In conclusion, the government must invest in all areas that are crucial for the development of a country and preservation of its culture. While public services enhance the standard of living, the art sector protects the cultural identity of a nation and its people.

Band 9 essay sample 2

A group of individuals believe that the money that the government invests in art and music is not beneficial for the masses. In their opinion, the government must use this money for the improvement in public services. I do not quite agree with this view. While I do agree with the argument that the government should prioritize public services, it should never completely neglect arts.

The major reason for investing in public services is that it elevates the living standards of people. For example, if the government invests money in public infrastructure like roads, railways and flyovers, people can move about without any hassle. This not only saves them time but also benefits the economy because a good transport network is essential for the speedy movement of goods and services. Likewise, investment in public health and education will enable people to lead healthy and productive lives. So, obviously it is important to invest in essential services.

On the other hand, the art sector is important too. While it is true that it does not directly impact people’s lives, it does offer enjoyment and relaxation. Most people lead hectic lives these days. After a hard day at work, everyone needs to relax themselves and that is where art comes into the picture. People enjoy listening to songs, watching a movie, a play or attending a concert or exhibition in their free time or after work. Such avenues help them recharge their batteries and prepare them better for the next day. Without art, our lives will be too dull and monotonous. Also, art is a reflection of culture and hence investing in arts is essential to preserve our culture and legacy.

To conclude, public services are certainly more important than art or culture and hence needs more funding. However, the art sector too has an important role in preserving our culture and keeping our society mentally healthy and happy. Hence, in opinion, the government should fund artistic and theatrical pursuits as well.

Manjusha Nambiar

Hi, I'm Manjusha. This is my blog where I give IELTS preparation tips.