Writing Task 2 · Two-part question

The importance of art and music for human society: IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer

An IELTS Writing Task 2 two-part question essay question with a Band 8 sample answer, the plan behind it, the vocabulary that lifts it and what an examiner looks for.
  • 255 words
  • Two-part question
  • General Training
  • 40 minutes

The question

All societies have their own music and art. In what way are music and art important for society and for the individual?

About 40 minutes. Write at least 250 words.

Two-part question

Plan before you write

  1. 1

    Your position

    Art and music are essential pillars that foster societal cohesion and provide individuals with a vital medium for emotional expression.

  2. 2

    Paragraph 2

    Creative expression serves as a fundamental mechanism for strengthening social identity and cultural heritage.

  3. 3

    Paragraph 3

    Engaging with art and music facilitates psychological well-being and personal growth by offering an outlet for complex human emotions.

  • →Answer the first question in body paragraph one and the second in body paragraph two.
  • →Signpost each with the question's own words so the examiner can tick both parts.
  • →Missing either part caps task response at 5, however good the language.

Model answer

Band 8 sample essay

Band 8255 words · use the structure and vocabulary, not the sentences

Every civilization possesses a unique artistic and musical heritage, which acts as a testament to its collective experience. These creative disciplines are not merely decorative but serve as vital components that anchor both communal identity and personal development.

From a societal perspective, art and music function as a repository of cultural history, preserving the values and narratives of a community across generations. By participating in shared artistic traditions, individuals develop a profound sense of belonging and solidarity. For instance, national anthems and traditional folk art provide a common language that unites diverse groups, effectively bridging social divides and fostering a shared consciousness that strengthens the fabric of society.

On an individual level, these forms of expression offer an indispensable medium for personal growth and emotional catharsis. Engaging with music or art allows people to navigate their inner landscapes, providing a safe space to process complex sentiments that are often difficult to articulate through speech alone. A clear example is the therapeutic use of music in clinical settings, where patients use composition or listening to alleviate anxiety and improve mental health, demonstrating how creative engagement directly enhances personal well-being.

Ultimately, the importance of art and music lies in their dual capacity to weave individuals into a cohesive societal tapestry while simultaneously nurturing the inner life of the person. By providing both a cultural anchor and a personal sanctuary, these disciplines remain essential for the flourishing of any human community. Recognizing their value ensures that societies continue to support the creative endeavours that define the human condition.

Examiner's view

Why this scores Band 8

This essay achieves Band 8 by directly addressing both parts of the prompt with nuanced arguments and sophisticated vocabulary. A Band 6 response typically fails to distinguish between the societal and individual benefits, often providing generic statements about art being 'nice' without explaining the underlying mechanisms of impact.

Now write it yourself, against the clock

Forty minutes, then a band for task response, coherence, vocabulary and grammar from BandLadder AI, with the sentences that cost you marks highlighted.

Write it and get a band free →

8 words

Vocabulary from the essay

  • repository

    a place where things are stored or preserved

  • solidarity

    unity or agreement of feeling or action

  • catharsis

    the process of releasing strong or repressed emotions

  • articulate

    to express an idea or feeling in words

  • tapestry

    a complex combination of different elements or people

  • flourishing

    growing or developing in a healthy successful way

  • endeavours

    attempts to achieve a goal through hard work

  • cohesive

    forming a united and logically consistent whole

More words for this topic: IELTS vocabulary for culture and tradition.

Frequently asked questions

What type of essay is "The importance of art and music for human society"?+

Two-part question. Answer the first question in body paragraph one and the second in body paragraph two.

How many words should an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay be?+

At least 250 words, in about 40 minutes. This sample is 255 words, written to fit that time with five minutes left to check grammar.

How is IELTS Writing Task 2 scored?+

On four criteria: task response, coherence and cohesion, vocabulary, and grammatical range and accuracy. Task 2 counts for twice as much as Task 1 in your Writing band.

What is the difference between a Band 6 and a Band 8 answer here?+

This essay achieves Band 8 by directly addressing both parts of the prompt with nuanced arguments and sophisticated vocabulary. A Band 6 response typically fails to distinguish between the societal and individual benefits, often providing generic statements about art being 'nice' without explaining the underlying mechanisms of impact.

Keep practising

More sample essays

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

Write it and get a band free