Some educators believe that every child should be taught how to play a musical instrument

You should spend about 40 minutes on IELTS writing task 2.

Some educators believe that every child should be taught how to play a musical instrument. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. You should write at least 250 words.

Sample Answer 1

Many educators have been insisting on teaching students a musical instrument along with academic education to improve manual dexterity. As far as my opinion is concerned, I agree with this notion to a great extent as this method of learning is helpful in enhancing cognitive ability. In the next few paragraphs, I will be explaining my point of view.

There are multifarious advantages to learning a musical instrument from a young age. To begin with, playing an instrument can improve hand-eye coordination. To do so, a lot of time and practice are required. Consequently, this type of devotion fills up children with focus and patience. For instance, one of the studies conducted by Oxford University has revealed that those students who are adept at playing a musical instrument generally perform much better in manual skills than those who don’t know how to play.

Besides, as per the advanced research, early knowledge of playing musical instruments leads to enhanced memory potential and learning abilities. It stimulates different parts of the brain’s development. Moreover, playing a musical instrument also teaches patience to children as they invest a lot of time learning to control the beats and different parts of the instruments.

However, if children are pressurized to hone their musical skills, they may feel overburdened. Thus, teaching these instruments at a young age to those who are literally interested in them can do wonders. In conclusion, I firmly reiterate that learning a musical instrument at a young age can help enhance social skills and concentration level.

Structure of the essay

You were given an opinion essay which means you had to pick a side. So,

• Do you agree that every child should be taught how to play a musical instrument?

(or)

• Do you disagree with the fact that every child should be taught how to play a musical instrument?

Once you pick a side, you can start planning your essay and then writing it. Don’t forget to state your opinion on it.

Question Paraphrased – Many educators have been insisting on teaching students a musical instrument along with academic education to improve manual dexterity.

Opinion – As far as my opinion is concerned, I agree with this notion to a great extent as this method of learning is helpful in enhancing cognitive ability.

A thesis statement – In the next few paragraphs, I will be explaining my point of view.

Body Paragraph 1:

Topic: Benefits of learning musical instruments

Supporting points:

• Part of the country’s culture
• Brings children closer to roots
• Improves communication and social skills
• Improve interactive skills

Body Paragraph 2:

Topic: Benefits of learning musical instruments

Supporting points:

• Enhances memory potential
• Develops learning abilities
• Teaches patience to children

Conclusion:

Reiterated that musical instruments help improve social skills and concentration levels and supported the side taken in the introduction.

Sample Answer 2

It is thought by some educational experts that learning to play a musical instrument should be included in every child’s studying list. From my perspective, I strongly agree with this idea because of its advantages

The first one is that training children to play a musical instrument can enhance their circle of friends. Once knowing how to play a musical instrument, these young players stand a better chance of being accepted by many musical university clubs where they can easily socialize with other young members. For example, exchanging ideas about the meaning of lyrics as well as methods to improve comprehension skills via music are tools for young members to communicate with each other. These public organizations also set up exchanging parties with ones coming from other countries, which is considered an efficient way to expand their relationships.

Another benefit stemming from teaching children how to master a musical instrument is that their cognitive abilities can be bettered. It is commonly known that playing a musical instrument requires young players to combine different abilities simultaneously such as hearing, seeing, and movement; therefore, learning this kind of instrument can push them towards becoming multitasking. For instance, once playing the classic drums, players should make use of various body parts like legs, hands, and brain all at once. If every child masters a musical instrument, they tend to develop their cognitive capacity to the fullest, utilizing all body parts at the same time.

In conclusion, I totally agree that teaching every child how to play a musical instrument is essential since such a policy can help them to gain a broader circle of friends as well as multitasking ability.

Sample Answer 3

Some people believe that all children should learn to play a musical instrument. I partly agree with this idea. However, I also believe that all children should have the freedom to choose the subjects they wish to study, and should not be forced to study any subject in particular.

Firstly, knowing how to play a musical instrument gives a person a unique and healthy form of self-expression. These days, the majority of kids spend most of their free time watching mind-numbing television programs and playing violent computer games, and as a result have a limited ability to express themselves emotionally. Meanwhile, those who have learnt to play a musical instrument usually have a much better ability to connect with and express their emotions in a healthy manner.

Secondly, the process of learning to play a musical instrument stimulates and strengthens certain parts of a person’s brain associated with creativity. In turn, this allows children to be more creative in other aspects of their life, not only music and gives them a better ability to think outside the box. They will also be more likely to have better abstract thinking skills which will help them to excel in other subjects they study.

However, I don’t believe that any child should be forced to study any subject at school or in their free time. Studies have shown that children learn best when they are interested in the subject they are studying and are having fun. If a child becomes frustrated when learning to play an instrument and no longer finds it fun, then their ability to improve will be drastically reduced. They would be much better off using that time and energy to focus on something they are interested in or find fun.

In conclusion, although learning to play a musical instrument can benefit a child tremendously, I do not believe that it should be a necessary part of their education and that they should be free to choose what they want to study.

Vocab Highlights

• a unique and healthy form of self-expression
• mind-numbing television programs
• violent computer games
• to express themselves emotionally
• a much better ability to connect with and express their emotions
• a healthy manner
• ability to improve
• to be drastically reduced
• time and energy
• benefit someone tremendously

Sample Answer 4

Many teachers feel that learning to play a musical instrument is an indispensable part of a student’s education. In my opinion, there are socioeconomic concerns with this tenet but it is still advisable overall.

Detractors can easily argue not every child has access to the supportive environment required to learn an instrument. Firstly, a family might not have enough money if a child wants to learn piano or buy a quality guitar. There are also related expenses that include the fees for private lessons and other equipment. Added to this, they will need their parents to have enough time to drive them to and from rehearsals and recitals. At home, the entire family will have to listen to them practice and this could be contentious if there are a lot of people living in one home or a child shares their room with siblings or relatives. All these factors affect underprivileged children and place them at a decided disadvantage.

Nonetheless, the above issues can be mitigated with more funding for schools and the developmental benefits of music outweigh all other concerns. Research has shown that in early development, physical changes take place in the brains of both children and adolescents. Some of these relate to music and children who take up an instrument, even if they quit later, have demonstrated improved cognitive flexibility and creativity in longitudinal studies across a variety of cultural backgrounds. Apart from the scientific grounding, it is also common sense that children will feel more fulfilled and derive a lot of joy from playing music. This can provide a boost to not only academics but also their long-term mental well-being.

Analysis

1. Many teachers feel that learning to play a musical instrument is an indispensable part of a student’s education. 2. In my opinion, there are socioeconomic concerns with this tenet but it is still advisable overall.

1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
2. Write a clear opinion.

1. Detractors can easily argue not every child has access to the supportive environment required to learn an instrument. 2. Firstly, a family might not have enough money if a child wants to learn piano or buy a quality guitar. 3. There are also related expenses that include the fees for private lessons and other equipment. 4. Added to this, they will need their parents to have enough time to drive them to and from rehearsals and recitals. 5. At home, the entire family will have to listen to them practice and this could be contentious if there are a lot of people living in one home or a child shares their room with siblings or relatives. 6. All these factors affect underprivileged children and place them at a decided disadvantage.

1. Write a clear topic sentence with your main idea at the end.
2. Begin to develop your main idea.
3. Use a real or hypothetical example.
4. Add more detail to fully support your main idea.
5. Don’t switch to a new main idea.
6. Finish with a summary.

1. Nonetheless, the above issues can be mitigated with more funding for schools and the developmental benefits of music outweigh all other concerns. 2. Research has shown that in early development, physical changes take place in the brains of both children and adolescents. 3. Some of these relate to music and children who take up an instrument, even if they quit later, have demonstrated improved cognitive flexibility and creativity in longitudinal studies across a variety of cultural backgrounds. 4. Apart from the scientific grounding, it also common sense that children will feel more fulfilled and derive a lot of joy from playing music. 5. This can provide a boost to not only academics but also their long-term mental well-being.

1. Write another topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
2. Use research to support your idea.
3. Develop the research.
4. Add in more detail if possible.
5. Conclude with a strong statement.

1. In conclusion, though policymakers will have to account for accessibility issues, learning an instrument is key for neurodevelopment. 2. Schools, parents, and teachers should work together to ensure the best chances of success.

1. Repeat your opinion and summarise your main ideas.
2. Add a final thought.

Vocab Highlights

indispensable crucial

socioeconomic concerns questions about class

tenet principle

advisable overall in general good

detractors critics

easily argue point out effortlessly

access to can get to

supportive environment required good family support

firstly first of all

quality guitar good guitar

related expenses other money that must be spent

fees cost

private lessons one on one lessons

other equipment other musical items

added to this moreover

rehearsals practicing

recitals a mini-concert

entire family whole family

contentious controversial

shares their room with live in the same room

factors elements

underprivileged children poor kids

place them at a decided disadvantage definitely worse off

nonetheless regardless

mitigated somewhat countered by

funding money for

developmental benefits positive impact on how they grow up

outweigh all other concerns more important

in early development as kids

take place happen

adolescents teenagers

relate to have to do with

take up start

quit stop

demonstrated improved cognitive flexibility smarter

longitudinal studies research over many years

cultural backgrounds where someone comes from

apart from besides

scientific grounding research basis

feel more fulfilled feel satisfied

derive get from

provide a boost increase

not only … but also also includes

long-term mental well-being mental health

policymakers politicians

account for accessibility issues think about providing it for all

key important

neurodevelopment brain development

work together collaborate

ensure make sure

best chances of success will likely work out

Sample Answer 5

It is argued by some educational experts that all children should be taught to play at least one musical instrument. This essay agrees with the statement. Firstly, melody helps in cognitive development and secondly, it can be a relaxing tool for dealing with stress in their life.

To begin with, studying any musical tools can help in the enhancement of a child’s brain. In other words, it makes pupils smart as they need to learn tune theories and have to put those in form of sounds. Moreover, kids need to think about their next move quickly while playing a part before it ends. To exemplify, a recent study by Cambridge University showed that pupils who know how to play any form of musical gadget scored higher in complex subjects like math and science, Therefore, music can play part in the overall development of the little ones.

In addition, everyone agrees that any form of good sound helps an individual to relax. This is to say that people enjoy the good sound of any instruments and it helps them to release their mental stress. For example in the 21st century, lifestyles of people have become very hectic, they have a lot of pressure from the work and life but if they know how to play any melody, they can relieve those pressure by playing what they enjoy. Therefore, it is beneficial that the school and parents should teach their children music which can be a great tool for stress relief when they are an adult.

In conclusion, several educationalists believe that teaching music from early childhood will result in cognitive benefits and can be stress releasing tool when they turn into adults.

Sample Answer 6

Numerous characters deem every kid must acquire skill in playing the musical apparatus; in contrast, certain groups of people oppose and affirm it is a wastage of time to become competent in a musical implement. I reckon every youngster must not become capable of playing a musical appliance.

First of all, it is an inevitable fact that not every young teenager has artistic talent in learning the musical apparatus as everyone is unique. Individuals just have to find out what field they have a gift so that they will be called a prodigy, after spending a particular time in that field. For instance, it is said that a fish swims in water better than any animal, but it would suffer if the fish gets obliged to climb a tree, the fish will think of itself as a failure for the rest of its life, which is tragic right? Hence, it is just ironic to burden everyone to acquire skills in playing the musical appliance.

Secondly, also it is an undeniable fact that the untalented children assigned to become competent in playing with an appliance will lose many hours and take damage mentally. Instead of this, it is valuable to spend hours and effort diligently on a thing captivating children’s minds. For example, Rayleigh left his daily job to chase his passion for becoming a writer, after years of ups-and-down, he was regarded as one of the apt authors of his generation. Thus, it is essential to chase your desired activities but not only musical instruments.

In conclusion, from the ideas and examples given, I firmly believe every kid is not obliged to acquire skill in the knowledge of the musical apparatus, as there are many children who despise things relating to music.