You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some people believe that art gives our lives meaning and purpose. Others believe that it is merely a distraction from real life. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1
In today’s modern world, there is probably more significant access to Art than ever. Nevertheless, the function of Art remains an area of debate, with some believing that it provides meaning and purpose to our lives, whilst others feel that it is only a momentary escape from more important issues. My own belief is that Art is fundamental to what makes us human.
A first point to consider is that the expression of our lives through Art is one of the few things that separates humans from animals. Man is the only creature who attempts to reflect on his own life through Art forms such as painting. Furthermore, the fact that Art is often taken to mean the work of geniuses such as Picasso does not necessarily mean that Art is only a characteristic of modern man. Ancient cave paintings show that even in primitive times, the expression of the world around was important to humans. In my opinion, this is a strong argument for showing how vital Art is to Man.
Some people believe that Art is just a brief distraction from normality. However, one of the practical uses of art is to lift people’s spirits. The songs of slaves provide an example of how music can help people cope with pain. Similarly, paintings and sculptures are often used to remember historical events, keeping them alive in the culture. I believe this reflects a fundamental need to express our existence through Art.
To summarize, art has been a part of human history for thousands of years and helps people survive difficult times and express their existence. Thus, I believe that Art is more than just entertainment: it is one of the defining characteristics of being human.
Model answer 2
In this time and age, it is more accessible to approach Art in various ways. While some argue that Art is one of the sources providing the goal and meaning of lives, others believe that it may put humans in an illusion of reality.
Arts help people to survive. Hard times or obstacles are inevitable throughout our lives. To overcome those difficulties, arts are some tools to save you from the deep end of the dwelling. Arts can be performed in various ways, in which humans experience different feelings. Take music as an example, some light music can lift you and boost your mood. Painting is another illustration example, which is a method to express your heart and intrinsic thought. During the creation of Arts, people can be triggered to think from another, or even an entirely different perspective, which instead creates the meaning of life.
On the contrary, some may believe that Arts are a waste of time. Enjoying Arts, not to say creating them, is time-consuming and may cost a lot. Some underprivileged people lead hectic life to make a living. They could barely support and maintain their daily life through busy work, let alone enjoy additional entertainments like Arts, namely, visiting galleries or exhibitions to understand the message the creator or composer delivers or purchasing different tools to create their art pieces.
In my view, Arts differ significantly between people from all walks of life. It depends on your capability and wealth. After all, money provides humans with the freedom and space to escape from reality in the form of Arts. Thus, I believe that Arts are a kind of distraction from life, but in a good way if you are wealthy enough.
Model Answer 3
Art’s position in the world has remained significant throughout the history of humankind. Whether its purpose is to distract humans from everyday life or the thing that gives mortal life a purpose has been the centre of discussions for many years. I believe that both views are correct.
Firstly, the central part of the population uses art to forget everyday worries and find relief. The most obvious examples would be modern art forms such as music and movies. It is no surprise that many people choose to watch types of movies that reflect their lives or at least what they wish their life was and show affinity to certain characters- the ones in which they see part of themselves. These movies help the audience distance from life’s worries by satisfying their personal need for drama, which ends in a happy outcome.
On the other hand, it would be immensely wrong to ignore the view that art gives life purpose. For example, more creative and artistic individuals would not only disagree with looking at art as a way to escape from reality. Still, they would also declare this view obscene profanity as their life motto is usually “Art is my life”. This is mainly because it is the most favourite activity in the world, and while painting, creating sculptures, making music, writing and dancing, they put part of their souls into the display. My opinion is that art can be used as a cure for the human soul.
In conclusion, even though some people think that it is only a distraction, I believe that it is food for the human soul, and the love for art makes us different from animals.