Public Money Should Not be Spent on Cultural Amenities - IELTS Writing Task 2 Direct Question Essay

In the essay topic, ‘Public Money Should Not be Spent on Cultural Amenities’, it is necessary to answer two specific questions where clarity of ideas and focused responses are assessed. In this topic, you will learn to discuss from different perspectives such as the value of cultural amenities, public funding alternative priorities, and the cultural social or economic value. By analysing the sample answers for this topic, you will understand the brainstorming approach to think about your ideas quickly and arrange them coherently in the IELTS Writing answer. Such structured thinking would guide you in the improvement of the parameters on task response and coherence while developing a specific strategy to confidently attempt different types of essays.

How to Answer ‘Public Money Should Not be Spent on Cultural Amenities’?

In the IELTS Writing Task 2 essay, ‘Public Money Should Not be Spent on Cultural Amenities’, your answer will be evaluated on the clarity of your ideas to the questions. Remember to properly address both parts of the question and support them with well-developed points with relevant examples. The table below suggests a systematic method which will boost band score in each parameter.

Question - IELTS Writing Task 2 Direct Question Essay ‘Public Money Should Not be Spent on Cultural Amenities’

Structure Breakdown for ‘Public Money Should Not be Spent on Cultural Amenities’

Since there are different types of essays, it is recommended that you create an outline after identifying the type of essay from the questions. In this way, you can level up your preparation and also get familiar with all the different types. As you practice writing, you will be able to understand the structure of each essay type, getting you closer to your desired IELTS Band Score. Below is the structure breakdown for the IELTS Writing Task 2 Direct Essay, ‘Public Money Should Not be Spent on Cultural Amenities’. 

Curious to know How to Write Body Paragraphs in IELTS Essay? Check out the video below!

Sample Answer 1 on ‘Public Money Should Not be Spent on Cultural Amenities’

It is considered a waste of money if public funds are allocated to cultural sites instead of other essential fields. In this following essay, I will put forward my opinion on the importance of retaining cultural values and suggest other ideal areas that deserve public attention.

Museums or art galleries have played a vital role in our social life that gives us a strong sense of cultural identity. Such philosophy has been illustrated in handcrafts or particular items that carry sentimental values of massive historical memories regarding our ancestors. By visiting historical sites, we embrace traditional rituals and withdraw lessons for ourselves from the past. Civilisation would be distorted if no attention were paid to museums. In addition, theatres partly create awareness among audiences of historical events that help them get insight into and pay tribute to those who sacrificed themselves for our peace. Without these means of communication, humans will lose track of where they have been and what to achieve in the future.

However, there are other fundamental areas in which public money can be spent. Schools, for example, are suitable investments as it benefits the future with a well-educated generation. Also, healthcare is another relevant instance that can raise the bar for community health standards. Therefore, from the angle of government, improving education and the medical system altogether is a well-executed solution as these two areas are fundamental aspects of every society to ensure a well-developed nation. Additionally, this can be backed by higher investment in police and enforcement to bring in a safe environment and push the criminal levels to an acceptable range.

To conclude, cultural values should be valued throughout generations as they reflect our culture, although this strategy can be replaced by other investments such as education, healthcare, or police.

Vocabulary for Sample Answer 1 on ‘Public Money Should Not be Spent on Cultural Amenities’

• Allocated

Meaning – distribute (resources or duties) for a particular purpose.
Example – The government has allocated funds for accommodation for the migrants.

• Sentimental

Meaning – of or prompted by feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia.
Example – Adam regarded the singer as she sang some sentimental songs.

• Distorted

Meaning – pulled or twisted out of shape; contorted.
Example – The announcement was so distorted that I couldn’t understand what was said.

• Insight

Meaning – the capacity to gain an accurate and deep understanding of someone or something.
Example – The documentary offers an insight into the everyday lives of millions of ordinary Russian citizens.

• Relevant

Meaning – closely connected or appropriate to what is being done or considered.
Example – Local authorities should submit schemes to the relevant minister for approval.

• Enforcement

Meaning – the act of compelling observance of or compliance with a law, rule, or obligation.
Example – The court is ineffective because it lacks the necessary enforcement machinery.

Sample Answer 2 on ‘Public Money Should Not be Spent on Cultural Amenities’

Many individuals believe that cultural amenities such as museums, theatres, and art festivals should not be supported with public money and that government funds should rather be channeled to more critical areas. Despite the fact that certain sectors do require immediate financial support, cultural amenities can significantly influence society and should not be left out.

To begin with, cultural institutions are indispensable as they keep a nation’s heritage, identity, and shared values alive. Besides, museums and art festivals are necessary for public education, promotion of creativity, and stirring up critical thinking, especially for the young generation. This is because cultural acts provide a platform for different people to interact which leads to social cohesiveness. From the economic perspective, they create jobs and entice tourists which can be a source of national growth indirectly. Thus, the society gets benefitted from the investment in the culture both intellectually and financially.

On the other hand, some areas need to be set as priorities over others when it comes to public money. The basic needs of the people in terms of healthcare, education, and infrastructure would have a direct and immediate impact on the quality of life. For example, building hospitals, making the public transport system better, and increasing the number of schools can lead to equality and greater productivity in the entire population. In developing countries, the governments may have to rely more on these basic needs before they can invest large amounts on culture-related projects.

In conclusion, the cultural facilities are of great value to society because they maintain and showcase the past, create a sense of belonging and identity, and attract as well as retain investments. While investment would help nurturing the arts and culture, this can affect the lifestyle of the society.

Vocabulary for Sample Answer 2 on ‘Public Money Should Not be Spent on Cultural Amenities’

• Amenities

Meaning – Services or facilities which are convenient
Example – The presence of modern amenities such as libraries and computer labs helps in an improvement in the education quality.

• Indispensable 

Meaning – Crucial or necessary
Example – Today’s education system made technology become an indispensable part of study.

• Stirring up

Meaning – Bringing out strong emotions, responses, or activity
Example – Overuse of screens may stir up problematic behaviours in very young kids.

• Entice

Meaning – To convince someone to do something
Example – Students can be more actively engaged in the classroom if interactive digital lessons are used to entice them.

• Retain

Meaning – To still have something
Example – Watching videos helps to retain the information better as compared to reading books.

• Nurture

Meaning – To foster the growth or development of something
Example – Environment at home is important for nurturing their child's positive learning habits

A focused approach to answer each part of the question is needed for acing this essay type. By carefully analysing the question, brainstorming relevant ideas, and organising your answers into well-structured paragraphs, you can have a stronger task achievement and coherence. Remember to focus on idea development, vocabulary range, and grammatical accuracy which will help you to manage time effectively in the IELTS Exam. With the right strategy, direct question essays become an opportunity to demonstrate clarity of thought and secure a higher band score.

More Writing Task 2 Essay Topics

Also Check:

• Tips to Write an Effective Introduction for IELTS Writing Task 2
• 6 Essay Writing Secrets to Boost Your IELTS Band Score Fast
• Common IELTS Essay Topics for Writing Task 2
• Best IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips for Achieving Band 9
• Recent IELTS Writing Actual Test & Model Answers
• IELTS Band 9 Essay Samples: Writing Task 2 Tips for Target IELTS Score
• IELTS Writing Answer sheet