IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.
IELTS Essay # 94 - Is the traditional music of a country more important than the International music
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the following topic:
There are many different types of music in the world today. Why do we need music? Is the traditional music of a country more important than the International music that is heard everywhere nowadays?
Use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1:
In the modern world, we can find numerous genres of music. The importance of music in our lives is often questioned. Moreover, there is a debate about whether traditional music is more significant compared to international music that has gained popularity worldwide. In this essay, I will share my perspective on the importance of music and which type of music holds greater significance.
Music is an essential part of human life. It has the power to evoke emotions, connect people and cultures, and even bring positive changes to individuals. Music therapy is a popular way to treat psychological disorders, and it has proven to be effective in improving mental health. Music also plays a crucial role in shaping culture and traditions. For instance, traditional music is an integral part of cultural ceremonies and festivals, and it helps preserve the unique identity of a particular community.
While traditional music holds cultural significance, international music has become popular worldwide and has a massive fan following. It has become a medium to bridge the gap between different cultures and countries. For example, K-pop, which originated in South Korea, has a massive fan following worldwide and has introduced Korean culture and language to many people. Similarly, Western music has had a significant impact on the music industry globally, and it has inspired many artists to create music that reflects their cultural identity.
In conclusion, music is an integral part of human life, and it has the power to connect people and cultures. While traditional music holds cultural significance, international music has become a medium to promote cultural diversity and global harmony. Therefore, both types of music are important in their unique ways, and it is essential to appreciate and promote both.
Model Answer 2:
In today's world, music has a plethora of genres that exist globally. The significance of music and whether traditional music holds more value compared to international music is a topic of debate. In this essay, I will discuss why music is important and why traditional music is more important than international music.
To commence with, music is an essential part of human life. It brings people together and has the power to stimulate emotions. Music has therapeutic properties and has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels. It is also used as a tool for communication, as seen in traditional music which is used to tell stories and convey important cultural values. For instance, in African societies, traditional music is used to communicate messages to the community, such as the arrival of visitors or the initiation of young people into adulthood.
I believe that traditional music is more important than international music. Traditional music is deeply rooted in the history and culture of a particular community and reflects its values, beliefs, and way of life. It provides a sense of identity and belonging to people, and plays a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage. For example, in India, classical music is an integral part of the country's culture and heritage. It has been passed down through generations and is considered a treasure to be preserved. In contrast, international music lacks the cultural context and significance that traditional music has. It may be popular, but it often lacks the depth and meaning that traditional music offers.
In conclusion, music plays a crucial role in human life, and traditional music is more important than international music. Traditional music reflects the culture, values, and beliefs of a community and is a means of preserving cultural heritage. Therefore, traditional music must be preserved and promoted, along with the introduction of new musical genres.
Model Answer 3:
Kinds of music people listen nowadays are of different tastes and types. For instance, modern international pop and rap music, as well as classical traditional country songs all, vary from each other and people listen to them with great interests. This is because music has been part of our daily lives even in the ancient times. In this essay, reasons on why music is necessary for every Filipino people and the importance of the Philippine traditional folk music over foreign songs that young Filipinos and Filipinas always hear will be discussed.
Music is a vital part of every Filipinos' lives. Firstly, Philippine folks considered it to be one of the most popular and ancient modes of human expressions. It features largely in all histories and all cultures and indeed has been one of the main ways of passing on cultural traditions to new generations of the country. Secondly, because of this, many people view music as a positive influence for the societies. This influence on individuals is wholly beneficial as it is a long-established way of communicating and helping us understand the whole range of human emotion and experience in a more spiritual language than words can represent.
However, the classical music traditions of the Philippines are not necessarily part of the music many Filipinos and Filipinas experience today. In the modern world today, most of the country's young people constantly exposed themselves to loud modern foreign songs as a result of globalisation via the Internet. But I think that it is more important for young people of the country to learn traditional music to enable them to know the origins of our Philippine ancestors.
In conclusion, I think that we need traditional music because it is an integral part of the human expression that we cannot really separate from our lives even if there are the various evolution of modern music we tend to listen every day through the web nowadays such as American rap songs and Korean pop music.
(Approximately 329 words)
(This model answer was written by - Rona Lyn Olivar.)
Model Answer 4:
It’s often said that “music is like magic” and it is indeed true, since music work as a divine magic for us. Music, for many of us, is a way of living. There are many who can’t live a life without listening music each day. Music is the foods of a soul to them.
Music impresses us, inspires us, tells an untold story, remedy us and let us understand others. There are many different types of music almost in each language of the world and they vary from religious type to anthem and even hard rock or rap. The listeners of the music decide what to listen and it greatly depends on upon mood, time, level and age. But I believe no matter what type of music one listens, we need to listen and preserve our own traditional music hence traditional music says what we really are. There are lots of importances of music in our life. Music let us know the position of a nation against war and music it's a message that reaches to all for all over the ages. Music refreshes ourselves and inspires us to do something.
With the modern communication facility, satellite channels and the internet, people today hear music from other parts of the world. Teenagers are greatly influenced by the western music and they even don’t like the traditional or country music. It’s very natural that generation will follow their own trends and choices and will accept only what they feel like to accept, but traditional music bear the old history, lifestyle and tradition of a country. And as part of education, everybody should know about his/her own tradition. So we should listen to the music that attracts us and really inspires not matter where are they from what whatever their genre are, but we should not ignore our own traditional music.
(Approximately 307 words)
(This model answer has been prepared by the site developer. However, please note that this is just one example out of many possible answers.)
Model Answer 5:
Music nowadays has turned to be an activity by which many of us relax. Many people feel so much relaxed by listening music and while others find themselves more comfortable with playing music more often. Music is used to cheer up your mood and state of mind. You feel internal peace and its help you forget all your tensions.
The World is divided into many different cultures and traditions. Every part of the world has its own unique identity. Different countries of the world and people of different countries have their own likes and dislikes. Similarly, when we talk about music, it also differs from region to region. While subcontinent people are more attracted towards classical music which is often a slow rhythmic music and people of western people like the fast track music because classical music is the part of the culture of the subcontinent and mostly on different occasions and on different events people prefer classical music over rock music.
But as the world is forwarding fast day-by-day and advancement are taking place in every field, same is true for the music. In music nowadays there are different kinds of music introduced which are also good for listeners.
I personally believe that people put more attention and show a high level of interest when something which is directly related to their tradition and culture and same goes for music. Especially in our subcontinent, people are attracted towards traditional music as compared to international or foreign music and people give more importance to their traditions because tradition is something which makes you proud or we can say that it’s your identity.
(Approximately 269 words)
( by - Bilawal Ali)
Model Answer 6:
Music has been one the most popular aspects of the art and undeniably has a special place in our daily lives. We mostly listen to different types of music when we go anywhere from our houses to shopping malls, festivals and parties and it seems that music is an inseparable part of various environments. In other words, living one day without listening to music is very hard and perhaps because of this reason, music has been considered as the food of the mind no matter listening to traditional types or international ones.
The reason that we need music is embedded in its effect on our feelings. In fact, music easily puts us in different moods and makes new frames for our minds in different situations. For example, it gives us energy when we are exercising or makes us more relaxed when we have a dinner party with friends. Sometimes it’s the best way to be awake when we are driving a long distance and sometimes it opens the horizon for us to remind some sweet memories of our lives. Therefore, music can break the monotony of life, recharges our batteries and makes our favourite atmosphere in each second of living.
However, there have been lots of debates about the importance of traditional music or international one, music is just a tasty matter and no measure can be taken to show the importance of different types of music. Put another way, people prefer to listen to their favourite list and choose something which can response to their needs. So anyone would be attracted to a kind of music composition, music genre or lyric and it’s not logically to encourage people to listen to a specific sort of music or opening which music is suitable and more important.
I think, therefore, music is such a miracle which anyone can exploit it according to his feelings or character and no prescription can be written for people to cherish or listen to a style of music. People listen to what they like and it’s the reality.
(Approximately 342 words)
( by - Milad Rahimi)
Model Answer 7:
Globalisation and information technologies made wonderful changes in music. Most of the music are internationally famous even if it in a particular language. There are strong reasons behind the importance of traditional music and modern music. However, I believe that country music is more important for everyone than the world music because it shows culture and dignity of each country.
Firstly, music has a vital role in everyone’s life. Some people hear the music for their happiness but for others in their sorrows because some kinds of songs have a psychological impact and it can change their mood. Secondly in many vocations like marriage, festivals and cultural programs music have an inevitable part. For example: in some regions of India having a culture of using songs for their funeral. Not only that, new research has shown that music has a curing effect for some kind of physical and mental illness.
When thinking about the values of traditional and international music, country music is used for most of the cultural activities and festivals but international music used only in some occasions like club functions and parties. Traditional music shows the cultures, meaning and value a society or country. In the same way, it shows the history of the people. Most of the music is meaningful. For instances, some festivals in India, like Onam, Deepavali, having its own songs. People use these songs only in this occasions.
In view of international music, it can use only for happiness. Most of the songs are fast track music. It is using in birthday parties and disco clubs. People do not even think about its words or meaning. They dance according to the beats of songs.
To conclude, music has its own value. Songs are measured according to its importance. Even people are living in abroad they will not forget their own traditional music because it shows their culture and believes. So, in my opinion, traditional music is more important than global music.
(Approximately 329 words)
( by - Lettisha James)
Model Answer 8:
Each country has its own unique music style. For instance, Opera and Jazz music are famous in western countries and on the other hand, India and Spain are famous for classical music style for salsa dancing.
Globally information technology has made tremendous progress. Information technology has invented numerous sophisticated devices to play music anywhere anytime. People tend to listen to music depending on their mood. They tend to listen to sad music if they feel down or sad. It has become a popular trend to listen to music while doing Yoga or doing exercise in the gymnasium.
Listening music while doing sports activities can boost energy level and brings the passion of sports in mind. Music is kind of daily activity nowadays and is considered as the food of souls according to many people. Furthermore, some students play music while solving math equations. According to students, math is only the subject which can be studied while playing music. On the other hand, for example in the huge shopping centres, the background music is played 24/7. Because people love shopping and walking in the malls.
However, the traditional music of any country is very important and plays a vital role. For instance, traditional music expresses that what we belong to and what is our culture. A country is judged by its heritage and traditional music. If a country is rich of traditional music then it is possible that it can be popular around the world. But nowadays, young children are addicted to listening international music. They are not even aware of their culture and traditional music. New generation is following the Western music style. It is the responsibility of parents to give them the knowledge of their traditional music.
In the conclusion, actually, everyone has a perception of listening to his/her favourite music. But in most countries, people avoid taking interest in traditional music. Therefore, most of the countries are losing the value of their culture and traditional music. At last, the main responsibility of parents is to aware children to listen and introduce traditional music to the world.
(Approximately 342 words)
( by - Faisal Ali )
Model Answer 9:
In recent years, the world has seen many kinds of music and the broad category of music are mainly international and traditional music. Music has diversified functions for every region in the world. Why we do need music? Because music can inspire us, represents our emotion and can remedy our wounds. In my opinion, the traditional music has more significance than the International music which people listen to everywhere in this era. Traditional music has far greater functions and obvious roles than the international music. I will explain some reasons for my belief in the following paragraphs.
First, the traditional music has become the important part in many cultural ceremonies, such as wedding and death ceremony. For example, in a wedding ceremony, we need traditional music when a couple each other. Without music, this ceremony will not be complete. Secondly, nowadays we still use traditional music as a medium for communication and praising God or other people. For instance, sometimes we use music to praise our creator. Thirdly, every country or region has a distinguished genre for identity. Music also has the aim to differentiate a country or a region from others. For example, Indonesia has dangdut and keroncong music and these music have become Indonesian cultural identity.
In addition, we need traditional music to accompany traditional dancing. In Indonesia, we have a lot of traditional dancing and each dancing has music to escort to manage every motion. For example, traditional music which accompanies jejer dance is different from candra dewi dance, because the music has to be suitable with every motion in each dance.
Although nowadays people often listen to international music, but it does not mean that this music has more important functions than the traditional music, while international music is mostly used by people for entertain purposes traditional music represents our identity and culture.
(Approximately 303 words)
( by - Nufidatul )
Model Answer 10:
Music can be presented in several ways and variations that we can observe in the world these days. Many people consider music as part of their life and get motivation and inspiration from the music they listen to. However, some people argue on the significance of music in our life. Many others compare the importance of folk music and global music in term of people’s preference to listen. Furthermore, people tend to enjoy life better when they put music to listen to their daily activity. In my view, music can bring some advantages to improve people’s life and local music and international music has both advantages to our life.
In every place, music and people are hard to be separated. They love music because it can revive stress and bad feeling that we usually have. Moreover, the rhythm of the music that is playing triggers our body to feel free and relax each moment. In addition, different varieties of music are available for everyone. For example, people can feel free listening to soft, classic and loud music based on their choices.
Another issue of this essay is whether traditional music or popular world music has more importance. Traditional music has an important as an identity of a nation. Indeed, every citizen has to maintain this legacy for their generation. Nonetheless, global music is surely good to be heard regarding on people’s passion. In other words, none can be forced to stop listening to popular music because it is their right to choose any kinds of music that are suitable for them.
Hence, every person has the choice to listen to many genres of music. It describes how music becomes so popular today. In fact, music just serves benefits depend on individuals’ preference about it. Folk or international music contributes to aid someone through their life.
(Approximately 300 words)
( by - Waode Eti )
Model Answer 11:
Nowadays, contemporary lifestyle and advancement in technology have triggered the popularity of international music. Traditional music, on the other hand, is the symbol of tradition, values and history of a society. Although both of them are important for people, I believe that more emphasis should be given to the traditional music as identity, unique tradition and culture of a nation will be lost without promoting traditional music.
Evidently, music is a form of communication and prayer. In many communities and religions, music is still used to eulogise the God. Our ancestors devoted songs to praise the Almighty as a mean to deliver thanks and pray for their needs. For example, Japanese people celebrate the wedding ceremonies with traditional songs that convey their thanks and appeals to the God. Moreover, musicians use music for communicating with other people. They reveal their emotions through poetic and harmonious lyrics which are expressed in beautiful melody in order to pass their emotions and messages. The message contained in a song is often believed by many and is accepted by the society as it inspires people. Music touches our heart, cures our wounds, and gives us motivation.
Recently, due to globalisation, easy access to foreign TV & radio stations and widespread use of the internet, international music has become quite common. International music is pretty entertaining, has a great variety and represents the contemporary issues. However, they are often fleeting and have less importance in many cultures. For instance, rap or rock songs might attract a lot of teenagers but they do not represent the true identity of many cultures. There are inevitable requirements of traditional music to express the true joys and traditions. Traditional music is regarded as the remarkable legacy from our ancestors. Since traditional music reflects the genuine emotion and represents the tradition and way of life, they have more importance in our culture and society.
To sum up, international and traditional music both have important roles in communicating, healing and entertaining people, but in my opinion, traditional music is more pivotal to keep and represent the genuine values of a society. Therefore, no matter how much we enjoy international music, we should foster the traditional music as much as possible.
(Approximately 368 words)
(Written by - Nufidatul)
Model Answer 12:
Music is the language of the world and it presents the unique tradition and custom of a tribe, society or nation. People listen to different types of music with great interests because it inspires us, refreshes our mind, heals our wounds, motivates us and so on. However, it is arguable that whether the traditional music of a nation plays more crucial roles than the modern music that is popular worldwide. From my point of view, the former one is more important than the latter one for the reason that it can reflect the cultural identity and the history of a nation.
First of all, no one can deny that most of the people love to listen to music as it inspires us, relaxes our mind and let us forget our anxiety and tension. For example, a person may get stressed out and tired when he returns from the office and the music can work as the magic to remove his tiredness. A growing number of people these days listen to music while commuting and this is quite effective to enjoy the time even on a busy road and amid of a tiresome journey. Rich lyrics can enhance our intellectual level and it is often true that a person could be judged by the types of music he listens to. Music is a global language that connects people, protests unjust, inspires people and creates a unique form of entertainment which is not only refreshing but also educational.
Traditional music, itself, represents traditions and customs of a nation. Behind the music, there are history, story of a nation and even religious lessons. In addition, traditional music can connect people with their cultural heritage, left from ancestors. Hence, it plays the vital role and bears the indigenous practices and dignity of a nation. Thus, we must preserve our own traditional music as they could tell the history and life of our ancestors as well as what we really are. Despite that, many people chose to listen to the international music. It can bring different nations together and teach lessons that were unknown to a person. The music is different and can suite with a person's choice.
In conclusion, traditional music is much more important than the modern international music which can be heard in every part of the world. Youngsters should give their heart to their own traditional music to keep their cultural heritage alive.
(Approximately 400 words)
(Written by - Clara Granger )
In the present world, people face a lot of stress in their day-to-day lives, and to cope with that, music and songs are used as vital stress busters, acting as therapeutic agents in our lives. Traditional music and international music are the two main topics featured and are mostly argued widely about their importance.
Every occasion of life is interpreted in traditional music, including the baby's cry through puberty and marriage. Each part of life is celebrated with traditional music in many cultures, which brings them close to our hearts and makes us lively whenever we hear them. For example, a mother singing a lullaby to her child and her humming are considered traditional music in some cultures and are adored.
On the other hand, international music brings diversity among people across the world, who want to express emotions in a way most could not understand without knowing their language or tradition. For instance, K-pop is widely known by most people and enjoyed by many without knowing Korean. When we see a variety of music around us, it gives us the option to choose our favourite one rather than stick to the old one.
To conclude, both traditional and international music hold an evident place for most people, and it would be really hard to weigh their importance without any specifications.
Why do we need music?
Is the traditional music of a country more important than the International music that is heard everywhere nowadays?
Nowadays most people hold the notion that there are several kinds of musical styles around our world which are essential for many different reasons. In this essay, we will elucidate why we need music, and then shed some light on whether the traditional music in each country has more importance than the international popular music that we enjoy.
We need music to feel comfortable and soothe our souls. Music calms our minds and gives us a positive feeling and happiness. Since stress is a constant part of our life, music can ease our minds and reduce our stress levels. A good illustration for this case is that we turn on the radio every single day for the fine music it transmits. It not only calms our minds but also helps us forget our woes and relieve anxiety. Moreover, music is associated with the fond memories that we cherish so much.
Regarding the importance of traditional music over international music - to be honest, our country music is relevant to our identity and they are important. But it is also true that we like to listen to music to soothe our minds and enjoy the time not just respect our traditions. This is why we should have a balance between what type of music we listen to and promote.
To conclude, it is indisputable that we need music in our life as they are an important part of our life. After considering the aforementioned arguments, I believe that we need to maintain a balance between our national music and international one.
Music is a universal language which can heal the mind of the human being. With the modernization, a variety of music emerges around the world which has enormous contributions worldwide. Music has become an indispensable part of our lives. This essay will elaborate on how far international music expands, and from my perspective, we should give priority to our native music.
Listening to a song or melody is quite similar to meditation, and it makes our mind and body relaxed even though in a stressful environment. After industrializati on, jazz, hip hop, rock and classic music started being famous among adolescents. Bob Marley and Elvis Presley were leading singers before the ’90s and all their creations related to their culture and traditions still inspire people in different countries.
Each country has its own traditional music and that is the symbol of the nation. Obviously, before stepping out to the international level, famous musicians enhanced their skills through native music. For example, Sri Lanka has its own classic and folk music and currently some artists “Bathiya & Santhush” achieved international awards for presenting traditional music. The truth is music has its own value and recognition depend on how people utilize either locally or globally.
To recapitulate, before appreciating the international melody, any artist should be qualified in traditional music and ultimately, the person who has a great bond to traditional music undoubtedly will be successful in the international market of music. Being westernized absorbing all the ingredients from global music, will not be enough. Traditional music plays a significant role since it is quite similar to a connecting bridge of local and international music and culture.
We need music because it expresses our feelings in a harmonious way and can motivate and comfort us to a great extent. We listen to music because they are thoroughly entertaining and relaxing. Moreover, music decodes the joy, suffering and dream of the human race and can embody our tradition to preserve it for centuries. However, the type of music we love tends to differ from person to person and even from generation to generation.
The older generation, generally speaking, enjoys the music they liked during their young age and it is difficult for them to cope with the new, more evolved music styles such as Rap and EDM. This is because the older generation was less exposed to international music due to less connectivity and they were emotionally attached to the traditional music styles in their young age. A study by YouTube revealed that most of their subscribers above the age of 50 usually subscribed to channels that were related to old and traditional music. Since a large number of people favour traditional music and such music represents the traditional aspects of a country that foster patriotism, they are, without any doubt, important.
On the other hand, the young generation is more inclined towards international music since most teenagers follow the trend on social media due to easy connectivity worldwide. A survey by International Music Festival association stated that most of their shows are filled by teenagers and adults in their early 20’s. Therefore, it is intuitively obvious that young generation tends to like international music for entertainment and recreational purposes. To spread peace, connect youths and inspire them, we need international music.
In conclusion, people usually choose music according to their taste and the era they spend their young age in. Both traditional and international music is important as they have distinctive appeal and values to the listeners.
To begin with, every country has its own traditional music. The music they play or listen to in each celebration is different and show patriotic and traditional values in the lyrics. In Nepal, for example, during marriage ceremonies, they enjoy 'Panche Baja'. Similarly, traditional music has its importance from a historic perspective. Traditional music teaches the history of a country or a place. For example, the traditional music of people of the western side of Nepal is the Deuda song. This song tells about the people who live there.
Even though international music is catchy, it will be in trend for a short period of time only. Like the song of Sakira's 'Waka Waka'. It was popular during the World Cup and despite being a global hit, it is hardly popular now. On the other hand, we can hear the local music whenever we travel by bus from one place to another place in Nepal. These kinds of music are part of people and their culture. They will never fade away or lose their appeal. Traditional music represents the cultural identity of a nation.
In the conclusion, I strongly believe that traditional music has more important than international music. And youngsters are suggested to protect their nation's identity by preserving traditional music and listening to them.
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