⚡ TL;DRIELTS Writing Task 2 asks you to write a 250-word essay in 40 minutes. Questions fall into seven essay types and roughly twelve topic categories. The most frequently tested themes are education, technology, society, environment, health, and government. This guide covers every common topic area with example questions and the essay types you need to master.
Originally published July 2026. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
Understanding Writing Task 2
In IELTS Writing Task 2, you are given a statement or question on a general topic and asked to write an essay. The task contributes two-thirds of your total Writing band score (Task 1 contributes one-third). You must write at least 250 words — most successful candidates write between 270 and 300 words.
Your essay is assessed on four criteria, each worth 25 %:
Task Response — How fully you address the question
Coherence and Cohesion — Logical organisation and use of linking devices
Lexical Resource — Range and accuracy of vocabulary
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Variety of sentence structures with minimal errors
The Seven Essay Types
Essay Type
What the Question Asks
Structure
Agree / Disagree (Opinion)
“To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
Introduction → 2 body paragraphs supporting your position → Conclusion
Discussion (Both Views)
“Discuss both views and give your own opinion”
Introduction → Body 1 (View A) → Body 2 (View B) → Conclusion with your opinion
Advantages / Disadvantages
“Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?”
Introduction → Body 1 (Advantages) → Body 2 (Disadvantages) → Conclusion
Problem / Solution
“What are the problems? What solutions can you suggest?”
Introduction → Body 1 (Problems) → Body 2 (Solutions) → Conclusion
Cause / Effect
“What are the causes and effects?”
Introduction → Body 1 (Causes) → Body 2 (Effects) → Conclusion
Positive / Negative
“Is this a positive or negative development?”
Introduction → Body 1 (Positive aspects) → Body 2 (Negative aspects) → Conclusion
Direct Question (Two-Part)
Two separate questions asked together
Introduction → Body 1 (Question 1) → Body 2 (Question 2) → Conclusion
Common Topic Categories
Based on analysis of exam questions reported by test takers across multiple years, the following twelve categories account for the vast majority of Writing Task 2 prompts:
1. Education
Consistently the most frequently tested topic. Questions cover formal schooling, university education, online learning, the role of teachers, and educational policy.
Example prompts:
Some people think that all university courses should be available to all students. Others think that some restrictions should apply. Discuss both views.
Children should be taught the importance of the environment at school. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
2. Technology
Questions explore how digital tools affect communication, work, privacy, and daily life.
Example prompts:
Many people feel that technology has made life more complex. Do the advantages of modern technology outweigh the disadvantages?
Some people think that the increasing use of technology in the workplace is a positive development. Others disagree. Discuss both views.
3. Society and Culture
Topics include social values, traditions, cultural change, community, and generational differences.
Example prompts:
In many countries, traditional customs are disappearing. What are the causes? What can be done to preserve them?
Some people believe that social media has brought people closer together. Others argue it has made them more isolated. Discuss both views.
4. Environment
Questions address pollution, climate change, wildlife protection, sustainability, and individual vs government responsibility.
Example prompts:
Some people think that instead of preventing climate change, we should find ways to live with it. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Plastic pollution is a growing problem. What are the causes and what solutions can be implemented?
5. Health
Topics cover lifestyle choices, public health policy, diet, exercise, and mental well-being.
Example prompts:
In many countries, the number of people suffering from stress-related illnesses is increasing. What are the causes and what measures could be taken?
Some people think that governments should promote a healthy lifestyle. Others believe it is a personal choice. Discuss both views.
6. Government and Public Policy
Questions about government spending, law enforcement, taxation, and public services.
Example prompts:
Some people believe that the government should spend money on building public libraries. Others think that the money should be spent on other things. Discuss both views.
Should governments invest more in public transport or road infrastructure?
7. Work and Employment
Topics include remote work, work-life balance, job satisfaction, automation, and career choices.
Example prompts:
Some people work best when they set their own targets. Others perform better when their employer sets targets. Discuss both views.
Many people change careers several times during their working lives. Is this a positive or negative development?
8. Crime and Law
Questions about criminal justice, punishment, crime prevention, and rehabilitation.
Example prompts:
Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to have longer prison sentences. Others believe there are better approaches. Discuss both views.
9. Media and Advertising
Topics cover news reporting, advertising influence, freedom of speech, and misinformation.
Example prompts:
Advertising has a negative effect on society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
10. Globalisation
Questions about international trade, cultural exchange, global inequality, and travel.
Example prompts:
International tourism has brought enormous benefits to many places. At the same time, it has caused problems. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
11. Family and Children
Topics include parenting styles, children’s rights, family structure, and childcare.
Example prompts:
Some people think parents should monitor their children’s activities closely. Others believe children should have more freedom. Discuss both views.
12. Arts and Leisure
Questions about government funding for arts, the value of sport, and creative industries.
Example prompts:
Some people think that governments should spend money on art and culture. Others think this money should be spent on public services. Discuss both views.
How to Approach Any Task 2 Question
Read the question twice — underline the key instruction words (discuss, agree/disagree, causes, solutions).
Identify the essay type — this determines your paragraph structure.
Plan for 5 minutes — write down 2–3 ideas per body paragraph with brief supporting reasons.
Write your introduction — paraphrase the question and state your position or outline.
Develop body paragraphs — one main idea per paragraph, supported by explanation, example, or evidence.
Write a conclusion — summarise your main points without introducing new ideas.
Check your work — spend 2–3 minutes reviewing for grammar, spelling, and word count.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Task 2 is worth two-thirds of your total Writing score — prioritise it in preparation.
Seven essay types exist — learn the structure for each one.
Twelve topic categories cover the vast majority of questions: Education, Technology, Society, Environment, Health, Government, Work, Crime, Media, Globalisation, Family, and Arts.
Education and Technology are the most frequently tested categories.
Always plan for 5 minutes before writing.
Write 270–300 words for a safe margin above the 250-word minimum.
Do not memorise essays — examiners are trained to detect templates and memorised content.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many words should I write for Task 2?
The minimum is 250 words. Writing fewer than 250 words will result in a penalty. Aim for 270–300 words to ensure you comfortably exceed the minimum without running out of time.
Should I write Task 1 or Task 2 first?
Many test preparation experts recommend starting with Task 2 because it carries more weight. Spend approximately 40 minutes on Task 2 and 20 minutes on Task 1. However, the order is your choice.
Do I need to use academic vocabulary?
You should use formal, academic-style language. Avoid slang, contractions, and overly casual expressions. Using topic-specific vocabulary and less common words will help improve your Lexical Resource score.
Can I give a balanced opinion in an Agree/Disagree essay?
Yes, but you must make your position clear. You can partially agree or disagree, but every paragraph should consistently support your stated position. Avoid sitting on the fence without a clear stance.
⚡ TL;DRThe IELTS Speaking test lasts 11–14 minutes and has three parts: Part 1 (personal questions on familiar topics), Part 2 (a two-minute talk from a cue card), and Part 3 (an in-depth discussion on abstract themes). This page lists the most commonly reported topics for each part, with guidance on what examiners are looking for.
Originally published July 2026. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
How the IELTS Speaking Test Works
The Speaking test is a face-to-face interview with one certified IELTS examiner. It is the same for both Academic and General Training candidates. You are assessed on four criteria, each worth 25 % of your Speaking band score:
Criterion
What It Measures
Weight
Fluency and Coherence
Ability to speak at length without excessive hesitation, with logical organisation
25 %
Lexical Resource
Range and accuracy of vocabulary, including less common words and paraphrasing
25 %
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Variety of sentence structures and proportion of error-free sentences
25 %
Pronunciation
Clarity, intonation, stress patterns, and ability to be understood
25 %
Part 1: Introduction and Familiar Topics (4–5 Minutes)
The examiner asks you short questions about yourself and topics you are familiar with. You will typically receive questions on three different topics, with approximately four questions per topic. Answers should be 2–4 sentences long — enough to demonstrate language ability without over-talking.
Commonly Reported Part 1 Topics
Topic
Example Questions
Work and Studies
What do you do? Do you enjoy your job/course? What would you like to change about it?
Hometown
Where are you from? What do you like about your hometown? Has it changed much?
Home and Accommodation
Do you live in a house or a flat? What is your favourite room? Would you like to move?
Social Media
Do you use social media often? What kind of content do you share? Has your usage changed?
Cooking and Food
Do you enjoy cooking? What food is popular in your country? Do you prefer eating out or at home?
Music
What kind of music do you listen to? Do you play an instrument? Has your taste changed?
Reading
Do you enjoy reading? What do you prefer — books or articles? Did you read more as a child?
Weather and Seasons
What is the weather like in your country? Do you prefer hot or cold weather?
Shopping
Do you enjoy shopping? Do you prefer shopping online or in stores?
Transport
How do you usually travel? Is public transport good in your area?
Outdoor Activities
Do you spend much time outdoors? What outdoor activities are popular where you live?
Photography
Do you take many photographs? Do you prefer taking photos with a phone or a camera?
Neighbours
Do you know your neighbours? Is it important to have a good relationship with them?
Sleep and Relaxation
How many hours do you sleep? What do you do to relax?
Birthdays and Celebrations
How do people celebrate birthdays in your country? Do you enjoy parties?
Languages
How many languages do you speak? Would you like to learn another language?
Movies and TV
What kind of films do you enjoy? Do you prefer watching at home or in a cinema?
Pets and Animals
Do you have any pets? Are pets popular in your country?
Technology
What technology do you use every day? Has technology changed how you communicate?
Exercise and Sport
Do you exercise regularly? What sport is most popular in your country?
Part 2: The Individual Long Turn (3–4 Minutes)
You receive a cue card with a topic and four bullet points. You have one minute to prepare notes, then you speak for 1–2 minutes. The examiner may ask one or two brief follow-up questions.
Commonly Reported Cue Card Topics
Cue card topics fall into five broad categories:
Category
Example Topics
People
Describe a person who inspires you · Describe someone who is good at their job · Describe a family member you are close to
Places
Describe a place you visited recently · Describe a quiet place you enjoy · Describe a historical building
Objects
Describe a gift you received · Describe a piece of technology you find useful · Describe a book you recommend
Experiences
Describe a time you helped someone · Describe a skill you learned recently · Describe a time you had to wait
Activities and Habits
Describe a healthy habit you have · Describe a podcast or programme you enjoy · Describe a sport you like to play or watch
How to Use Your One-Minute Preparation Time
Read all four bullet points on the cue card before writing anything.
Jot down key words — not full sentences — for each bullet point.
Think of one specific example you can describe in detail.
Note two or three descriptive adjectives you want to use.
When you begin speaking, follow the bullet points in order. This gives your talk a natural structure that covers everything the examiner expects.
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion (4–5 Minutes)
The examiner asks more abstract, opinion-based questions related to the Part 2 topic. This is the most challenging part because you need to express and justify opinions, compare ideas, and discuss hypothetical situations.
Commonly Reported Part 3 Themes
Theme
Example Questions
Technology and Society
How has technology changed the way people communicate? Do you think people rely too much on their phones?
Environment
What can individuals do to protect the environment? Should governments do more about climate change?
Education
Is a university education necessary for success? How has education changed in recent years?
Health and Well-being
Why do some people find it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle? What role should governments play in public health?
Work and Employment
Is it better to work for a large company or a small one? How important is job satisfaction compared to salary?
Culture and Tradition
Are traditional customs important in modern society? How can countries preserve their cultural heritage?
Media and Information
Do you think news reporting is always accurate? How do people verify information they read online?
Globalisation
Has globalisation been positive or negative for developing countries? Do you think local businesses can compete with international ones?
General Preparation Strategies
Speak regularly in English — even 15 minutes of daily practice builds fluency more effectively than occasional long sessions.
Record yourself answering practice questions and listen back for hesitation patterns, grammar errors, and pronunciation issues.
Expand your vocabulary by topic — learn 10–15 words related to each common theme and practise using them in sentences.
Practise extending your answers — use phrases like “What I mean is…”, “For instance…”, “Having said that…” to give longer, more developed responses.
Do not memorise scripts — examiners are trained to detect rehearsed answers, which can lower your Fluency and Coherence score.
🔑 Key Takeaways
The Speaking test has three parts: familiar topics (Part 1), a two-minute talk (Part 2), and abstract discussion (Part 3).
You are assessed on Fluency, Vocabulary, Grammar, and Pronunciation — each worth 25 %.
Part 1 covers personal topics like work, home, hobbies, and daily routines.
Part 2 cue cards fall into five categories: People, Places, Objects, Experiences, and Activities.
Part 3 explores abstract themes like technology, environment, education, and culture.
Practise regularly, record yourself, and avoid memorised scripts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ask the examiner to repeat a question?
Yes. You can ask the examiner to repeat or rephrase a question in any part of the test without losing marks.
Is the Speaking test the same for Academic and General Training?
Yes. The Speaking test is identical for both Academic and General Training candidates. The same topics, format, and scoring criteria apply.
Will I lose marks for my accent?
No. IELTS examiners assess pronunciation, not accent. You can speak with any accent as long as your speech is clear and intelligible.
What happens if I run out of things to say in Part 2?
If you stop before one minute, the examiner will prompt you with a follow-up question. Aim to speak for the full two minutes by preparing detailed examples during your one-minute note-taking time.
Can I change my answer during the test?
Yes. Self-correction is natural and shows awareness of accuracy. Correcting yourself is better than leaving an error uncorrected.
⚡ TL;DROne Skill Retake lets you retake a single IELTS section — Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking — within 60 days of your original computer-delivered test. The retake fee is roughly 40–60 % of the full test fee. Your retake score replaces your original, even if lower. Available worldwide except the United States.
Originally published July 2026. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
What Is One Skill Retake?
One Skill Retake (OSR) is a feature from the IELTS partners — British Council, IDP, and Cambridge — that allows candidates to retake one section of the IELTS test without sitting the entire exam again. If you underperformed in just one area, you can focus your preparation on that specific skill.
Eligibility Requirements
Your original test was a computer-delivered IELTS test.
You book and complete the retake within 60 days of your original test date.
You retake only one section per original test.
You did not take your original test in the United States (OSR is not currently available there).
There is no minimum or maximum band score requirement. Whether you scored 4.0 or 8.0, you are eligible.
Which Sections Can You Retake?
Section
Duration
Format
Notes
Listening
~30 min
Computer
40 questions, headphones provided
Reading
60 min
Computer
40 questions, Academic or GT
Writing
60 min
Computer / Writing on Paper
Task 1 + Task 2
Speaking
11–14 min
Face-to-face
Parts 1, 2, and 3
How Much Does It Cost?
The retake fee varies by country and test centre but is typically 40–60 % of the full IELTS test fee. Contact your local IELTS test centre or check the British Council / IDP booking portal for exact pricing in your region.
How Scoring Works
⚠ Your retake score replaces your original — even if it is lower.
There is no option to keep the higher of two scores. Before booking, be confident that additional preparation will genuinely improve your performance.
Your updated Test Report Form will show your original scores for the three unchanged sections plus your new score for the retaken section, with a recalculated overall band.
How to Book
Log in to your IELTS account on the British Council or IDP booking portal.
Select One Skill Retake from your recent test results.
Choose the section and a test date within the 60-day window.
Pay the retake fee.
Prepare — focus on the single section you are retaking.
Attend the retake at the test centre.
Receive your updated results, typically within 1–3 business days.
Where Is It Accepted?
OSR results are accepted by major immigration and academic authorities including:
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) — accepted for Express Entry and other programmes
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) — accepted for all UKVI pathways
Australian Department of Home Affairs — accepted for skilled migration and student visas
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) — accepted for residence and work visas
Always confirm acceptance with your target institution or authority.
When to Use It — and When Not To
Good Candidates for OSR
You missed your target overall band by 0.5 and one section is clearly the weak link.
You had a bad day in one section but performed well in the other three.
You need a specific section score to meet an institution’s minimum requirement.
Consider Retaking the Full Test Instead
You underperformed across two or more sections.
You are not confident you can improve, since a lower score will replace the original.
Your 60-day window does not leave enough preparation time.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Retake one IELTS section within 60 days of a computer-delivered test.
Available worldwide except the United States.
Costs roughly 40–60 % of the full test fee.
Retake score replaces original — even if lower.
Accepted by IRCC, UKVI, Australian Home Affairs, and INZ.
No minimum or maximum band score requirement.
Book through the British Council or IDP portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I retake more than one section?
No. You may retake only one section per original test. To improve two or more sections, retake the full test.
What if my retake score is lower?
The retake score replaces your original. There is no mechanism to keep the higher score.
Is OSR available for General Training?
Yes. OSR is available for both IELTS Academic and General Training, provided the original was computer-delivered.
Can I use OSR for UKVI IELTS?
Yes. UKVI accepts OSR results. The retake must be at a UKVI-approved SELT centre and must be computer-delivered.
Why is OSR not available in the United States?
The IELTS partners have not yet extended OSR to the US market. US-based candidates must retake the full exam. Check the official IELTS portal for availability updates.
⚡ TL;DR
From mid-2026, every IELTS test worldwide is delivered on computer — paper-based testing ended on 27 June 2026. The test content, scoring, and difficulty remain identical. Speaking is still face-to-face with a human examiner. A “Writing on Paper” option is available in selected markets. Results arrive in 1–3 days instead of 13.
Originally published July 2026. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
What Changed and Why
In late 2025, IELTS announced the largest delivery change in the test’s 35-year history. From mid-2026, all IELTS tests — Academic and General Training — are delivered exclusively on computer. The final date for paper-based IELTS globally was 27 June 2026, according to the official IELTS partners (British Council, IDP, and Cambridge).
The decision followed years of data showing that over 80 per cent of test takers already preferred the computer-delivered option, primarily for faster results and more flexible scheduling.
What Stays the Same
Test content — the questions, passages, and tasks are drawn from the same item bank used for the former paper test.
Scoring criteria — the nine-band scale and all four assessment criteria for Writing and Speaking remain unchanged.
Difficulty level — computer delivery does not make the test easier or harder.
Speaking test — still a live, face-to-face interview with a certified IELTS examiner. This is not conducted on a screen.
Validity — results remain valid for two years from the test date.
What Is Different on Screen
Feature
Former Paper Test
Computer-Delivered Test
Listening audio
Played through speakers for the room
Played through individual headphones with volume control
Listening transfer time
10 minutes to transfer answers
2 minutes to review answers
Reading navigation
Flip physical pages
Split screen — passage on one side, questions on the other; text highlighting and note tools available
Writing input
Handwritten
Typed on keyboard; automatic word count displayed; cut, copy, paste available
Results turnaround
13 calendar days
1–3 business days
Test availability
Limited dates (typically 4 per month)
Multiple sessions per day, nearly every day of the week
One Skill Retake
Not available
Available — retake one section within 60 days
The Writing on Paper Option
In selected markets, IELTS has introduced a “Writing on Paper” option. Test takers who choose this option complete the Listening and Reading sections on computer but handwrite their Writing answers on paper. This caters to candidates who feel more comfortable composing essays by hand.
Important: The UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) track does not offer the Writing on Paper option, as UK Home Office security requirements mandate fully digital delivery.
How to Prepare for the Computer-Delivered Format
Typing Speed
You do not need to be a fast typist, but you should be comfortable typing at approximately 35–40 words per minute to complete the Writing section without time pressure. Practice typing academic-style paragraphs rather than casual messages.
Screen Reading
Reading passages appear on screen alongside the questions in a split-screen layout. Practise reading long texts on a monitor rather than on paper. Use the built-in highlight tool to mark key sentences, just as you would underline on paper.
On-Screen Navigation
Familiarise yourself with the test interface by using the free official practice materials available from the IELTS partners. Key features to learn:
The copy, cut, and paste shortcuts for the Writing section
The word counter displayed beneath the Writing text box
The review and flag feature for Listening and Reading questions you want to return to
The timer displayed at the top of the screen
The volume slider for adjusting Listening audio through your headphones
Listening Differences
The most significant practical change is in Listening. On the computer-delivered test, you have 2 minutes at the end to check your answers, compared with the 10-minute transfer time on the former paper test. Your answers are typed directly into the answer fields as you listen, so there is no separate answer sheet to fill in.
UKVI Candidates: What You Need to Know
If you are taking IELTS for a UK visa application, all UKVI IELTS tests moved to computer-only delivery from 22 March 2026 — earlier than the global transition. The test must be taken at a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) centre. Standard IELTS (non-UKVI) is not accepted for UK immigration purposes, regardless of your score.
Existing Paper-Based Results
If you took IELTS on paper before the transition, your Test Report Form remains valid for two years from the date of the test, as confirmed by the IELTS partners. No re-test is required solely because of the format change.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Paper-based IELTS ended globally on 27 June 2026 — all tests are now computer-delivered.
Test content, scoring, and difficulty are identical to the former paper format.
Speaking remains a live face-to-face interview with a human examiner.
Results arrive in 1–3 business days instead of 13 calendar days.
Listening gives you 2 minutes to review (not 10 minutes to transfer answers).
One Skill Retake is available exclusively on the computer-delivered test.
The “Writing on Paper” option is offered in selected markets (not UKVI).
UKVI tests transitioned to computer-only on 22 March 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the computer-delivered IELTS test harder than the paper test?
No. The test content, question types, and scoring criteria are identical. The only difference is the delivery method — you read on a screen and type instead of writing by hand.
Can I still take IELTS on paper anywhere in the world?
No. The last global date for paper-based IELTS was 27 June 2026. In selected markets, the “Writing on Paper” option allows you to handwrite the Writing section only, while Listening and Reading are still on computer.
Do I need to bring my own keyboard or headphones?
No. The test centre provides all equipment, including a computer, keyboard, mouse, and noise-cancelling headphones. You only need to bring your valid identification document.
How fast do I need to type?
A comfortable speed of 35–40 words per minute is sufficient for most candidates. The Writing section gives you 60 minutes for two tasks with a combined minimum of 400 words, so speed typing is not required.
Is my old paper-based IELTS score still valid?
Yes. All existing Test Report Forms remain valid for two years from the original test date. The format transition does not affect previously issued scores.
What is One Skill Retake?
One Skill Retake allows you to retake a single IELTS section (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) within 60 days of your original computer-delivered test, instead of retaking the entire exam. It is available in most countries except the United States.
Comprehensive guide covering essential IELTS preparation strategies and techniques to help you achieve your target band score.
Originally published March 2025. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
The Blog post contains the following IELTS Reading Questions:
IELTS Reading Table Completion
IELTS Reading True/False/Not given
IELTS Reading Multiple Choice Questions
IELTS reading passage – Art or Craft
Art or Craft
A. Craftsmen have traditionally been considered distinct from artists. Craftsmen, such as woodworkers and plasterers, had their own guild, whereas the artist was thought to be a more solitary being confined to an existence in a studio or attic. Furthermore, whereas craftsmen could rely on a reasonably consistent income, artists were frequently living on the breadline, and the term “starving artist” became a synonym to describe the impoverished existence of artists in general. Even today, the lives of a craftsman and an artist could not be more dissimilar. However, what exactly distinguishes craft from art, both practically and philosophically?
B. The nature of the finished product or piece is one of the primary distinctions between art and craft. Fundamentally, the idea of craft has traditionally been connected to the creation of goods that are useful or practical. Contrarily, art is not constrained by the confines of practicality. While an artist’s creation is often without a practical purpose, a craftsman’s teapot or vase should typically be able to carry tea or flowers. In actuality, the sole purpose of art and its existence is to simply “be,” which is why Dada artist Meret Oppenheim made the fur lined teacup. The “cup” as such was evidently never meant to be used in a practical manner, any more than a chocolate teapot possibly was.
C. Artistry in craftsmanship is consequently simply a by product because the number one focus is on what something does, now no longer what it is. The opposite is real for artwork. Artistic merchandise attraction is purely at the degree of the imagination. As the prestigious philosopher, Kant, stated, ‘At its best, artwork cultivates and expands the human spirit.’ Whether the artist answerable for a chunk of artwork has sufficient expertise to acquire that is any other matter. However, the purpose of all artists stays the same: to produce a piece that also goes beyond the mundane and uplifts the viewer. In contrast, the world of the craftsman and his paintings stay lodged firmly in the practicality of the everyday world. An item produced through an artist is consequently essentially specific from the one produced through a craftsman
D. Differences among the 2 disciplines of art and craft make bigger additionally to the method required to produce the finished object. The British philosopher R.G. Collingwood, who set out a list of standards that distinguish art from craft, focused on the distinction between the two subjects in their ‘planning and execution. With a craft, Collingwood argued, the ‘result to be acquired is preconceived or thought out before being arrived at.’ The craftsman, Collingwood says, ‘knows what he desires to make before he makes it’. This foreknowledge, consistent with Collingwood, has to now no longer be vague but precise. In fact, such making plans are taken into consideration to be ‘indispensable’ to craft. In this respect, the craft is essentially one-of-a-kind from the artwork. Art is located by Collingwood at the different end of the creative continuum, the introduction of art being described as a method that evolves non-deterministically. The artist is, therefore, just as unaware as everybody else as to what the end product of the introduction will be, while he’s actually in the process of creating. Contrast this with the craftsman who already knows what the end product will seem like before she or he has even begun to create it.
E. Since the artist isn’t always following a set of standard guidelines in the process of creation, she or he has no guidelines like the craftsman. Whilst the desk or chair created by the craftsman, for example, has to conform to certain expectations in look and design, no such limitations are imposed on the artist. For it is the artist alone who, via a trial-and-error approach, will create the final object.
F. The object merely evolves over time. Whereas the craftsman can pretty correctly predict when a product can be completed taking technical methods into account, the artist can do no such thing. The artist is at the mercy of inspiration alone and pretty apart from not being capable of having a projected completion date, might also additionally never be capable of assuring that the object will be completed at all. Unfinished symphonies by wonderful composers and works of literature by no means finished through their authors testify to this.
G. Having no particular end goal in mind, the emphasis at the finished product which is true of craftsmanship is placed Instead on the act of creation itself with the artist. The creation of the work of art is an exploration and a battle and direction of discovery for the artist. It could be said that the artist is producing as much for himself as for people who will view the finished product. This act of creation is very distinct from the manufacturing of an object that is crafted, therefore. The aim of creating craftwork is monetary compensation. Craft is produced for purchase and is basically a money-generating industry. Any craftsman who observed the artistic approach to creation might quickly be out of a job. Craftsmen are predicted to deliver, artists are not. This is probably the maximum fundamental distinction that separates the craftsman from the artist.
Art or Craft reading questions
Questions 1-10
Complete the table below. Choose 10 answers from the box and write the correct letter, A-L, next to questions 1-10.
the finished product has an emotional and spiritual level appeal
the final product has no ambition to be anything more than it appears.
only the functional use is considered for the final object.
no practical purpose as such is imagined for the created object.
the process of creation is actually a means to an end.
whether there is an end product or not, the product is itself secondary to the process of production.
not having to stick to a set of rules, the process is a matter of experimentation
there is no line of error for experimentation, all of the process are following a set of rules.
the goal is defined from the outset
the process is undefined and fluid
it is useful but not commercially practical
the production process is a mixture of following experimentation and guidelines.
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?In boxes 11-12 on your answer sheet, write
TRUE if the statement is true
FALSE if the statement is false
NOT GIVEN if the information is not given in passage
11. One of the key differences between craft and art is the type of final item or piece.
12. Artists also have to follow a set of rules like craftsmen.
Enhance your skills in identifying information as True, False, or Not Given. Click here to discover expert strategies and techniques for mastering this question type in the IELTS Reading section.
Questions 13-14
Choose the correct letter A, B, or C. Write the correct option letter in boxes 13-14 on your answer sheet.
13. Which of the following people can predict the time when the object production will get completed?
Craftsmen
Artist
None of these
14. Which of the following is the most basic difference between a craftsman and an artist?
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
