ARTS

There several topics in arts you can face in IELTS speaking & writing tasks, namedly:

- roles of public arts in our life such as roles of museums & art galleries, statues & buildings, etc.

- goverments should invest or spend large sum of money on art or not??

- freedom for artists to express their own ideas vs government restrictions

- online art gallery vs ordinary gallery?

- describe a art gallery you visited?

- traditional music vs international music. ?

Belowing there are several model essays for art topics! Enjoy and experience!!!!

Should governments spend money on art, when they have so many other important issues and concerns?
Throughout the ages, man has tried to create beauty through painting, music, sculpture and other artistic expression. It seems to be a basic need of humans to surround themselves with art. However some people feel that government money spent on art is wasted, particularly when there are so many other demands on it. This essay will examine the conflict between those who say art is important and those who feel it is a waste of money.
It can be wrong for governments to spend large sums of money on art. Too often, governments spend unwisely. They spend money on art not because a picture is good or a museum is needed, but for political reasons. Cities end up with huge statues or empty expensive buildings that are used only by a few people or the elite. Another point is that the artworks are often chosen to represent social or political rather than artistic ideas. The city gets yet another statue of the leader or an ugly monument to national aspirations. A third point is that governments often respond to fashions, and tastes in art can change very rapidly. Without careful advice an expensive collection of worthless paintings or tasteless productions can be the result.
However, it would be wrong to say that governments should not spend any money at all on art. Painters, musicians, and composers cannot survive without financial support. Rich people or large companies do finance art, but then it is often inaccessible to ordinary people. Governments have a duty to make this art available to everyone. However, the most important reason why governments should support the arts is because an appreciation of art is one of the things that makes life worthwhile. Humans do not need just shelter and food. Creative people have always tried to look at things in a new way and to make the world a better place through painting, music, poetry, calligraphy, sculpture, dance, and numerous other forms of expression. While art may not make us immortal, it does make the world a richer place for future generations.
In conclusion, although people do need to be provided with the necessities of life, such as housing and medical care, governments also have a duty to provide their citizens with something more. They should make sure that they pass on beauty, ideas and expression to the next generation and make art available to all instead of being the possession of only the few. I firmly believe that spending money on art is a vital part of a government's responsibility, and I am confident that my country will be able to contribute its share to the richness of the world's art and creativity.
Version 2
Many people's lives are richer because of art - music, paintings, calligraphy, pictures, sculpture, poems and dance. However, some people feel that governments should be spending money on housing, medical care, or defence, instead of on art. This essay will discuss whether governments should or should not spend money on the arts.
There are several reasons why governments should not finance artists. First of all, artists should have to follow the same rules as the rest of the market. If there is a demand for their music or sculpture, then they will be rich. Secondly, politicians generally do not have good taste. They will waste public money on popular art or on their own preferences. But the main reason why governments should minimize spending on the art world is that there are more important areas like housing, roads, hospitals, and factories which need the money first.
However, it would be wrong to say that governments should not spend any money at all on art. Everybody needs some beauty in his or her life, but not everyone can afford a Picasso or a piece of music. Governments should provide money for museums or concert halls for everyone. Another point is that art allows people to express themselves and this is good for society, culture, and thought. Thirdly, artists can be good for the economy by producing music, films, and attracting tourists.
Overall, governments should prioritize their spending carefully, but they should also allocate some of their budget for art. It is part of their duty to society and to future generations.
2. What are the purposes of places such as museums and how should they be funded?
Museums illuminate the culture, history and arts of the world. Every country and government spare no effort or money to enrich the collection of museums to cater for different tastes or needs of people, for the benefit of the present and future generations.

There are bounteous museums all over the world.The British Museum, which is maybe the largest one in the world, provides visitors with all-round knowledge about the world culture and arts. The visitors to the museum are all overwhelmed by the magnificence of the culture and history of mankind. If one wants to know about the development of human science and industry, he can have a tour to The Museum of Science and Industry located in Chicago, the United States, where a detailed scientific progress is presented vividly. You cannot miss every achievement human beings have made in history and you are sure to be shocked by the civilization our forefathers created. If one wants to have a browse of the important events in the past, American Museum of Photography is the best choice. It abounds in precious historical pictures and gives visitors unforgettable memory. Apart from the state-owned museums, there are also innumerable private museums whose purpose is to exhibit their cherished collection and popularize knowledge.With a view to giving people updated information and rendering them a more detailed overview, many countries invest a great deal of money in the foundation of museums, because museums disseminate human knowledge and culture, which are more significant for the development of the young generation. Besides, entrepreneurs and individuals should also lay a fund for the improvement and rebuild of museums. The prosperity of human culture is not only the responsibility of the government, but also the responsibility of every individual and organization. (295 words)
3. Some people claim that public museums and art galleries will not be needed because people can see historical objects and works of art by using a computer. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion?　　　　

It is simply absurd to assert that with historical objects and works of art being able to be seen through a computer, public museums and art galleries will no longer be needed.　　　　

First of all, computers can never replace real public museums and art galleries. No matter how real and vivid computer images are, they are only images, not the historical objects and works of art that we see in real or even might be allowed to touch with our fingertips. For those who claim museums and galleries are no longer needed because they can see all they want to on a computer screen, I’d like to suggest that they marry a wife or husband in the computer rather than in real life!　　　　

In the second place, visiting real museums and art galleries is a rewarding experience in many respects. For one thing, it is a good exercise. While we are making the trip to a museum or art gallery and then strolling about on site, we get some exercise which does a lot of good to our health. For another thing, we can feast our eyes on all kinds of things there and experience the wonder, beauty and exquisite workmanship with our own eyes in an active way instead of in a passive manner by looking at what are being displayed to us by others on the screen. For yet another thing, we protect our eyesight by moving away from the computer screen and see the real objects on site.　　

It is true that computers have brought great conveniences to our life. At certain times, especially when it is temporarily impossible for us to visit museums and art galleries in person, we can get a rough picture of what are on display on site. However, what we see from a computer screen is, after all, not exactly the same as what we see and feel with our own eyes on site.　　

In conclusion, computers will never be able to replace real public museums and art galleries. Therefore, it is ridiculous to say that one does not need to go to museums and art galleries as historical objects and works of art can be appreciated on a computer screen.

LAW & CRIME

Under British and Australian laws a jury in a criminal case has no access to information about the defendant's past criminal record. This protects the person who is being acused of the crime

Some lawyers have suggested that this practice should be changed and that a jury should be given all the pastfacts before they reach their decision about the case.

Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer

Over the years mankind has been moulding its distinctive culture, moral principles and laws. And nowadays there is a world of difference between the ways people of different countries live, the rules and laws they obey. In particular, the criminal code is usually different in different countries. For instance, unlike other countries’ laws, under British and Australian laws a jury in criminal case has no access to information about the defendant’s past records, as it protects the person being on trial for committing a crime.
Nevertheless, this practice is an issue which frequently generates a great deal of heated debate, with supporters maintaining that it is essential for the jury to reach an impartial verdict, whilst opponents claim that the jury should be given all the facts before reaching their decision about the case.
In the first place, passing sentence to a criminal is a very responsible act. Consequently, the jury should be aware of many facts of the defendant’s life. Furthermore, if the accused is a hardened criminal, he or she should be punished more severely.
Apart from this, according to Chezarer Lombrozo, there are people predisposed to transgression of the law owing to certain biological features. Such people should not be only fined for committing a crime or maybe sentences to several years in prison. On the contrary, they should be treated in special medical institutions. And if the jury is not aware of this fact, the criminal will still constitute a menace to innocent civilians before he or she is caught once more.
For the above-mentioned reasons, therefore, I reckon that the jury should be given all information about the defendant’s criminal record to rule out the possibility of reaching a wrong decision about the case. Of course, the defendants must be protected from being biassedly judged, but it is more important for the jury to be honest and wise enough to judge fairly while being informed of conviction records of the accused.

SOME ARTICLES RELATING TASK 1 & TASK 2

A CURE FOR THE FUTURE IN THE PAST?

For over fifty years, the people of Britain have relied on the welfare state to make sure they have adequate health service. But now the National Health Service is sick. Goverment

cutbacks and underfunding are forcing hospitals to close, and waiting lists for treatment are getting longer. Under such circumstances, it is no surprise that more people are turning to private (but expensive) healthcare.

For some, however, there are alternatives. They are turning their back on modern pills, tablets and other conventional medicines. It seems paradoxical, but in an age of microchips and high technology, traditional medicines (the old-fashioned cures that our grandparents relied on) is making a comeback. Consider these cases:

Maude is 76 and has been suffering from arthritis for almost ten years. "The inflammation in my joints was almost unbearable, and my doctor referred me to a consultant at the London Hospital. I was told that I needed surgery, but would need to wait for at least two years before I could have the operation. IN desperation, I started having massage sessions. To my surprise, these were very therapeutic, and while they didn't cure the disorder, they did relieve it to some extent"

Ron is 46. His high powered city job was responsible for a series of stress-related illness, and the drugs he took did little to relieve the nervous strain. "I read about treatments which involve the whole person rather than the individual symptoms, but I had always been sceptical about hoslitic medicine. However, my friend recommended a dietician who advised me that part of my problem was diet-related. Basically, the foods I was eating were contributing to my disorder. She gave me a list of foods that would provide the right vitamins and minerals to keep me in good health. At the same time, she recommended a more energetic lifestyle - running, swimming , that kind of thing. I'm a bit of a cough potato, and the sedentary lifestyle I had lived was coumpounding the problem. I feel great now!

So is there still a place in our lives for modern medicine? While it is true that some infections and viruses may be prevented by resorting to alternative medicine, more serious illnesses such as cancer need more drastic measures. We do need our health service at these times, and we shouldn't stop investing in its future. But we mustn't forget that for some commom illnesses, the cure may lie in the past.

FOOD & DIET

Most children enjoy eating fast food, but scientific tests have shown us that burgers and pizzas can lack essential minerals and vitamins, which are essential for health and growth, while simultaneously containing large amounts of fat and carbohydrates which can result in obesity and heart problems. Many children end up suffering from malnutrition, since they eat too much of the wrong sort of food. In fact, in many areas of the developed world, a lot of children show similar symptoms to those in poorer developing countries, where scarity of food causes thousands of deaths from starvation, especially in the wake of natural disasters which ruin crops and in some cases totally destroy the annual harvest.

Dieticians tell us that we must eat a balanced diet, as it is essential we consume sufficient quantities of the different food groups. They tell us that we should all eat more fibre which cannot be digested by the body, and fewer foods which are high in fat/cholesterol, as this can block the walls of arteries and lead to the heart problems. This is good advice, of course, but our lifestyles often make this difficult. Many of the ready-prepared foods we buy from supermarkets are high in calories, giving us more energy than we actually need. Genetically modified foods are appearing on our supermarket shelves, even though nobody is really sure if altering the composition of food cells is safe. We have the option, of course, of buying organic foods, but naturally cultivated fruits and vegetables are expensive. And to make matter worse, we are continually hearing about outbreaks of salmonella and listeria which put us off eating certain foods, as nobody wants to spend time in hospital suffering from food poisoning

A few things to watch out for next time you go shopping. If you have the time and the money, that is !!!

Complementary medicines at a glance

Alternative therapies offer treatment for all complaints, from circulation and digestive problems to depression and stress.

There is strong scientific evidence that some, such as acupuncture, work.

However, some experts say the evidence for other forms, such as homoeopathy, is at best sketchy.

There are a wide range of different complementary therapies. Here, we give details of some of the most widely practised.

Acupuncture:

An ancient Chinese art based on the theory that Qi energy flows along meridians in the body, and can be stimulated by inserting fine needles at specific points.

Acupuncture is used to treat asthma, addiction, arthritis, depression, anxiety, blood pressure disorder and problems with the digestive system.

There are a wide range of studies demonstrating that acupuncture has a positive effect, including evidence to suggest it works by deactivating pain centres in the brain.

However, other research has suggested "sham" acupuncture - where someone only thinks the needles are being inserted - can also benefit patients.

Pupils at a school in Somerset are being offered acupuncture to help them deal with the stress of school life.Acupuncture involves putting needles into particular parts of the body which is thought to release positive energy.

Aromatherapy: The use of essential oils in treatments to improve physical and emotional well being, relieve pain and alleviate tension and fatigue.

Each aromatic oil, extracted from different parts of plants, is thought to have unique therapeutic properties.

They can be added to a bath, massaged through the skin, inhaled directly, used with teas, or scented in a room.

A German study found that water had the same effect as expensive oils - as long as patients believed they were being given the real thing.

However, a Nottingham hospital is offering aromatherapy to help mothers-to-be cope with the pain during labour.

Crystal healing: The use of crystals, gemstones and minerals in several ways to amplify and accelerate the self-healing processes within the individual patient.

The theory is that healing can be speeded up by the interaction between the vibrational structure of the crystalline matter and the bio-magnetic energy patterns within the human body.

Herbal medicine: It is believed that as much as 80% of the world outside the industrialised countries relies on herbs for health.

In fact, many commercially produced pharmaceutical products are derived from herbs, but herbal medicine uses the whole plant rather than an extract.

Herbal medicines are used to help most illnesses including migraine, arthritis, depression, insomnia and lung, stomach, blood and skin disorders.

Homoeopathy: This works on the principle that what makes a healthy person unwell can be used to treat the same symptoms in someone who is unwell.

But homoeopathic medicines are diluted to a high degree.

They are used on asthma, allergies, anxiety, tension, menstrual problems and morning sickness.

A Swiss-UK review of 110 trials published in The Lancet in August 2005 found no convincing evidence the treatment worked any better than a placebo.

But a six-year study at Bristol Homoeopathic Hospital found over 70% of patients with chronic diseases reported positive health changes after treatment.

Hypnotherapy: A method designed to induce relaxation to relieve certain symptoms or bring about a change in life style

It combines the skills of counselling and psychotherapy with the techniques of hypnosis.

The induction of hypnosis produces an altered state of consciousness or awareness, similar to day dreaming or near-sleep.

A small study published in the journal Gut in April 2006 found hypnotherapy could help relieve severe chest pain not caused by a heart condition.

Magnet therapy: The use of magnets to help relieve muscular aches and pains, insomnia, headaches, and poor bladder control.

It has also been claimed that the technique can have a positive effect on more serious conditions, such as cancer and circulatory diseases.

The therapy is controversial, and is not advised for people having radiotherapy treatment, or those who wear a pacemaker.

A British Medical Journal study, published in January 2006, found that magnets had no effect.

Massage Therapy: The manipulation of soft tissue for therapeutic purposes, which may include the use of oil, salt glows, and hot and cold packs.

Designed to create a state of being both relaxed and alert, relief from stress, faster recovery time from an injury, and a greater sense of self-awareness.

Osteopathy: A widely respected therapy which also has a regulatory council.

Osteopaths manipulate the muscles and spine to improve mobility and balance.

It can help with many types of injury and be useful in treating arthritis, sciatica, headaches, depression and digestion problems.

Reiki: A technique developed in Japan which aims to promote the body's own capacity to heal itself.

The practitioner gently places his hands in specific positions on the body

It is based on the belief that, by channelling spiritual energy through the practitioner, the spirit is healed, and the spirit, in turn, heals the physical body.

Reflexology: A type of deep foot or hand massage designed to relax the whole body through the reflex response.

The thumbs are used extensively to break up crystalline deposits which have formed at the nerve endings, particularly on the bottom of the feet.

There is some research to suggest that therapy can have beneficial effects, particularly on kidney and intestinal function.

Shiatsu: Shiatsu means finger, or thumb pressure. Like acupuncture, it is based on the theory that meridians, or lines, of energy run through the body, and can be manipulated.

Techniques include pounding, stretching and rocking. Pressure may be applied by use of forearms, elbows, palms, feet and knees.

The end result should be greater mobility and flexibility, a clearer sense of one's body, and a sense of being both relaxed and energised.

Yoga: Has been shown to alleviate stress and, at the physical level, yoga has been seen to be useful in the treatment of those who suffer conditions that affect or are affected by posture, such as backache and arthritis.

HEALTH TOPICS - 3. WRITING TASK 2

1. “Prevention is better than cure”. Out of a country’s health budget, a large proportion should be diverted from treatment to spending on health education and preventative measures. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? (Cambridge IELTS 2)

2. A number of different medical traditions are now widely known and used: Western medicine (using drugs and surgery), herbal medicine (using needles at certain points of the body), homoeopathy (using minute doses of poisons), and so on. How important is the patient’s mental attitude towards his/her treatment in determining the effectiveness of the treatment? (Model tests for the IELTS) (China writing)

3. Most developed countries spend a large proportion of their heath budgets on expensive medical technology and procedures. This money should be spent instead on health education to keep people well. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (Ielts on Track)

4. The quality of health care a person receives should not depend on the size of their bank balance. The government is responsible for providing a high level of heath care for all its citizens. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (Reading and Writing module)

5. Some people claim that using tobacco has brought several social problems and smocking should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (China writing)

6. Should citizen take out private health insurance?
7. Currently there is a trend towards the use of alternative forms of medicine. However, at best these methods are ineffective, and at worst they may be dangerous. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (Ielts Foundation)
8. What are the possible effects of living long on an individual and on the whole society? (July 5th, 2006)

9. Young drug abuse is a serious problem nowadays in many countries, what are the reasons for this and what can be done to combat it

HEALTH TOPICS - 2. VOCABULARY

Time to get fit....
Maintaining a 'keep fit' lifestyle doesn't have to mean slogging it out in a sweaty gym. Just boosting your levels of general daily activity will reap big rewards in improved health and energy.

KEEPING FIT AND HEALTHY
Do regular exercise
work out (at the gym)warm up
stretch
cool down
eat healthily
avoid stress
relax
A HEALTHY DIET
vitamins
minerals
carbohydrates
fats
proteins
fibre
THE BODY
bones
joints (khop)
muscle (co)
Internal organs
brain
lungs
heart
liver (gan)
kidneys (cat)
stomach
Circulation of the blood
blood
vein
artery (dong mach, huyet mach)
pulse (mach)
high/low blood pressures
HYGIENE
wash your hair
cut your nails
file your nails
have a shower
have a wash
shave
clean/brush your teeth
Hygiene products
cotton wool
deodorant (chat khu mui)
cleanser
soap
shower gel
shampoo
conditioner
toothpaste
toothbrush
razor
shaving cream
nail file
nail scissors
nail clippers
wash bag
PHYSICAL SENSATIONS AND STATES
noun phrases
sharp/ acute pain
dull ache
irritation
stiffness
tenderness
Verb phrases
ache
shake
shiver
sweat
throb
be/feel ...well/poorly/under the weather
be ...fit and healthy/ in good health/ in poor health
have (got) a fever
SOME SERIOUS ILLNESSES AND DISEASES
asthma (hen suyen)
diabetes (dai thao duong)
arthritis (viem khop)
cancer
heart disease
hepatitis (viem gan)
malaria (sot ret)
cholera (dich ta)
typhoid (thuong han)
aids
rheumatism (thap khop )
infections
cardiovascular disease (benh lien quan den tim , mach mau)
sedentary lifestyle >< energetic lifestyle
tend to sit most of time,getting little exercise )

TREATMENT
therapeutic
conventional medicine : modern pills and tablets to treat illness
alternative medicine/ complementary medicine
holistic medicine : a kind of treatment which involve the whole person, including their mental health, rather than just dealing with the symptoms of the illness
go into hospital
have an operation (on)
take medicine/ tablets
take a course of antibiotics
have physiotherapy
recover
fell better
get better
get over an illness
enjoy free healthcare thanks to welfare state

HEALTH TOPICS 1

Main aspects
- traditional vs modern medicine
traditional medicine " the health practice, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant animal and mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises, applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses or maintain well-being"
+ traditional Chinese medicine
+ herbal medicine
+ acupuncture (cham cuu)
+ homoeopathy
Countries in Africa, Asia and Latin American use TM to help meet some of their primary health care needs. For example, in Africa, up to 80% of the population uses traditional medicine for primary health care.
its use is spreading in popularity in industrialized countries. For instance, US recorded 158 million adults use complementary medicine (a field which incorporates traditional medicine but is broader in scope)
- HIV/AIDS
Almost 39 million people around the world are living with HIV – slightly more than the population of Poland. Nearly two-thirds of them live in Sub-Saharan Africa. The global HIV/Aids epidemic killed 2.8 million people in 2005. But there was evidence that the number of new cases had stabilised for the first time in 25 years.
- diet and nutrition






- exercise & healthy lifestyle
An healthy lifestyle is a measure of the totality of your existence. It incorporates your physical well being (food, exercise, rest, etc), your spiritual well being (religiosity, reflection, meditation, music, arts, humility), and your emotional (love, family, friends, commitment, fulfillment) wellbeing.
Overall, an healthy lifestyle is achieved through balance and moderation of the totality of your existence.
- mental health/ happiness
- smoking & passive smoking
- hygiene & sanitation
- road safety & driver education
- pollution of environment
- health awareness education