Yesterday, I gave you the essay question below to paraphrase:
Essay Question: Artists need a certain amount of freedom to develop their creativity. Some people think that artists should have total freedom to express any thoughts and ideas. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
On this page you will find
- model background statements for the above essay question
- good background statements posted by students
- a list of common mistakes
- a full model introduction
- useful link for writing task 2
Please let me know if you find this lesson useful
Model Background Statements
- As artists need freedom for their creativity, it is thought that there should be no limits to their freedom of expression.
- Some people believe that artists require freedom to be creative and therefore should have complete freedom to express any idea they have.
- Artists having complete freedom to convey any belief is thought by some to be paramount to an artist’s creative development.
- It is thought that without complete freedom of expression, an artist will not be able to be develop their creativity.
Interesting Background Statements from Students
- While it is generally understood that in order to be creative an artist must have some liberty to develop impulses and ideas creatively , some would argue that they should have full, and unrestricted, creative licence.
- Comment: This is a good background statement but too long. It’s a waste of time to write a long background statement and it won’t boost your score. But otherwise, this is well written with great vocabulary.
- It is considered by some that artists, in order to amplify their creativity, should be totally free to express their ideas and thoughts.
- Comment: This is the right length and well written. Just one mistake – the word “amplify” is incorrect. Avoid over paraphrasing – just use the word “develop”.
- Since art requires a level of freedom to be creative, some believe that artists ought to be granted all the freedom of expression they need.
- Comment: This is a great background statement. It’s written very well. The only thin I would change is the last word. I would change it from “need” to “want”.
- It is true that a level of liberty is required by artist to enhance their imaginative skills, but some people believe that artists should have unrestricted freedom in giving voice to their opinion and believe.
- Comment: I like this background statement. Nicely written. However, there are grammar mistakes: required by artists (plural needed) / to voice their opinions and beliefs (plurals needed).
- It is widely believed that artists ought to be given absolute freedom of expression, because freedom is essential in the development of their creative process.
- Comment: Well done 🙂
Common Mistakes in Paraphrasing
- Artists = creators
- this is wrong. The word artist means artist. You don’t try to paraphrase this.
- Artists = people from art sphere
- A mistake. It is obvious that paraphrasing the word “artist” is difficult. In fact, you shouldn’t try. Not all words in English can be paraphrased.
- Some people = few people
- this is wrong. You could write “a few people” but not “few people”. The term “few people” means “not enough people. It has a different meaning entirely.
- It is always a topic of debate that
- this shows the examiner you can’t write your own sentences and need to memorise phrases from a book. It will not help your score.
- creativity = ingeniousness
- completely wrong. Never paraphrase unless you are 100% sure. Mistakes will lower your score.
Full Model Introduction
Here is my model introduction. My thesis statement presents a partial agreement.
Some people believe that artists require freedom to be creative and therefore should have complete freedom to express any idea they have. In my opinion, while freedom of expression is important, art must be censored for violent or dangerous content.
Please let me know if you find this lesson useful.
Useful Link for IELTS writing task 2
Get all my IELTS writing task 2 tips & model essays
My writing task 2 lessons are for both GT and Academic students.
