IELTS Essay 102 – Museum admission ticket
Many museums charge for admission while others are free. Do you think the advantages of charging people for admission to museums outweigh the disadvantages?
This essay question is from Cambridge IELTS 10 Test 4 Writing Task 2.
Planning the Essay
Introduction to the Essay Type: Discussion and Opinion
In IELTS Writing Task 2, you might encounter a “Discussion and Opinion” essay. This type of essay requires you to discuss both sides of an issue and express your own viewpoint. Let’s explore how to approach this essay
1. Understand the Prompt: The essay asks you to discuss the pros and cons of charging for museum admission and express your opinion.
2.Brainstorm Ideas: List advantages and disadvantages of charging for museum entry.
Advantages:
- Financial Sustainability
- Investment in Preservation
- Control of Crowds
Disadvantages:
- Exclusion of Low-Income Visitors
- Diminished Accessibility
- Commercialization of Culture
1.Outline the Structure: Plan your essay structure with an introduction, two balanced body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Introduction: Begin with a clear thesis statement. For instance, “In this essay, I will discuss the merits and drawbacks of charging museum admission fees and express my viewpoint.”
Body Paragraphs:
- Paragraph 1: Advantages of charging.
- Paragraph 2: Disadvantages of charging.
Conclusion: Summarize the main points from both sides and restate your thesis, indicating your opinion.
Useful Vocabulary and Collocations
Advantages:
- Financial Sustainability: Museums charge fees to ensure their financial sustainability.
- Preservation Efforts: Admission fees support preservation efforts.
- Crowd Control: Charging helps control museum crowds.
Disadvantages:
- Exclusion of Low-Income Visitors: Charging may exclude low-income visitors.
- Diminished Accessibility: Paid entry may diminish accessibility.
- Commercialization of Culture: It could lead to the commercialization of culture.
Sample 8 band essay
Museums, the guardians of our cultural heritage, often grapple with the choice of whether to charge for admission or provide free entry. In this essay, we will weigh the advantages and disadvantages of charging museum admission fees and offer our perspective on this issue.
Advantages of Charging for Museum Admission:
Charging museum admission fees provides a source of financial sustainability. Museums have considerable expenses, including the conservation and curation of artifacts. These fees offer a vital revenue stream that ensures these institutions can continue their essential work.
Moreover, admission fees contribute to significant investments in preserving our cultural treasures. Art restoration and artifact conservation are costly endeavors, and the revenue generated from charges supports these vital preservation efforts. Without financial backing, the cultural legacy we cherish may deteriorate over time.
Additionally, charging for admission can help manage museum crowds. By limiting access, institutions can provide a more enjoyable experience for visitors, ensuring they can appreciate each exhibit without the overcrowding often associated with free entry.
Disadvantages of Charging for Museum Admission:
Conversely, charging for museum admission has its downsides. One of the most pressing concerns is the exclusion of low-income visitors. Cultural institutions should be accessible to everyone, irrespective of their financial status. Charging for entry may create barriers that prevent less affluent individuals from experiencing our shared heritage.
Furthermore, it may diminish overall accessibility, as individuals and families may find it burdensome to pay for each museum visit. This limits the exposure of children and adults to the enriching world of art and history.
Lastly, charging for museum entry can lead to the commercialization of culture. When profit becomes a priority, museums may compromise the authenticity and educational value of their exhibits.
In conclusion, the decision to charge for museum admission is a complex one. While it offers financial sustainability, preservation support, and crowd control, it also risks excluding low-income visitors, diminishing accessibility, and commercializing culture. Striking a balance between these aspects is essential to ensure that museums continue to fulfill their mission of educating and enriching society.
Word Count: 295