In the minds of ESL exam candidates, e ssay writing is one of the most daunting tasks they are required to complete, regardless of the level of the exam, the administering body or the ease with which they themselves use the language. The same applies to students who are asked to write an essay by their teachers at school. In the previous sample essays posted on the blog, the main point I stress is the need to become acquainted with this form of writing (as opposed to writing a letter, review or report, for instance), to get a feel of what authorial voice is and how to organize and progressively express the arguments you wish to make in a coherent manner. Unfortunately, the best way to prepare for exam writing or learn how to write good essays for school is to read as many essays from as many sources as possible, then write as
The topic of this essay is to discuss the opinion that in the last 100 years, the quality of artwork has declined and that it is now easier for works of art that do not exhibit a painter's remarkable skill or are nothing out of the ordinary to be labeled masterpieces while true masterpieces go unremarked. If you are not taking an exam but need to discuss this topic, then read on and note down what you deem useful. If you intend to use this essay as part of an assignment, remember to paraphrase so as not to plagiarize.
The topic is similar to what candidates expect in any other C2-level examination in that examiners want to see a well-organized, coherent and cohesive discussion of the issue with arguments and examples written in approximately half an hour. Whether or not you agree with the viewpoint expressed, remember that what yields a higher score is the way a subject is argued, so if you see that you come up with more ideas for the side of the argument you disagree with during the brainstorming phase, it doesn't matter -- simply go ahead and plead that side of the argument.
For those who'd like to read more sample essays and useful essay-writing posts, click on the image below.
To be labeled a ‘Work of Art’, a painting, sculpture or other art
form should display certain qualities that are unique. However, over the past
century there has been a decline in the quality of prize-winning artwork and it
is now possible for quite ordinary pieces of art to be labeled ‘masterpieces’
whilst true works of art pass unnoticed. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons
for your answer.
Art is one of those
controversial subjects, like literature for instance, which raises questions
about its importance or its status. However, the most problematic of all issues
concerning this field is the legitimacy of calling a work of art a masterpiece.
Lately, the work that is being produced by artists which is awarded the title
‘masterpiece’ is seen by many as exactly the opposite.
It is difficult for
someone who has not studied art to be able to voice their opinion on it. This
is one of the arguments any ordinary person might give if asked what their opinion
on today’s so-called masterpieces is. They would say that experts know better
and since they are the ones who judge artwork, they are fit to judge its
greatness. Besides, if the simple layman does not understand the meaning behind
a painting or sculpture which has been labeled a masterpiece, that does not
mean that it is not. The personal message each work of art transmits is exactly
that – personal – and cannot be negatively criticized because of the
incompetence of an amateur.
On the other hand
however, art to be truly great, should appeal to everyone, in the sense that it
should speak to even the simplest of individuals. Being unique entails that the
message or feelings roused in others are unique. That, in my opinion, is the
criterion on which a masterpiece should be founded. What is more, it is not
difficult to see how certain critics promote a piece for obscure reasons,
be they financial or ones connected to private interests, to the detriment of other true artwork.
It is therefore my
belief that on this very controversial and personal subject of what constitutes
a great work of art, the answer lies in part with the few critics who honestly
view an artwork and have the insight to see whether it will live on through
time as a masterpiece. Besides them, it is up to the amateur to be able to
see through promotion gimmicks and try to find greatness in other, lesser known
pieces.
Looking for useful vocabulary for the Speaking and Writing sections of ESL exams? Click on the image below.
For tips on essay writing, you might want to take a look at the following post
For tips on essay writing, you might want to take a look at the following post