PTE essay: Governments should invest more in the arts than in sport

The essay prompt

Governments should invest more in the arts than in sport. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

You have 20 minutes to write 200–300 words.

Essay type: Opinion (agree or disagree). Take one clear position in the introduction. Use two body paragraphs to support it (or one for, one acknowledging the other side), and repeat your view in the conclusion.

A 3-minute plan

1. Introduction: paraphrase the topic and give your position in one sentence.
2. Body paragraph 1: your strongest reason, with an example.
3. Body paragraph 2: a second reason, or the other side and why you still hold your view.
4. Conclusion: restate your position in new words.

Model essay (227 words)

Governments have limited budgets, so decisions about funding culture and recreation are often debated. Some people argue that the arts deserve more public money than sport. I partly agree, because the arts receive less commercial support, but I believe both areas need balanced investment.

There are strong reasons to prioritise the arts. Professional sport, especially popular codes such as football and cricket, attracts large sponsorship deals and broadcasting income, whereas theatres, galleries and community music programs rarely do. Without public funding, many artists could not survive, and important cultural traditions, including Indigenous art and languages, might be lost. The arts also attract tourists and support creative industries that employ many people.

However, sport provides clear public health benefits. Funding for local sports grounds, swimming pools and junior clubs encourages physical activity, which can reduce obesity and the costs of treating chronic disease. Community sport also builds social connections, particularly in regional towns where it is often the centre of local life.

Therefore, rather than choosing one over the other, governments should target funding where it is most needed. Grassroots sport and community arts should both receive support, while wealthy professional leagues should rely less on public money.

In conclusion, I agree that the arts deserve greater investment than they currently receive, but this should not come at the expense of community sport, which delivers important health benefits.

Why this essay scores well

• Content: it answers the exact question and keeps to one clear position.
• Form: 227 words, inside the 200–300 range.
• Development, structure and coherence: 5 paragraphs, each with one main idea, linked with clear connectors.
• Grammar and vocabulary: a mix of simple and complex sentences, with topic vocabulary used accurately.
• Spelling: one consistent spelling style (Australian/British).

Now write your own

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