IELTS Band 9 Essay About Pop stars earn more than classical music performers
Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “Pop stars earn more than classical music performers”. This sample then will be further analyzed for its vocabulary, grammar and format, so we see how it has qualified for such band score. We also suggest over 200 band 9 IELTS samples released in 2025.
Sample Band 9 Essay:
Pop stars earn more than classical music performers. Some people think this is completely reasonable while others think it unfair.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
The disparity in earnings between pop stars and classical music performers has sparked considerable debate. While some argue that this difference is entirely justified, others view it as unfair. Both perspectives have valid points, and this essay will explore them before presenting my own opinion.
On the one hand, proponents of the view that pop stars deserve higher earnings argue that their income reflects market demand. Pop music enjoys widespread popularity across diverse demographics, leading to higher album sales, concert attendance, and streaming numbers. This commercial success is often a direct result of the relentless efforts of pop stars to connect with their audience through catchy melodies, engaging performances, and strategic marketing. Additionally, pop stars often take significant financial risks, investing heavily in their careers, which justifies their higher rewards. From this perspective, the income gap is a natural outcome of a free-market economy, where earnings are determined by consumer preferences.
On the other hand, critics argue that classical musicians are equally, if not more, talented and dedicated, yet they earn far less. Classical music requires years of rigorous training, technical mastery, and a deep understanding of musical theory. Performers often spend decades honing their craft, yet their work is undervalued in comparison to pop music. This discrepancy is seen as unfair, especially since classical music contributes significantly to cultural heritage and artistic excellence. Furthermore, the financial constraints faced by classical musicians can limit their ability to innovate and sustain their careers, perpetuating the cycle of inequality.
In my opinion, while market forces play a significant role in determining earnings, society should also recognize and support the intrinsic value of classical music. Governments and private institutions could provide more funding and platforms to ensure that classical musicians receive fair compensation for their contributions to art and culture.
Academic Vocabulary in the sample for Pop stars earn more than classical music performers
- Widespread popularity (/ˈwaɪdspred ˌpɒpjuˈlærɪti/)
- Sentence: The widespread popularity of social media has transformed how people communicate.
- Commercial success (/kəˈmɜːʃəl səkˈsɛs/)
- Sentence: The film’s commercial success was attributed to its innovative storytelling and marketing.
- Relentless efforts (/rɪˈlɛntləs ˈɛfəts/)
- Sentence: Her relentless efforts to improve her skills paid off when she won the competition.
- Technical mastery (/ˈtɛknɪkəl ˈmɑːstəri/)
- Sentence: Achieving technical mastery in playing the violin requires years of practice.
- Financial constraints (/faɪˈnænʃəl kənˈstreɪnts/)
- Sentence: Many startups face financial constraints in their early stages of development.
Advanced Grammar Structures:
- Comparative Structures:
- Example: “Pop stars earn more than classical music performers.”
- Explanation: This structure highlights the contrast between the two groups, making the argument clear and concise.
- Causal Relationships:
- Example: “This commercial success is often a direct result of the relentless efforts of pop stars.”
- Explanation: Using cause-and-effect language strengthens the logical flow of the argument.
- Conditional Sentences:
- Example: “If classical musicians received more support, they could innovate more freely.”
- Explanation: Conditionals help present hypothetical scenarios, adding depth to the discussion.
- Passive Voice:
- Example: “Classical music is often undervalued in comparison to pop music.”
- Explanation: The passive voice shifts focus to the action rather than the subject, emphasizing the issue of undervaluation.
- Complex Sentences with Subordination:
- Example: “While market forces play a significant role in determining earnings, society should also recognize the intrinsic value of classical music.”
- Explanation: Subordination allows for the inclusion of multiple ideas in a single sentence, enhancing coherence and sophistication.
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