Task 2 - Cambridge 1 Test 1 - Why We Need Music; Traditional Music vs. International Music (Two-part Question)

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic.

There are many types of music in the world today. Why do we need music? Is the traditional music of a country more important than the international music that is heard everywhere nowadays?

Give reasons for your answers and include any relevant examples based on your knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words

MODEL ESSAY:

The world is full of different kinds of music which we all need because they are nourishing to the human soul. I believe that traditional music is more rewarding than international music because the former unites people and help individuals to learn how to be better with their social life.

We need music because it helps us express our emotions in a way that words alone cannot. Music can also easily help individuals to focus better and allow additional concentration capabilities. For example, when a hospital ward has a number of patients suffering from stress-related conditions, playing smooth, relaxing music will help in the reduction of stress levels. Moreover, even an irritated crying baby who cannot communicate verbally is bound to be put in a relaxing, quiet and peaceful mood, under the effects of smooth music. Therefore, music both arouses and expresses our hidden emotions positively, and that is why music is essential in people’s lives.

In addition, traditional music should be valued over international music because the latter is basically created for fun and entertainment. Traditional music, by contrast, expresses culture, customs, and history of a country. Furthermore, it helps the younger generation to build a sense of cultural identity, which will help them to always appreciate their roots. For instance, singing the national anthem before a national event in a foreign land will make people have that sense of security and belonging.

In conclusion, music is undeniably an inevitable part of people's life and will always have benefits to the human health and soul.

256 words

Mercy

FUN FACTS! 

10 Benefits of Music

Though more studies are needed to confirm the potential health benefits of music, some studies suggest that listening to music can have the following positive effects on health.

1. Improves mood. Studies show that listening to music can benefit overall well-being, help regulate emotions, and create happiness and relaxation in everyday life.
2. Reduces stress. Listening to ‘relaxing’ music (generally considered to have slow tempo, low pitch, and no lyrics) has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in healthy people and in people undergoing medical procedures (e.g., surgery, dental, colonoscopy).
3. Lessens anxiety. In studies of people with cancer, listening to music combined with standard care reduced anxiety compared to those who received standard care alone.
4. Improves exercise. Studies suggest that music can enhance aerobic exercise, boost mental and physical stimulation, and increase overall performance.
5. Improves memory. Research has shown that the repetitive elements of rhythm and melody help our brains form patterns that enhance memory. In a study of stroke survivors, listening to music helped them experience more verbal memory, less confusion, and better focused attention.
6. Eases pain. In studies of patients recovering from surgery, those who listened to music before, during, or after surgery had less pain and more overall satisfaction compared with patients who did not listen to music as part of their care.
7. Provides comfort. Music therapy has also been used to help enhance communication, coping, and expression of feelings such as fear, loneliness, and anger in patients who have a serious illness, and who are in end-of-life care.
8. Improves cognition. Listening to music can also help people with Alzheimer’s recall seemingly lost memories and even help maintain some mental abilities.
9. Helps children with autism spectrum disorder. Studies of children with autism spectrum disorder who received music therapy showed improvement in social responses, communication skills, and attention skills.
10. Soothes premature babies. Live music and lullabies may impact vital signs, improve feeding behaviors and sucking patterns in premature infants, and may increase prolonged periods of quiet–alert states.

SOURCE: www.gethealthystayhealthy.com