PTE Academic · Write Essay

Opera Traditions and Modern Developments

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  • PTE Academic
1

State Subsidies for Opera Houses

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You will have 20 minutes to plan, write and revise an essay about the topic below. Your response will be judged on how well you develop a position, organise your ideas, present supporting details, and control the elements of standard written English. You should write 200–300 words.

Many cultural critics argue that state subsidies for traditional opera houses are no longer justifiable given the small, affluent audiences they tend to attract. Others believe that opera is a vital component of cultural heritage that requires government funding to survive. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

0 words · target 200–300 · 20 minutes in the test · spell-check is off, as in the test

Questions 2–3

You will have 20 minutes to plan, write and revise an essay about the topic below. Your response will be judged on how well you develop a position, organise your ideas, present supporting details, and control the elements of standard written English. You should write 200–300 words.

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2

Modernising Classical Opera Stagings

Some theatre directors argue that traditional operas should be modernised with contemporary costumes and settings to appeal to modern audiences. Others believe that stagings should strictly preserve the original historical context envisioned by the composer. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Support your opinion with relevant arguments and examples.

3

Digital Broadcasts of Live Opera

Major opera houses increasingly broadcast live performances via digital streaming and in commercial cinemas worldwide. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this trend for the performing arts industry and theatregoers.

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