APIEIELTS Writing: Busking and Street Performers
Busking and street performers
Answers and an explanation for each question appear once you add this activity to your own library.
Busking and Street Performers
Module 1: Skill Build-up & Vocabulary
📌 How to use this lesson
👨🏫 For Teachers
Guide students through Module 1 exercises in 20 minutes to prepare key vocabulary and sentence structures.
Use the instant feedback checks after each section to verify answers and explain common word errors.
🧑🎓 For Learners
Complete the practice tasks below to build strong words, phrases, and sentence patterns first.
Next, use these exact patterns when you write your full Task 2 essay in Module 2.
💬 Let's build your vocabulary, essay phrases, and sentence patterns before you write.
A Word Forms
Change the prompt word in brackets into its correct form to complete the sentence.
1. The ___ played a sweet melody on her instrument. (violin)
____ (Type your answer...)2. The crowd broke into loud ___ after the performance. (applaud)
____ (Type your answer...)3. Street artists often need to ___ when things do not go as planned. (improvisation)
____ (Type your answer...)4. A talented ___ made the children laugh with funny stories. (comedy)
____ (Type your answer...)5. He plugged his electric guitar into a portable ___. (amplify)
____ (Type your answer...)B Collocations & Context
Choose the natural unit word to complete each street performance sentence.
1. The street artist managed to draw a large crowd of ________ on the busy pavement.
2. After playing a famous ________, the musician collected coins in his hat.
3. The audience enjoyed the show so much that they asked for an ________.
4. A silent ________ used hand gestures to entertain passers-by without saying a word.
5. The ________ kept a steady rhythm on his travel kit throughout the afternoon.
C Common Essay Linking Phrases
Use each phrase from the bank exactly once to complete the sentence gap.
1. Street music brings life to quiet urban spaces. ___, it creates a welcoming atmosphere for tourists.
____ (Type phrase...)2. Some residents complain about loud noise late at night. ___, performers feel public spaces belong to everyone.
____ (Type phrase...)3. ___, public spaces should remain open for creative expression without strict regulations.
____ (Type phrase...)4. Many buskers rely on daily tips for their living expenses. ___, unexpected rain can significantly reduce their income.
____ (Type phrase...)5. The city council introduced free busking spots in central parks. ___, more young artists registered to showcase their skills.
____ (Type phrase...)D Sentence Paraphrasing
Rewrite each sentence using the given starting word to express the same meaning.
Rewrite the sentence starting with "Whatever...":
____ (Type your full rewritten sentence here...)Rewrite the sentence starting with "No matter how...":
____ (Type your full rewritten sentence here...)Rewrite the sentence using "wherever":
____ (Type your full rewritten sentence here...)E Grammar Pattern Guide & Quick Practice
Learn how to form -ever and no matter structures, then complete the 3 quick practice items.
💡 Pattern Rule: Any situation (-ever / no matter + question word)
Use these structures when something is true in all conditions:
- Thing: whatever / no matter what
- Person: whoever / no matter who
- Place: wherever / no matter where
- Time: whenever / no matter when
- Degree: however / no matter how
- Choice: whichever / no matter which
(This means she gets a crowd in any place she chooses.)
1. Choose the word that fits the context of a person:
"___ starts performing first gets the best spot on the square."
2. Choose the option that fits the context of degree / difficulty:
"The comedian can connect with the audience, ___ quiet the street seems at first."
3. Choose the word that fits the context of a place / location:
"You will hear lively music ___ you walk through the city centre today."
Module 2: Essay Writing Task
Apply target vocabulary and grammar to write your full response.
💬 Now apply what you learned to write a full IELTS Task 2 essay.
📝 Official Essay Prompt
Minimum 250 Words"Some people think that street performers should need a permit from the city, while others believe that anyone should be free to perform in a public place. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion."
Grammar Requirement
Use at least 3 sentences with -ever or no matter + question word structures.
Vocabulary Requirement
Include at least 5 Unit words (e.g., violinist, drummer, bystander, applaud, tune, amplifier).
🗺️ Mandatory 4-Paragraph Plan
Start each paragraph of your essay using these exact sentence starters:
✅ Student Self-Check List
Before submitting your essay, verify that you have completed all 4 requirements:
✍️ Free-Writing Workspace
AI Evaluated EssayEvaluation Criteria:
Module 3: Model Essay & Analysis
Examine a high-scoring B2 essay with highlighted target grammar and key vocabulary.
💬 Read this sample essay to see how a strong B2 student combines key words and sentence patterns smoothly.
📄 B2 Model Essay
Includes all 4 paragraph starters, 10 unit words, and 3 target grammar patterns.
In this essay I will discuss both sides of the debate regarding whether street artists should be required to obtain an official permit from city authorities or whether anyone should be free to perform in public spaces.
Some people believe that official permits are necessary because unregulated street shows can cause disruption. For instance, loud music played through a powerful amplifier can easily disturb local residents and shopkeepers. Furthermore, when a skilled drummer or a talented violinist attracts a massive crowd of bystanders, narrow footpaths quickly become blocked. Therefore, requiring a permit helps local authorities maintain public order and safety.
However, others argue that public urban spaces should remain open for spontaneous creative expression. Whatever talent a busker displays, people always stop to listen and appreciate the lively atmosphere.
For example, a silent mime or a clever comedian can brighten a stressful day for passers-by. Furthermore, artists frequently need to improvise their routines depending on the audience, which keeps daily urban spaces colorful and engaging. No matter how crowded a city square becomes, passionate performers usually entertain people peacefully without creating any serious problems.
If local councils impose strict permit regulations, traditional street culture might gradually fade away.
In conclusion, wherever street performers choose to set up their instruments, live art enriches public urban life.
Although basic guidelines are sensible to limit noise levels, I believe that creative individuals should generally be allowed to play a catchy tune, perform an impressive encore, and earn warm applause from passers-by without dealing with heavy administration.
🔍 Unit Words Included in Model Essay (10/10):
Related lessons
Whatever, Whenever, No Matter
Busking and street performers
Grammar · 12 min
IELTS Reading: Busking Regulations in Australia
Busking and street performers
Reading · 18 min
IELTS Speaking: Busking and Street Performers
Busking and street performers
Speaking · 30 min
Busking and Street Performers: Vocabulary & Pronunciation
Busking and street performers
Vocabulary · 20 min
IELTS Writing: Children and Smartphones
Technology
Writing · 40 min
Writing B2: Report on a Staff Survey
Work & careers
Writing · 25 min