This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of pictures being used in newspapers and the media from the real IELTS general training exam.
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Dave
IELTS Essay: Newspapers & Learning
Some people think that newspapers are the best way to learn about current events. However, others believe that they can learn news better through other media.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Many are of the view that news is best received through traditional newspapers while others feel that more modern media is preferable. In my opinion, despite the better habits engendered by reading the newspaper, it is impossible to argue convincingly against the convenience of newer mediums.
On the one hand, reading the newspaper allows for a healthy, distraction-free environment. This relates to both the content and the presentation of newspapers. Newspapers undergo rigorous editing and articles are necessarily published more slowly, allowing for better writing and fewer sensationalist headlines. An individual reading the newspaper can be compared to someone eating healthy foods or doing exercise. Similarly, newspapers are not vulnerable to the wide array of potential distractions on digital devices. There is less chance a newspaper reader will be distracted by social media or their personal communications.
On the other hand, there are a wide variety of functions only provided by more recent forms of media. Newspapers are primarily based on text, with images adding slight variety. In contrast, online media enables an individual to watch videos, listen to audio, cross-reference sources, consult primary sources, and generally take full advantage of the digital world. For example, a person who reads an article about a politician’s remarks can then check for the video in order to hear their words in context and later visit a site such as Twitter to analyze reactions from the general public, journalists, experts, and the politician. This information can then be easily shared through online messaging services or social media.
In conclusion, there are definite advantages to non-digital news sources, however, these are overshadowed by the versatility of modern media. It is the duty of individuals to ensure they enjoy the positives without the drawbacks of spending too much time online.
Analysis
1. Many are of the view that news is best received through traditional newspapers while others feel that more modern media is preferable. 2. In my opinion, despite the better habits engendered by reading the newspaper, it is impossible to argue convincingly against the convenience of newer mediums.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. On the one hand, reading the newspaper allows for a healthy, distraction-free environment. 2. This relates to both the content and the presentation of newspapers. 3. Newspapers undergo rigorous editing and articles are necessarily published more slowly, allowing for better writing and fewer sensationalist headlines. 4. An individual reading the newspaper can be compared to someone eating healthy foods or doing exercise. 5. Similarly, newspapers are not vulnerable to the wide array of potential distractions on digital devices. 6. There is less chance a newspaper reader will be distracted by social media or their personal communications.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
You can have a second main idea.
And develop it as well.
1. On the other hand, there are a wide variety of functions only provided by more recent forms of media. 2. Newspapers are primarily based on text, with images adding slight variety. 3. In contrast, online media enables an individual to watch videos, listen to audio, cross-reference sources, consult primary sources, and generally take full advantage of the digital world. 4. For example, a person who reads an article about a politician’s remarks can then check for the video in order to hear their words in context and later visit a site such as Twitter to analyze reactions from the general public, journalists, experts, and the politician. 5. This information can then be easily shared through online messaging services or social media.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Continue developing it…
as fully as possible!
1. In conclusion, there are definite advantages to non-digital news sources, however, these are overshadowed by the versatility of modern media. 2. It is the duty of individuals to ensure they enjoy the positives without the drawbacks of spending too much time online.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Many are of the view that news is best received through traditional newspapers while others feel that more modern media is preferable. In my opinion, despite the better habits engendered by reading the newspaper, it is impossible to argue convincingly against the convenience of newer mediums.
On the one hand, reading the newspaper allows for a healthy, distraction-free environment. This relates to both the content and the presentation of newspapers. Newspapers undergo rigorous editing and articles are necessarily published more slowly, allowing for better writing and fewer sensationalist headlines. An individual reading the newspaper can be compared to someone eating healthy foods or doing exercise. Similarly, newspapers are not vulnerable to the wide array of potential distractions on digital devices. There is less chance a newspaper reader will be distracted by social media or their personal communications.
On the other hand, there are a wide variety of functions only provided by more recent forms of media. Newspapers are primarily based on text, with images adding slight variety. In contrast, online media enables an individual to watch videos, listen to audio, cross-reference sources, consult primary sources, and generally take full advantage of the digital world. For example, a person who reads an article about a politician’s remarks can then check for the video in order to hear their words in context and later visit a site such as Twitter to analyzereactions from the general public, journalists, experts,and the politician. This information can then be easily shared through online messaging services or social media.
In conclusion, there are definite advantages to non-digital news sources, however, these are overshadowed by the versatility of modern media. It is the duty of individuals to ensure they enjoy the positives without the drawbacks of spending too much time online.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
best received better to get this way
traditional newspapers normal papers like The New York Times
modern media online forms of news (and TV)
preferable better
despite regardless of
better habits improved actions
engendered by created by
impossible can’t happen
argue convincingly against make a good contrary point
convenience comfort and ease
mediums modes of delivery
on the one hand on the one side
allows for enables one
distraction-free environment able to focus
relates to concerning
content what’s inside
presentation how it is shown
undergo rigorous go through meticulous
necessarily must be
allowing for enabling
fewer sensationalist headlines not so many big headline stories
compared to relative to
similarly a lot like
vulnerable to at risk of
wide array many types
potential distractions possible ways to lose focus
digital devices phones, computers, etc.
distracted not focused
social media Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, etc.
personal communications chatting and emailing
on the other hand however
wide variety many different types
functions features
provided by presented by
primarily based on text mostly written
images pictures
slight variety small amount of different stuff
in contrast however
enables allows for
cross-reference sources check articles
consult primary sources look at where it first came from
generally take full advantage of the digital world overall use the internet
remarks what a person said
in context in the full situation
analyzereactions look at what people are saying
general public society
journalists reporters
experts people who know a lot about it
easily shared can be sent out quickly
through online messaging services Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, etc.
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
Many are of the view that news is b_______________d through t_____________________s while others feel that more m________________a is p_______________e. In my opinion, d_______e the b________________________________y reading the newspaper, it is i______________e to a_________________________t the c________________e of newer m___________s.
O___________________d, reading the newspaper a______________r a healthy, d___________________________t. This r_________o both the c__________t and the p____________n of newspapers. Newspapers u_________________s editing and articles are n___________y published more slowly, a_________________r better writing and f______________________________s. An individual reading the newspaper can be c_______________o someone eating healthy foods or doing exercise. S_____________y, newspapers are not v_______________o the w___________y of p__________________s on d______________s. There is less chance a newspaper reader will be d__________d by s_________________a or their p________________________s.
O________________d, there are a w____________y of f_____________s only p______________y more recent forms of media. Newspapers are p_______________________t, with i__________s adding s____________y. I__________t, online media e________s an individual to watch videos, listen to audio, c______________________s, c__________________s, and g_____________________________________________d. For example, a person who reads an article about a politician’s r_________s can then check for the video in order to hear their words i____________t and later visit a site such as Twitter to a_____________s from the g___________c, j___________s, e__________s,and the politician. This information can then be e_______________d t________________________________________s or social media.
In conclusion, there are d_________e advantages to n_________________________s, however, these are o__________________d by the v___________y of modern media. It is the duty of individuals to e______e they enjoy the p________s without the d___________s of spending too much time online.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
Is it more convenient nowadays to read the news online?
Writing Practice
Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:
Some people think that newspapers are the best way to learn news. However, others believe that they can learn news better through other media. Discuss both views and give your opinion
These are the most recent/latest IELTS Writing Task 1 Task topics and questions starting in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and continuing into 2024. ...
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9 Comments
Shaima
on October 5, 2021 at 11:34 pm
While some people suggest that newspapers help to bring awareness of the news, on the other hand the rest think other media, do it better. I will discuss both views but personally, I endorse learning news from various platforms, outweigh the benefits of the usage of newspapers.
I believe, most youngsters today choose social media, news websites or television channels to read and watch news. Social media, for instance, Instagram, Facebook etc. are easily available and accessible any time of the day. Therefore, this helps to view news, whenever and wherever, without the need of purchasing a newspaper from a particular place, at a specific time. This further leads to being informed about, the happenings around the world, the exact time the article or post is put up.
Moreover, media on the internet also includes interactivity with the inclusion of videos, pictures, and comments. News is mostly portrayed with engrossing videos that have a voice over, helping the viewer understand, what is taking place, with ease. Whereas newspapers, contain tedious and dull pictures with massive writings, boring the reader. Some areas may also be incomprehensible, which further proves, how news could be better informed through other media.
However, as newspapers are read by majority of the older generation, who may not be used to today’s technology, reading from a piece paper would be the best option for them. Browsing through social media apps or accessing news websites would be a hassle to senior citizen, in contrast to sitting at their balcony and reading a newspaper effortlessly.
In conclusion, I strongly agree that newspapers are not the right choice to read news today. With the increase in usage and impressive improvement of technology, other platforms convey much clear and interactive information bringing more awareness in contrast to newspapers
Hey dave! Could you give a small review on all the essays i have posted. I dont want a band score, just a small review would do great! Thanks a bunch!!
People have had different opinions about the best ways to gather the latest news updates. While some people think that newspapers are a good source, others assert that using the latest media is an excellent way to learn about the news. This essay will discuss both perspectives in the forthcoming paragraphs. I, however, side with the latter view, in spite of the newspapers’ likely to persist and be highly successful.
On the one hand, newspapers are the age-old traditional method of spreading news. People trust the articles printed in newspapers because they have a reputation for printing genuine news only. The reports of newspaper companies go to greater lengths to ensure that they not only find the facts but also uncover any hidden truths about the incident. Besides this, languages used for writing columns are formal and to the point, since journalists have to potray the entire story in a limited space. Although newspapers are expensive and the news is delivered late, people will still choose to buy them because of their credibility.
On the other hand, modern media such as radio, television, and the internet are faster growing forms of news resources. The main reason they are extremely popular is that they are time-saving and faster than newspapers. In normal cases, today’s news will be printed in tomorrow’s newspapers. But this is not the case with other media, especially the internet. As soon as any event occurs, it will be posted on the internet. People can keep abreast of the latest news instantly by simply going online or watching live TV news broadcasts. Therefore, younger generations prefer to watch news online or on television. Indeed, radio news is another convenient way, particularly for people commuting to work, to listen to the radio to catch up on the news. Moreover, they suit the fast-paced lifestyles of people as they are affordable and environmentally friendly. Thus, people nowadays use alternative media to acquire news.
In conclusion, despite the fact that newspapers are considered a conservative method for obtaining news, they will remain popular due to their veracity of details. In my opinion, digital media are good outlets to learn about the news because it is less expensive, efficient and saves paper.
I couldn’t generate ideas before. But then I saw a youtube video. Teacher suggested using PESTHEL technique.
Politics
Economic
Social
Technology
Health
Environmental
Legal.
So in this, basically you have to think about things which will impact based on the above groups. It is normally easy to do for most questions. But some requires other direct approachi.e not based on these groups. Give it a try.
There is an argument about whether newspaper is the most appropriate way to learn news or not. In my opinion, it would be faster and more convenient to learn about the news through other media, such as websites and social networks.
The primary reason for using newspaper is the authority of it. Only news organizations or companies with the permission of the government can publish newspapers. The reports in newspapers can be considered as official statements and truth in most cases. Rumours are not likely to appear in newspapers. Moreover, for those elderly people who may be unable to use a computer or smart phone, it may be easy for them to read news in the newspaper. However, the newspapers are delivered so slowly that people may catch the message the next day.
On the contrary, other media, like smart phone app and social network, offers a faster and more convenient news service. They can push news to us immediately. And all we need to do is pick up our phone or turn on computer, then we can receive the news from all over the world instead of waiting the postman. For example, we can know the result of an Olympic competition as soon as it is finished on apps. We may even watch live on Youtube, rather than seeing the message next day.
In sum, although newspaper is a sign of authority, other media can provide better experience of learning news. The main reason is that newspaper is slow, while other media is faster and more convenient. In addition, there are fake news on social network, and the government should try to deal with it.
"The highest quality materials anywhere on the internet! Dave improved my writing and vocabulary so much. Really affordable options you don't want to miss out on!"
While some people suggest that newspapers help to bring awareness of the news, on the other hand the rest think other media, do it better. I will discuss both views but personally, I endorse learning news from various platforms, outweigh the benefits of the usage of newspapers.
I believe, most youngsters today choose social media, news websites or television channels to read and watch news. Social media, for instance, Instagram, Facebook etc. are easily available and accessible any time of the day. Therefore, this helps to view news, whenever and wherever, without the need of purchasing a newspaper from a particular place, at a specific time. This further leads to being informed about, the happenings around the world, the exact time the article or post is put up.
Moreover, media on the internet also includes interactivity with the inclusion of videos, pictures, and comments. News is mostly portrayed with engrossing videos that have a voice over, helping the viewer understand, what is taking place, with ease. Whereas newspapers, contain tedious and dull pictures with massive writings, boring the reader. Some areas may also be incomprehensible, which further proves, how news could be better informed through other media.
However, as newspapers are read by majority of the older generation, who may not be used to today’s technology, reading from a piece paper would be the best option for them. Browsing through social media apps or accessing news websites would be a hassle to senior citizen, in contrast to sitting at their balcony and reading a newspaper effortlessly.
In conclusion, I strongly agree that newspapers are not the right choice to read news today. With the increase in usage and impressive improvement of technology, other platforms convey much clear and interactive information bringing more awareness in contrast to newspapers
Hey dave! Could you give a small review on all the essays i have posted. I dont want a band score, just a small review would do great! Thanks a bunch!!
Sure, Shaima!
This is a very concise, good essay – try to shorten your topic sentences and be more specific with your examples.
Aim for about 5 sentences for a body paragraph.
Please give feedback-
People have had different opinions about the best ways to gather the latest news updates. While some people think that newspapers are a good source, others assert that using the latest media is an excellent way to learn about the news. This essay will discuss both perspectives in the forthcoming paragraphs. I, however, side with the latter view, in spite of the newspapers’ likely to persist and be highly successful.
On the one hand, newspapers are the age-old traditional method of spreading news. People trust the articles printed in newspapers because they have a reputation for printing genuine news only. The reports of newspaper companies go to greater lengths to ensure that they not only find the facts but also uncover any hidden truths about the incident. Besides this, languages used for writing columns are formal and to the point, since journalists have to potray the entire story in a limited space. Although newspapers are expensive and the news is delivered late, people will still choose to buy them because of their credibility.
On the other hand, modern media such as radio, television, and the internet are faster growing forms of news resources. The main reason they are extremely popular is that they are time-saving and faster than newspapers. In normal cases, today’s news will be printed in tomorrow’s newspapers. But this is not the case with other media, especially the internet. As soon as any event occurs, it will be posted on the internet. People can keep abreast of the latest news instantly by simply going online or watching live TV news broadcasts. Therefore, younger generations prefer to watch news online or on television. Indeed, radio news is another convenient way, particularly for people commuting to work, to listen to the radio to catch up on the news. Moreover, they suit the fast-paced lifestyles of people as they are affordable and environmentally friendly. Thus, people nowadays use alternative media to acquire news.
In conclusion, despite the fact that newspapers are considered a conservative method for obtaining news, they will remain popular due to their veracity of details. In my opinion, digital media are good outlets to learn about the news because it is less expensive, efficient and saves paper.
Can u please tell me strategy your following to generate ideas
Do you think my essay is good?
I couldn’t generate ideas before. But then I saw a youtube video. Teacher suggested using PESTHEL technique.
Politics
Economic
Social
Technology
Health
Environmental
Legal.
So in this, basically you have to think about things which will impact based on the above groups. It is normally easy to do for most questions. But some requires other direct approach i.e not based on these groups. Give it a try.
Yeah – makes sense – very similar to the technique that I usually recommend!
Cheers!
There is an argument about whether newspaper is the most appropriate way to learn news or not. In my opinion, it would be faster and more convenient to learn about the news through other media, such as websites and social networks.
The primary reason for using newspaper is the authority of it. Only news organizations or companies with the permission of the government can publish newspapers. The reports in newspapers can be considered as official statements and truth in most cases. Rumours are not likely to appear in newspapers. Moreover, for those elderly people who may be unable to use a computer or smart phone, it may be easy for them to read news in the newspaper. However, the newspapers are delivered so slowly that people may catch the message the next day.
On the contrary, other media, like smart phone app and social network, offers a faster and more convenient news service. They can push news to us immediately. And all we need to do is pick up our phone or turn on computer, then we can receive the news from all over the world instead of waiting the postman. For example, we can know the result of an Olympic competition as soon as it is finished on apps. We may even watch live on Youtube, rather than seeing the message next day.
In sum, although newspaper is a sign of authority, other media can provide better experience of learning news. The main reason is that newspaper is slow, while other media is faster and more convenient. In addition, there are fake news on social network, and the government should try to deal with it.
Great work, Gakki!
Really nice specific examples – careful with little grammar though – singular/plural and subject/verb agreement.
Avoid ‘our/we’ as well.