This is my IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of violent crime and media.

If you sign up for my Patreon below, you will get access to many years’ worth of past EBook and PDFs – that are only available on Patreon here:

Patreon Ebooks

Dave

IELTS Essay: Violent Crime and Media

Media coverage of violent crime frightens people and encourages criminals. Some people say it should be banned from newspapers and TV programs.

To what extend do you agree or disagree?

Some argue that reporting violent crimes in newspapers and on TV causes unnecessary fear among the public and such coverage should therefore be banned. While I agree that sensationalized crime coverage can have negative effects, completely banning it would do more harm than good.

One major concern is that excessive reporting on violent crime makes people feel unsafe, even in areas where crime rates are low. For example, in many developed countries, violent crime has been steadily decreasing over the past few decades. However, due to the way media outlets focus on shocking incidents, many people believe crime is becoming worse. In the United States, studies have shown that despite a significant drop in violent crime since the 1990s, public perception remains the opposite. News programs frequently highlight cases of murder, robbery, and assault, often broadcasting disturbing images and interviews with victims’ families. This kind of coverage implies such crimes are common occurrences. Audiences may then become unnecessarily fearful, avoid going out at night, or even purchase weapons for self-defense, which could lead to more violence rather than less.

However, crime reporting serves an important function in raising awareness and promoting justice. For example, when journalists cover a case of police brutality or domestic violence, it can lead to public outcry and legal action against the perpetrators. A famous example is the 2020 murder of George Floyd in the U.S., which sparked global protests against police violence after the video footage was widely shared by the media. Without media coverage, many injustices would go unnoticed. To mitigate the concerns of critics, governments and media organizations can intensify current collaborations to ensure crime reporting is factual and responsible, rather than sensationalized. For instance, they could avoid showing graphic images, limit the use of criminals’ names and photos to prevent glorification, and provide context about crime trends rather than focusing only on isolated incidents.

In conclusion, while there are valid concerns about media coverage of violent crime increasing public fear and inspiring criminals, banning it outright is not the answer. Doing so would prevent the public from being informed.

Analysis

1. Some argue that reporting violent crimes in newspapers and on TV causes unnecessary fear among the public and such coverage should therefore be banned. 2. While I agree that sensationalized crime coverage can have negative effects, completely banning it would do more harm than good.

1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
2. Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.

1. One major concern is that excessive reporting on violent crime makes people feel unsafe, even in areas where crime rates are low. 2. For example, in many developed countries, violent crime has been steadily decreasing over the past few decades. 3. However, due to the way media outlets focus on shocking incidents, many people believe crime is becoming worse. 4. In the United States, studies have shown that despite a significant drop in violent crime since the 1990s, public perception remains the opposite. 5. News programs frequently highlight cases of murder, robbery, and assault, often broadcasting disturbing images and interviews with victims’ families. 6. This kind of coverage implies such crimes are common occurrences. 7. Audiences may then become unnecessarily fearful, avoid going out at night, or even purchase weapons for self-defense, which could lead to more violence rather than less.

1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
2. Explain your main idea.
3. Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
4. Keep developing it fully.
5. Better to have more detail.

1. However, crime reporting serves an important function in raising awareness and promoting justice. 2. For example, when journalists cover a case of police brutality or domestic violence, it can lead to public outcry and legal action against the perpetrators. 3. A famous example is the 2020 murder of George Floyd in the U.S., which sparked global protests against police violence after the video footage was widely shared by the media. 4. Without media coverage, many injustices would go unnoticed. 5. To mitigate the concerns of critics, governments and media organizations can intensify current collaborations to ensure crime reporting is factual and responsible, rather than sensationalized. 6. For instance, they could avoid showing graphic images, limit the use of criminals’ names and photos to prevent glorification, and provide context about crime trends rather than focusing only on isolated incidents.

1. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
2. Explain your new main idea.
3. Include specific details and examples.
4. Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
5. This essay is a bit long – aim for about 275 words.

1. In conclusion, while there are valid concerns about media coverage of violent crime increasing public fear and inspiring criminals, banning it outright is not the answer. 2. Doing so would prevent the public from being informed.

1. Summarise your main ideas.
2. 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.

Some argue that reporting violent crimes in newspapers and on TV causes unnecessary fear among the public and such coverage should therefore be banned. While I agree that sensationalized crime coverage can have negative effects, completely banning it would do more harm than good.

One major concern is that excessive reporting on violent crime makes people feel unsafe, even in areas where crime rates are low. For example, in many developed countries, violent crime has been steadily decreasing over the past few decades. However, due to the way media outlets focus on shocking incidents, many people believe crime is becoming worse. In the United States, studies have shown that despite a significant drop in violent crime since the 1990s, public perception remains the opposite. News programs frequently highlight cases of murder, robbery, and assault, often broadcasting disturbing images and interviews with victims‘ families. This kind of coverage implies such crimes are common occurrences. Audiences may then become unnecessarily fearful, avoid going out at night, or even purchase weapons for self-defense, which could lead to more violence rather than less.

However, crime reporting serves an important function in raising awareness and promoting justice. For example, when journalists cover a case of police brutality or domestic violence, it can lead to public outcry and legal action against the perpetrators. A famous example is the 2020 murder of George Floyd in the U.S., which sparked global protests against police violence after the video footage was widely shared by the media. Without media coverage, many injustices would go unnoticed. To mitigate the concerns of critics, governments and media organizations can intensify current collaborations to ensure crime reporting is factual and responsible, rather than sensationalized. For instance, they could avoid showing graphic images, limit the use of criminals’ names and photos to prevent glorification, and provide context about crime trends rather than focusing only on isolated incidents.

In conclusion, while there are valid concerns about media coverage of violent crime increasing public fear and inspiring criminals, banning it outright is not the answer. Doing so would prevent the public from being informed.

Answers

For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:

·  Reporting violent crimes → Covering acts of violence

·  Causes unnecessary fear among the public → Instills undue panic in society

·  Coverage → Media reporting

·  Therefore be banned → Should consequently be prohibited

·  Sensationalized crime coverage → Overhyped reporting on criminal activity

·  Completely banning → Outright prohibiting

·  Do more harm than good → Have a net negative impact

·  One major concern is → A key issue is

·  Excessive reporting on violent crime → Overexposure of criminal incidents in the media

·  Unsafe → Perceived as dangerous

·  Areas where crime rates are low → Regions with minimal criminal activity

·  Steadily decreasing over the past few decades → Consistently declining over the years

·  Media outlets → News organizations

·  Shocking incidents → Disturbing events

·  Becoming worse → Deteriorating

·  Studies have shown that → Research indicates that

·  Significant drop → Notable decline

·  Public perception remains the opposite → General opinion contradicts this trend

·  Frequently highlight cases of murder → Regularly emphasize homicide cases

·  Robbery → Theft with violence

·  Assault → Physical attacks

·  Broadcasting disturbing images → Air shocking visuals

·  Victims’ → Survivors’

·  This kind of coverage implies → Such reporting suggests

·  Common occurrences → Frequent events

·  Audiences → Viewers

·  Unnecessarily fearful → Overly anxious

·  Avoid going out at night → Refrain from venturing out after dark

·  Purchase weapons for self-defense → Acquire firearms for protection

·  Lead to more violence rather than less → Escalate aggression instead of reducing it

·  Serves an important function in raising awareness and promoting justice → Plays a crucial role in informing the public and advocating for fairness

·  Journalists cover a case of police brutality or domestic violence → Reporters investigate incidents of excessive force or abuse

·  Lead to public outcry → Trigger widespread outrage

·  Legal action against the perpetrators → Prosecution of offenders

·  A famous example is → A well-known case is

·  Sparked global protests against police violence after the video footage was widely shared by the media → Ignited worldwide demonstrations against law enforcement brutality following the viral spread of recorded evidence

·  Without media coverage → In the absence of press reporting

·  Unnoticed → Overlooked

·  Mitigate the concerns of critics → Address the objections of skeptics

·  Intensify current collaborations → Strengthen ongoing partnerships

·  Ensure → Guarantee

·  Factual and responsible → Accurate and ethical

·  Rather than sensationalized → Instead of exaggerated

·  Avoid showing graphic images → Refrain from displaying explicit visuals

·  Limit the use of criminals’ names and photos to prevent glorification → Restrict the exposure of offenders to discourage idolization

·  Provide context → Offer background information

·  Crime trends → Patterns in criminal activity

·  Focusing only on isolated incidents → Highlighting singular cases without broader context

·  While there are valid concerns about → Though legitimate worries exist regarding

·  Outright → Complete

·  Not the answer → Is not the solution

·  Prevent the public from being informed → Restrict access to crucial information

Pronunciation

Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:

rɪˈpɔːtɪŋ ˈvaɪəlᵊnt kraɪmz

ˈkɔːzɪz ʌnˈnɛsəsɛri fɪər əˈmʌŋ ðə ˈpʌblɪk

ˈkʌvᵊrɪʤ

ˈðeəfɔː biː bænd

sensationalized kraɪm ˈkʌvᵊrɪʤ

kəmˈpliːtli ˈbænɪŋ

duː mɔː hɑːm ðæn ɡʊd

wʌn ˈmeɪʤə kənˈsɜːn ɪz

ɪkˈsɛsɪv rɪˈpɔːtɪŋ ɒn ˈvaɪəlᵊnt kraɪm

ʌnˈseɪf

ˈeəriəz weə kraɪm reɪts ɑː ləʊ

ˈstɛdɪli dɪˈkriːsɪŋ ˈəʊvə ðə pɑːst fjuː ˈdɛkeɪdz

ˈmiːdiə ˈaʊtlɛts

ˈʃɒkɪŋ ˈɪnsɪdᵊnts

bɪˈkʌmɪŋ wɜːs

ˈstʌdiz hæv ʃəʊn ðæt

sɪɡˈnɪfɪkᵊnt drɒp

ˈpʌblɪk pəˈsɛpʃᵊn rɪˈmeɪnz ði ˈɒpəzɪt

ˈfriːkwᵊntli ˈhaɪlaɪt ˈkeɪsɪz ɒv ˈmɜːdə

ˈrɒbəri

əˈsɔːlt

ˈbrɔːdˌkɑːstɪŋ dɪˈstɜːbɪŋ ˈɪmɪʤɪz

ˈvɪktɪmz

ðɪs kaɪnd ɒv ˈkʌvᵊrɪʤ ɪmˈplaɪz

ˈkɒmən əˈkʌrᵊnsɪz

ˈɔːdiənsɪz

ʌnˈnɛsəsɛrɪli ˈfɪəfᵊl

əˈvɔɪd ˈɡəʊɪŋ aʊt æt naɪt

ˈpɜːʧəs ˈwɛpənz fɔː sɛlf-dɪˈfɛns

liːd tuː mɔː ˈvaɪəlᵊns ˈrɑːðə ðæn lɛs

sɜːvz ən ɪmˈpɔːtᵊnt ˈfʌŋkʃᵊn ɪn ˈreɪzɪŋ əˈweənəs ænd prəˈməʊtɪŋ ˈʤʌstɪs

ˈʤɜːnəlɪsts ˈkʌvər ə keɪs ɒv pəˈliːs bruːˈtæləti ɔː dəˈmɛstɪk ˈvaɪəlᵊns

liːd tuː ˈpʌblɪk ˈaʊtkraɪ

ˈliːɡᵊl ˈækʃᵊn əˈɡɛnst ðə ˈpɜːpətreɪtəz

ə ˈfeɪməs ɪɡˈzɑːmpᵊl ɪz

spɑːkt ˈɡləʊbᵊl ˈprəʊtɛsts əˈɡɛnst pəˈliːs ˈvaɪəlᵊns ˈɑːftə ðə ˈvɪdiəʊ ˈfʊtɪʤ wɒz ˈwaɪdli ʃeəd baɪ ðə ˈmiːdiə

wɪˈðaʊt ˈmiːdiə ˈkʌvᵊrɪʤ

ʌnˈnəʊtɪst

ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt ðə kənˈsɜːnz ɒv ˈkrɪtɪks

ɪnˈtɛnsɪfaɪ ˈkʌrᵊnt kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃᵊnz

ɪnˈʃɔː

ˈfækʧuəl ænd rɪˈspɒnsəbᵊl

ˈrɑːðə ðæn sensationalized

əˈvɔɪd ˈʃəʊɪŋ ˈɡræfɪk ˈɪmɪʤɪz

ˈlɪmɪt ðə juːs ɒv ˈkrɪmɪnᵊlz neɪmz ænd ˈfəʊtəʊz tuː prɪˈvɛnt ˌɡlɔːrɪfɪˈkeɪʃᵊn

prəˈvaɪd ˈkɒntɛkst

kraɪm trɛndz

ˈfəʊkəsɪŋ ˈəʊnli ɒn ˈaɪsəleɪtɪd ˈɪnsɪdᵊnts

waɪl ðeər ɑː ˈvælɪd kənˈsɜːnz əˈbaʊt

ˈaʊtraɪt

nɒt ði ˈɑːnsə

prɪˈvɛnt ðə ˈpʌblɪk frɒm ˈbiːɪŋ ɪnˈfɔːmd

Vocabulary Practice

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:

Some argue that r__________________________s in newspapers and on TV c_______________________________c and such c_______e should t__________________________d. While I agree that s____________________________e can have negative effects, c____________________g it would d____________________d.

O_____________________s that e_____________________e makes people feel u____e, even in a___________________________________w. For example, in many developed countries, violent crime has been s_______________________________s. However, due to the way m_________s focus on s___________________s, many people believe crime is b_____________e. In the United States, s__________________________t despite a s___________p in violent crime since the 1990s, p_________________________________e. News programs f__________________________________r, r_______y, and a_____t, often b_____________________s and interviews with v______s‘ families. T_____________________________s such crimes are c_____________s. A________s may then become u_____________________l, a__________________________t, or even p_______________________e, which could l________________________________s.

However, crime reporting s________________________________________________________________________e. For example, when j_______________________________________________________________e, it can l_____________y and l_____________________________s. A_________________________________s the 2020 murder of George Floyd in the U.S., which s___________________________________________________________________________________a. W______________________e, many injustices would go u____________d. To m_________________s, governments and media organizations can i________________________________s to e_______e crime reporting is f________________e, r__________________________d. For instance, they could a_____________________________________s, l_______________________________________________________________n, and p______________t about c___________s rather than f___________________________________s.

In conclusion, w____________________________t media coverage of violent crime increasing public fear and inspiring criminals, banning it o_______t is n___________r. Doing so would p_____________________d.

Listening Practice

Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:

https://www.youtube.com/@VICE

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:

https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/crime-rate-by-country

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Social Media (IELTS Speaking Part 3)

Question 1: Is it good to share something on social media?

Question 2: Should the media only publish good news?

Question 3: How does social media help people access information?

Question 4: What kind of good news do people often share in the community?

Question 5: Do most people like to share good news with others?

Question 6: Do people like to hear good news from their friends?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topic:

Some people think technology development decreases crime, while others believe it actually encourages crime.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

IELTS Essay: Crime Technology