IELTS HUBIELTS Positive-Negative Essay on Media & Tech & Society
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Nowadays, the internet and television have given ordinary people a chance to become famous.
Is this a positive or negative development?
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Paraphrase topic (internet/TV make fame accessible). State that both benefits and disadvantages exist. State opinion (disadvantages are more significant).
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Topic sentence: Positive aspects exist (more inclusive industry, new way to earn money). Point 1: More inclusive (talent/personality can find audience, diverse entertainment). Point 2: New way to earn money (platforms like YouTube/Instagram).
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Topic sentence: Negative aspects are more serious. Point 1: Unhealthy fixation on public opinion (likes/shares measure self-worth, increased stress/anxiety). Point 2: Loss of privacy (life open to scrutiny, loss of personal freedom, mentally draining).
Conclusion
Summarize main points (fame more democratic, new money vs. unhealthy fixation, privacy loss). Restate opinion (more harmful trend).
Band 9 Sample Answer:
In today's world, the internet and television have made fame accessible to the average person. While this change has its benefits, I believe the disadvantages are more significant.
On the upside, this change has made the entertainment industry more inclusive. In the past, fame was reserved for a select few, often due to nepotism or luck. Now, anyone with talent and an interesting personality can find an audience, leading to a more diverse and representative entertainment world. Also, this change has created a new way to earn money. Platforms like YouTube and Instagram let regular people make money from their content, offering a practical alternative to traditional jobs.
However, the downsides of this trend are more serious. The pursuit of fame can lead to an unhealthy fixation on public opinion, as likes and shares become a measure of self-worth. This can cause increased stress and anxiety, as people constantly seek approval from their online audience. Also, the loss of privacy is another significant disadvantage. Once someone becomes a public figure, their life is open to scrutiny, and every action can be analyzed and judged by millions. This can result in a loss of personal freedom and a constant feeling of being observed, which can be mentally draining.
In conclusion, while the internet and television have made fame more democratic and created new ways to earn money, the negative effects of this change, such as the unhealthy fixation on public opinion and the loss of privacy, make it a more harmful trend.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
In the contemporary era, the advent of the internet and television has democratized fame, allowing the average individual to attain celebrity status. While this development has its merits, it is my contention that the drawbacks are more pronounced.
On the positive side, this shift has democratized the entertainment industry. Previously, fame was the exclusive domain of a select few, often dictated by nepotism or sheer luck. Now, anyone with talent and a compelling persona can find an audience, breaking down barriers and fostering a more diverse and representative entertainment landscape. Moreover, this development has also enabled a new avenue for income generation. Platforms like YouTube and Instagram allow ordinary people to monetize their content, providing a viable alternative to traditional employment.
However, the negatives of this trend are more significant. The quest for fame can lead to an unhealthy obsession with public opinion, as likes and shares become a barometer for self-worth. This can result in increased stress and anxiety, as individuals constantly strive for validation from their online audience. Additionally, the lack of privacy is another considerable drawback. Once a person becomes a public figure, their life is subject to scrutiny, and every action can be dissected and judged by millions. This can lead to a loss of personal freedom and a constant feeling of being watched, which can be mentally exhausting.
In conclusion, while the internet and television have democratized fame and opened up new avenues for income, the negative impacts of this development, such as the unhealthy obsession with public opinion and the loss of privacy, make it a more detrimental trend.