IELTS HUB
Discuss both views Media Essay #102
Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:

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.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Use the plan, then compare with Band 9.
249 words · 4 paragraphs
Introduction

Paraphrase topic, present the two differing views (newspapers vs. other media), and state the author's opinion favouring other media.

In the realm of information dissemination, some individuals are of the conviction that newspapers remain the most effective medium for understanding current events, while others advocate for alternative media sources. I align myself with the latter group, seeing the potential in other media forms.

Body 1 · View 1

Topic sentence about reasons for favouring newspapers. Points: physical object/realness improving reading experience; thorough reporting with detailed analysis and expert views.

Those who champion newspapers as the superior source of news have their justifications. Firstly, newspapers, being physical entities, provide a tangible sense of reality that digital media often lacks. This tangibility, they argue, enhances the reading experience, making the news more memorable. Secondly, newspapers are often lauded for their comprehensive coverage of events. They offer in-depth analyses and expert opinions, which, proponents argue, provide a more nuanced understanding of current affairs.

Body 2 · View 2

Topic sentence explaining preference for other media despite newspaper benefits, incorporating author's opinion. Points: speed and ease of access (instant breaking news, anytime/anywhere); interactive features (videos, infographics, links) for better understanding and engaging experience.

However, despite the merits of newspapers, I am more inclined towards the use of alternative media for news consumption. One compelling argument is the immediacy and accessibility of news through digital platforms. Breaking news can be disseminated in real-time, allowing users to stay updated with unfolding events. This immediacy, coupled with the convenience of accessing news anytime and anywhere, makes digital media a formidable contender. Furthermore, digital media offers interactive features such as videos, infographics, and hyperlinks, which can enrich the user's understanding of the news. These features, I believe, can provide a more engaging and comprehensive news consumption experience than traditional newspapers.

Conclusion

Summarize the benefits of newspapers (real reading, analysis) versus the advantages of other media (speed, access, features). Restate preference for other media as a stronger tool for staying informed.

In conclusion, while newspapers offer tangible reading experiences and in-depth analyses, the immediacy, accessibility, and interactive features of alternative media make it a more potent tool for learning about current events.

Go further with the books

Writing Task 2

100 Essential IELTS Essays

Band 9 Sample Answers for the Real Exam

₹199$6.99CAD 8.99AUD 9.99£4.99NZD 10.99€5.99AED 24SGD 8.99

Free preview

Grammar

Functional Grammar for Task 2

Grammar that earns marks in IELTS Writing

₹299$9.99CAD 13.99AUD 14.99£7.99NZD 16.99€8.99AED 39SGD 12.99

Free preview

Kit · 3 books + 1 marked essay

Writing 7 Kit

The strategy to break the 6.5 ceiling, the mistakes that cost marks, the vocabulary that lifts Lexical Resource, then one essay marked to check you are there.

₹799$26.99CAD 37.99AUD 39.99£20.99NZD 45.99€23.99AED 99SGD 34.99 ₹1,296$43.96CAD 60.96AUD 65.96£33.96NZD 73.96€38.96AED 166SGD 56.96

Next question: Some people say that advertising is extremely successful at persuading us to buy things. Other people think that advertising is so common that we no longer pay attention to it. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.