IELTS HUB
Agree or disagree MediaEducationSociety Essay #236
Writing Task 2

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

Some people say that all popular TV entertainment programs should aim to educate viewers about important social issues.

To what extent Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

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.
298 words · 5 paragraphs
Introduction

Paraphrases the topic statement and immediately states a strong agreement with the idea, mentioning the significant impact of TV.

It is a widely held belief that popular television entertainment programs should strive to enlighten viewers on significant social issues. I wholeheartedly concur with this viewpoint, considering the immense influence television wields over the masses.

Body 1 · View 1

Discusses TV's wide reach as a primary tool for social education, explaining how it raises awareness and sparks debates, providing an example of a comedy show addressing racial bias.

Firstly, television, as a pervasive medium, has the potential to reach a broad audience, making it an ideal platform for social education. By incorporating social issues into popular programs, these crucial topics can be subtly introduced into the public discourse, thereby fostering awareness and stimulating conversation. For instance, a sitcom addressing racial discrimination can subtly challenge prejudiced notions, encouraging viewers to reassess their perspectives.

Body 2 · View 2

Explains that blending social issues makes abstract concepts more relatable and understandable, showing how drama can trigger empathy and encourage action, using the example of a character living in poverty.

Secondly, the integration of social issues into entertainment programs can serve to humanize abstract concepts, making them more relatable and understandable to the average viewer. A drama series that explores the struggles of a character living in poverty, for example, can evoke empathy and understanding in viewers, potentially spurring them to action. This empathetic connection can be a powerful catalyst for social change, as viewers may be motivated to address the issues they see depicted on screen.

Body 3 · Opinion

Argues that including social issues balances the shallow nature of entertainment by presenting real-world issues, offering a balanced view and breaking stereotypes, citing 'Orange is the New Black' as an example.

Lastly, the inclusion of social issues in entertainment programming can also serve to counteract the often superficial and escapist nature of such content. By presenting viewers with real-world issues amidst the entertainment, television can provide a more balanced and realistic depiction of society. This can help to dispel harmful stereotypes and promote a more nuanced understanding of the world, as demonstrated by shows like 'Orange is the New Black', which tackles issues of prison reform and systemic racism.

Conclusion

Restates the strong agreement that popular TV shows should educate on social issues and summarizes the main points: utilizing TV's reach, making issues human, and providing a balanced societal view.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that popular television entertainment programs should indeed aim to educate viewers about important social issues. This approach not only leverages the wide reach of television, but also humanizes abstract social issues and provides a more balanced depiction of society.

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

Vocabulary

Band 9 Vocabulary for IELTS Essays

600 High-scoring Phrases for Task 2

₹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: Many university students live with their families, while others live away from home because their universities are in different places. What are the advantages and disadvantages of both situations?