Photojournalism ethics has emerged as a significant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in various forms since 2019. Based on analysis of past papers, questions about media ethics and photojournalism have appeared approximately 3-4 times per year, particularly in countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh where media plays a crucial role in society.
Professional photojournalist considering ethical implications while covering news story
Recent Exam Question
Some people believe that photojournalists should be allowed to photograph any situation or event to inform the public, while others think there should be restrictions on what can be photographed. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Question Analysis
- Topic: Ethics in photojournalism
- Task: Discussion + opinion
- Key points to address:
- Freedom of press vs privacy/sensitivity
- Public’s right to information
- Ethical limitations
- Impact on subjects
- Professional guidelines
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The debate over photojournalists’ freedom to document events versus the need for restrictions is increasingly relevant in our media-saturated world. While both perspectives have merit, I believe a balanced approach with clear ethical guidelines is essential.
Those advocating unrestricted photojournalism argue that it serves crucial societal functions. Unfiltered documentation of events, from natural disasters to social upheavals, has historically played a vital role in raising awareness and catalyzing change. The Vietnam War photographs, for instance, significantly influenced public opinion and policy. Furthermore, restrictions could be misused to suppress information and manipulate narratives, undermining democracy and transparency.
However, compelling arguments exist for implementing certain limitations. The primary concern is protecting human dignity and preventing exploitation, particularly regarding vulnerable subjects like accident victims or children. Moreover, unrestricted photography could compromise sensitive operations, whether military or emergency services, potentially endangering lives. The psychological impact on both subjects and viewers must also be considered, as graphic images can cause lasting trauma.
In my view, the solution lies in establishing clear professional guidelines rather than absolute restrictions. Photojournalists should follow a code of ethics that balances public interest with human dignity. This could include obtaining consent where possible, avoiding sensationalism, and considering the broader impact of their work. Additionally, independent oversight bodies could help maintain standards while preserving journalistic freedom.
Photojournalist following ethical guidelines while documenting sensitive situations
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
The question of whether photojournalists should have complete freedom or face restrictions is very important today. I will discuss both sides and share my thoughts.
Some people think photographers should be able to take any pictures they want. They say this is important because people need to know what is happening in the world. For example, when there are wars or disasters, photos help people understand the situation better. Also, if we stop photographers from taking pictures, some important news might not be shown to the public.
On the other hand, many people believe there should be some rules about what can be photographed. They worry about privacy and people’s feelings. Sometimes, photos can hurt people or show them at bad moments in their lives. Also, some photos might be too violent for children to see.
I think we need some rules but not too many. Photographers should think carefully about what they photograph and how it affects people. They should ask permission when possible and be respectful. But they should still be allowed to take important pictures that help people understand world events.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay:
- Cohesion & Coherence: Excellent paragraph organization, smooth transitions
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary (“catalyzing”, “unfiltered documentation”)
- Grammar: Complex structures used accurately
- Task Response: Comprehensive coverage of all aspects
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Simpler language and structure
- Basic but clear organization
- Limited range of vocabulary
- Some repetition in ideas
- Less sophisticated analysis
Key Vocabulary
- photojournalism (n) /ˌfoʊtoʊˈdʒɜːrnəlɪzəm/ – journalism that uses photographs to tell news stories
- ethical (adj) /ˈeθɪkəl/ – relating to moral principles
- exploitation (n) /ˌeksplɔɪˈteɪʃən/ – unfair treatment for personal gain
- sensationalism (n) /senˈseɪʃənəlɪzəm/ – presenting stories in a way that provokes public interest
- oversight (n) /ˈoʊvərsaɪt/ – supervision and monitoring
Consider practicing with these similar topics:
- Media censorship in the digital age
- Privacy rights in social media
- Professional ethics in digital journalism
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion.
