The topic of how the internet has transformed traditional media is a highly relevant and frequently occurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exam questions and current trends, this subject is likely to appear in future tests due to its significant impact on modern society. Let’s examine a specific question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams:
The internet has transformed the way that information is shared and consumed. It has also had a significant impact on traditional forms of media such as newspapers and magazines. Some people believe that traditional media will soon disappear completely. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to discuss the impact of the internet on traditional media and express their opinion on whether traditional forms like newspapers and magazines will cease to exist. Key points to consider:
- The transformation of information sharing and consumption due to the internet
- The impact on traditional media forms
- The possibility of traditional media disappearing completely
- Your personal stance on this prediction
Now, let’s examine sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-level response.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The digital revolution has undeniably altered the landscape of information dissemination and consumption, profoundly impacting traditional media outlets. While some argue that this shift will lead to the complete disappearance of conventional forms like newspapers and magazines, I partially disagree with this assertion. Although traditional media faces significant challenges, I believe it will adapt and continue to exist in some form, albeit with a diminished role.
The internet has indeed revolutionized how we access and share information. Online platforms offer instant, often free access to news and entertainment, making them highly attractive to consumers. This shift has led to declining readership and advertising revenue for print media, forcing many publications to downsize or shut down. The convenience and immediacy of digital content have undoubtedly challenged the relevance of traditional media formats.
However, it would be premature to declare the imminent demise of all traditional media. Many established newspapers and magazines have successfully transitioned to digital formats, maintaining their journalistic standards while adapting to new technologies. The New York Times and The Economist, for instance, have developed robust online presences while continuing to produce print editions. This hybrid model allows them to cater to both digital natives and those who prefer physical publications.
Moreover, traditional media often possesses a level of credibility and in-depth reporting that many online sources lack. In an era of fake news and information overload, reputable print publications can serve as reliable sources of well-researched, fact-checked content. This trustworthiness may ensure their continued relevance, especially for readers seeking comprehensive analysis of complex issues.
That being said, it is undeniable that traditional media must evolve to survive. Print circulation will likely continue to decline, and media companies will need to innovate to remain competitive. This may involve developing new revenue streams, such as paywalls for premium content or diversifying into podcasts and video production.
In conclusion, while the internet has dramatically altered the media landscape, I believe that traditional forms of media will not disappear entirely. Instead, they will likely undergo a transformation, adapting to digital platforms while maintaining their core strengths of credibility and in-depth reporting. The future of media will likely be a blend of traditional and digital formats, catering to diverse consumer preferences and needs.
(Word count: 367)
Traditional media adapting to the digital age
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a well-developed argument. It discusses both the impact of the internet on traditional media and the likelihood of its disappearance, offering a nuanced view.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and ideas are logically linked both within and between paragraphs using a range of cohesive devices.
Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Examples include “digital revolution,” “information dissemination,” and “journalistic standards.”
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a wide range of grammatical structures used flexibly and accurately. Complex sentences are used effectively, and there are no noticeable errors.
Critical Thinking: The essay demonstrates sophisticated critical thinking by presenting a balanced view, acknowledging both the challenges faced by traditional media and the reasons for its potential survival.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The internet has changed how we get and share information, and this has affected traditional media like newspapers and magazines. Some people think these old forms of media will soon disappear completely. I partly agree with this idea, but I also think some traditional media will survive.
It’s true that the internet has made big changes to how we access news and information. Many people now prefer to read news online because it’s faster and often free. This has caused problems for newspapers and magazines, with many losing readers and money from advertising. Some have even had to close down because of this.
However, I don’t think all traditional media will disappear. Some newspapers and magazines have started to use websites and apps to share their content. This means they can keep their readers even if people don’t buy the paper version. Also, some people still like to read physical newspapers and magazines, especially older generations.
Another reason why traditional media might survive is that they often have good reputations for accurate reporting. In a time when there’s a lot of fake news online, people might trust well-known newspapers more. This could help them keep some readers.
But it’s clear that traditional media needs to change to stay alive. They might need to find new ways to make money, like charging for online content or making videos and podcasts. If they don’t adapt, they could struggle to compete with online news sources.
In conclusion, while the internet has made things difficult for traditional media, I don’t think it will disappear completely. Some forms of traditional media will probably survive by changing how they work and using the internet to reach readers. The future will likely have a mix of old and new media types.
(Word count: 309)
Digital news consumption on a smartphone
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good command of the task requirements but with some limitations:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task and presents a clear position. However, the ideas could be further developed and supported with more specific examples.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear overall progression. Paragraphing is logical, and basic cohesive devices are used effectively. However, there’s room for more sophisticated linking of ideas.
Lexical Resource: The essay uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary (e.g., “generations,” “accurate reporting”), but the range is not as wide or sophisticated as in the Band 8-9 essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used with generally good control. There are no major grammatical errors, but the range of structures is not as wide as in the higher band essay.
Critical Thinking: The essay shows some evidence of critical thinking by presenting both sides of the argument. However, the analysis could be deeper and more nuanced.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Digital revolution (noun) – /ˈdɪdʒɪtl revəˈluːʃn/ – The widespread adoption and use of digital technologies in various aspects of life
- Information dissemination (noun) – /ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃn dɪˌsemɪˈneɪʃn/ – The process of spreading information widely
- Credibility (noun) – /ˌkredəˈbɪləti/ – The quality of being trusted and believed in
- Adapt (verb) – /əˈdæpt/ – To change or adjust to new conditions
- Hybrid model (noun) – /ˈhaɪbrɪd ˈmɒdl/ – A system that combines two different approaches or methods
- In-depth reporting (noun) – /ɪn depθ rɪˈpɔːtɪŋ/ – Detailed and thorough news coverage of a topic
- Innovate (verb) – /ˈɪnəveɪt/ – To introduce new methods, ideas, or products
- Journalistic standards (noun) – /ˌdʒɜːnəˈlɪstɪk ˈstændədz/ – The principles and practices that guide ethical journalism
- Media landscape (noun) – /ˈmiːdiə ˈlændskeɪp/ – The overall environment in which media operates
- Transition (verb) – /trænˈzɪʃn/ – To undergo a process of change from one state to another
In conclusion, the transformation of traditional media by the internet is a complex and ongoing process. While challenges exist, the complete disappearance of traditional media seems unlikely in the near future. Instead, we may see a continued evolution and integration of traditional and digital formats.
For further practice, consider writing your own essay on this topic or related themes such as:
- The impact of social media on journalism
- The future of print books in the digital age
- How online streaming services have changed the television industry
Feel free to share your essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare for the exam.
The impact of the internet on people’s reading habits has been significant, and this topic is closely related to the transformation of traditional media. Similarly, how e-commerce is influencing traditional shopping behavior reflects another aspect of the internet’s impact on traditional practices. These themes often appear in IELTS Writing Task 2, so it’s beneficial to explore them further in your preparation.