The topic of diversity in media representation has gained significant traction in recent years, making it a popular subject for IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on analysis of past IELTS exams and current trends, this theme is likely to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people say that the media (newspapers, television, etc.) should pay more attention to the everyday lives of ordinary people rather than celebrities and political leaders. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question addresses the issue of media representation and asks for your opinion on whether media should focus more on ordinary people rather than celebrities and political figures. To answer effectively, you need to:
- Clearly state your position (agree, disagree, or partially agree)
- Provide reasons and examples to support your stance
- Consider potential counterarguments
- Conclude with a summary of your main points
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Media’s focus on ordinary lives: A necessary shift for societal balance
In an era dominated by celebrity culture and political drama, I strongly agree that media outlets should dedicate more attention to the everyday lives of ordinary people. This shift in focus would not only provide a more balanced representation of society but also offer numerous benefits to both the media industry and its consumers.
Firstly, highlighting the experiences of everyday individuals would foster a more inclusive and relatable media landscape. By showcasing diverse stories from various walks of life, media outlets can create content that resonates with a broader audience. This approach would not only increase viewer engagement but also promote a sense of community and shared experiences among viewers. For instance, a news segment featuring local heroes or community initiatives could inspire others to take positive action in their own neighborhoods.
Moreover, increased coverage of ordinary lives could contribute to a more informed and empathetic society. When media primarily focuses on celebrities and political leaders, it can create a distorted view of reality and unrealistic expectations. By contrast, stories about average citizens facing everyday challenges and triumphs can provide valuable insights into societal issues and foster greater understanding among diverse groups. This could lead to more constructive public discourse and potentially influence policy-making to address real-world concerns.
However, it is important to acknowledge that some coverage of celebrities and political figures is necessary for a well-rounded media landscape. These individuals often play significant roles in shaping culture and policy, and their actions can have far-reaching consequences. The key lies in striking a balance between high-profile news and stories of ordinary people.
In conclusion, while celebrity and political news have their place, I firmly believe that media should prioritize the representation of everyday lives. This shift would not only create a more inclusive and relatable media environment but also contribute to a more empathetic and well-informed society. By doing so, media outlets can fulfill their role as a mirror of society more effectively and promote greater social cohesion.
[Word count: 309]
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent characteristics of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
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Clear position: The writer strongly agrees with the statement and maintains this stance throughout the essay.
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Coherent structure: The essay follows a logical progression with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
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Well-developed ideas: Each main point is thoroughly explained and supported with relevant examples.
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Balanced argument: The essay acknowledges the importance of celebrity and political news while advocating for more focus on ordinary lives.
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Sophisticated vocabulary: The writer uses a range of advanced vocabulary accurately (e.g., “foster,” “inclusive,” “relatable,” “empathetic”).
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Complex sentence structures: The essay incorporates a mix of simple and complex sentences, demonstrating language flexibility.
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Cohesive devices: Appropriate linking words and phrases are used to connect ideas smoothly (e.g., “Firstly,” “Moreover,” “However,” “In conclusion”).
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Task response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question and provides a well-rounded argument.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
More focus on ordinary people in media
I agree that the media should give more attention to the lives of ordinary people instead of always talking about celebrities and politicians. This change would be good for society in many ways.
First, showing more stories about normal people can help viewers feel connected to the news. When we see people like us on TV or in newspapers, we can understand their problems better. For example, if the news shows a story about a family trying to save money for their children’s education, many people can relate to this and maybe get ideas to help themselves.
Also, focusing on ordinary people can inspire others. If we see stories about regular people doing good things in their community, it can make us want to help too. This is better than always watching rich and famous people who live very different lives from most of us.
However, we cannot ignore celebrities and politicians completely. They are important because they make decisions that affect everyone. But the media should try to balance this with more stories about ordinary people.
In conclusion, I think the media should show more about the lives of normal people. This can help create a better understanding between different groups in society and make the news more interesting for everyone. At the same time, some news about famous people and leaders is still necessary.
[Word count: 234]
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good qualities for a mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
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Clear position: The writer agrees with the statement and maintains this stance throughout.
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Coherent structure: The essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
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Relevant ideas: The main points are relevant and supported with simple examples.
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Basic vocabulary: The writer uses mostly common vocabulary with some attempts at more advanced words.
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Mixed sentence structures: There is a combination of simple and compound sentences, with some attempts at complex structures.
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Basic cohesive devices: Simple linking words are used to connect ideas (e.g., “First,” “Also,” “However,” “In conclusion”).
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Task response: The essay addresses the main parts of the question but could be more fully developed.
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Grammar: There are no major grammatical errors, but the language lacks the sophistication of a higher band score.
How to promote cultural understanding in multicultural societies is another important topic related to diversity and representation that often appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. Understanding these interconnected themes can help you develop more comprehensive arguments in your essays.
Key Vocabulary for IELTS Writing on Media Representation
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Diversity (noun) /daɪˈvɜːrsəti/: The state of having people from different social and ethnic backgrounds.
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Representation (noun) /ˌreprɪzenˈteɪʃn/: The description or portrayal of someone or something in a particular way.
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Inclusive (adjective) /ɪnˈkluːsɪv/: Including all the services or items normally expected or required.
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Stereotype (noun) /ˈsteriəʊtaɪp/: A widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.
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Marginalize (verb) /ˈmɑːdʒɪnəlaɪz/: Treat a person, group, or concept as insignificant or peripheral.
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Empathy (noun) /ˈempəθi/: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
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Bias (noun) /ˈbaɪəs/: Prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another.
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Portray (verb) /pɔːˈtreɪ/: Depict or describe someone or something in a particular way.
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Underrepresented (adjective) /ˌʌndərreprɪˈzentɪd/: Inadequately represented, especially in a political or commercial context.
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Narrative (noun) /ˈnærətɪv/: A spoken or written account of connected events; a story.
Impact of global music festivals on cultural exchange is another interesting topic that relates to diversity and representation in media. Understanding how cultural events can influence media portrayals can provide valuable insights for your IELTS essays.
Conclusion
The importance of diversity in media representation is a crucial topic in today’s globalized world, making it a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. By studying these sample essays and analyzing their strengths, you can improve your own writing skills and approach similar questions with confidence.
To further enhance your preparation, consider practicing with these related topics:
- The role of social media in promoting diverse voices
- The impact of inclusive media representation on societal attitudes
- Balancing entertainment and social responsibility in media content
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. With consistent practice and attention to feedback, you can improve your IELTS Writing Task 2 scores significantly.
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the topic discussed in this article. Share your essay in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS aspirants. This active engagement will help you refine your skills and gain valuable insights from others preparing for the test.
How does cultural exchange promote global understanding is another related topic that can help you broaden your perspective on diversity and representation issues. Exploring these interconnected themes will enable you to write more comprehensive and insightful essays in your IELTS Writing Task 2.