The topic of how the internet is reshaping journalism has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. As traditional media evolves in the digital age, this subject offers a rich ground for discussion on technological impact, societal changes, and the future of information dissemination. Based on recent trends, we can expect this theme to appear more frequently in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in past tests and is likely to resurface:
The internet has transformed the way news is delivered and consumed. Some people think this has resulted in more informed societies, while others believe it has led to a decline in the quality of journalism. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss how the internet has changed news delivery and consumption
- Present arguments for both positive and negative impacts on journalism and society
- Provide a personal opinion on the overall effect
The key challenge lies in balancing the discussion of both viewpoints while clearly articulating your own stance.
Sample Band 8 Essay
The digital revolution has fundamentally altered the landscape of journalism, transforming how news is both produced and consumed. While some argue that this shift has created a more informed populace, others contend that it has compromised journalistic integrity. In my view, while the internet has indeed democratized information access, it has also posed significant challenges to the quality of journalism.
Proponents of internet-based news argue that it has led to a more informed society. The instant accessibility of information from diverse sources allows individuals to stay updated on global events in real-time. Moreover, the interactive nature of online platforms enables readers to engage directly with news content, fostering a more participatory form of journalism. This democratization of information has arguably empowered citizens, giving voice to previously marginalized perspectives and facilitating grassroots movements.
However, critics assert that the internet has precipitated a decline in journalistic standards. The pressure to produce content rapidly often compromises fact-checking processes, leading to the spread of misinformation. Additionally, the rise of clickbait headlines and sensationalism, driven by the need for website traffic, can overshadow substantive reporting. The echo chamber effect of social media algorithms further exacerbates this issue, potentially narrowing rather than broadening people’s exposure to diverse viewpoints.
In my opinion, while the internet has undoubtedly increased access to information, its impact on the quality of journalism is a double-edged sword. The potential for a more informed society is significant, but it is contingent upon developing digital literacy skills and maintaining rigorous journalistic standards. As consumers, we must cultivate critical thinking abilities to navigate the vast sea of online information effectively.
To mitigate the negative impacts, it is crucial for both journalists and readers to adapt to this new media landscape. News organizations should prioritize fact-checking and in-depth analysis, leveraging the internet’s capabilities for interactive and multimedia storytelling. Simultaneously, educational institutions and media literacy programs can equip individuals with the tools to discern credible sources and recognize bias.
In conclusion, the internet’s reshaping of journalism presents both opportunities and challenges. While it has democratized information access, potentially creating more informed societies, it has also posed threats to journalistic quality. The path forward lies in harnessing the positive aspects of digital media while actively addressing its shortcomings to ensure a well-informed and critically engaged public.
(Word count: 377)
Essay Analysis
This essay achieves a Band 8 score due to several key factors:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating a personal opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (“However”, “Moreover”, “Additionally”).
Lexical Resource: The essay demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary used accurately and appropriately (“democratized”, “precipitated”, “exacerbates”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures accurately (“While it has democratized information access, potentially creating more informed societies, it has also posed threats to journalistic quality”).
Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with explanations and examples.
Sample Band 6 Essay
The internet has changed how we get and read news. Some people think this makes everyone know more, but others say it makes news worse. I think both sides have good points.
People who like internet news say it helps make society smarter. Now we can read news from many places very fast. We can also comment on news stories and share our ideas. This means more people can join in talking about what’s happening in the world.
But some people worry that internet news is not as good as old news. They say news websites want to be fast, so they don’t always check if the news is true. Also, some websites make their headlines very exciting just to get people to click, even if the story is not that important.
I think the internet has both good and bad effects on news. It’s good that we can get news quickly and from many places. But we need to be careful about what we read and make sure it’s true.
To make things better, I think news websites should try harder to check their stories before publishing. Also, schools should teach students how to know if news on the internet is true or not.
In conclusion, the internet has changed news in both good and bad ways. We need to use the good parts of internet news but also be careful about the problems it can cause.
(Word count: 253)
Essay Analysis
This essay achieves a Band 6 score for the following reasons:
Task Response: The essay addresses the task, presenting both viewpoints and offering a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is limited (“But”, “Also”).
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate but lacks sophistication. There is some repetition (“news”, “internet”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses mostly simple sentence structures with a few attempts at more complex structures.
Development of Ideas: While main ideas are present, they lack the depth and specificity seen in higher band scores.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Democratize (verb) /dɪˈmɒkrətaɪz/: To make something accessible to everyone
Precipitate (verb) /prɪˈsɪpɪteɪt/: To cause something to happen suddenly or unexpectedly
Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/: To make a problem or bad situation worse
Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/: To make something less harmful, serious, or bad
Integrity (noun) /ɪnˈteɡrəti/: The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles
Echo chamber (noun) /ˈekəʊ ˌtʃeɪmbə(r)/: An environment where a person encounters only beliefs or opinions that coincide with their own
Clickbait (noun) /ˈklɪkbeɪt/: Content whose main purpose is to attract attention and encourage visitors to click on a link to a particular web page
Grassroots (adjective) /ˈɡrɑːsruːts/: Of or relating to the common people, especially as contrasted with the leadership of a movement
Internet reshaping journalism infographic
In conclusion, the topic of how the internet is reshaping journalism offers a rich ground for IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. It allows candidates to explore the complex interplay between technology, media, and society. To prepare for potential questions on this theme, consider practicing with variations such as:
- The impact of social media on traditional journalism
- The role of citizen journalism in the digital age
- The challenges of maintaining journalistic ethics in the era of instant news
Remember to always analyze the question carefully, present balanced arguments, and support your points with relevant examples. We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will significantly enhance your IELTS Writing skills and prepare you for success in the exam.