The topic of “internet reshaping modern journalism” has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This theme reflects the significant impact of digital technology on traditional media and communication channels. Based on recent trends, we can expect this topic to appear more frequently in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in past exams and analyze it in detail.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Exam
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that the internet is killing journalism. Others believe it is making journalism more relevant than ever before. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the negative impact of the internet on journalism
- Explain how the internet is making journalism more relevant
- Provide a personal opinion on the matter
Now, let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality, demonstrating different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The digital revolution has undeniably transformed the landscape of journalism, sparking a debate about its future. While some argue that the internet is detrimental to traditional journalism, others contend that it has reinvigorated the field. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my own view on this contentious issue.
On one hand, critics argue that the internet is eroding the quality and integrity of journalism. The pressure to produce content rapidly for online platforms often leads to a sacrifice in accuracy and depth. Furthermore, the proliferation of fake news and misinformation on social media platforms has undermined public trust in journalism as a whole. The ease with which anyone can publish content online has also blurred the lines between professional journalism and amateur reporting, potentially diluting the standards of the profession.
Conversely, proponents assert that the internet has revolutionized journalism, making it more relevant and accessible than ever before. Digital platforms have democratized information dissemination, allowing journalists to reach a global audience instantaneously. This increased reach has empowered investigative journalism, enabling reporters to uncover and expose stories of global significance more effectively. Moreover, interactive features and data visualization tools have enhanced storytelling capabilities, engaging readers in novel ways and providing deeper insights into complex issues.
In my opinion, while the internet poses certain challenges to traditional journalism, its overall impact has been transformative and largely positive. The digital age has ushered in a new era of citizen journalism and grassroots reporting, giving voice to marginalized communities and diverse perspectives. Additionally, the internet has fostered greater transparency and accountability in journalism, as readers can fact-check and scrutinize sources more readily.
In conclusion, the internet’s influence on journalism is multifaceted and continues to evolve. While it has disrupted traditional models, it has also created unprecedented opportunities for innovation and engagement in the field. The key lies in adapting to these changes while upholding the core principles of journalistic integrity and quality reporting.
(Word count: 309)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent command of the English language and meets all the criteria for a high band score:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is cohesive and logically organized, with clear progression throughout. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is sophisticated and precise, with natural and accurate use of less common lexical items. For example: “eroding the quality and integrity”, “proliferation of fake news”, “democratized information dissemination”.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a wide range of grammatical structures accurately and flexibly. Complex sentences are used effectively without errors.
Critical Thinking: The essay demonstrates strong critical thinking skills by analyzing both perspectives thoroughly before presenting a nuanced personal opinion.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The internet has changed journalism a lot in recent years. Some people think it’s bad for journalism, while others believe it’s making journalism more important. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who think the internet is killing journalism have some good points. With so much information online, it’s hard to know what’s true and what’s fake news. Many people now get their news from social media, which can spread false information quickly. Also, traditional newspapers are losing money because people can read news for free on the internet. This means fewer jobs for professional journalists.
On the other hand, the internet has made journalism more accessible to everyone. News can spread very fast, and people can learn about events happening all over the world instantly. Journalists can use social media to find stories and connect with sources. The internet also allows for different types of storytelling, like using videos and interactive graphics.
In my opinion, the internet has both good and bad effects on journalism. While it’s true that fake news is a problem, the internet also gives journalists new tools to report stories. I think journalism is still important, but it needs to adapt to the digital age.
To conclude, the internet has changed journalism in many ways. It has created some problems, but also new opportunities. The future of journalism will depend on how well it can use the internet while still maintaining quality and trust.
(Word count: 253)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates a good command of English but has some limitations:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but some points are underdeveloped.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is sometimes repetitive.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but lacks sophistication. There’s some attempt at using less common vocabulary (e.g., “accessible”, “adapt”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, though there are occasional errors.
Critical Thinking: The essay presents both views and a personal opinion, but the analysis lacks depth compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowadays, internet is very popular and it affect journalism. Some people say internet is bad for journalism but others think it make journalism more important. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
First, some people think internet kill journalism. Because on internet, there is a lot of fake news. People don’t know what is true. Also, many people read news for free on internet, so newspapers lose money and journalists lose jobs.
But other people say internet is good for journalism. News can go very fast on internet. Journalists can find information easy on internet. They can talk to people on social media. Also, they can make news with video and pictures, not just words.
I think internet has good and bad things for journalism. It’s true that fake news is big problem. But internet also help journalists do their job better. I think journalism is still important but it need to change for internet age.
In conclusion, internet change journalism a lot. It make some problems but also give new chances. Journalism need to use internet good to stay important.
(Word count: 178)
Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates a limited command of English:
Task Response: The essay addresses the task, but ideas are underdeveloped and lack detail.
Coherence and Cohesion: There’s a basic structure, but paragraphing is not always logical. Cohesive devices are limited and sometimes inaccurate.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. There are some errors in word choice and spelling.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses mainly simple sentences with frequent grammatical errors. There’s limited use of complex structures.
Critical Thinking: The essay presents basic ideas on both sides and a simple personal opinion, but lacks depth in analysis.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Journalism (noun) /ˈdʒɜːrnəlɪzəm/ – The activity or profession of writing for newspapers, magazines, or news websites or preparing news to be broadcast.
Proliferation (noun) /prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃn/ – Rapid increase in the number or amount of something.
Democratize (verb) /dɪˈmɒkrətaɪz/ – To make something available to all people.
Dissemination (noun) /dɪˌsemɪˈneɪʃn/ – The act of spreading something, especially information, widely.
Integrity (noun) /ɪnˈteɡrəti/ – The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
Scrutinize (verb) /ˈskruːtənaɪz/ – To examine or inspect closely and thoroughly.
Instantaneously (adverb) /ˌɪnstənˈteɪniəsli/ – Immediately, without any delay.
Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – Having many different aspects or features.
Grassroots (adjective) /ˈɡrɑːsruːts/ – Of or involving the common people, especially in political movements.
Misinformation (noun) /ˌmɪsɪnfərˈmeɪʃn/ – False or inaccurate information, especially that which is deliberately intended to deceive.
In conclusion, the topic of “internet reshaping modern journalism” is a complex and evolving issue that is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare for similar topics, consider practicing with questions such as:
- How has social media changed the way we consume news?
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of citizen journalism in the digital age.
- Some people believe that traditional print media will soon become obsolete. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to practice regularly. Try writing your own essay on the topic discussed in this article and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare you for the actual IELTS exam.