The topic of government censorship of violent media content has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately 2-3 times annually since 2019. This frequency suggests its continued relevance and high probability of appearance in future tests. Let’s examine a recent question that exemplifies this topic:
Some people believe that governments should ban violence in the media (including movies, TV shows, and video games) because exposure to violence promotes aggressive behavior in society. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to evaluate the relationship between media violence and societal behavior, while considering the role of governmental intervention. It’s particularly relevant given the influence of film and television on societal values.
The impact of violent media content on societal behavior and values
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The debate over whether governments should impose restrictions on violent media content has gained significant traction in recent years. While some advocate for strict censorship, I believe that complete governmental ban on media violence would be both impractical and potentially counterproductive.
Firstly, blanket censorship of violent content could infringe upon artistic freedom and storytelling capabilities. Many critically acclaimed films and television shows incorporate violence as a means to convey important messages about human nature and social issues. For instance, historical documentaries or war films often require depicting violence to accurately portray events and their consequences. This connects closely to how government censorship affects freedom of speech.
Moreover, the relationship between media violence and aggressive behavior is complex and not definitively proven. While some studies suggest a correlation, others indicate that factors such as family environment, socioeconomic conditions, and mental health play more significant roles in determining violent behavior. Additionally, should governments restrict access to violent games is a question that requires careful consideration of existing rating systems and parental controls.
Instead of outright bans, governments should focus on implementing and strengthening existing rating systems, supporting media literacy education, and encouraging responsible content creation. This approach would better serve society while preserving creative freedom and individual choice.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Nowadays, violence in media is a big problem that many people worry about. Some people think governments should stop all violent content, but I partly agree with this idea.
On one hand, too much violence in media can be bad for society. When young people watch violent movies or play violent games, they might copy this behavior. Also, violent content can make people feel scared or upset. This is why should governments regulate online content to protect youth.
However, complete banning is not a good solution. First, it’s very difficult to control all media content in today’s digital world. Second, some violence in movies or games can teach important lessons about life. For example, historical movies need to show some violence to tell true stories about war.
I think the better way is to have good rules about what age can watch different types of content. Also, parents should control what their children watch. The government can help by making clear rules and teaching people about media effects.
Vocabulary Highlights
- blanket censorship (n) /ˈblæŋkɪt ˈsensəʃɪp/ – complete and total restriction
- infringe upon (v) /ɪnˈfrɪndʒ əˈpɒn/ – to limit or restrict something
- correlation (n) /ˌkɒrəˈleɪʃn/ – connection between two things
- socioeconomic (adj) /ˌsəʊsioʊˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk/ – relating to social and economic factors
- media literacy (n) /ˈmiːdiə ˈlɪtərəsi/ – ability to critically analyze media content
Key Differences Between Band Scores
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Band 8.5 essay demonstrates:
- Complex sentence structures
- Sophisticated vocabulary
- Well-developed arguments
- Clear paragraph organization
- Strong cohesive devices
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Band 6.5 essay shows:
- Simpler sentence structures
- Basic vocabulary
- Less developed arguments
- Basic organization
- Simple linking words
For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones like the role of government in regulating social media. Share your essays in the comments for feedback and improvement suggestions.
