The influence of movies and television on cultural perceptions is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This topic has appeared in various forms over the years, reflecting its significance in our media-saturated world. Based on past exam trends and the relevance of this subject matter, it’s likely to continue being a popular choice for future IELTS tests. Let’s explore a sample question that exemplifies this theme:
Some people think that television and movies influence how people behave. Others believe that they have little effect on people’s behavior. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that TV and movies influence people’s behavior
- Discuss the opposing view that they have little effect
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s examine sample essays for different band scores to understand the key differences in approach and execution.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The pervasive nature of television and cinema in modern society has sparked a debate about their impact on human behavior. While some argue that these media forms significantly influence people’s actions, others contend that their effect is minimal. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of the influential nature of TV and movies argue that these media serve as powerful models for behavior, especially among impressionable audiences. They point to the way children often emulate characters from their favorite shows or how teenagers might adopt the fashion trends popularized by movie stars. Moreover, the constant exposure to certain ideals or lifestyles through these mediums can shape societal norms and expectations over time. For instance, the representation of diverse family structures in modern sitcoms has arguably contributed to greater acceptance of non-traditional families in real life.
The influence of movies and TV on cultural perceptions
On the other hand, skeptics argue that the impact of television and movies on behavior is often overstated. They contend that individuals possess critical thinking skills that allow them to distinguish between fiction and reality, thus mitigating the influence of media content on their actions. Furthermore, they argue that human behavior is shaped by a complex interplay of factors, including personal experiences, education, and social environment, which may outweigh the impact of media consumption. For example, a person’s ethical values, instilled through family upbringing, are likely to have a more significant influence on their behavior than the content they watch on screen.
In my opinion, while it would be an oversimplification to claim that television and movies single-handedly dictate human behavior, their influence cannot be dismissed entirely. I believe that media content does have the power to shape perceptions and, by extension, behavior, particularly when exposure is prolonged and begins at a young age. However, this influence is moderated by individual critical thinking skills, personal experiences, and other societal factors. The key lies in developing media literacy skills that enable people to consume content critically and consciously, rather than passively absorbing everything they see on screen.
In conclusion, the debate over the influence of television and movies on behavior reflects the complex relationship between media and society. While these forms of entertainment certainly have the potential to impact behavior, their effect is neither absolute nor uniform across all individuals. As consumers of media, it is crucial that we remain aware of its potential influence while also recognizing the role of our own agency in shaping our actions and beliefs.
(Word count: 446)
Explanation of Band Score 8-9
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (e.g., “While,” “On the other hand,” “Furthermore”).
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is sophisticated and precise (e.g., “pervasive nature,” “emulate,” “mitigating,” “interplay of factors”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a wide range of complex structures used accurately (e.g., “While it would be an oversimplification to claim…,” “Their effect is neither absolute nor uniform…”).
Critical Thinking: The essay demonstrates nuanced thinking, acknowledging the complexity of the issue rather than presenting a simplistic view.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The impact of television and movies on people’s behavior is a topic of much debate. Some people think these media have a big influence, while others believe their effect is small. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who believe TV and movies influence behavior point to several examples. Children often copy characters they see in cartoons or movies. Teenagers might change their clothes or hairstyles to look like movie stars. Also, when people see certain behaviors on TV all the time, they might start to think these behaviors are normal. For example, if violence is shown a lot on TV, some people might think it’s okay to be violent in real life.
Examples of media influence on behavior
On the other hand, some people think TV and movies don’t have much effect on behavior. They say that people can tell the difference between what’s real and what’s not. Most people know that what happens in movies isn’t real life. Also, there are many things that influence how people behave, like their family, friends, and education. These things might be more important than what people watch on TV.
In my opinion, TV and movies can influence behavior, but not for everyone and not all the time. I think young people might be more easily influenced because they’re still learning about the world. But as people get older, they usually learn to think more critically about what they see on TV. Also, the influence of TV and movies depends on how much a person watches and what kind of shows or movies they watch.
To conclude, while TV and movies can have some influence on behavior, especially for young people, it’s not the only factor. People’s behavior is shaped by many things, and TV and movies are just one part of that. It’s important for people to think critically about what they watch and not believe everything they see on screen.
(Word count: 353)
Explanation of Band Score 6-7
This essay demonstrates competence in several areas but falls short of excellence:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the discussion of each viewpoint and the writer’s opinion could be more developed.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay. There’s some repetition (e.g., “influence” is used frequently).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences but lacks the variety and sophistication seen in the Band 8-9 essay.
Critical Thinking: The essay presents a balanced view but doesn’t delve as deeply into the complexities of the issue as the higher band essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Pervasive (adjective) /pəˈveɪsɪv/ – spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people
- Emulate (verb) /ˈemjuleɪt/ – to try to be like someone or something you admire
- Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – to make something less harmful, serious, or painful
- Interplay (noun) /ˈɪntəpleɪ/ – the way in which two or more things have an effect on each other
- Media literacy (noun phrase) /ˈmiːdiə ˈlɪtərəsi/ – the ability to identify different types of media and understand the messages they’re sending
- Critical thinking (noun phrase) /ˈkrɪtɪkl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ – the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment
- Impressionable (adjective) /ɪmˈpreʃənəbl/ – easily influenced or affected by something or someone
- Societal norms (noun phrase) /səˈsaɪətl nɔːmz/ – the unwritten rules of behavior that are considered acceptable in a group or society
- Oversimplification (noun) /ˌəʊvəsɪmplɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ – the act of making something seem simpler than it really is
- Agency (noun) /ˈeɪdʒənsi/ – the capacity of individuals to act independently and to make their own free choices
In conclusion, the influence of movies and television on cultural perceptions remains a relevant and complex topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. As you prepare for your exam, consider practicing with similar questions, such as:
- To what extent do you think social media influences cultural norms and behaviors?
- Some people argue that violent video games lead to increased aggression in real life. Do you agree or disagree?
- Discuss the ways in which media representation affects societal attitudes towards minority groups.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about memorizing sample essays, but understanding how to structure your arguments, use appropriate vocabulary, and critically engage with the topic. Practice writing your own essays on these themes and feel free to share them in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you develop the skills needed to tackle any question that comes your way on test day.
The the influence of culture on gender roles is another fascinating topic that often intersects with media influence. Understanding these interconnected themes can provide valuable insights for your IELTS preparation.