The topic of media’s influence on public health awareness has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. Based on analysis of past test questions, this theme appears approximately once every 3-4 months, particularly in countries with significant public health challenges. Let’s examine a recent IELTS question that exemplifies this topic.
Mass media and public health awareness has become a crucial factor in modern healthcare systems, making it a frequently tested subject in IELTS examinations.
Question Analysis
Some people believe that the media (newspapers, TV, radio) play a crucial role in promoting public health awareness. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question requires candidates to evaluate the media’s effectiveness in raising public health consciousness. It’s an agree/disagree essay that demands a clear position and supporting evidence.
Media's role in spreading health information through newspapers and TV
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The mass media undoubtedly plays a pivotal role in disseminating crucial health information to the public. I strongly agree that various media platforms significantly contribute to promoting health awareness through their extensive reach and influential nature.
Firstly, media outlets serve as powerful tools for distributing accurate health information rapidly and widely. During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, news channels and newspapers provided vital updates about infection rates, preventive measures, and vaccination programs, enabling millions to stay informed and protected. This comprehensive coverage helped combat misinformation and encouraged proper health practices among the general population.
Furthermore, traditional and social media platforms have revolutionized health education through engaging content formats. Health documentaries, expert interviews, and informative articles make complex medical information accessible to the average person. For example, many television programs now regularly feature medical professionals who explain various health conditions and preventive measures in simple terms, making this knowledge more digestible for the general public.
Mental health: causes and measures has gained significant attention through media coverage, helping reduce stigma and promote understanding.
However, the media’s role extends beyond mere information dissemination. Through targeted public health campaigns, media channels can influence behavioral changes and promote healthier lifestyle choices. Anti-smoking campaigns in various countries have successfully utilized multiple media platforms to highlight the dangers of tobacco use, contributing to reduced smoking rates globally.
In conclusion, the media’s role in promoting public health awareness is invaluable and multifaceted. Its ability to reach vast audiences, simplify complex information, and influence behavioral changes makes it an essential tool in modern public health management.
Public health campaign showing positive impact through various media channels
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
I agree that media plays an important role in making people know about health issues. There are many ways that newspapers, TV, and radio help people understand about health.
First, media gives people lots of information about health problems. For example, when COVID-19 came, TV news told people how to stay safe and what to do if they got sick. This helped many people protect themselves from the virus. Also, newspapers write about new medicines and treatments that can help people get better.
Nutrition role in preventing chronic diseases shows how media teaches people about healthy eating.
Second, media shows health programs that are easy to understand. Many TV shows have doctors who talk about different health problems in simple ways. This helps normal people learn about health without getting confused. Radio programs also talk about health and answer questions from listeners.
However, sometimes media can give wrong information about health. Some websites and social media posts spread fake news about medicines and treatments. This can be dangerous for people who believe this wrong information.
In conclusion, I think media is very helpful for teaching people about health, but we must be careful about getting information from trusted sources only.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay Analysis:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “pivotal role,” “disseminating,” “misinformation”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear paragraphing and cohesion
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Excellent topic relevance
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis:
- Basic but clear vocabulary
- Simple sentence structures
- Some grammatical errors
- Basic organization
- Limited idea development
Key Vocabulary
- disseminating (v) /dɪˈsemɪneɪtɪŋ/ – spreading information widely
- pivotal (adj) /ˈpɪvətl/ – crucially important
- multifaceted (adj) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many aspects
- misinformation (n) /ˌmɪsɪnfərˈmeɪʃn/ – false information
- behavioral (adj) /bɪˈheɪvjərəl/ – relating to behavior
In conclusion, this topic remains highly relevant for IELTS candidates. Practice writing essays about media’s influence on other health aspects like mental health awareness or disease prevention. Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and improvement suggestions.
