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Develop your essay writing on Mass Media topics for IELTS with IELTS24. Utilize our questions and model essays for a comprehensive preparation experience.

IELTS24’s Mass Media section for IELTS Writing Task 2 dives into the influence and ethics of modern media. Engage with thought-provoking prompts and benefit from well-crafted model essays that highlight argumentative structure and factual analysis. Sharpen your writing skills with our practice environment, complemented by detailed feedback to enhance your IELTS score.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 : Media

Topic : media.

Whoever controls the media also controls opinions and attitudes of the people and there is little can be done to rectify this.

To what extend do you agree or disagree?

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer 01 :

In some countries the media is controlled exclusively by large companies; in other it is the government that has this control. Often, in war situation, one of the first casualties is the media, which is seized by one group or another. This gives some support to the idea that the media is a source of power and control.

Whoever controls the media also has ultimate control over what is published or broadcasted and what is omitted. They can also add a certain prejudice or bias to their coverage of certain news stories depending on their own feelings about the matter. This is not a new problem, although the issue is perhaps more pressing now that the Internet and play-TV have enabled these messages to be disseminated even further.

However, we should remember that readers have their own ideas and opinions. You can control what is printed but you cannot control the opinions of your readers. I think the only positive here is that, nowadays, people seem to be much more cynical about what they read in the press or hear on the television. In particular, when it comes to the tabloid press, people know that they have to take what they read with a grain of salt. In other words, they read knowing they may be being lied to. Perhaps it is even greater concern that we have become so accepting of this form of censorship.

The only thing that can be done to alter this situation is for the government to regulate the industry so that there is no longer a monopoly on media ownership. This also means that they have to allow and support a totally free press, even if this means the government may be criticised or ridiculed within its pages.

(295 words)

Model Answer 02 :

There are numerous companies and organization who takes control our global media system. Therefore, they are inevitably capable of influencing people thoughts and attitudes. Furthermore, the media makes up the significant part of our lives; hence, there are not many solutions to solve this problem. We are able to access the internet whenever and wherever we like on our smart phones, laptops and computers.

Large number of people use media for searching information, updating news, communicating, or even entertaining. Hence, they will definitely absorb what they are presented through the media and , consequently, the media will influence the users into believing in the them. For instances, if people watch the commercials about any product frequently, they will eventually be induced to buy that product. This how most of the media work; they are persuasive and convincible. Consequently, people’s minds absolutely are effected by receiving these things repeatedly.

Teenagers, who tends to be gullible , are usually the main target of the media. Moreover, most of them love and admire celebrities and singers around their age and takes them as there role model. Of course, the companies wants to sell their records and movie and therefore, use commercials to influence the young ones.

In addition, television-programming companies are having a right to present anything that they want to. As a results, movies on our television are sometimes abusive and cruel, which are not suitable for young children. Small kids don’t have enough justification to judge from what is right or what is wrong in the media. Consequently, they might emulate these behaviors, making them become more aggressive towards their families and friends.

In conclusion, people who have the dominate the media are also able to control people attitudes and opinions. Thfore, people should be more considerate toward the information presented to us through the media.

(305 words)

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IELTS Writing Task 2 – Topic: THE MEDIA

ielts writing topics 2019

1. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of three of the following as media for communicating information. State which you consider to be the most effective.

Sample Answer

In our daily life, we always communicate information through the media, such as  television, radio, film. These media have different advantages and disadvantages for us.  Now, I am going to compare the advantages and disadvantages of books, television  and film.

Books bring us different knowledge. It bases on what Book we read. A famous Chinese  traditional verse which described books is a treasure. We can find a golden house in  there. Moreover, when we want to read it, we can find it easily, such as bookstore,  library. We can also learn a lot of words from books. And it can improve our reading and  writing skills.

However, books always are not attractive for children or youngster. It is because books  are quite boring. A lot of words and less pictures inside the books, compare to  television, television has pictures and sound, we don’t have to read a lot of words in  television. But some artist in television programme or film, bring a bad image to us.  Then some children or youngers will imitate their behaviour. Some film also bring a  wrong message to us, For example, they are always smoking in films. It seems that  smoking is good and smart. It caused many youngers imitate them smoking.

In conclusion, books, television and film have many advantages and disadvantages. I  cannot write all in here. And we have chosen the media carefully.

 (231 words)

2.  Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Television has destroyed communication among friends and family. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

The invention of television is undoubtedly one of humankind’s greatest inventions. It is a  way of communication among people of one country and different countries and  nations. People watch TV to find out about the latest news, weather, sports, etc. It is a  great way to learn new and extend one’s range of interests. Scientists say that children  spend the same amount of hours in front of TV as they do in school. I think that this can  be said about many grown people too. Also, television is a great means of eliminating  stress and tension. One can relax and leave one’s troubles behind lying on one’s favorite sofa and watching a comedy. However, some people believe that television has  destroyed communication among friends and family.

Personally, I do not agree with this statement. A couple centuries ago people spent their  time gambling, reading, gossiping or playing chess. I do not think that television is a  cause of destroyed communication among family members and friends. First of all, if  members of a family have common interests and they want to make each other happy  they will always find many ways to spend their time together and be close. Otherwise, if  people avoid each other and they do not have anything to share with each other they  will find television a great way to escape from this miserable existence. I believe that  many people chose family and their friends over some soap operas or a movie.

Second of all, I think that television can be a great resource of subjects to discuss.  Many people watch different educational programs to find out more about their  environment, nature, wild life animals, economic situations, etc. So, when they gather  with their friends they discuss important issues and arque with each other in looking for  the truth.

My husband and I often watch the news channel to keep abreast of the latest news.  After that we always discuss some issues we concerned about. Also, we like to watch a  TV show “the funniest animals”. We like this program because it makes us laugh. I can not imagine how these programs can prevent our communication and be harmful to our  relations.

To summarize, I would like to add that if people want to communicate with each other  they will find a way to do it. Otherwise, if television were not existent, people would find  other escapes and reasons not to be with each other such as drugs, gambling, etc.

 (413 words)

3. News editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers. What factors do you think influence these decisions? Do we become used to bad news? Would it be better if more good news was reported?

News editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers.  There are two factors that influence their decisions. The first is the kind of customers  they tend on. Because each kind of readers and watchers has its own features. For  example, if your customers are almost teenagers, you have to concentrate on  something attracting them such as stories, photographs about singer stars, film stars,  funny tales, and young fashion. It will be very silly if you try to provide teenagers with  economic, politic news. On the contrary, business men and politicians may never read  news about James Blunt or Keira Knightley. Therefore, what influence news editors’  decisions the most is the taste of their customers.

The second is the hot, the attraction of news. Who will reads or watches your news if it  was one year, one month ago even last week? The answer is nobody absolutely. In the  energetic and competitive world nowadays, people always ask for really new news. So  that to satisfy customers, there is a pressure on all editors to find continually what has  already happened not only yesterday but even an hour ago. Or else, they will lose their  customers. None of editors wants that bad future.

On television or in newspaper, we seem to become used to bad news. It is a little of  difficult for us to meet a piece of good news. We can’t deny that bad things occur on the  earth day by day. However, news editors try to gain more and more customer, which  means more and more money, by bad news. Because bad news makes us curious. We  want to know why it is bad, what it is about, whether it influences us or not. As a result,  we will buy newspapers or watch television to find out. And the happiest people are, of  course, news editors.

I think it would be better if more good news was reported. Bad news makes us worry  and sad. Whereas good news makes us happy. How much bad news is, there should  be the same amount of good news. So, we can give something bad a lot of thought  while still be joyful with good news. Any inequalities between good news and bad news  should be avoided. That is the best solution.

Now, we can’t live without news. Thereby, the role of news editors is very important. We  should support them. And what they have to do is try their best to provide us useful  news, both good and bad.

 (422 words)

4. Many people believe that television programs are of no value for children. Do you agree? Why or why not? Provide reasons and examples to support your response.

Televisual media has become a pervasive force in the lives of families around the world  today. Yet, a central question remains regarding whether watching television is harmful  or beneficial for children. An analysis of this question reveals that television programs  present three major concerns in the case of children, including depictions of violence,  the use of profane language, and the representation of poor moral role models.

Television programs that portray violence are a paramount concern for parents  nowadays. Recent research has shown that children may commit acts of violence  because they wish to emulate the behavior that they see on television. This is especially  true when violent acts are committed by well-known action “heroes.” In addition,  television programs show cartoon figures, as well as actors, committing violent acts.  Using comic situations to depict violent themes causes further problems with the way in  which young people view violence.

Television programs that contain profane or disrespectful language also worry parents  with young children. Because censorship laws have relaxed over the past few decades,  it has become very common for television programs of each and every kind to show  characters expressing impolite, rude, and insulting utterances to one another. Bearing  resemblance to the case of portrayals of violence, children unfortunately often try to  imitate these actions they watch on their television screens.

Finally, some parents are upset about the moral behavior depicted on television. As  they struggle to teach their children moral and ethical values, parents might despair  about the lack of morals and ethics represented in some of the so-called role models on  television. For instance, certain characters not only have no remorse for their immoral  actions, but also frequently go unpunished by larger society.

Because of these factors, many parents believe that television programs send their  youth the wrong kinds of messages. The emulation of this poor behavior by their  children is something they wish to avoid at all costs, and they have accordingly decided  to ban television in their households for these reasons.

 (333 words)

5.  Television has had a significant influence on the culture of many societies. To what extent would you say that television has positively or negatively affected the cultural development of your society?

It has been around forty years since television was first introduced into Australian  households and people today still have mixed views on whether it has a positive or a  negative influence on the society.

Many people believe that television damages culture. It promotes the stronger cultures  of countries such as Britain and North America and weakens the cultures of less wealthy countries. This is because the stronger, wealthier countries are able to assert  their own culture by producing more programs that are shown widely around the world.  These programs then influence people, particularly young people, in the countries  where they are shown.

Also, because television networks need to attract large audiences to secure their  financial survival, they must produce programs which are interesting to a broad range of  people. In Australia this range is very broad because we are a multicultural society and  people of all ages like to watch television. To interest all these different people, most  television programs are short in length, full of action and excitement, do not require  much intelligence or knowledge to understand, and follow universal themes common to  all cultures, such as love and crime. Television programs which concentrate on or  develop themes pertinent to one particular culture are not so successful because they  interest a smaller audience.

Nevertheless we much acknowledge that television does have some positive effects on  the cultures within a society as well. People who do not live within their own culture can,  in a limited way, access it through the multicultural station on the television. For  example, Aboriginal children who have grown up in white families, or migrants and  international students living in Australia, can watch programs from their own culture on  the television.

In conclusion, I hold the view that television promotes and strengthens those cultures  that are wealthy and influential while it weakens the cultures that are already in a  weakened position.

 (315 words)

6.  The mass media, including television, radio and newspapers, have great influence in shaping people’s ideas. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

The mass media have a powerful influence in shaping our lives. We have come to  depend on them for information and entertainment, and in doing so we let them affect  important aspects of our lives.

The undeniable usefulness of the media in almost instantly providing information about  events around the world is largely taken for granted. But in our dependence on the  media we have allowed them to mould our notions and opinions of events, places and  people. Though few of us probably think about it, our conceptions of, say, our elected  officials spring from television images and newspaper stories. Most of us will never  meet prime ministers or presidents, but anyone who is regularly exposed to the media  will have an opinion of them. When it is time to cast our vote, we will make our decision  based on how the media portray the candidates. We are similarly swayed by coverage  of wars. The media, representing the values of their owners, societies and  governments, tend to report wars with a bias; which is the ‘good’ side and which the  ‘bad’ is determined for us by reporters, editors and commentators, and sure enough the  public begins to form opinions that reflect the coverage they see, hear and read in the major media.

The media are also influential in the way they facilitate the spread of culture and  lifestyle. The so-called ‘global youth culture’, in which one finds young people around  the world displaying a common interest in music, clothing styles and films, is an  example of the media’s enormous sway in this regard. A popular figure such as Michael  Jackson would never be so well known were it not for the media’s extensive reach into  every society on the globe.

Thus I would argue that the mass media’s influence is certainly great. Indeed, with  technological advancements such as the Internet bringing even more forms of electronic  media to our homes and workplaces, it is likely the media’s influence will grow even  stronger.

 (332 words)

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Ielts writing task 2 sample 102 - the mass media have great influence in shaping people's ideas, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, the mass media, including television, radio and newspapers, have great influence in shaping people's ideas..

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic: The media should include more stories which report good news

Updated On Sep 15, 2023

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Effective IELTS Essay Connectors for Writing Task 2 & Task 1

The Essay Writing section of the IELTS Writing Module can be a difficult task for many IELTS Aspirants. Thus, it is vital that you polish your essay writing skills before attempting the IELTS.

Below is a sample IELTS Essay for the IELTS Essay topic:

The media should include more stories which report good news. To what extent do you agree or disagree? OR

Nowadays media should include more good news in their publications. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Introduction: refer to the opinion. Partly agree.

Paragraph 2: agree with more reporting of good news. Positive impact on public morale – example, new cancer treatments

Paragraph 3: tragic news must still be fully covered by the media. (1) people should know about civil wars, natural disasters (2) e.g. environmental issues -there is more bad news to report than good news. Media must act as a watchdog.

Conclusion: more publicity for positive messages; full coverage must continue for reporting bad news.

It is sometimes argued that news coverage should focus more on good news. While I partly agree with this view, I also consider that bad news should continue to be reported when necessary.

There is a good case for believing that good news is under-reported. It is rare to read a positive story which makes front-page headlines. Yet it is undoubtedly essential that the public is kept informed about some of the good things which are happening in the world. In recent years, for example, breakthroughs have been achieved in the treatment of certain types of cancer. It should form part of editorial policy to carry stories such as these because they have a positive impact on public morale.

However, it would be misguided to introduce restrictions on the reporting of tragic news events. Civil wars and natural disasters, for example, may sadden viewers and readers, but they are an unfortunate reality of the world today. While sensational journalism may at times exaggerate, the public needs to keep abreast of these happenings, to have some informed knowledge of contemporary issues. Sadly, for instance, there is relatively little good news to report on the host of environmental problems facing the world. If these problems are ignored by the media, in the interests of reporting cheerful news, then the chances will surely increase of an ecological crisis. The media must act as watchdogs in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation.

In conclusion, while I agree that important positive messages should be given more publicity, it is also necessary for the media to continue reporting all the significant bad news in the world today.

Media and Advertising

• news coverage

Meaning: the reporting of news in newspapers, on the TV, the internet or the radio. Example: The US presidential elections usually receive global news coverage, as the results are of interest to many people worldwide.

•  to make front-page headlines

Meaning: to be an important item of news in the media Example: It seems that every insignificant event in the lives of celebrities makes front-page headlines.

• editorial policy

Meaning: the policy of a newspaper, TV or radio station, as decided by the person in charge of producing the newspaper or programme Example: The editorial policy of a newspaper determines whether serious news items are reported in a responsible way.

• to carry a story

Meaning: to include an item in a news report Example: The media today carries too many stories about celebrities, such as pop stars or footballers.

• sensational journalism

Meaning: reporting which tries to get your interest by presenting facts or events as more shocking or worse than they are Example: Unfortunately, sensational journalism has resulted in much public distrust of the media.

• to introduce restrictions on

Meaning: to limit what people can do or what can happen Example: The government must introduce restrictions on smoking in public places.

Communication and personality:

• to keep abreast of

Meaning: to have the most recent information about something Example: The new website helps doctors to keep abreast of the latest available treatments.

Environment

• an ecological crisis

Meaning: a serious situation that occurs when the environment of a species or a population changes in a way that endangers its continued survival Example: Environmental degradation caused by human activity is provoking an ecological crisis that threatens our existence.

• climate change

Meaning: changes in climate patterns, such as rainfall, temperature and winds Example: Unless we consume fewer of the Earth’s natural resources, it will be impossible to fight climate change and safeguard our future.

• environmental degradation

Meaning: the process or fact of the environment becoming worse Example: Africa is a continent in which environmental degradation is evident in the spread of deserts and the extinction of animal species.

Other Vocabulary

• breakthrough [noun]

Meaning: a new and important discovery Example: The work of Charles Darwin was a breakthrough in our understanding of how evolution has taken place.

• a host of [expression]

Meaning: a large number of Example: When deciding on a subject to study at university, young people today can choose from a host of possibilities.

• watchdog [noun]

Meaning: a person or group of people whose job is to check that everything is being done legally and in the interests of the general public Example: The organisation acts as a watchdog to protect consumer interests by exposing the activities of companies which are cheating the public.

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IELTS Essay: Media Coverage

by Dave | EBooks | 0 Comment

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of media coverage from the real exam.

It is only available as Ebook on my Patreon here: Patreon.com/howtodoielts

Here is the topic:

Many people feel that media coverage has becoming increasingly biased today.

Why is this?

What can be done to fix this problem?

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Television, Music and Media essay questions for IELTS

Here you can find common IELTS essay questions for "Television, Music and Media" topic.

Some people believe that violence on television and in computer games has a damaging effect on society. Others deny that these have any significant influence on people's behaviour.

What is your opinion?

Nowadays there is a wide range of TV programs. But instead of watching educational programs, news or documentary films, more and more people prefer to watch TV shows, soap operas or serials. And this negatively affects knowledge acquisition skills.

What are the primary causes of this tendency?

How is it possible to make educational TV programs more popular?

Music plays a vital role in our society.

How much has music influenced the way we think today? What do you think is key role of music in nowadays world?

It is much more convenient to watch a movie on television or computer than buy a ticket and go to the cinema. In the nearest future the popularity of cinemas will drastically decline.

Do you agree or disagree?

Each country censors the media in one way or the other.

What are the pros and cons of censorship in the media?

Media surrounds us, from the shows we watch on television to the music we listen to on the radio.

How does media affect the society?

Do you agree that the impact of media has more disadvantages than benefits?

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100 IELTS Essay Questions

Below are practice IELTS essay questions and topics for writing task 2. The 100 essay questions have been used many times over the years. The questions are organised under common topics and essay types. IELTS often use the similar topics for their essays but change the wording of the essay question.

In order to prepare well for writing task 2, you should prepare ideas for common topics and then practise applying them to the tasks given (to the essay questions). Also see model essays and tips  for writing task 2.

Below you will find:

• Essay Questions By Topic
• Essay Questions by Essay Type (for example Opinion, Discussion etc)

Please also note that my new Grammar E-book is now available in my store along with my Ideas for Essay Topics E-book and Advanced Writing Lessons. To visit store, click here: IELTS LIZ STORE

1) Common IELTS Essay Questions

IELTS practice essay questions divided by topic. These topics have been reported by IELTS students in their tests. Essay questions have been recreated as accurately as possible.

• Art   (5 essay questions)
• Business & Money   (17 essay questions)
• Communication & Personality   (20 essay questions)
• Crime & Punishment   (12 essay questions)
• Education   (17 essay questions)
• Environment   (12 essay questions)
• Family & Children   (8 essay questions)
• Food & Diet (13 essay questions)
• Government (6 essay questions)
• Health   (9 essay questions)
• Housing, Buildings & Urban Planning (8 essay questions)
• Language (6 essay questions)
• Leisure (1 essay question)
• Media & Advertising   (12 essay questions)
• Reading  (5 essay questions)
• Society   (10 essay questions)
• Space Exploration (3 questions)
• Sport & Exercise   (6 essay questions)
• Technology  (6 essay questions)
• Tourism and Travel   (11 essay questions)
• Transport  (7 essay questions)
• Work (17 essay questions)

2) IELTS Essay Questions by Essay Type 

There are 5 main types of essay questions in IELTS writing task 2 (opinion essays, discussion essay, advantage/disadvantage essays, solution essay and direct question essays). Click on the links below to see some sample essay questions for you to practice with at home.

• Opinion Essay Model Answer with Useful Tips
• Discussion Essay Model Answer with Useful Tips
• Solution Essay Model Answer with Useful Tips
• Direct Questions Model Essay 
• Adv/Disadv Model Essay with Useful Tips

3) Recent Essay Topics

You can also track recent essay topics on this page: IELTS ESSAY TOPICS 2024

Note: you must also prepare all other topics on the page above because questions are recycled each year.

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Band 8+: Some people think that social media platforms have a negative impact on both individuals and society, while others believe they have positive effects.

The rapid evolution of social media has prompted widespread recognition that we find ourselves in a complex predicament characterized by both advantages and disadvantages. This duality is akin to a double-edged sword, which elicits diverse opinions regarding its overall impact on individuals and society.

Initially, social media platforms served primarily as tools for communication, facilitating interaction between individuals irrespective of geographical barriers. These platforms have undeniably simplified the process of connecting with friends and acquaintances, enabling spontaneous conversations without the necessity of face-to-face meetings. Furthermore, social media has proven instrumental for many in establishing new friendships, discovering romantic partners, and even launching successful business ventures, thus highlighting their potential for fostering meaningful relationships and economic opportunities.

However, as time has progressed, the fundamental role of social media has undergone a noticeable transformation. The more time individuals dedicate to these platforms, the less they engage in interpersonal communication in the physical realm. This shift has led to a culture of superficiality, where individuals often curate exaggerated portrayals of their lifestyles to gain attention and validation through likes and views. Consequently, what was once a source of entertainment has morphed into a compulsive mechanism that compels users to incessantly consume content, often at the expense of real-life interactions.

In my assessment, the transformative nature of social media, particularly the emphasis on likes and views, has contributed to a decline in its intrinsic value. I recall my initial experience with Instagram, when users primarily shared authentic glimpses of their daily lives and personal reflections. Regrettably, this has evolved into a landscape dominated by incessant advertisements and misguided role models, which profoundly influences younger generations. It is startling to witness how swiftly cultural values can be overshadowed by transient online trends and ideals.

In conclusion, while social media once enjoyed a period of genuine connection and engagement, it has since devolved into an environment that fosters superficiality and distraction. This transformation necessitates a critical examination of our relationship with these platforms as we navigate the complexities of the modern digital landscape.

Check Your Own Essay On This Topic?

Generate a band-9 sample with your idea, overall band score, task response, coherence & cohesion, lexical resource, grammatical range & accuracy, essays on the same topic:, some people think that social media platforms have a negative impact on both individuals and society, while others believe they have positive effects..

With the rapid development of social media, masses have begun to notice that we are currently in a double-edge sword situation. Initially, social media were used as a way to communicate between people. Indeed, they made it easier to chat with your buddies at any time without a need to see them in person. Moreover, […]

Other Topics:

Many young people nowadays choose to remain unmarried. why are people doing this is this a positive or negative development.

In today’s modern society, young adults are attracted to pursuing the trend of remaining unmarried. Several reasons are ascribed to this tendency, and I believe the benefits of such a trend are eclipsed by far more disadvantages. There are two cautions about the popularity of the decision to choose to stay single. First of all, […]

In today’s modern society, young adults are attracted to pursuing the trend of remaining unmarried. Several reasons ascribed to this tendency will be put forward in this essay, and I believe the benefits of such a trend are eclipsed by far more disadvantages. There are two cautions about the popularity of the decision to choose […]

Somes countries are struggling with increases in crime rates. Some believe that having more police on the streets is best way to reduce and combat crime. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It is undeniable that an increasing number of criminals has threatened most of the nations. Some people claim that the optimal way to tackle crimes is enhancing the police workforce on the streets. However, I firmly believe that this is not the best way, and there are better solutions the tackle this problem. On the […]

Employment should give their staff at least a 4-week holiday a year to make employees better at their jobs. To what extend do you agree or disagree?

In today’s competitive workplace, there is an ongoing debate about whether employers should offer a minimum of four weeks’ annual leave to employees as a way to enhance their job performance. While I acknowledge that some potential problems might arise when applying such a policy, I still believe that it is a great suggestion that […]

More people are educating themselves with online educational sources. Do advantages outweigh dis advantages?

Most individuals choose online educational sources as a form of their own education. Personally, I believe that, despite the very few drawbacks, the benefits would certainly outweigh the disadvantages as there will be an increasing amount of well-informed people in society who pursue their personal interests from online learning platforms. Initially, schools and universities contributed […]

In modern times, young adults are spending less time with their families and more time with their friends. Why has this change occurred? Do you think parents should force their children to spend more time at home?

Nowadays, teenagers are investing most of their quality time with friends rather than families. This change has taken place due to the generation gap between parents and their children and also parents should not pressure them to be more at home because this will make them feel being more restricted. Firstly, the occurrence of this […]

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Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on the Pros and Cons of Living in Megacities

Living in megacities has become an increasingly popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject frequently appears in exams due to its relevance to global urbanization trends and the challenges faced by modern societies. Based on recent exam patterns and expert predictions, it’s highly likely that candidates will encounter questions related to the advantages and disadvantages of residing in large urban centers.

Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this theme and explore how to craft high-scoring responses across different band levels.

Analyzing the Question

Some people believe that living in big cities brings more benefits, while others think it has more drawbacks. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question is asking you to:

• Discuss the advantages of living in big cities
• Discuss the disadvantages of living in big cities
• Provide your personal opinion on the matter

It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high score. Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, followed by detailed analyses.

Band 8-9 Sample Essay

High-scoring essay example.

The rapid growth of megacities worldwide has sparked debate about whether urban living offers more advantages or disadvantages. While there are valid arguments on both sides, I believe that the benefits of residing in large metropolitan areas outweigh the drawbacks.

Proponents of city life often highlight the abundant opportunities available in urban centers. Megacities serve as hubs for economic activity, offering a diverse range of employment options across various sectors . This concentration of businesses and industries not only provides job seekers with more choices but also fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. Moreover, urban areas typically boast superior infrastructure, including advanced healthcare facilities, world-class educational institutions, and efficient public transportation systems. These amenities significantly enhance residents’ quality of life and access to essential services.

On the other hand, critics argue that life in megacities comes with considerable challenges. The most pressing issues include overcrowding, high living costs, and environmental degradation . As populations in urban areas swell, housing becomes increasingly scarce and expensive, forcing many to live in substandard conditions or commute long distances. Additionally, the concentration of people and industries in cities often leads to severe air and noise pollution, negatively impacting residents’ health and well-being. The fast-paced urban lifestyle can also contribute to increased stress levels and a sense of social isolation for some individuals.

Despite these concerns, I contend that the advantages of living in megacities outweigh the disadvantages. The economic opportunities and access to superior amenities in urban areas can significantly improve one’s quality of life and career prospects. Furthermore, many of the challenges associated with urban living can be mitigated through effective city planning, investment in sustainable infrastructure, and the implementation of smart city technologies. As cities continue to evolve, they have the potential to become more livable and environmentally friendly.

In conclusion, while life in megacities presents certain challenges, the benefits of urban living – including diverse job opportunities, access to quality services, and potential for personal growth – make it an attractive option for many. As urbanization continues to shape our world, it is crucial for city planners and policymakers to address the existing issues and work towards creating more sustainable and inclusive urban environments.

(Word count: 365)

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates excellence across all four marking criteria:

Task Response : The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly stating the writer’s opinion. It provides a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion : The essay is cohesive and logically organized. It uses paragraphing effectively and employs a range of cohesive devices accurately.

Lexical Resource : The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Some examples include:

• “rapid growth of megacities”
• “abundant opportunities”
• “hubs for economic activity”
• “fosters innovation and entrepreneurship”
• “superior infrastructure”
• “environmental degradation”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy : The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and appropriately. It contains a mix of simple and complex sentences with very few errors.

Band 6-7 Sample Essay

Mid-range essay example.

In recent years, there has been much debate about whether living in large cities is beneficial or detrimental. This essay will discuss both viewpoints and provide my personal opinion on the matter.

On the positive side, big cities offer numerous advantages to their residents . Firstly, they provide a wide range of job opportunities across various industries, which can lead to better career prospects and higher salaries. Secondly, urban areas typically have better infrastructure, including well-developed public transportation systems, modern healthcare facilities, and quality educational institutions. These amenities can significantly improve one’s quality of life. Additionally, cities often offer a diverse cultural scene, with museums, theaters, and restaurants catering to different tastes and interests.

However, life in megacities also comes with several drawbacks. One of the main issues is the high cost of living , particularly in terms of housing expenses. Many city dwellers struggle to afford decent accommodation and may have to compromise on living space or location. Another significant problem is pollution, both air and noise, which can negatively impact residents’ health and well-being. Furthermore, the fast-paced urban lifestyle can be stressful and may lead to feelings of isolation or loneliness, despite being surrounded by millions of people.

In my opinion, while living in big cities presents certain challenges, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. The opportunities for personal and professional growth, coupled with access to modern amenities and diverse experiences, make urban living attractive to many people. However, I believe it is crucial for city planners and governments to address the existing problems and work towards creating more sustainable and livable urban environments.

In conclusion, life in megacities offers both advantages and disadvantages. While challenges such as high living costs and pollution exist, the benefits of career opportunities and access to various services make city living a viable option for many individuals.

(Word count: 309)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates good performance across the marking criteria, but with some limitations compared to the Band 8-9 essay:

Task Response : The essay addresses all parts of the task and presents a clear position. However, the ideas are less fully developed compared to the higher band essay.

Coherence and Cohesion : The essay is generally well-organized with clear progression throughout. It uses some cohesive devices, but not as wide a range as the Band 8-9 essay.

Lexical Resource : The essay uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with generally appropriate word choice. Some good examples include:

• “numerous advantages”
• “well-developed public transportation systems”
• “diverse cultural scene”
• “fast-paced urban lifestyle”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy : The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control. There are fewer errors than would be expected in a lower band essay, but it lacks the sophistication of the Band 8-9 sample.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

• Urbanization (noun) – /ˌɜːbənaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – the process of making an area more urban
• Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
• Amenities (noun) – /əˈmiːnətiz/ – a desirable or useful feature or facility of a building or place
• Overcrowding (noun) – /ˌəʊvəˈkraʊdɪŋ/ – the state of being filled with too many people or things
• Environmental degradation (noun phrase) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ – the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources
• Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level
• Diversity (noun) – /daɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the state of being diverse; variety
• Innovation (noun) – /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – the action or process of innovating
• Livability (noun) – /ˌlɪvəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being suitable for living in
• Gentrification (noun) – /ˌdʒentrɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ – the process of renovating and improving a house or district so that it conforms to middle-class taste

The topic of living in megacities is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on various aspects of urban life, such as:

• The impact of urbanization on the environment
• Solutions to traffic congestion in big cities
• The role of technology in improving urban living
• Balancing economic growth and quality of life in megacities
• The future of urban planning and sustainable development

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and always address all parts of the question. Practice regularly and don’t hesitate to share your essays in the comments section for feedback and improvement. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!

• IELTS essay samples
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