IELTS Causes and Solution Essay: Media Topics with Sample Answers
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Media-related essay topics are common in the Academic IELTS Writing section and often require candidates to express opinions on the impact of media on society. Sub-topics may include the influence of social media on communication, the role of advertising in consumer behaviour, media censorship, fake news and misinformation, the decline of traditional newspapers, and the effects of violent content in films and games. These topics test a student’s ability to discuss both societal and individual consequences of media trends. Developing balanced arguments and using real-world examples can help strengthen responses on such themes.
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TaskIn many countries, very few young people read newspapers or follow the news on TV. What do you think are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest?
Model Answer
In contemporary society, newspapers and television remain vital conduits for information, yet a diminishing number of young individuals engage with these traditional media forms. This essay will outline the underlying causes of this phenomenon and suggest viable solutions to address the issue.
Firstly, the content featured in newspapers and on television often fails to resonate with younger audiences. For instance, articles frequently focus on topics such as pensions, social welfare, and other matters primarily relevant to older generations. This disconnect may be because older individuals constitute a significant portion of the readership. Therefore, media outlets should shift their focus toward topics that are more likely to interest younger people, such as employment conditions, technological advancements, and social justice issues. A notable example of this approach can be seen in The Guardian’s youth-oriented section, which regularly publishes articles on climate change activism, student debt, and start-up culture—issues that directly affect and engage younger demographics.
Secondly, even when young people express an interest in societal matters, they often encounter challenges in fully grasping the complexities involved. Discourses surrounding politics, economics, and finance, for example, necessitate a certain level of educational background that many youth may lack. If these topics are not presented in a clear and approachable way, young audiences may become disenchanted and disengage from critical social discussions. A potential remedy for this issue is to develop content that simplifies complex subjects, thereby making them more digestible for younger viewers and readers.
In conclusion, the waning interest of young people in newspapers and television stems from unrelatable content and the difficulty of accessing complex information. If media institutions fail to adapt to the evolving preferences and comprehension levels of younger audiences, they risk losing an entire generation of informed citizens.
Commentary
Essay Question:
In many countries, very few young people read newspapers or follow the news on TV. What do you think are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest?
Introduction
Clarity:
• Yes, the topic is clearly introduced with appropriate context.
Thesis:
Yes, the thesis directly states that the essay will discuss causes and propose solutions.
Body Paragraphs
Main Ideas (Causes & Solutions):
• Cause 1: Content is irrelevant to young people (e.g., pensions, welfare).
• Solution 1: Focus more on youth-related topics (e.g., climate change, tech, jobs).
• Cause 2: Difficulty understanding complex issues (e.g., politics, economics).
• Solution 2: Simplify and clarify complex information for accessibility.
Coherence:
• Yes, both causes and solutions are evenly developed.
• Smooth transitions between paragraphs and ideas.
Conclusion
Summary:
• Effectively restates the main points.
• Includes a conditional (“If media institutions fail…”) to emphasize urgency and importance.
Vocabulary & Grammar
High-Level Vocabulary:
• Conduits – channels or means of transmission
• Resonate – to be relatable or meaningful
• Demographics – specific population groups
• Disenchanted – disappointed or disillusioned
• Digestible – easy to understand
Academic Phrases:
• “This essay will outline…”
• “A potential remedy for this issue…”
• “Therefore, media outlets should shift their focus…”
Complex Sentences:
• “If these topics are not presented in a clear and approachable way, young audiences may become disenchanted and disengage from critical social discussions.”
• “If media institutions fail to adapt to the evolving preferences and comprehension levels of younger audiences, they risk losing an entire generation of informed citizens.”
