IELTS Agree or Disagree Essay: Media Topics with Sample Answers

Model Answer

Television and newspapers frequently include images with their stories, which some argue are more impactful than written text. In my view, the use of visual elements is indeed the most effective means of conveying information.

Images are inherently more engaging than words, and humans have an inborn ability to process visual information, a skill that predates language. In the context of news, a single powerful image—such as a photo from a war zone or natural disaster—can instantly convey emotion, urgency, and reality in a way that paragraphs of text often cannot. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, images of overcrowded hospitals and masked healthcare workers made a greater impact on the public than written reports alone, helping people understand the severity of the situation more immediately.

Furthermore, reading text often takes more time and mental effort to understand. Readers must actively visualize the scenarios described, which can lead to mental fatigue and distraction. Consequently, many individuals tend to shy away from text-heavy materials, perceiving them as tedious and less appealing. This is why news channels often use infographics and video footage to explain economic trends or political events, making it easier for a broader audience to follow the story. This visual support makes the information more memorable and impactful than words alone.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that visual content is the most effective way to present news. Images not only spark the imagination but also help keep the audience engaged with the story. While written text offers valuable detail and explanation, images ultimately have a stronger and more immediate impact on the viewer.

Model Answer

In recent years, more and more people have turned to online news platforms for their information. Nevertheless, some argue that newspapers will continue to be the most important source of news. I fully agree with this view, as newspapers are generally regarded as more reliable than their online counterparts.

The main reason I believe newspapers will maintain their importance is the strict editorial procedures involved in their production. Producing a newspaper involves several layers of review before reaching the public. First, journalists gather news stories, which are then subjected to thorough fact-checking by a team of editors. After that, other staff members assess the articles from legal and ethical angles. This meticulous process ensures that newspapers uphold a high standard of credibility and trustworthiness. As a result, they have earned a solid reputation for delivering accurate information.

In contrast, the majority of online news outlets lack such stringent editorial frameworks. While anyone can publish news on the Internet, this democratization of information often results in a lower level of trust. It becomes harder for readers to judge whether what they are reading is true. In fact, many surveys indicate a significant rise in the prevalence of fake news over the past decade. For instance, during the United States presidential election in November 2016, a large amount of false information was spread online, leading many voters to form opinions based on inaccurate facts. This exemplifies how easily individuals can be misled by unverified online content.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that newspapers will remain a key source of news, largely because of their thorough editorial procedures that guarantee reliable reporting—unlike the frequently unmonitored content found on online platforms.