Media in IELTS Writing Task 2: Discuss Views Essay Samples

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 behavior, 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.

Find useful IELTS vocabulary for News and Media here.

Use Benchmark IELTS Writing Correction service to write error-free IELTS Essays, Letters & Reports

Essay Topics

Topic 1: Are news photos reliable or not? Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Topic 2: Is national or international news more important? Discuss both views and your opinion.

Task 1

More and more newspapers and news channels are using photographs to support their news articles and stories. Some people think photographs are not a reliable source of news while others consider photographs to be irrefutable. Discuss both sides and give your opinion

How to approach the essay:

How to Approach the Essay:

Understand the Task: The question asks you to examine two views: (1) that photographs are unreliable in news, and (2) that they are irrefutable. You also need to present your own opinion.

Advantages of Images in Journalism	Disadvantages of Images in Journalism
• Capture attention and convey complex messages succinctly • Evoke emotions and tell narratives that words alone may struggle to express • Prompt real-world action through powerful, memorable visuals (e.g., 2015 photo of Syrian boy that spurred refugee crisis debate)	• Can be manipulated or taken out of context to spread misinformation • Used as propaganda tools, contradicting independent reports (e.g., unrest in China) • Risk of misleading audiences unless ethical standards and media literacy are enforced

Opinion & Balance: Conclude with a clear stance—e.g., visuals are valuable if used ethically and paired with media literacy to avoid distortion.

Model Answer

In today’s digitalized world, media outlets are increasingly reliant on images and videos to present and substantiate their information. While some readers and viewers perceive these images as potentially misleading, others argue that photographs play an indispensable role in contemporary journalism. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my viewpoint.

It is indisputable that images play a pivotal role in news reporting and the documentation of events. This prominence can be attributed to their ability to capture attention and their efficiency in conveying complex messages succinctly. For instance, a powerful photograph can evoke emotions and convey a narrative that words alone may struggle to express. A striking example is the 2015 image of a Syrian boy’s lifeless body washed ashore in Turkey, which catalyzed international outrage and renewed conversations about the refugee crisis in Europe. Such moments highlight how visuals can raise awareness and prompt real-world action.

However, many people are becoming increasingly cautious about trusting photographs, especially given how easily they can be manipulated or taken out of context. Critics argue that when visuals are consumed uncritically, they can propagate misinformation and serve as tools for propaganda. For example, during recent unrest in China, state-controlled media portrayed police interactions as calm and cooperative, while presenting protesters as aggressive—images that contradicted independent reports and eyewitness accounts. On the other hand, advocates for visual journalism note that modern software can now detect digital tampering, thereby enhancing the credibility of visual content.

In conclusion, while images remain a powerful journalistic tool, they should be approached with a critical eye. When used ethically and transparently, they enrich reporting. But without oversight and media literacy, they risk misleading rather than informing—a risk we can no longer afford to ignore.

Commentary

Commentary
Essay Question: More and more newspapers and news channels are using photographs to support their news articles and stories. Some people think photographs are not a reliable source of news while others consider photographs to be irrefutable. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Introduction

Clarity: Yes, the introduction clearly introduces the issue of photographs in journalism and sets the context.
Thesis: The thesis outlines both views and indicates the writer will present a personal opinion.

Body Paragraphs

Main Ideas (Pros/Cons):

Pros:

Images capture complex messages and emotions efficiently.
Example: Syrian boy’s photo raised awareness of the refugee crisis.

Cons:

Photos can be manipulated or taken out of context.
Example: Chinese state media used selective images during protests.
Some tools now exist to detect doctored visuals (counterpoint to the con).

Coherence:

Both views are well-developed and balanced.
Clear examples support each argument; smooth transitions ensure logical flow.

Conclusion

Summary: The conclusion restates the importance of images while advocating critical consumption.
Opinion: Clearly expressed, nuanced—acknowledges both sides but stresses the need for ethics and media literacy.

Vocabulary & Grammar

High-Level Vocabulary:

Indisputable – unquestionable or certain
Catalyzed – triggered or sparked
Substantiate – support with evidence
Manipulated – altered to mislead
Propaganda – biased or misleading information used to influence

Academic Phrases:

“This prominence can be attributed to…”
“On the other hand…”
“However, many people are becoming increasingly cautious …”
“Critics argue that…”

Complex Sentences:

“A striking example is the 2015 image of a Syrian boy’s lifeless body…which catalyzed international outrage…”
“Critics argue that when visuals are consumed uncritically, they can propagate misinformation…”

Task 2

Most people are interested in national news, others view that international news is more important. Discuss both views and give an example and opinion.

How to approach the essay:

How to Approach the Essay:

Understand the Question: Identify that you are being asked to discuss both views—some people prioritize national/local news, others value international news more—and to give your own opinion with an example.
Structure Paragraphs Clearly:

Advantages of Local News	Advantages of International News
• Direct impact on daily life, helping plan routines (e.g., weather forecasts, traffic updates) • Enables timely community preparedness for local emergencies (e.g., floods, snowstorms) • Improves public safety by alerting residents to immediate risks and disruptions • Fosters community engagement by focusing on issues and stories relevant to one’s own region	• Informs on global events that affect national conditions (e.g., climate change, economic trends) • Shares innovations and breakthroughs (e.g., new disease treatments tested abroad) • Promotes a broader understanding of world affairs and prepares individuals for global discussions • Builds awareness of international challenges (e.g., global warming) that require collective action

Conclusion: State your opinion clearly—e.g., international news is more crucial in a globalized world—while acknowledging the importance of both.
Stay Balanced: Make sure each paragraph has 1–2 clear points and an example to support your arguments.

Model Answer

Daily news, whether national or international, is essential for everyone to stay informed. There is an ongoing debate regarding which type of news is more significant. This essay will explore the value of local and global news, ultimately arguing that while both are important, international news holds greater relevance in our interconnected world.

Many people gravitate towards local news because it has a direct impact on their daily lives. They are often driven to stay informed about events happening in their immediate area. For instance, citizens commonly rely on local news for daily weather forecasts and traffic updates, which help them plan their day efficiently. This information allows individuals to manage their routines with better awareness and preparation. A clear example is how local news during extreme weather conditions like floods or snowstorms helps communities prepare in advance and avoid danger, reducing disruption and improving public safety.

On the other hand, others believe that international news is of paramount importance, as global events can significantly influence national conditions from climate change to economic trends. In addition, international news keeps us informed about worldwide developments. For example, by following global news, we can learn about innovative treatments for diseases being tested in developed nations and stay informed about pressing issues such as global warming. As a result, international news promotes a wider understanding of global affairs and prepares individuals to engage in global discussions.

In conclusion, both local and international news offer essential insights—each addressing different needs, contributing to our understanding of daily life and the broader global context. In a world where events in one country can quickly affect another, staying informed about international issues is not just beneficial, it’s necessary.

Commentary

Essay Question: Most people are interested in national news, others view that international news is more important. Discuss both views and give an example and opinion.

Introduction

Clarity: The introduction clearly introduces the topic of news consumption and presents the debate.
Thesis: The writer outlines both sides and takes a clear position, favoring international news.

Body Paragraphs
Main Ideas (Pros/Cons):
Local News:

Direct impact on daily life (e.g., weather, traffic updates).
Helps people plan daily routines and respond to local emergencies (e.g., floods/snowstorms).

International News:

Affects national outcomes (e.g., climate change, economic trends).
Keeps people informed on global innovations (e.g., medical advances, global warming).

Coherence:

Both sides are well-developed and balanced.
Clear structure with relevant examples; transitions are smooth.

Conclusion

Summary: Effectively summarizes both views and reinforces the writer’s stance.
Tone: Final sentence is engaging and strong, moving beyond a formulaic wrap-up.

Vocabulary & Grammar
High-Level Vocabulary:

Interconnected world – globally linked society.
Paramount – of greatest importance.
Developments – significant changes or progress.
Pressing issues – urgent problems.
Broader global context – a wider perspective or background.

Academic Phrases:

“There is an ongoing debate…”
“Ultimately arguing that…”
“As a result…”

Complex Sentences:

“A clear example is how local news during extreme weather conditions—like floods or snowstorms—helps communities prepare in advance…”
“In a world where events in one country can quickly affect another, staying informed about international issues is not just beneficial—it’s necessary.”

Overall: Clear, balanced, and coherent with precise vocabulary and relevant examples.