Explain Why the Movies are As Popular As a Means of Entertainment – IELTS Writing Task 2

The IELTS Writing Task 2 is a part of the General Training and Academic examinations that assess your ability to compose an organized and well-structured essay on a given topic. Direct Question Essays, like Explain Why the Movies are As Popular As a Means of Entertainment, are part of Task 2 and so, you need to acquaint yourself with the purpose of the question and framework of the answer.

Usually, Direct Question essays have two questions and are also called Two Part Question essays. Unlike the classic type, the essay topic, Explain Why the Movies are As Popular As a Means of Entertainment, asks you one direct question and you need to understand the question and figure out what is being asked. Once deciphered, you need to make sure to answer the given question with clarity and support your ideas with appropriate examples.

A significant number of IELTS candidates encounter difficulties when it comes to the Essay Writing section of the IELTS Writing Module. If you feel you need to practise more essays to master this task, you can check out the IELTS Writing Task 2 Practice Tests.

Now, let’s have a look at the Direct Question essay – Explain Why the Movies are As Popular As a Means of Entertainment – with three sample answers.

Question

Outline

Band 7 Sample Answer

Movies have become popular for numerous reasons, leading to their widespread attraction and cultural importance. One primary factor is their fascinating experience, allowing audiences to escape from reality and enter different worlds. In the forthcoming paragraphs, the reasons for the growing popularity and universal acceptance of movies among various global audiences will be discussed.

First and foremost, movies serve as a powerful channel for spontaneous expression, virtually conveying a range of feelings through storytelling, cinematography, and soundtracks. The success of dramatic films like “The Fault in Our Stars” or heartwarming animations like “Up” points out the ability of cinema to bring out genuine emotional responses from audiences, creating a deep connection between the viewer and the characters on screen. Additionally, the visual and auditory appeal of movies is another central factor in their popularity. For instance, the success of films like “Avatar” and “Inception” proves that audiences appreciate advanced cinematography and innovative storytelling techniques.

Moreover, movies provide a common cultural experience, encouraging a sense of community among viewers. Whether it’s discussing the latest blockbusters, like ‘Jawaan’ with friends, attending film festivals, or participating in online forums, like ‘Reddit’ or ‘Letterboxd’, movies create opportunities for social communication and cultural discussion. This collective aspect contributes to their lasting reputation as people desire connection and shared experiences in an increasingly digital world.

In conclusion, the demand for movies as a source of enjoyment can be associated with their ability to offer captivating experiences, produce powerful emotions, highlight technological advancements, and create a sense of community among viewers. As a result, movies continue to attract audiences worldwide, making them a foundation of global entertainment culture. (271 words)

Vocabulary 

• Widespread (Adjective)

Meaning: existing or happening in many places and/or among many people

E.g.: The widespread popularity of K-Pop is bringing out a lot of new artists on a global scale.

• Fascinating (Adjective)

Meaning: extremely interesting

E.g.: It is fascinating to note how a caterpillar turns to a butterfly.

• Spontaneous (Adjective)

Meaning: coming or resulting from a natural impulse or tendency

E.g.: The spontaneous reply from the team members helped the manager to solve some issues.

• Cinematography (Noun)

Meaning: the art and methods of film photography

E.g.: The cinematography of the movie “All Quiet on the Western Front” got recognition at the Oscars in 2023.

• Heartwarming (Adjective)

Meaning: causing feelings of pleasure and happiness

E.g.: The team organized a heartwarming farewell party for their manager.

• Auditory (Adjective)

Meaning: of or about hearing

E.g.: The auditory and visual experience at the planetarium impressed the students.

• Blockbusters (Noun)

Meaning: a very successful product, film, etc. that makes a lot of money

E.g.: The blockbusters of Bollywood are very dramatic and colorful.

• Forums (Noun)

Meaning: a place on the internet where people can leave messages or discuss particular subjects with other people at the same time

E.g.: Discussing cinematic concepts at forums is a good way to bring up new topics.

• Lasting (Adjective)

Meaning: continuing to exist for a long time or for ever

E.g.: Netaji’s speech left a lasting impression on the army and the countrymen.

• Captivating (Adjective)

Meaning: holding your attention by being extremely interesting, exciting, pleasant, or attractive

E.g.: Her captivating performance at the award ceremony is being praised by all.

Band 8 Sample Answer

In the current fast-paced world, people need a medium that transports them to an alternate universe away from reality, where they can relax. Fortunately, movies are the most appealing form of entertainment that serves this purpose. In the upcoming paragraphs, prime reasons for this prevalent popularity of movies will be discussed in detail.

To begin with, movies provide for a wide range of tastes and preferences through diverse genres. Whether action, drama, comedy, or science fiction, there is a film for every mood and interest. For example, the “Fast and Furious” series appeals to action enthusiasts, while romantic comedy lovers may favor films like “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” and “Pretty Woman”. In addition, movies offer an escape from reality, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in fantastical worlds. The “Harry Potter” series, set in the magical Hogwarts, transports viewers to a universe where they can temporarily suspend disbelief and experience a different reality.

Furthermore, advancements in cinematic technology have led to visually stunning films with high-quality special effects and cinematography. The visual spectacle, as seen in movies like “Avatar” or “Interstellar,” adds an extra layer of excitement and awe, attracting audiences seeking a visually hypnotic experience. Besides, the emotional impact of movies is another key element driving their popularity. Successful films like “The Lion King” or “Masaan” evoke a wide range of emotions that resonate with viewers on an emotional level.

To sum up, the fame of movies originates from their ability to tell exciting stories, express emotions, provide a visual spectacle, and serve as a form of affordable entertainment for a broad audience. (263 words)

Vocabulary 

• Medium (Noun)

Meaning: a means for storing or communicating information

E.g.: Social media is a valuable medium to raise awareness if used properly.

• Appealing (Adjective)

Meaning: attractive or interesting

E.g.: The colors on the billboard were quite appealing to the eyes.

• Prevalent (Adjective)

Meaning: existing very commonly or happening often

E.g.: Promoting movies on social media has become a prevalent practice nowadays.

• Genre (Noun)

Meaning: a style, especially in the arts, that involves a particular set of characteristics

E.g.: I am more interested in the romantic genre than in action.

• Enthusiasts (Noun)

Meaning: a person who is very interested in a particular activity or subject

E.g.: The sports enthusiasts attended all the matches of the World Cup.

• Fantastical (Adjective)

Meaning: strange, unreal, and magical

E.g.: My daughter loves the fantastical world of the Harry Potter movies.

• Awe (Noun)

Meaning: a feeling of great respect, sometimes mixed with fear or surprise

E.g.: We are in awe of the teaching skills of our class teacher.

• Hypnotic (Adjective)

Meaning: attracting and holding interest as if by a spell

E.g.: The magician had a hypnotic effect on the audience.

• Resonate (Verb)

Meaning: to produce a positive feeling, emotional response, or opinion

E.g.: The new song, “Single Soon” by Selena Gomez, resonates with the youth.

• Spectacle (Noun)

Meaning: an unusual or unexpected event or situation that attracts attention, interest, or disapproval

E.g.: The sunrise in the mountains is a spectacle to watch.

Band 9 Sample Answer

Movies have emerged as a dominant and universal form of entertainment, captivating audiences worldwide. The charm of the silver screen extends far beyond a mere visual spectacle, tapping into human emotions, shaping cultural ideas, and creating shared experiences that overstep geographical boundaries. This essay will expand on the reasons behind the prevalent popularity of movies, revealing the multifaceted nature of this art form.

The first thing to note is that movies provide an escape from reality, offering audiences a chance to immerse themselves in different worlds temporarily. The “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, set in the fantasy realm of Middle-earth, and the movies from the Marvel Cinematic Universe exemplifies the power of cinematic escapism. Most importantly, well-produced movies like “Forrest Gump” and “Taare Zameen Par” have the power to evoke a wide range of emotions. From laughter to tears, films can connect with the audience on a deep emotional level. This emotional engagement often leaves a profound impact and makes the viewing experience memorable.

Additionally, cinema often reflects and celebrates diverse cultures, providing a platform for underrepresented voices. Films like “Coco” or “Parasite” not only entertain but also contribute to the cultural understanding of Mexico and South Korea, respectively. Apart from pushing the boundaries of technological innovation and showcasing these innovations through visually stunning and high-quality effects, going to the movies provides opportunities for shared experiences. For example, “Jurassic Park” revolutionized the use of CGI in filmmaking, bringing dinosaurs to life in a groundbreaking way. It created a cult-like fan-following, fostering a sense of community among fans.

All in all, the reputation of cinema as a medium of entertainment is evident in its role as a powerful and special medium, shaping our opinions, sparking our imaginations, and providing an escape into the realms of creativity and storytelling. (297 words)

Vocabulary 

• Overstep (Verb)

Meaning: to go beyond what is permitted or acceptable

E.g.: He overstepped his position when he suggested the CEO participate more in the team.

• Multifaceted (Adjective)

Meaning: having many facets or aspects

E.g.: The multifaceted nature of movies is accepted everywhere.

• Trilogy (Noun)

Meaning: a series or group of three plays, novels, operas, etc.

E.g.: The Hunger Games trilogy is quite famous among our classmates.

• Exemplifies (Verb)

Meaning: to be or give a typical example of something

E.g.: Shakespeare’s work exemplifies some facts about the Elizabethan period.

• Escapism (Noun)

Meaning: a way of avoiding an unpleasant or boring life

E.g.: Books are a form of escapism for Mary and help her to avoid the conflict at home.

• Profound (Adjective)

Meaning: showing a clear and deep understanding of serious matters

E.g.: His sermons had a profound effect on the disciples.

• Underrepresented (Adjective)

Meaning: provide with insufficient representation

E.g.: This event is organized to bring out the underrepresented talents of our country.

• Groundbreaking (Adjective)

Meaning: original and important; showing a new way of doing or thinking about things

E.g.: The groundbreaking discovery of penicillin brought a great relief to people.

• Cult-like (Adjective)

Meaning: resembling a cult (a religious or other social group with deviant and novel beliefs)

E.g.: Robert Downey Jr. has a cult-like following, especially after his portrayal of Iron Man.

• Realms (Noun)

Meaning: an area of interest or activity

E.g.: Magnus played an important role in the realm of science with his achievements.

Elevate Your IELTS Score with Effective Connectors Used in the Sample Answers

Check out the list of connectors used in the above-given sample answers that will help you add coherence to your writing and earn points for your IELTS Writing Task 2.

• First and foremost
• Additionally
• For instance
• Moreover
• In conclusion
• To begin with
• For example
• In addition
• Furthermore
• Besides
• To sum up
• Most importantly
• Apart from
• All in all

Now that you have gone through the sample answers on the topic – Explain Why the Movies are As Popular As a Means of Entertainment – it is time for you to try writing on your own. For that, leave your answers as a comment below or you can use our FREE evaluation service!

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