News Media has Become More Influential in People’s Lives- IELTS Writing Task 2

News media has become more influential in people’s lives. Some believe it is a negative development. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Outline

Essay Type

Opinion Essay

Introduction

Sentences 1&2 – Mention that this topic has both aspects to discuss using synonyms to create a basic understanding.

Sentence 3 – Mention your stand on the topic.

Body paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – Talk about how news channels have swayed society in many positive ways.

Paragraph 2 – Mention how media plays an essential role in spreading different cultures and lifestyles to the modern world.

Paragraph 3 – Acknowledge the flip side of the argument.

Conclusion

Restate your views.

Sample Essay

Specific individuals believe that newspapers and television channels that broadcast current affairs have a terrible influence on society these days. I am going to discuss both the merits and demerits of mass media to reach a conclusion.

News channels have swayed society in many positive ways. First, the usefulness of the media, which provides news almost instantaneously, is undeniable. It gives one a feeling that they belong to a small global village. Secondly, it fills up the gap between the government and the people. Most people would never meet a prime minister or president in our lives, but anyone regularly watching the news or reading newspapers would undoubtedly know about them.

Furthermore, the media plays an essential role in spreading different cultures and lifestyles to the modern world. Today, the popularity of Indian culture and tradition across the globe is the best possible example of the media’s enormous impact. Finally, news channels also help provide justice to the commoner when his rights are denied.

Regardless, there are some drawbacks to mass media. It is a deadly weapon for spreading fake news, directly impacting personal lives. For example, some celebrities suffer from depression due to the rumours spread in their names. Moreover, there are contents like violence, or prostitution, which are unsuitable for the children. They get easily tempted by those, which affects their mental stability. Thus children must have limited access to these. It can also make them addicted to the media.

There are compelling arguments for and against the positive and negative development a news media could bring. Some people believe that the media dominantly brings adverse impacts on society. In my opinion, the media could have a positive effect if used wisely and appropriately.

Vocabulary

• Broadcast

Meaning – transmit (a programme or some information) by radio or television.
Example – The announcement was broadcasted live for this year’s Formula One World Championship winner.

• Swayed

Meaning – control or influence (a person or course of action).
Example – Ana is easily swayed by other people.

• Terrible

Meaning – extremely bad or serious.
Example – I usually make terrible decisions when it comes to online shopping.

• Undeniable

Meaning – unable to be denied or disputed.

Example – It is an undeniable fact that some dogs are easier to train than others.

• Adverse

Meaning – preventing success or development; harmful; unfavourable.
Example – The massage had an adverse effect on his body.

• Compelling

Meaning – evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way.
Example – Ron’s eyes were strangely compelling.

• Tempted

Meaning – have an urge or inclination to do something.
Example – I was very tempted to eat spicy food but didn’t as I had mouth blisters.

• Rumours

Meaning – a currently circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth.
Example – The FBI was investigating rumours of a probable bomb at the concert.

• Enormous

Meaning – very large in size, quantity, or extent.
Example – The kidnapper demanded an enormous sum of money as ransom from the kid’s parents.

• Impacting

Meaning – have a strong effect on someone or something.
Example – Inflation has impacted retail selling prices.