The Exposure of International Media Such as Films- IELTS Writing Task 2

The exposure of international media such as films, TV and magazines has impacts on local culture. What do you think the impacts have been? Do you agree that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Outline

Essay Type

Direct Question Essay

Introduction

Paraphrase the essay topic and mention the view.

Body Paragraphs

International media can be a great source of information about the diversity of cultures around the world.

International media can also influence negative traits like violence in the minds of the viewers.

Conclusion

Summarize the essay topic and provide a concluding view.

Sample Essay

It is an undeniable fact that mass media is the most powerful instrument to influence the public. With the technological advancement that humanity has achieved, digital media has become a catalyst in spreading information and reaching every corner of the world. There is a debate on the nature of this impression left by international media. In my opinion, the overall effects are positive and even beneficial. The following paragraphs will explore the advantages and disadvantages of the impact of information media.

First and foremost, we must acknowledge the vast reach and influence that any form of media can have in the 21st century. It is quite evident that the circulation of information through television, print media or motion pictures has a colossal impact on communities and local cultures all over the globe. Consequently, this phenomenon has numerous benefits. The availability of foreign content like movies and music, especially in English, French or even German, has helped many non-native speakers to improve their understanding of these widely used languages. People are now more aware and thereby tolerant of the myriad of cultures and societies that coexist in different parts of the world, thanks to the portrayal of certain characters in films and tv shows. Additionally, the spread of positivity through similar channels has become fashionable as we can observe individuals who are constantly at work for the betterment of the entire human community. Accordingly, such endeavours are undertaken by several others who are encouraged to do the same.

Nevertheless, there are certain drawbacks to mass media and popular culture becoming an inherent part of our lives. The effect that mass culture has on a majority of people, especially the younger generation, can be upsetting and sometimes even agitating. The mania for online recognition and popularity is one of the biggest downsides of international media and its portrayal of celebrities. Furthermore, there is always a possibility of misinterpretation of information disseminated through popular forms of media like cinema and tv programmes, which seriously deteriorate the judgement and morality of the public, especially the younger generation who are more vulnerable to such experiences.

Finally, there are both pros and cons to the prevalence of international media in this current era. If employed cautiously, this facility can be a blessing to the human race.

Band 9 Sample Essay

There is no doubt that the world is a global village, where mass media plays an indispensable role in influencing people. It serves as a source of entertainment while educating the public about current events, cultural heritage, ecological sustainability, and many more topics of relevance. Some argue that media tendencies will ruin a country’s culture and have detrimental implications for people’s lives, while others oppose this notion. As a result, I believe that an exposure to international media has significant impact and that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, which I will discuss in the following essay.

To begin with, it is indisputable that in today’s fast-paced world, the international media has great reach and power over individuals. The media plays a crucial role in intensifying globalization, facilitating cultural interaction, and facilitating knowledge flow between countries through worldwide news broadcasts, video programming, film, new technologies, and music. Furthermore, international media allows the diffusion of diverse cultures by showcasing various cultural traditions, allowing audiences to fully comprehend and accept cultural diversity.

Further, watching international movies and listening to western music in English, Spanish, and French has aided many non-native speakers in improving and enhancing their grasp of these languages. As a result, the widespread use of television and other forms of media has had a substantial impact on communities and local cultures worldwide. Finally, the more ideas and points of view are disseminated through media; the more humans will understand one another, reducing prejudice between nations.

However, some drawbacks to international media should not be overlooked, such as the fact that many people attempting to imitate the lifestyle of other cultures will ultimately result in their country’s cultural disintegration, as well as the fact that it can cause difficulties in people’s personal lives, causing a drift in their relationships. Furthermore, media culture’s impact on youngsters can be stressful and even unnerving at times. Some media content linked to violence and aggressive behavior, for example, may not be appropriate or suitable for the younger generation.

To put it in a nutshell, the proliferation of international media in the 21st century has both merits and demerits. However, its benefits exceed the drawbacks because exposure to international media can significantly minimize prejudice across nations and increase awareness of different languages and cultures.

Vocabulary

• Catalyst

Meaning: a person or thing that precipitates an event.
Eg: The words of the minister acted as a catalyst for the protests.

• Colossal

Meaning: extremely large or great.
Eg: The Statue of Unity was colossal.

• Vast

Meaning: of very great extent or quantity; immense.
Eg: The farmhouse that his family owned was vast in size.

• Myriad

Meaning: a countless or extremely great number of people or things.
Eg: This problem can have a myriad of solutions.

• Endeavours

Meaning: an attempt to achieve a goal.
Eg: The endeavour to help the flood victims was a success.

• Inherent

Meaning: existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute.
Eg: The competitive nature of Indians is an inherent quality of our community.

• Agitating

Meaning: make (someone) troubled or nervous.
Eg: The audience was agitated by the comedian’s remarks.

• Mania

Meaning: an excessive enthusiasm or desire; an obsession.
Eg: The mania of Internet fame is destroying the youth.

• Downsides

Meaning: the negative aspect of something otherwise regarded as good or desirable.
Eg: This solution has various downsides.

• Disseminated

Meaning: spread (something, especially information) widely.
Eg: The news of their marriage disseminated like wildfire.