Compare Advantages and Disadvantages of Three Media for Communicating Information - IELTS Writing Task 2

Nehasri Ravishenbagam

9 min read

Updated On Sep 04, 2025

Learn how to present a well-rounded essay for the IELTS advantages/disadvantages topic, ‘Compare Advantages and Disadvantages of Three Media for Communicating Information’, by studying the 3 sample essays, an essay outline, and relevant IELTS vocabulary.

Compare Advantages and Disadvantages of Three Media for Communicating Information

Question for 'Compare Advantages and Disadvantages of Three Media for Communicating Information'
Outline for an IELTS Advantages/Disadvantages Essay
Sample Answers for Compare Advantages and Disadvantages of Three Media for Communicating Information IELTS Writing Task 2
How to Write a Band 7+ Essay for ‘Compare Advantages and Disadvantages of Three Media for Communicating Information’?

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The advantages/disadvantages essay, ‘Compare Advantages and Disadvantages of Three Media for Communicating Information’ requires you to discuss the pros and cons of any three media forms from a given list of six. You will be asked to provide a clear thesis, supporting arguments, and examples in a well-structured essay. Balancing advantages and disadvantages while maintaining coherence and clarity is essential for success in this task.

In this blog, you can access three IELTS advantages/disadvantages essay sample answers ranging from band 7-9 along with their vocabulary highlighted to help you craft a well-structured and compelling advantages/disadvantages essay.

Question for 'Compare Advantages and Disadvantages of Three Media for Communicating Information'

You should spend 40 minutes on this task.

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of three of the following as media for communicating information. State which three you consider the most effective.

Comics
Books
Radio
Television
Film
Theater

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

Outline for an IELTS Advantages/Disadvantages Essay

Given below is an outline that will help you frame a top-scoring advantages/disadvantages essay answer for the topic, Compare Advantages and Disadvantages of Three Media for Communicating Information, in the IELTS Writing Task 2 exam.

Introduction

Paraphrase the question
State the outline

Main Body Paragraph 1

Present the advantages/positives
Expand the idea with an example.

Main Body Paragraph 2

Present the Disadvantages/Negatives
Expand the idea with an example.

Conclusion

Summarise your opinion if asked and the key features

Sample Answers for Compare Advantages and Disadvantages of Three Media for Communicating Information IELTS Writing Task 2

For those aiming for a perfect IELTS score of band 9, a detailed study of the three IELTS Band 9 essay samples provided below is recommended. Each essay thoroughly addresses the IELTS Writing Task 2 topic, Compare Advantages and Disadvantages of Three Media for Communicating Information.

Band 7 Sample Answer For Writing Task 2 Question – Compare Advantages and Disadvantages of Three Media for Communicating Information

In today’s world, people are surrounded by various media outlets like radio, television, books, and more. In my opinion, movies, TV shows, and books are the most impactful. Anyways, this essay will compare their advantages and disadvantages.

Firstly, talking about the advantages of TV is a massive source of information, especially about current events. News shows for instance, keep us updated on economic issues, world happenings, weather, etc and spreading the latest updates globally. When it comes to movies, people, both young and old, love watching them on platforms like cinemas, Netflix, and YouTube. If filmmakers create meaningful movies like “Education is Important” or “Disadvantages of Child Marriages,” the audience can clearly understand right from wrong. Lastly, books are another valuable source for learning about diseases, issues, and various knowledge. In short, these media outlets can offer different types of education if used in an organized and appropriate manner.

On the downside, media like movies, TV, and books can also contribute to violence and certain health issues at times. For instance, reading books for extended periods may strain the eyes and cause headaches. Regarding movies and TV shows, they can sometimes portray criminal activities, influencing young people negatively. Some immoral movies may lead to harmful addictions and impact mental well-being. Additionally, these media sources can spread fake news, leading people to be deceived.

In conclusion, media is a powerful source that enlightens our lives with knowledge. However, it should be used in a balanced and beneficial way to avoid various challenges for people of all ages.

Band 7 Vocabulary

Outlets

Meaning: Various channels or means for expressing and distributing information.
Example: Media outlets such as TV, radio, and newspapers play a crucial role in disseminating news.

Impactful

Meaning: Having a significant effect or influence on something.
Example: Movies, TV shows, and books are considered the most impactful forms of media in contemporary society.

Meaningful

Meaning: Carrying significance or conveying a deep message or purpose.
Example: Meaningful movies, like those addressing social issues, can leave a lasting impact on the audience.

Organized

Meaning: Arranged in a systematic and well-structured manner.
Example: To maximize educational benefits, media should be used in an organized and systematic way.

Downside

Meaning: The negative or unfavorable aspects of a situation.
Example: While media has its merits, it’s essential to consider the downside, such as potential health impacts.

Immoral

Meaning: Contrary to moral principles; unethical or improper.
Example: Some movies with immoral content may raise concerns about their impact on societal values.

Deceived

Meaning: Misled or tricked into believing something that is not true.
Example: Fake news can deceive people, leading to misinformation and misunderstandings.

Balanced

Meaning: Maintaining a harmonious and proportionate arrangement or distribution.
Example: Using media in a balanced way involves considering both its benefits and potential challenges for all age groups.

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Band 8 Sample Answer For Writing Task 2 Question – Compare Advantages and Disadvantages of Three Media for Communicating Information

Undoubtedly, in today’s world, we have many technologies for communication and information, such as books, radio, and films. I believe that despite their numerous benefits, these also have a few disadvantages. Hence, this essay will elaborate about both the sides with examples.

Talking about books, they are the traditional method of sharing information, are still widely used in schools. They are affordable and a convenient way for students to focus on their studies. For instance, even with internet assistance, students often prefer visiting the library and reading books because they provide reliable information and a mix of knowledge. Radio is favoured by both the older and younger generations. It’s a helpful companion when we lack internet access, reviving old memories. On the other hand, the younger generation leans more towards audio-visual devices like television and films due to their engaging features.

However, the production of printed materials isn’t environmentally friendly, as it involves cutting down trees which is very harmful to the environment. Additionally, proper storage is crucial, as exposure to moisture or rain can damage the quality of books. While films offer colourful views and aid learning for those who dislike reading, they sometimes contain explicit content that can negatively impact society, contributing to an increase in crime rates like rape and murder.

In conclusion, despite the widespread availability of technology for information, its volatile nature raises concerns about complete trust. In my opinion, books remain a source of trustworthy information, connecting us to traditional and cultural values missing on the internet.

Band 8 Vocabulary

Affordable

Meaning: Inexpensive and within financial reach for many people.
Example: Public libraries make books affordable for all, fostering a love for reading in the community.

Convenient

Meaning: Easy to use and fitting well with one’s needs or lifestyle.
Example: E-books offer a convenient way to access a vast library without the need for physical space.

Engaging

Meaning: Capturing one’s interest and involvement, often through compelling content.
Example: The engaging plot twists in mystery films keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Environmental

Meaning: Pertaining to the impact on the natural world and ecosystems.
Example: The environmental consequences of deforestation for paper production are a global concern.

Crucial

Meaning: Extremely important or necessary for a particular purpose.
Example: Proper storage conditions are crucial for preserving ancient manuscripts and artifacts.

Explicit

Meaning: Clearly expressed or depicted, often referring to content that is direct and specific.
Example: Some movies carry explicit content, requiring careful consideration of age-appropriate viewing.

Volatile

Meaning: Tending to change rapidly and unpredictably.
Example: The stock market is known for its volatile nature, with prices fluctuating frequently.

Trustworthy

Meaning: Worthy of trust or confidence; reliable.
Example: Primary sources in historical research are considered trustworthy for understanding past events.

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Band 9 Sample Answer For Writing Task 2 Question – Compare Advantages and Disadvantages of Three Media for Communicating Information

Unlock Band 9 Sample Answer and Vocabulary!

In this contemporary era of communication, radio, television, and the internet, each presents distinct methods of giving out information. Though I believe all three media are a good source to gain knowledge from, this essay will discuss both the merits and demerits relating to them.

When considering the advantages, radio serves as a dependable companion, consistently delivering stories and news happening around the world. Its accessibility is a welcoming gesture, catering to individuals engaged in various activities like cooking, driving, etc. When it comes to Television, it emerges as a visual narrator, illustrating vivid scenes with sound. Moreover, educational programs transform learning into a visual expedition, illustrating the marvels of our planet. Regarding the internet, it is an expansive repository of information, it operates as a virtual portal, allowing exploration at one’s own pace. Social media, a facet of the internet, establishes global connections, forming a virtual community.

On the other side, each of these mediums possesses inherent limitations as well. Radio, doesn’t have visuals, encounters challenges in elucidating intricate details and signal disruptions in remote areas can impede the seamless flow of communication. With television, despite its captivating visuals, may also induce sensory fatigue with prolonged exposure, and random channel surfing can result in information overload. The internet, despite its wealth of information, also contains pitfalls such as inaccurate data and misinformation, necessitating a misleading approach.

To conclude, I believe that in this diverse media availability, proper utilization of all three media ensures an enriching experience in this world of information sharing.

Band 9 Vocabulary

Expedition

Meaning: An organized journey or voyage for a particular purpose.
Example: Educational programs on television turn learning into a visual expedition.

Intricate

Meaning: Very detailed or complicated.
Example: Radio struggles with intricate details due to its lack of visuals.

Seamless

Meaning: Smooth and continuous, without any visible interruptions.
Example: Signal disruptions in remote areas can impede the seamless flow of radio communication.

Induce

Meaning: To bring about or cause.
Example: Prolonged exposure to television may induce sensory fatigue.

Overload

Meaning: An excessive amount or beyond capacity.
Example: Random channel surfing can result in information overload on television.

Repository

Meaning: A place or container where things are stored.
Example: The internet serves as an expansive repository of knowledge.

Pitfalls

Meaning: Hidden or unsuspected problems or dangers.
Example: The internet, while rich in information, has its share of pitfalls like misinformation.

Enriching

Meaning: Making something more meaningful or rewarding.
Example: Proper utilization of radio, television, and the internet ensures an enriching experience in information sharing.

How to Write a Band 7+ Essay for ‘Compare Advantages and Disadvantages of Three Media for Communicating Information’?

Learn some of the best IELTS Writing Task 2 tips for achieving Band 9 and to structure the IELTS essay, ‘Compare Advantages and Disadvantages of Three Media for Communicating Information’.

Understand the task clearly: You need to select 3 media types from the list, compare their advantages and disadvantages and identify which you consider the most effective overall. Do not discuss all six or don’t compare directly. Stick to three only and make comparisons.
Choose your three picks wisely: Pick media with clear and contrasting strengths/weaknesses. Avoid choosing three too similar (e.g., Film, Theater, Television) unless you can differentiate sharply. For example:
- Books, Television, and Radio (traditional + modern balance).
- Film, Television, and Comics (entertainment-focused).
Plan your essay (2–3 minutes): Planning helps you avoid going off-topic and ensures each paragraph is focused and balanced. So, use the outline given above to create a structure for your essay.
Craft a Strong Introduction: Do not copy the prompt. Rephrase it. And remember that Band 8+ introductions must:
- Set context: mention the role of media.
- State your three choices.
- Show direction: hint at your final judgment.
Include realistic examples: Avoid being vague. Examiners love specific examples drawn from your own experience (education, daily life) and world events (e.g., COVID news via TV, literature shaping culture).
State your opinion clearly: IELTS examiners want a clear, decisive stance. Do not be neutral or vague. Choose one medium as the most effective as it satisfies the Task Response criterion (Band 8–9).

Remember to proofread your essay for grammar, vocabulary, and spelling errors. These tips, combined with practice, will help you write well-structured and coherent IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantages/Disadvantages essays like the ‘Compare Advantages and Disadvantages of Three Media for Communicating Information IELTS Writing Task 2.’

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