IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.
IELTS Essay # 1354 - Films based on true stories or historical events ought to be accurate
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Films that are based on true stories or historical events ought to be completely accurate.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [Agreement]
The authenticity of films that are based on true stories or historical events has been a subject of debate among filmmakers and audiences for a long with some arguing that these films should be completely accurate to preserve historical integrity. In this essay, I will express my agreement with the notion that films based on true events and historical facts should strive for the utmost accuracy.
Films that are based on true stories or historical events serve as an important medium for educating the masses about past events and their significance. Accuracy in these films is crucial to ensure that the audience gains a deeper understanding of history and its impact on society. When filmmakers take artistic liberties and alter historical facts, they risk misrepresenting significant events or individuals, which can lead to misconceptions and distortion of the truth. For example, the film "Schindler's List" directed by Steven Spielberg depicted the Holocaust and Oskar Schindler's efforts to save Jewish lives during World War II. The film's accuracy in portraying the atrocities of the Holocaust and Schindler's bravery contributed to its powerful impact on viewers, creating awareness and fostering empathy for the historical events it portrayed.
Moreover, films based on true stories often aim to honour the experiences and sacrifices of real people. Straying from accuracy can undermine the dignity and legacy of those who lived through the events. By maintaining fidelity to historical facts, filmmakers pay tribute to the individuals whose stories they tell, preserving their memory for future generations. For instance, the film "The Imitation Game" depicted the life of Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician and codebreaker during World War II. Staying true to Turing's struggles and achievements not only celebrated his contributions but also shed light on the injustice he faced due to his sexuality.
In conclusion, films based on true stories or historical events hold immense value in preserving history and honouring the individuals involved. Striving for complete accuracy ensures that these films serve as credible and impactful sources of historical education and empathy.
Model Answer 2: [Disagreement]
Some people claim that movies that touch on real events should be entirely accurate. I disagree with this statement because I think that filmmakers require compelling narratives and dramatic effects in order to engage audiences. That is why they should have the freedom to make the story compelling even if it means deviating from the truth to some extent.
The cogent reason why historical films may not be perfectly accurate is that captivating narrative plays an essential role in engaging audiences. Directors often fictionalise characters to craft narratives so that they can enhance audience engagement. In simple words, screenwriters create storytelling by crafting narratives that interweave historical facts and characters with enchanting plotlines. A case in point is “Braveheart” (1995), a Mel Gibson’s blockbusting film. The film portrays the life of Sir William Wallace, a Scottish Knight who fought for his country’s independence. The director exaggerates certain personality traits of Wallace to create a more fascinating narrative, yet it captures the very essence of the historical events.
The second strong reason why films based on true stories suffer from inaccuracy is that dramatic effect exceeds all other matters in importance so as to make a film. Directors often use creative liberty to make historical facts more dramatic. In order to do so, they add fictionalised characters, manipulate the sequence of events, or place emphasis on dramatic moments. While cinematic liberty can create a touching effect, a film may deviate from strict factual accuracy. By way of illustration, consider the film “Titanic” (1997) which is an artful blend of a love story and the real-life sinking of the Titanic. While the overall portrayal of the ship’s sinking remains true to history, the love story of Jack and Rose is completely fictional and crafted for dramatic impact. This film helped make the history of Titanic popular all around the world despite not being completely authentic in terms of its historical accuracy.
To conclude, movies based on historical events contain factual inaccuracy because captivating narratives and dramatic effects are the core components of making a film. Despite this slight deviation, such films make many historical events or personalities more popular than they ever were.
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