IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)

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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer 1: [Agreement]

In contemporary times, there exists a contention that the portrayal of violence in the media contributes to an increase in violent behaviour within society. I am inclined to agree with this viewpoint as the depiction of violence in various forms of media tends to desensitise individuals and can potentially influence their actions.

To begin with, the omnipresence of violent content in media platforms such as movies, video games, and television programmes desensitises individuals to violent behaviour. Repeated exposure to graphic imagery and explicit content numbs the sensitivity towards violence, making it seem commonplace. For instance, studies have shown a correlation between prolonged exposure to violent video games and an increase in aggressive behaviour among adolescents, indicating the potential influence of media content on behaviour.

Moreover, media representations often glamorise and normalise violent actions, shaping societal perceptions about the acceptability of such behaviour. Characters portrayed as heroes in movies or television series sometimes resort to violent means to solve conflicts, inadvertently sending a message that violence can be a justifiable means to an end. This normalization of aggression can lead to a skewed understanding of conflict resolution among impressionable audiences. For example, action movie heroes like those in superhero films often defeat villains through intense violence, which audiences may cheer for. Over time, this repeated narrative may subtly suggest that aggression is an effective way to solve problems.

In conclusion, while acknowledging the importance of artistic freedom and the complexities of societal influences, it is imperative to recognise the responsibility of media in shaping perceptions and behaviour. Thus, measures to regulate and monitor violent content in media platforms should be considered to mitigate its potential negative effects on societal behaviour.

Model Answer 2: [Disagreement]

It is widely argued that the portrayal of violence in the media contributes to increased aggression in society. While this concern is understandable, I firmly disagree with the view that media violence is a significant cause of societal violence. In my opinion, the root causes of violence lie in deeper socio-economic and psychological factors, and media consumption alone cannot be held accountable.

First of all, numerous studies have shown that there is no direct causal link between consuming violent content and engaging in real-life violent behaviour. Millions of people across the globe watch action-packed movies, play violent video games, or follow crime dramas, yet the vast majority never exhibit aggressive tendencies. If media content were the primary influence, violent crime rates would rise in proportion to media consumption, which is not the case. For instance, countries like Japan and South Korea have high media usage rates but relatively low violent crime rates, suggesting that cultural and societal norms play a far more significant role.

Secondly, attributing violence in society solely to the media oversimplifies a complex issue. Factors such as poverty, lack of education, mental illness, and family breakdown are much stronger predictors of violent behaviour. Addressing these underlying problems through targeted social policies is far more effective than attempting to regulate media content. Moreover, responsible parenting and education can help children distinguish between fiction and reality, minimising any negative influence media might have.

In conclusion, while violent media may raise concerns, it is not a major contributor to violence in society. Deeper systemic issues must be addressed to effectively reduce violence, rather than blaming fictional portrayals.

Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:

Essay question:
Some people say that violence in the media promotes violence in society.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

Essay type:
Opinion Essay (Agree or Disagree).

The main question of this essay:
To what extent do you agree or disagree that violence in the media encourages violent behaviour in society?
 

Reasons why media violence promotes violence in society:

1. Desensitisation to violence:
Repeated exposure to violent content on television, films, and video games can make individuals, especially young viewers, less sensitive to real-life violence. This may lead to a reduced emotional response and normalisation of aggressive behaviour. For instance, studies have shown that children who watch violent cartoons or movies are more likely to engage in physical aggression during playtime.

2. Imitation of aggressive behaviour:
Media often portrays violent characters as powerful, successful, or heroic, which can influence viewers to mimic such behaviour in real life. This is particularly concerning for impressionable teenagers. For example, after watching violent action films, some adolescents attempt to recreate scenes, believing it to be a symbol of bravery or dominance.

3. Glorification of violence:
Violence is sometimes portrayed in the media as an acceptable or glamorous way to resolve conflict, which can shape public attitudes towards aggression. For instance, popular crime dramas often depict criminals as charismatic and fearless, indirectly promoting violent problem-solving.

4. Impact on mental health and behaviour:
Consuming violent media over time can lead to anxiety, fear, and aggressive thoughts, which may eventually manifest in real-life violent actions. For example, frequent exposure to disturbing content can influence unstable individuals to act out violently, believing the world to be inherently dangerous.

5. Reduced parental supervision and regulation:
In today’s digital age, children and adolescents often access violent media without sufficient adult guidance, making them more vulnerable to negative influences. For example, many young people binge-watch violent series on streaming platforms without any age restrictions or content warnings.
 

Why media violence does not necessarily promote societal violence:

1. Most people can distinguish fiction from reality:
Many individuals understand that media content is fictional and do not allow it to influence their real-life actions. Viewers often consume violent media purely for entertainment without emulating it. For instance, millions watch action-packed films or play shooter games without becoming aggressive or violent.

2. Other factors contribute more to societal violence:
Violence in society is often caused by deeper issues such as poverty, lack of education, family breakdown, and mental illness, not just media influence. For example, communities with high crime rates usually struggle with unemployment and inequality rather than media exposure.

3. Availability of non-violent media content:
People have the option to choose what they consume, and not all media promotes violence. There is a wide range of educational and peaceful content available. For example, platforms like Netflix and YouTube offer documentaries, comedies, and inspirational shows that promote positive values.

4. Role of censorship and content ratings:
Many countries have regulatory bodies that assign age ratings and restrict violent content from being accessed by vulnerable audiences. For example, the British Board of Film Classification ensures that age-inappropriate content is not shown to children in the UK.

5. Violent behaviour existed before modern media:
Violence has been a part of human history long before the invention of television or the internet, suggesting that media is not the root cause. For instance, historical records show widespread wars, crimes, and conflicts in societies without modern mass media.

Model Answer 3: [Agreement]

Many argue that the depiction of violence in the mass media encourages violence in society. I entirely agree with this opinion and believe that violent media content contributes to the prevalence of violence in society because it severely influences people and influences individuals to show aggressive behaviour.

Regular exposure to violence in the media can encourage people to real-life acts of violence. When the portrayal of violence in media becomes frequent, it may reduce emotional response and the feeling of shock associated with violent behaviour. Over time, people tend to lose their inhibitions about violence, thereby adopting a tolerant attitude towards aggressive behaviour. A recent study, for instance, has revealed that people who consume a substantial amount of violent media content, such as violent films or video games, may become used to violence. This normalisation of violence in someone's mind can make individuals less empathetic towards victims of violence and tend to engage in violent behaviour.

Likewise, media violence also promotes violence through glamorization. That is to say that the media often depicts violence in a way that glamorizes perpetrators as heroic, powerful and victorious. This, in turn, can create an overwhelming impression that violence is a necessary means of solving problems, achieving goals, or gaining dominance. Such depictions tend to encourage people, especially those who are vulnerable to aggressive tendencies, to view violence as a heroic act. For example, research carried out by psychologist L. Rowell Huesmann found that teenagers who watched extensive hours of violent TV shows associated with heroism when they were in primary school were more likely to exhibit higher levels of aggressive behaviour when they became adults.

To conclude, I think that media violence breeds violence in the community because it can desensitize individuals to violence and also encourage them to perform violent acts.

Model Answer 4: [Agreement]

It is often pointed out by many that the portrayal of violence in the media encourages violence in the community. I totally concur with this opinion because children and certain people may behave violently by watching it, and individuals also become numb to violence.

The prevalence of violence in mass media can make children aggressive. To commence with, children, nowadays, spend a considerable amount of time watching videos, like cartoons or films. Most of these programmes depict a sympathetic, strong and aggressive hero who can overcome every adverse situation by exercising miraculous power and thus solve his issues by brute force.  Since children and many people are unable to discriminate between exact right and wrong, they can take the aggressive behaviours of the fictional characters as a model. A case in point is recent research, which reveals that young children tend to imitate the aggressive behaviours they watch on television.

Likewise, the gruesome portrayals of violence in media breed violence in the community through desensitising people. This is because repeated exposure to violence normalizes violence over time and this, in turn, causes violent incidents in society. Put simply, desensitised individuals tend to downplay egregious harm done to others, thereby behaving violently. Desensitized people, in fact, consider that violence is a normal way of life and they resort to violence so as to solve conflicts. This is illustrated by the fact that people who are exposed to violent content may become desensitised to violence, emulate the violence, and show more aggressive behaviours.

To reiterate, the extensive viewing of media violence may cause behavioural issues because children, as well as many people, become aggressive by mimicking protagonists it may instil violence among desensitised people. 

• Agree/Disagree Essay
• IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Essay Sample
• Opinion Essay

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