Most people these days prefer getting news online to reading newspapers or watching TV. Do you think it is a positive development?
IELTS Writing Task 2 : Opinion Essay
Sample Answer 1: Band 8
In the olden days, newspapers and television were the only source of information for people. But now, times have changed. The internet has gained a monopoly in this domain. Newspapers and television are swept away by the giant tide of the internet. In my opinion, this is not a positive development. In the forthcoming paragraphs, I shall explain the reasons for the same.
Primarily, newspapers are authentic sources of information. If they mishandle the content, they are liable to be sued in a defamation case. So they are more likely to be responsible when writing news. News writers are supposed to write in good language. So the reader’s knowledge of the language improves over a period of time. Besides, they also have crosswords, puzzles, and various other things apart from news. Also, they have a column where the reader can pen his views. So, it gives the chance for the reader to ponder over social issues and make his contribution; however small it may be. They have a dedicated column for children which is proven to improve language abilities. These are the primary reasons why schools force children to read newspapers.
Regarding TV channels, they are also bound by rules and regulations. So they cannot telecast forged content. A person gets to see the critical discussions in parliament, which is very useful in gaining knowledge about the stands of various political parties on burning issues.
On the other hand, the news on the internet is instant. The writers have unlimited freedom to write whatever they want on a particular issue. Online communication is dominating because of its capability to reach the masses within a very short time. The content is also small, well-suited to readers who surf news on their mobile and don’t have the patience to read large volumes of content.
Even though online news is succinct and reaches people at the speed of lightning, its content is not trustworthy. They are not bound by any laws and news authors are not held responsible for mistakes.
To summarise, though online news is gaining popularity due to its crisp content, they are no match to the authentic information by newspapers and television channels.
Structure of the essay
You were given an opinion essay which means you had to pick the side. So,
• Do you agree that it is a positive development?
(or)
• Do you disagree with the idea that it is a positive development?
Once you pick the side, you can start planning your essay and then writing it.
Don’t forget to state your opinion on it.
Question Paraphrased – In the olden days, newspapers and television were the
only source of information for people. But now, times have changed. The internet has gained a
monopoly in this domain. Newspapers and television are swept away by the giant tide of the
internet.
Opinion – In my opinion, this is not a positive development.
A thesis statement – In the forthcoming paragraphs, I shall explain the reasons for the same.
Body Paragraph 1:
Topic: Central idea: Importance and benefits of newspapers and tv channels
Supporting points:
• Authentic sources of information
• Writers held responsible for content
• Bound by laws
• Improves language abilities of the readers
• Telecasts of parliamentary discussions help the common man gain information on stands taken by various political parties.
Body Paragraph 2:
Topic: Central idea: Advantages of online news
Supporting points:
• Instant updates
• Reaches the masses in no time
• Succinct content for mobile readers
Conclusion:
Reiterated that though online content is succinct and reaches the masses in less time, newspapers and television channels are under compulsion to produce authentic news due to the fact that they are answerable to the law.
