Some people say that all popular TV programmes should aim to educate viewers about important social issues. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Sample Answer 1 : Band 8

It is widely discussed that all well-known television shows should attempt to raise public
awareness about social concerns. In my opinion, such initiatives by well-known entertainment
shows are necessary. The main reason for my viewpoint is that the general public extensively
watches all popular entertainment programmes. Therefore, by communicating a social
message, they may educate people about it. In the forthcoming paragraphs, I shall explain my
point of view.

These days, entertainment shows are popular among all ages and genders. Suppose TV shows
focus on teaching people about social concerns in their communities. Then it’s without a doubt
that it will reach the masses and subliminally inform and help people become more conscious
of the country’s problems. Moreover, these messages raise awareness of social concerns such
as rising crime, environmental difficulties, and many others that occur on a daily basis and pose
possible hazards and threats to people’s lives. Hence it allows people to defend themselves and
enhance their quality of life.

Another aspect to consider is that there aren’t enough mediums for individuals to learn about
the concerns. Because the publications that usually cover these topics, such as newspapers and
magazines, are not regularly read by the general public, especially young people. The best
method to reach out to them and pass on information, whether directly or indirectly, is through
entertainment programmes. Even if a portion of the show’s time is devoted to educational
programming, this would have a ripple effect on society at large.

In a way, it might also be true that such inclusion would jeopardize the essence of the
programs. However, program directors’ creativity can assist in delivering the social message
while still protecting the program’s core in a unique way.

To conclude, popular entertainment programmes are the most successful means of reaching
and influencing the public. Hence inclusion of social awareness segments is a laudable initiative
from the program owner

Structure of the essay

You were given an opinion essay which means you had to pick a side. So,

· Do you agree that all TV programmes should aim to educate viewers about important
social issues?

(or)

· Do you disagree that all TV programmes should aim to educate viewers about
important social issues?

Once you pick a side, you can start planning your essay and then writing it.

Don’t forget to state your opinion on it.

Question Paraphrased – It is widely discussed that all well-known television shows should
attempt to raise public awareness about social concerns.

Opinion – In my opinion, such initiatives by well-known entertainment shows are necessary. The
main reason for my viewpoint is that the general public extensively watches all popular
entertainment programmes.

A thesis statement – In the forthcoming paragraphs, I shall explain my point of view.

Body Paragraph 1:

Topic: How TV Programs can help increase awareness about social issues ?

Supporting points:

· Reaches the masses

· Subliminally informs and raises awareness

· Helps enhance quality of life

Body Paragraph 2:

Topic: Consumed by the masses

Supporting points:

· Best method to reach out to people

· Ripple effect on society

Conclusion:

Reiterated that popular entertainment programmes are the most successful means of reaching
and influencing the public by spreading awareness and supported the side taken in the
introduction.

Sample Answer 2 : Band 7.5

Some people believe that television programs designed to entertain should also contain educational content on social issues. I completely disagree with this idea and will discuss my reasons in the following essay.

Firstly, people should be free to watch television programs simply to be entertained, without having to be subjected to educational content. Quite often, people use television as an escape from their daily life, and as a tool for relaxation. It is unfair to suggest that they must be educated on social issues when they are simply wanting to escape by watching their favourite sitcom or cartoon. Furthermore, people should be free to choose whether they want to be educated about social issues or not. If they do, they are free to do the research themselves. Secondly, producers and directors should be free to create entertainment programs as they choose. Forcing them to incorporate ideology around social issues would be a violation of their freedom and artistic expression.

In addition, it is not the role of television channels to educate people about what is right and what is wrong within society. These are the responsibilities of parents and communities. There are many current social issues that remain controversial, such as climate change and LGBTQ issues. It would be impossible for a television program to give an unbiased opinion surrounding these issues, and therefore it would not be appropriate for television channels to spread propaganda through their programs, as this may only be to the benefit of certain groups of people with a particular way of thinking or opinion. For example, if a television program director had negative views about the LGBTQ community, it could have a particular effect on the way they manipulate their educational content.

In conclusion, I believe it is unfair to say that all entertainment programs should have educational value concerning social issues, as it would be almost impossible to create unbiased opinion and could result in the spread of propaganda.

Sample Answer 3 : Band 8

Critics of the quality of televisions shows these days argue that more educational programming related to key social issues is needed. In my opinion, though there are legitimate reasons to support such reforms, I believe television should be mainly for entertainment.

Those in favour of raising awareness of social problems claim that television is not currently serving a socially viable purpose. The most popular shows are dramas, comedies, and reality TV, all of which are purely for entertainment. If the time wasted on such shows was diverted towards educational programs, this would have a ripple effect on society at large. For example, more informed news shows about underprivileged segments of society could lead to outpourings of empathy and encourage a nuanced understanding of the causes of poverty. This greater awareness would translate to real action in many cases. Powerful figures and small activists alike could contribute to socially beneficial causes.

Nonetheless, the actual impact of the proposed changes is questionable and most people do not watch TV out of altruism. Raising awareness of social issues, depending on how it is handled and the self-righteousness of the programs, is just as likely to provoke a negative backlash and hinder progress. Moreover, people watch TV in order to relax and let their minds rest or to experience a feeling of excitement. Forcing viewers to think about complex societal problems would simply discourage them and they would instead watch videos on YouTube or Netflix. It would be impossible to regulate all media and there would be public uproar at the attempt.

In conclusion, though it would be ideal for television to inform citizens of social problems, this solution is not practical. Individuals will always seek out the pastimes that entertain, not educate, them the most.

Sample Answer 4 :

It is often argued that making aware people about crucial social issues should be an aim of the makers of every popular television entertainment programme. I do agree to the statement to a greater extent.

The predominant reason behind my agreement to the statement is that if this is done, significant social problems and their solutions can be reached to a wider circle of people. To be clearer, popular entertainment programmes have a considerable proportion of viewers irrespective of age and gender. If the directors of such programmes focus on educating the public on these crises, many of these can be addressed swiftly and effectively as it would reach a notable proportion of active population of a country.

The second reason why I align to the statement is that there are very few options to make people aware about such situations in such an effective manner. In the past, these issues were addressed through novels, poems and dramas. As television became an integral entertainment media, telecasters saw it as the best mode of information transfer; both directly and indirectly. For example, information is programmed and fed into the brains of the TV viewers through popular programmes like reality shows and comedy shows. Therefore, making such programmes is highly recommended.

I need to admit that often such inclusion would kill the essence of the programmes, and would affect their popularity. However, I think a creative director can address this particular issue appropriately.

To conclude, though there are questions regarding maintaining the popularity intact, I believe addressing social issues in popular TV programmes is really a good idea.

Sample Answer 5 : Band 7.5

Media content produced by TV stations is playing a key role in educating the general public. What kind of show should be considered by the media owners? A number of societies claim that the programs from electronic media such as television must contribute to improving audiences knowledge, especially related to social problems. I personally agree that it is a big responsibility carried out by television management to present more comprehensive and reliable content for their viewers.

To begin with, the media researchers concern that a plethora of information disseminated through all media channels are important because it has the capability to influence public opinion. For instance, when various entertainment programs on television publish certain issues such as disaster events in a particular destination, the channels should deliver trustworthy details as they will be absorbed by all individuals watching the show. All talents also need to encourage their followers to be more sensitive to the current situation and probably initiate social movements like an open donation.

Another point to consider is the financial benefit obtained by the media while they are providing positive content. This is because media aired important issues positively is tend to maintain their image in front of both sponsors and consumers. For example, if television stations run social projects and broadcast them through their media channel, they have the possibility to attract more people to watch them. As a result, a multitude of brands are willing to spend their money on the shows as it generates high viewer engagement and brands might promote their products effectively during the sponsorship program.

In conclusion, I absolutely agree that all entertainment shows with a high level of popularity need to bring forth educational content and contribute to enhancing viewers’ knowledge and understanding, especially in terms of social issues.