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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

News editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers. What factors do you think influence these decisions? Do we become used to bad news? Would it be better if more good news was reported? Use your own ideas knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

News editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers. What factors do you think influence these decisions?

News editors play a crucial role in determining the content that is broadcasted on television and printed in newspapers. Several factors influence their decisions, including audience preferences, news value, and commercial interests. It is common for people to become desensitized to bad news due to its frequent coverage. However, incorporating more good news into media reports can have several benefits.

Firstly, news editors are influenced by the preferences of their target audience. They aim to provide content that aligns with the interests and concerns of the viewers or readers. For instance, if a significant portion of the audience is interested in political developments, the editors are likely to prioritize such news. Similarly, sensational or tragic events often attract more attention, leading editors to prioritize bad news over good news.

Secondly, news value is a critical factor in editorial decisions. Events that are deemed newsworthy due to their relevance, impact, proximity, or novelty are given priority. Unfortunately, bad news often meets these criteria, as it tends to have a more significant impact and is perceived as more relevant to the audience.

Furthermore, commercial interests also influence the decisions of news editors. Media outlets rely on advertising revenue, which can be influenced by viewership or readership. As such, there may be a tendency to prioritize content that attracts more attention, even if it is predominantly negative.

While it is true that people can become accustomed to bad news, incorporating more good news into media coverage can have a positive impact on society. By highlighting stories of human achievement, acts of kindness, and positive developments, media outlets can inspire and uplift their audience. Moreover, balanced reporting that includes positive news can contribute to a more optimistic and informed society.

In conclusion, news editors are influenced by audience preferences, news value, and commercial interests when making decisions about content. While people may become desensitized to bad news, incorporating more good news into media reports can have several benefits for society.

Model Essay #2:

News editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers. What factors do you think influence these decisions?

News editors have the critical responsibility of selecting the content that is broadcasted on television and printed in newspapers. Various factors influence these decisions, including the need for accurate and balanced reporting, the impact on public opinion, and the ethical obligation to provide a comprehensive view of events. While it is true that bad news often dominates the media, there are valid reasons for its prevalence and potential drawbacks to focusing solely on good news.

Firstly, news editors are driven by the need to provide accurate and balanced reporting to the public. It is essential for them to cover a wide range of events, including those that are distressing or negative, to ensure that the audience receives a comprehensive understanding of the world. While good news is undoubtedly important, omitting bad news would lead to an incomplete and biased portrayal of reality.

Secondly, the impact of news on public opinion is a significant factor in editorial decisions. Negative events often have a profound effect on society, leading to discussions, debates, and potential changes in policies or behaviors. By reporting on bad news, news editors can raise awareness about important issues and prompt constructive action from the public and authorities.

Furthermore, there is an ethical obligation for news outlets to report on all aspects of society, including the challenges and hardships that individuals and communities face. By shedding light on difficult situations, news editors can foster empathy and understanding among the audience, potentially leading to support for those in need and the initiation of positive change.

While it is important to acknowledge the prevalence of bad news in the media, solely focusing on good news may have drawbacks. Ignoring negative events could lead to a lack of awareness about critical issues, potential complacency, and a failure to address underlying problems. Therefore, a balanced approach that includes both good and bad news is essential for providing a comprehensive view of the world.

In conclusion, news editors are influenced by the need for accurate reporting, the impact on public opinion, and ethical obligations when making decisions about content. While there is a prevalence of bad news in the media, it is essential to recognize the importance of providing a comprehensive and balanced view of events to ensure an informed and engaged society.

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