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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

News stories on TV and in newspapers are very often accompanied by pictures. Some people say that these pictures are more effective than words.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

News stories on TV and in newspapers are very often accompanied by pictures.

News stories on TV and in newspapers are very often accompanied by pictures. Some people say that these pictures are more effective than words. I believe that pictures can be more powerful than words in conveying information and evoking emotions.

Firstly, pictures have the ability to capture a moment and convey a message instantaneously. For example, a photograph of a natural disaster can vividly depict the devastation and suffering, creating a stronger emotional impact than a written description. This immediacy and visual impact can make pictures more effective in grabbing the audience's attention and conveying the gravity of a situation.

Moreover, pictures have a universal appeal as they transcend language barriers. A powerful image can resonate with people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, whereas written words may require translation and may not always convey the same intensity of emotion. For instance, a picture of a humanitarian crisis can evoke empathy and understanding across the globe, making it a potent tool for raising awareness and mobilizing support.

However, it is important to acknowledge that words can provide context, analysis, and a deeper understanding of a news story. While pictures can evoke emotions and capture the immediate impact of an event, words are essential for providing background information, explaining the complexities of an issue, and offering a comprehensive analysis.

In conclusion, while both words and pictures have their strengths, I believe that pictures can be more effective in conveying the immediate impact and emotional resonance of a news story. However, a combination of both words and pictures is often necessary to provide a complete understanding of complex issues and events.

Model Essay #2:

News stories on TV and in newspapers are very often accompanied by pictures.

News stories on TV and in newspapers are very often accompanied by pictures. Some people say that these pictures are more effective than words. However, I believe that while pictures can be powerful, words are equally essential in conveying the full depth and understanding of a news story.

To begin with, words have the capacity to provide context, analysis, and detailed information that pictures alone cannot convey. Through written articles, journalists can delve into the background of an event, provide historical context, and offer in-depth analysis, which is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of complex issues. For instance, a written report on a political development can offer a nuanced explanation of the underlying factors and implications, providing readers with a deeper understanding.

Furthermore, words have the ability to elicit critical thinking and provoke intellectual engagement. In contrast to pictures, which may evoke immediate emotions, well-crafted words can stimulate readers to question, analyze, and form their own opinions. Engaging with written information can lead to a more profound and lasting impact, as it encourages readers to think critically and reflect on the content presented.

While pictures can capture a moment and convey strong emotions, they may also lack the ability to provide a complete and nuanced understanding of a news story. In this regard, words play a crucial role in complementing the visual elements, offering a more comprehensive and multi-dimensional representation of events and issues.

In conclusion, while pictures can be impactful and emotionally resonant, words are indispensable in providing context, analysis, and encouraging critical thinking. Both words and pictures have their respective strengths, and a combination of the two is often necessary to convey the full depth and complexity of news stories.

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