IELTS Writing Task 2 – Topic: TWO – PART QUESTION
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1. 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, and would it be
better if more good news was reported? |
Answer
It is true that editors have to
make difficult decisions about which news stories they broadcast or publish,
and their choices are no doubt influenced by a variety of factors. In my
opinion, we are exposed to too much bad news, and I would welcome a greater
emphasis on good news.
Editors face a range of
considerations when deciding what news stories to focus on. Firstly, I imagine
that they have to consider whether viewers or readers will be interested enough
to choose their television channel or their newspaper over competing providers.
Secondly, news editors have a responsibility to inform the public about
important events and issues, and they should therefore prioritise stories that
are in the public interest. Finally, editors are probably under some pressure
from the owners who employ them. For example, a newspaper owner might have
particular political views that he or she wants to promote.
It seems to me that people do
become accustomed to negative news. We are exposed on a daily basis to stories
about war, crime, natural disasters and tragic human suffering around the
world. I believe that such repeated exposure gradually desensitises people, and
we become more cynical about the world and more sceptical that we can do
anything to change it. I would prefer to see more positive news stories, such
as reports of the work of medical staff after a natural disaster, or the
kindness of volunteers who help in their communities. This kind of news might
inspire us all to lead better lives.
In conclusion, it must be
extremely difficult for editors to choose which news stories to present, but I
would like to see a more positive approach to this vital public service.
(285 words, band 9)
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2. Economic progress is often used to
measure a country’s success. However, some people believe that other factors
are more important. What other factors should also be considered when
measuring a country’s success? Do you think one factor is more important than
others? |
Answer
The relative success of different
countries is usually defined in economic terms. There are several other
factors, apart from the economy, that could be used to assess a country, and in
my opinion education is the most important of all.
Standards of education, health
and individual human rights should certainly be considered when measuring a
country’s status. A good education system is vital for the development of any
nation, with schools, colleges and universities bearing the responsibility for
the quality of future generations of workers. Healthcare provision is also an
indicator of the standard of living within a country, and this can be measured
by looking at average life expectancy rates or availability of medical
services. Finally, human rights and levels of equality could be taken into
account. For example, a country in which women do not have the same
opportunities as men might be considered less successful than a country with
better gender equality.
In my view, a country’s education
system should be seen as the most important indicator of its success and level
of development. This is because education has a considerable effect on the
other two factors mentioned above. It affects people’s health in the sense that
doctors and nurses need to be trained, and scientists need to be educated to
the highest levels before they can carry out medical research. It also affects
the economy in the sense that a well-educated workforce will allow a variety of
companies and industries to flourish, leading to trade with other countries,
and increased wealth.
In conclusion, nations can be
assessed and compared in a variety of ways, but I would argue that the standard
of a country’s education system is the best measure of its success.
(288 words, band 9)
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3. Many people prefer to watch foreign
films rather than locally produced films. |
Answer
It is true that foreign films are
more popular in many countries than domestically produced films. There could be
several reasons why this is the case, and I believe that governments should
promote local film-making by subsidising the industry.
There are various reasons why
many people find foreign films more enjoyable than the films produced in their
own countries. Firstly, the established film industries in certain countries
have huge budgets for action, special effects and to shoot scenes in spectacular
locations. Hollywood blockbusters like ‘Avatar’ or the James Bond films are
examples of such productions, and their global appeal is undeniable. Another
reason why these big-budget films are so successful is that they often star the
most famous actors and actresses, and they are made by the most accomplished
producers and directors. The poor quality, low-budget filmmaking in many
countries suffers in comparison.
In my view, governments should
support local film industries financially. In every country, there may be
talented amateur film-makers who just need to be given the opportunity to prove
themselves. To compete with big-budget productions from overseas, these people
need money to pay for film crews, actors and a host of other costs related to
producing high-quality films. If governments did help with these costs, they
would see an increase in employment in the film industry, income from film
sales, and perhaps even a rise in tourist numbers. New Zealand, for example,
has seen an increase in tourism related to the ‘Lord of the Rings’ films, which
were partly funded by government subsidies.
In conclusion, I believe that
increased financial support could help to raise the quality of locally made
films and allow them to compete with the foreign productions that currently
dominate the market.
(294 words, band 9)
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4. These days more fathers stay at home
and take care of their children while mothers go out to work. What could be
the reasons for this? Do you think it is a positive or a negative
development? |
Answer
It is true that men are
increasingly likely to take on the role of househusband, while more women than
ever are the breadwinners in their families. There could be several reasons for
this, and I consider it to be a very positive trend.
In recent years, parents have had
to adapt to various changes in our societies. Equal rights movements have made
great progress, and it has become normal for women to gain qualifications and
pursue a career. It has also become socially acceptable for men to stay at home
and look after their children. At the same time, the rising cost of living has
meant that both marriage partners usually need to work and save money before
starting a family. Therefore, when couples have children, they may decide who
works and who stays at home depending on the personal preference of each
partner, or based on which partner earns the most money.
In my view, the changes described
above should be seen as progress. We should be happy to live in a society in
which men and women have equal opportunities, and in which women are not put
under pressure to sacrifice their careers. Equally, it seems only fair that men
should be free to leave their jobs in order to assume childcare
responsibilities if this is what they wish to do. Couples should be left to
make their own decisions about which parental role each partner takes,
according to their particular circumstances and needs.
In conclusion, the changing roles
of men and women in the family are a result of wider changes in society, and I
believe that these developments are desirable.
(274 words, band 9)
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5. Happiness is considered very
important in life. Why is it difficult to define? What factors are important
in achieving happiness? |
Answer
It is no doubt true that the
majority of people would like to be happy in their lives. While the personal
nature of happiness makes it difficult to describe, there do seem to be some
common needs that we all share with regard to experiencing or achieving
happiness.
Happiness is difficult to define
because it means something different to each individual person. Nobody can
fully understand or experience another person’s feelings, and we all have our
own particular passions from which we take pleasure. Some people, for example,
derive a sense of satisfaction from earning money or achieving success, whereas
for others, health and family are much more important. At the same time, a
range of other feelings, from excitement to peacefulness, may be associated
with the idea of happiness, and the same person may therefore feel happy in a
variety of different ways.
Although it seems almost
impossible to give a precise definition of happiness, most people would agree
that there are some basic preconditions to achieving it. Firstly, it is hard
for a person to be happy if he or she does not have a safe place to live and
enough food to eat. Our basic survival needs must surely be met before we can
lead a pleasant life. Secondly, the greatest joy in life is usually found in
shared experiences with family and friends, and it is rare to find a person who
is content to live in complete isolation. Other key factors could be individual
freedom and a sense of purpose in life.
In conclusion, happiness is difficult to define because it is particular to
each individual, but I believe that our basic needs for shelter, food and
company need to be fulfilled before we can experience it.
(292 words, band 9)
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