Many people no longer read newspapers or watch TV programs to get news. They get news about the world through the Internet.

Practice this IELTS Writing Task 2 question on IELTSX. Many people no longer read newspapers or watch TV programs to get news. They get news about the world through the Internet.

Internet News vs Newspapers TV Programs Positive Negative Development - IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Is this a positive or negative development?

Write at least 250 words.

A student's answer to this task, and the feedback on it

Written by an IELTSX user under exam conditions and published unedited and anonymously. Band 7 ยท 280 words.

In recent years, people no longer read newspapers or watch TV to know knews and instead prefer using the Internet. In my view, this is mostly a positive development, since it can provide not only conveniece but also various sources of news instead of relying solely on TV and newspapers, however, it is still important to improve people media's literacy, as misinformation can still cause negative consequences.

One major advantage of online news is speed and convenience. Unlike newspapers or TV programmes, which are published and broadcasted at a fixed time, digital news can be updated almost immediately. This allows people follow important events as they happens. For example, during natural disasters or political elections, online new can help people keep up with information and receive urgent updates quickly and react accordingly. Another benefit is that the Internet gives access to a wider range of perspectives. Instead of relying solely on one News or TV channel, people can choose and compare reports from different countries and media organisations. As a result, people can develop a more balanced understanding of global events.

However, this develop is not entirely positive. Online news can spread misinformation very quickly, especially on social media, where people can share headlines without double checking its actual source whether it is accurate. This can mislead the public and create unnecessary confusion. Therefore, people need to develop media literacy and understand how to check and find reliable sources before accepting information as true.

In conclusion, getting news through the Internet is mostly positive because it is fast, convenient and easier to compare different sources of information. However, users should be careful with misinformation and rely only on trustworthy resources.

Examiner feedback

This is a strong Band 7.0 essay that addresses the prompt with clarity and logical structure. The argument is well-sustained throughout, and the candidate demonstrates a good command of both vocabulary and complex grammatical structures, despite a few minor linguistic slips.

Task Response - 7

- The response fully addresses all parts of the task, clearly stating a position that the shift is 'mostly positive'. - Main ideas are presented and supported, particularly regarding speed, variety of perspectives, and the risk of misinformation. - The conclusion reinforces the initial position, though the discussion on media literacy could be slightly more extended to match the depth of the advantages.

Coherence & Cohesion - 7

- Information and ideas are logically organized with a clear overall progression from the introduction to the conclusion. - Cohesive devices are used effectively (e.g., 'One major advantage', 'However', 'Therefore'), though some transitions within paragraphs are a bit mechanical. - Each paragraph has a clear central topic that supports the overall argument.

Lexical Resource - 7

- A sufficient range of vocabulary is used to allow for flexibility and precision (e.g., 'media literacy', 'misinformation', 'balanced understanding'). - There are some minor errors in spelling ('conveniece') and word formation ('online new', 'this develop'). - Collocations are generally appropriate, though some phrases lack the natural flow of a native speaker.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 7

- A variety of complex structures is used, including conditional and subordinate clauses. - Frequent error-free sentences are produced, but some slips occur in subject-verb agreement and word forms (e.g., 'allows people follow', 'events as they happens'). - Punctuation is generally well-controlled, though some run-on sentences appear in the introduction.

Related prompts

Start Practice