It is becoming more and more difficult to escape the influence of the media on our lives. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living in a media rich society.
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Sample Response
The media facilitate communicationThe media is about communication and I suppose most of us would agree that, as human beings, weas human beings we need to communicate. We need to know what is happening in the wider worldwhat is going on in the world generally; we want to be entertained and to keep in touch with people. Older media, such as newspapers, radio and TV, helpradio and TV help us do this, but the newer media, particularly the internet and mobile phones, go furthermobile phones go further. We have more choice over what we watch and whom we talk tomore choice in terms of what we watch or who we talk to. I have an iPhone which allows me, using just one device, toallows me - just by using one device - to make phone calls, use the internet, listen to music, play games and watch videos. And it's all immediate, and portable. This access can make users feel in controlIt makes you feel in control, but there are disadvantages too. People are always texting and emailing each other, and ifeach other and if they don't have their phone or laptop with themphone or laptop around, they feel cut off. Also, have you seen a group of teenagers in a cafe where they're not talking to each other, but using their phones? This is a common and concerning sightIt's a very common sight these days, which many people feel is worrying, as we seem to prefer using technology to communicating face to faceprefer using technology to face-to-face communication. We may also be overwhelmed by the number of choicesWe are also spoilt for choice - perhaps too much choice. There are many TV channels, but many of the programmesThere are so many TV channels, but so many of the programmes are of poor qualityare poor quality. There is also extensive advertising around usThere's also so much advertising all around us, trying to persuade us to buy things we don't really need. To survive in such a society, you have to be very aware of the power the media can have over you, your actions and your opinions, and try not to let it control your life. To my mind, there's no doubt we live in a media-rich society, and this situation is unavoidablethere's nothing we can do about that. What we can do is use the media responsibly without allowing it to control ususe the media responsibly and not let it use us.
Why this response received Band 7.0
The response is fluent and engaging, using varied, specific examples to explain both the convenience and the risks of a media-rich society. Its main weakness is presentation as one continuous paragraph, while some points, particularly media quality and advertising, are introduced more briefly than they are analysed. The highest priority is to organise the argument into focused paragraphs and deepen the explanation of each main effect.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
Both sides of the question are addressed with relevant examples and a sensible concluding recommendation, though some disadvantages remain briefly developed.
Explain the consequences of poor-quality content and advertising more fully instead of adding them as short supporting points.
Coherence and Cohesion
Ideas progress logically and cohesive devices are generally natural, but the absence of paragraphing obscures the essay's major stages.
Separate the introduction, advantages, disadvantages, and conclusion into distinct paragraphs with clear topic sentences.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is flexible, natural, and well suited to the topic, with precise expressions for communication, choice, and influence.
Maintain this control while replacing occasional informal conversational phrasing with a consistently academic register.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A wide range of complex structures is handled accurately, with only occasional punctuation and construction lapses that do not impede meaning.
Refine comma placement and parallel phrasing, especially in long sentences and comparisons involving different forms of communication.