Some people think that the best way to get the news is through newspapers while others think it is through online media. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Sample Response
It is argued by some that newspapers are the best source of receiving news while others believe that online media is better. While online news platforms can disseminate information instantly, I argue that print media is the best way to obtain authentic news.
Some argue that online media is the best medium for getting news. This is because online platforms broadcast news instantaneously, allowing readers to access and obtain information as it happens. Put simply, individuals can get breaking news through online media outlets, keeping themselves abreast of the latest developments. This instantaneity is particularly advantageous in rapidly unfolding events, such as war, natural disasters, or global crises. A case in point is "X" (formerly known as Twitter), a social media platform. It provides real-time updates on the Russia-Ukraine war. Despite this, I would argue that newspapers are a far better medium to have news.
Others, however, say that print media are a better medium to get news because of their credibility and trust. Unlike online platforms such as Facebook, which often contribute to the spread of misinformation due to the lack of authentic sources to obtain information, newspapers typically employ trained journalists who are expected to cross-check information, verify facts, and present unbiased reporting. This adherence to professional journalistic standards helps to ensure that news reported in newspapers is trustworthy. For example, The New York Times has a long history of upholding professional journalism standards, contributing to the authenticity of its reporting. For this reason, I think that newspapers are the best source of getting news.
To conclude, although many prefer online media when getting news, this essay, after weighing both views, finds that newspapers are a better option to obtain news due to their trustworthiness and professional journalists.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Use source of news Original: source of receiving news Suggested revision: source of news Why it matters: Source of news is the natural concise phrase.
- 2. Use reliable news Original: authentic Suggested revision: reliable Why it matters: Reliable describes the accuracy and trustworthiness intended here more naturally.
- 3. Use medium for news Original: best medium for getting news Suggested revision: best medium for news Why it matters: The shorter noun phrase avoids an unnecessary gerund.
- 4. Use publish instantly Original: broadcast news instantaneously Suggested revision: publish news instantly Why it matters: Publish is more accurate for online platforms, while instantly is the more natural adverb.
- 5. Remove redundant verb Original: access and obtain information Suggested revision: access information Why it matters: Access and obtain repeat the same idea in this context.
- 6. Use this immediacy Original: instantaneity Suggested revision: immediacy Why it matters: Immediacy is the conventional noun for receiving news without delay.
- 7. Use medium for news Original: medium to have news Suggested revision: medium for obtaining news Why it matters: Obtain news is the natural collocation, and medium takes for before its purpose.
- 8. Fix number and phrasing Original: print media are a better medium to get news Suggested revision: print media offer a better way to obtain news Why it matters: The plural subject cannot take the singular complement a medium in this construction.
- 9. Use credibility and reliability Original: trust Suggested revision: reliability Why it matters: Reliability names a quality of the medium, while trust refers to the reader's response.
- 10. Use source of news Original: source of getting news Suggested revision: source of news Why it matters: Source of news is the natural noun phrase.
- 11. Make reasons parallel Original: due to their trustworthiness and professional journalists Suggested revision: because they are trustworthy and employ professional journalists Why it matters: The revised clauses give parallel reasons and clarify that newspapers employ the journalists.
- 12. Sentence rewrite Original: Unlike online platforms such as Facebook, which often contribute to the spread of misinformation due to the lack of authentic sources to obtain information, newspapers typically employ trained journalists who are expected to cross-check information, verify facts, and present unbiased reporting. Suggested revision: Unlike online platforms such as Facebook, which may spread misinformation from unverified sources, newspapers typically employ trained journalists to cross-check information, verify facts, and provide unbiased reporting. Why it matters: The rewrite removes the awkward source phrase and makes the comparison and verb pattern clearer.
Suggested Rewrites
- source of receiving news source of news
- authentic reliable
- best medium for getting news best medium for news
- broadcast news instantaneously publish news instantly
- access and obtain information access information
- instantaneity immediacy
Why this response received Band 8.0
The response presents both views clearly, sustains a firm preference for newspapers, and supports each side with relevant examples and explanation. Its main limitation is that the contrast between online speed and print reliability is somewhat absolute and repetitive; the strongest improvement would be to evaluate credible digital outlets and the verification practices of both media more critically.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
Both views are directly addressed with well-developed reasons, relevant examples, and a consistent personal position.
Add nuance by considering trustworthy online journalism and explaining why newspapers would still be preferable.
Coherence and Cohesion
The four-paragraph structure is clear, ideas progress logically, and cohesive devices guide the comparison effectively.
Reduce repeated restatements of the speed-versus-credibility contrast to make the progression even tighter.
Lexical Resource
A wide and generally precise range of news-related vocabulary supports the argument effectively.
Refine occasional awkward collocations such as expressions about receiving or accessing news.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Varied complex sentence structures are used accurately, with only minor non-impeding lapses.
Polish article and preposition choices in a few longer sentences for more consistently natural expression.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
Some people think that the best way to get the news is through newspapers while others think it is through online media. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.