Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 News

IELTS Writing Task 2 News is a new prompt that has recently appeared in the exam. According to the teachers at PREP, this topic has a medium level of difficulty. However, to achieve a high band score, you need to come up with specific ideas, create a detailed outline, and accurately apply grammar and vocabulary that are relevant to the topic.  Additionally, check out the article below from PREP to see how the teachers tackle this particular writing task.

*This sample was prepared by Mr. Nhat Pham, an IELTS 8.5 Overall achiever (9.0 Listening, 9.0 Reading, 8.0 Writing, 7.5 Speaking) and Marker Leader at PREP.

I. Prompt of IELTS Writing Task 2 News

The prompt of IELTS Writing Task 2 News: 

Some people believe that the newspaper is the best way to learn about news, while others believe that a more effective way is through other media. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

II. Task analysis and detailed outline for IELTS Writing Task 2 News

Before checking out the sample IELTS Writing Task 2 News, let's analyze the prompt and go through a detailed outline with PREP!

1. Task analysis

The IELTS Writing Task 2 News prompt has a medium level of difficulty. To achieve a high band score, test-takers need to provide specific ideas and apply relevant vocabulary.

2. Detailed Outline for IELTS Writing Task 2 News

Below is a suggested outline for IELTS Writing Task 2 News essay, provided by the top teachers at PREP. Review this and feel free to apply it during your IELTS preparation at home!

III. Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 News

Before checking out the sample essay for IELTS Writing Task 2 News, let's analyze the prompt and go through a detailed outline with PREP!

The news, with a variety of ways to access it, allows people to develop insight into the world. While some people think that newspapers are the best medium to learn about news, others prefer other media for their effectiveness. In this debate, I am inclined to agree with the latter view.

There are reasons to believe the claim about newspapers’ superiority. Firstly, these publications are often seen as reliable sources of information, as they are usually produced by experienced journalists and editors. Consequently, newspaper articles provide a more in-depth look at the unfolding stories, allowing readers to better understand the issue featured. In addition, as they are available as printed and online publications, newspapers can be easily accessed by the population. People who want to learn about current events can pick up newspapers from a newsstand on their way to work, read articles online, or pay a subscription fee to have the news delivered to them. It is therefore no exaggeration that the newspaper has remained popular for centuries.

However, other media can be just as effective in this regard. Televisions, for instance, are even more informative than newspapers as a news medium, as the coverage is visual. By watching newscasts on television, viewers can see the details, while commentary is provided audibly by the reporters. At the same time, televisions can be placed in public spaces like the airport or government buildings, ensuring universal access to information. The Internet is a competitor as well, thanks to being able to produce real-time updates. It provides places, such as social networks, where participants can contribute to developing news stories with their first-hand experience and perspectives. These points make it so that newspapers can easily pale in comparison to other means of obtaining news, in terms of effectiveness.

In conclusion, while newspapers can provide more in-depth analysis, news featured on other media are likely more accessible and up-to-date, which makes newspapers the inferior option. Nevertheless, it is up to the individual to decide which source of news is most suitable.

Vocabulary used in the sample essay for IELTS Writing Task 2 News: 

• Insight (n.): a deep understanding

• Superiority (n.): the state of being superior

• Publication (n.): a printed or digital work made available to the public

• Journalist (n.): a person who writes for newspapers, magazines, or news websites

• Unfold (v.): to gradually reveal or disclose

• Newsstand (n.): a place where newspapers and magazines are sold

• Subscription fee (n.): the cost to subscribe to a publication

• Coverage (n.): the reporting or reporting of a news story

• Newscast (n.): a broadcast news program

• Audibly (adv.): in a way that can be heard

• First-hand (adj.): direct, personal, and immediate

This article provides the most comprehensive IELTS Writing Task 2 News sample essay at band 8.0+. In addition to reviewing this sample, be sure to practice more IELTS Writing topics in the Virtual Practice Room at PREP to effectively build your knowledge and quickly achieve a high IELTS Overall band score!

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