IELTS Writing Task 2: Language Of Media — Band 6.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

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The Prompt

Paraphrased Prompt: The language used in media has become more informal and casual. Some people believe this is a positive development, while others think it is a negative trend. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The language in media is becoming more casual and informal. Some people think this is good, but others disagree. I think it is a bad thing.

On one hand, some people say casual language makes media more fun. They think it is easier to understand and more interesting. For example, social media uses slang and short forms. This makes it quick to read. Also, casual language can make people feel more connected. They feel like they are talking to a friend.

However, I think casual language is not good. First, it can make media less professional. News and important information should be clear and serious. If language is too casual, people might not take it seriously. For example, a news report using slang might seem less important. Second, casual language can be confusing. Not everyone understands slang and short forms. Older people or people from different countries might have trouble understanding.

In conclusion, I believe casual language in media is a bad trend. It makes media less professional and can confuse people. Media should use clear and formal language.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: Presents a clear position but lacks depth and complexity. Arguments are relevant but underdeveloped.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition and simplistic transitions.
• Lexical Resource: Uses some less common vocabulary but with frequent errors and limited range.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Makes frequent grammatical errors and has limited sentence variety.

Band 7.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The increasing informality of language in media has sparked debate. While some view it as a positive trend, others express concern. I believe the negative aspects outweigh the benefits.

Proponents argue that informal language makes media more engaging. They contend that casual language resonates better with younger audiences, who are more accustomed to slang and abbreviations. For instance, social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram frequently use informal language to connect with users. Additionally, informal language can make complex information more accessible. Technical jargon can be intimidating, but simpler language can help people understand important issues.

However, I contend that the drawbacks are more significant. Firstly, informal language can undermine the credibility of media outlets. News organizations, in particular, rely on their reputation for accuracy and professionalism. When they use casual language, they risk appearing less authoritative. For example, a news report using slang might seem less reliable to serious readers. Secondly, informal language can exclude certain groups. Not everyone is familiar with the latest slang or internet abbreviations. Older adults or non-native speakers might struggle to understand media content that relies heavily on informal language.

In conclusion, while informal language in media has its advantages, the potential drawbacks are more concerning. Media outlets should strive to use language that is both engaging and accessible to all audiences.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported arguments.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear transitions and progression.
• Lexical Resource: Uses a mix of common and less common vocabulary with some flexibility and precision.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Makes occasional errors but has a mix of simple and complex sentence forms.

Band 8.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The shift towards informality in media language has become a contentious issue. While some advocate for its benefits, others decry its potential pitfalls. I firmly believe that the negative consequences outweigh any advantages.

Advocates of informal language argue that it fosters a sense of connection and relatability. They posit that casual language makes media content more appealing to younger audiences, who are more attuned to contemporary slang and digital abbreviations. For example, popular YouTubers and influencers often use informal language to engage their followers. Moreover, informal language can demystify complex topics. By avoiding jargon and technical terms, media can make information more digestible for the general public.

Nevertheless, I maintain that the disadvantages are more pronounced. Firstly, informal language can dilute the seriousness of media content. News outlets, in particular, must maintain a certain level of formality to preserve their integrity. When they resort to casual language, they risk trivializing important issues. For instance, a news report on a critical political event should not use slang or colloquial expressions. Secondly, informal language can alienate certain demographics. Not everyone is conversant with the latest slang or internet acronyms. Elderly individuals or those from different cultural backgrounds might find it challenging to comprehend media content that is heavily laden with informal language.

In conclusion, while informal language in media has its merits, the potential drawbacks are more alarming. Media organizations should aim to strike a balance between engagement and inclusivity, using language that is both captivating and comprehensible to a diverse audience.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported arguments. Arguments are well-developed and logically organized.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear transitions and progression. Paragraphing is effective.
• Lexical Resource: Uses a wide range of vocabulary with flexibility and precision. Rarely makes lexical errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Informal: Not formal or official; casual.

• Example: The use of informal language in media can make content more engaging.

1. Casual: Relaxed and informal; not formal or serious.

• Example: Casual language can make media more accessible to younger audiences.

1. Engaging: Attracting or holding interest or attention.

• Example: Informal language can make media content more engaging.

1. Slang: Very informal language that is often used in specific social groups.

• Example: Social media platforms often use slang to connect with users.

1. Abbreviations: Shortened forms of words or phrases.

• Example: Internet abbreviations like 'LOL' are common in informal language.

1. Credibility: The quality of being trusted and believed in.

• Example: Informal language can undermine the credibility of media outlets.

1. Exclude: To prevent someone or something from being included.

• Example: Informal language can exclude certain groups of people.

1. Accessible: Easy to understand or reach.

• Example: Informal language can make complex information more accessible.

1. Jargon: Special words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group.

• Example: Technical jargon can be intimidating to some readers.

1. Demystify: To make something less mysterious or confusing.

• Example: Informal language can demystify complex topics.

1. Trivializing: Making something seem less important or serious.

• Example: Informal language can trivialize important issues.

1. Alienate: To make someone feel isolated or estranged.

• Example: Informal language can alienate certain demographics.

1. Comprehensible: Easy to understand.

• Example: Media should use language that is comprehensible to a diverse audience.

1. Relatability: The quality of being easy to relate to or understand.

• Example: Informal language can increase the relatability of media content.

1. Contemporary: Belonging to or occurring in the present.

• Example: Contemporary slang is often used in informal language.

1. Abbreviations: Shortened forms of words or phrases.

• Example: Internet abbreviations like 'LOL' are common in informal language.

1. Demographics: The characteristics of human populations.

• Example: Informal language can alienate certain demographics.

1. Integrity: The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.

• Example: News outlets must maintain their integrity by using formal language.

1. Digestible: Easy to understand or process.

• Example: Informal language can make complex information more digestible.

1. Inclusivity: The practice of including all groups in society.

• Example: Media should aim for inclusivity in their language use.

Common Mistakes

1. Overuse of Informal Language: Some test-takers make the mistake of using too much informal language in their essays, which can make their writing seem less serious and professional.

1. Lack of Clear Position: Failing to present a clear position on the issue can result in a lower score for Task Response. It's important to state your opinion clearly and support it with relevant arguments.

1. Repetition: Repeating the same ideas or words can make your writing seem less coherent and cohesive. Try to use a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures.

1. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical errors can lower your score for Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Make sure to proofread your essay for any mistakes.

1. Lack of Examples: Failing to provide examples to support your arguments can make your writing seem less convincing. Try to include specific examples to illustrate your points.

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