IELTS Writing Task 2: Reality TV Discussion Sample Band 9

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The Prompt

Discuss the following statement:

Reality TV shows are harmful to society as they promote unrealistic lifestyles and negative behaviors.

Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response: 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development
• Coherence and Cohesion: 6.0 - Uses some cohesive devices but with frequent lapses
• Lexical Resource: 6.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate and inaccurate vocabulary
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 6.0 - Makes frequent grammatical errors

Answer:

Reality TV shows are very popular but they are not good for society. Many people watch these shows and think that the lifestyles shown are normal. This is not true. The people on these shows have a lot of money and live in big houses. They also have many problems in their lives. This is not realistic for most people.

Reality TV shows also promote negative behaviors. For example, people on these shows often fight with each other. They also lie and cheat to win. This is not a good example for society. Children who watch these shows may think that this behavior is okay.

In conclusion, reality TV shows are not good for society. They promote unrealistic lifestyles and negative behaviors. People should watch these shows less and spend more time doing other activities.

Band 7.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response: 7.0 - Presents a clear position with some development
• Coherence and Cohesion: 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some lapses
• Lexical Resource: 7.0 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors

Answer:

The assertion that reality TV shows are detrimental to society due to their promotion of unrealistic lifestyles and negative behaviors warrants careful examination. Proponents of this view argue that these shows often depict extravagant lifestyles that are far removed from the everyday experiences of the average person. For instance, shows like "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" portray a lifestyle of luxury and excess that is unattainable for most viewers. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with one's own life.

Furthermore, reality TV shows often glorify negative behaviors such as conflict and drama. Shows like "Jersey Shore" and "The Real Housewives" series are notorious for their depictions of arguments, betrayals, and other unsavory behaviors. While these shows are entertaining, they send a problematic message to viewers, particularly young audiences, about what is acceptable behavior.

However, it is important to note that reality TV can also have positive effects. For example, shows like "MasterChef" and "The Great British Bake Off" promote creativity and skill development. These shows can inspire viewers to try new things and improve their own abilities.

In conclusion, while reality TV shows can promote unrealistic lifestyles and negative behaviors, they can also have positive effects. It is up to viewers to be critical consumers of media and to recognize the difference between reality and entertainment.

Band 8.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response: 8.0 - Presents a clear position with extensive development
• Coherence and Cohesion: 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with only minor lapses
• Lexical Resource: 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items used appropriately
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with only occasional errors

Answer:

The notion that reality TV shows are harmful to society due to their promotion of unrealistic lifestyles and negative behaviors is a contentious one. While it is true that many reality TV shows depict lifestyles that are far removed from the everyday experiences of the average person, it is also important to recognize that these shows are a form of entertainment and not a reflection of real life.

For example, shows like "The Real Housewives" series often depict characters living in luxurious homes, driving expensive cars, and engaging in extravagant activities. While these lifestyles may be unrealistic for most viewers, they are also clearly presented as such. Viewers are aware that these lifestyles are not the norm and that the characters on the show are playing a role.

Furthermore, reality TV shows often depict negative behaviors such as conflict and drama. However, these behaviors are often presented in a way that is clearly meant to be entertaining rather than instructive. Viewers are not meant to emulate the behaviors of the characters on the show, but rather to be entertained by them.

That being said, it is important for viewers to be critical consumers of media. They should recognize that reality TV shows are a form of entertainment and not a reflection of real life. They should also recognize that the behaviors depicted on these shows are often exaggerated for dramatic effect and should not be taken as examples of acceptable behavior.

In conclusion, while reality TV shows may promote unrealistic lifestyles and negative behaviors, they are ultimately a form of entertainment. It is up to viewers to be critical consumers of media and to recognize the difference between reality and entertainment.

Band 9.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response: 9.0 - Presents a clear position with extensive development and support
• Coherence and Cohesion: 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively and flexibly with no lapses
• Lexical Resource: 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with high degree of precision and sophistication
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 9.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with rare errors

Answer:

The assertion that reality TV shows are detrimental to society due to their promotion of unrealistic lifestyles and negative behaviors is a multifaceted issue that warrants nuanced examination. While it is undeniable that many reality TV shows depict lifestyles that are far removed from the everyday experiences of the average person, it is also important to recognize that these shows serve a variety of functions and can have both positive and negative effects.

On one hand, reality TV shows often depict lifestyles that are unattainable for most viewers. For example, shows like "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" and "The Real Housewives" series often depict characters living in luxurious homes, driving expensive cars, and engaging in extravagant activities. While these lifestyles may be unrealistic for most viewers, they can also be aspirational. Viewers may be inspired to work hard and achieve their own goals, even if they never achieve the same level of wealth and success as the characters on the show.

On the other hand, reality TV shows often depict negative behaviors such as conflict and drama. However, these behaviors are often presented in a way that is clearly meant to be entertaining rather than instructive. Viewers are not meant to emulate the behaviors of the characters on the show, but rather to be entertained by them. Furthermore, many reality TV shows also depict positive behaviors such as teamwork, creativity, and resilience. For example, shows like "MasterChef" and "The Great British Bake Off" often depict contestants working together to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

In conclusion, while reality TV shows may promote unrealistic lifestyles and negative behaviors, they can also have positive effects. It is up to viewers to be critical consumers of media and to recognize the difference between reality and entertainment. By doing so, they can enjoy these shows while also being aware of their potential impacts on society.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Detrimental (adjective) - causing harm or damage

• Example: The detrimental effects of reality TV on society are a contentious issue.

1. Unattainable (adjective) - impossible to achieve or obtain

• Example: The lifestyles depicted on reality TV shows are often unattainable for most viewers.

1. Aspirational (adjective) - relating to or characterized by ambition and aspiration

• Example: Reality TV shows can be aspirational, inspiring viewers to work hard and achieve their goals.

1. Nuanced (adjective) - characterized by subtle differences or distinctions

• Example: The issue of reality TV's impact on society is a nuanced one that warrants careful examination.

1. Exaggerated (adjective) - represented as larger, greater, or more important than is actually the case

• Example: The behaviors depicted on reality TV shows are often exaggerated for dramatic effect.

1. Contentious (adjective) - causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument

• Example: The assertion that reality TV shows are harmful to society is a contentious one.

1. Multifaceted (adjective) - having many different aspects or features

• Example: The issue of reality TV's impact on society is a multifaceted one.

1. Resilience (noun) - the ability to recover quickly from difficulties

• Example: Many reality TV shows depict contestants demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges.

1. Extravagant (adjective) - lacking restraint in the use of resources

• Example: The lifestyles depicted on reality TV shows are often extravagant and unrealistic.

1. Critical (adjective) - expressing or involving an analysis of the merits and faults of a work of literature, music, or art

• Example: Viewers should be critical consumers of media and recognize the difference between reality and entertainment.

1. Glorify (verb) - to represent or portray someone or something as better or more important than they really are

• Example: Reality TV shows often glorify negative behaviors such as conflict and drama.

1. Inadequacy (noun) - the state of being inadequate or insufficient

• Example: Viewers may feel a sense of inadequacy when comparing their own lives to the unrealistic lifestyles depicted on reality TV shows.

1. Dissatisfaction (noun) - a feeling of discontent or dissatisfaction

• Example: Viewers may experience dissatisfaction with their own lives after watching reality TV shows.

1. Exemplify (verb) - to be a typical example of something

• Example: The behaviors depicted on reality TV shows should not be taken as examples of acceptable behavior to exemplify.

1. Instructive (adjective) - providing useful or helpful information or advice

• Example: The behaviors depicted on reality TV shows are often presented in a way that is meant to be entertaining rather than instructive.

1. Emulate (verb) - to try to be like someone or something that you admire

• Example: Viewers are not meant to emulate the behaviors of the characters on reality TV shows.

1. Depict (verb) - to represent something in a painting, drawing, or other artistic work

• Example: Reality TV shows often depict characters living in luxurious homes and driving expensive cars.

1. Extrinsic (adjective) - not part of the essential nature of someone or something; coming from outside

• Example: The lifestyles depicted on reality TV shows are often extrinsic to the everyday experiences of the average person.

1. Intrinsic (adjective) - belonging naturally; essential

• Example: The positive behaviors depicted on reality TV shows can be intrinsic to the show's entertainment value.

1. Multifarious (adjective) - having or occurring in great variety

• Example: The impacts of reality TV on society are multifarious and complex.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Overgeneralizing: Students often make sweeping statements about reality TV without providing specific examples or evidence to support their claims.

1. Lack of Critical Analysis: Students may present a one-sided argument without considering the nuances of the issue or acknowledging the potential positive effects of reality TV.

1. Inaccurate Vocabulary Use: Students may use advanced vocabulary incorrectly, which can detract from the overall quality of their writing.

1. Poor Organization: Students may struggle to organize their ideas coherently, leading to a lack of clarity and focus in their writing.

1. Grammatical Errors: Students may make frequent grammatical errors, which can make their writing difficult to understand and detract from their overall score.

1. Repetition: Students may repeat the same ideas or phrases throughout their writing, which can make their writing seem less sophisticated and less engaging.

1. Lack of Task Achievement: Students may fail to fully address the task prompt, either by providing insufficient development of their ideas or by going off-topic entirely.

1. Inadequate Cohesion and Cohesion: Students may struggle to use cohesive devices effectively, leading to a lack of cohesion and coherence in their writing.

1. Overuse of Informal Language: Students may use informal language or slang in their writing, which is inappropriate for an academic task like IELTS Writing Task 2.

1. Lack of Precision: Students may use vague or imprecise language, which can make their writing seem less sophisticated and less convincing.

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