Model Answer - Ielts Writing (Task 2)

News editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers. What factors do you think influence these decisions? Do we become used to bad news? Would it be better if more good news was reported?

There are several factors that determine what editors select to appear on television and in newspapers. Each media has its own guidelines on how news is transmitted. This may be influenced by the management of the media who may take a particular slant. Other factors may include sensational stories that sell, emotional stories that sway public opinion, topics that interest viewers/readers etc.

Most of the time, we are exposed to bad news like viruses, food poisoning, natural disasters, accidents etc. After a while this bad news has no impact on us. There is less good news and it gets lost in all the bad news. I think we get accustomed to bad news and that is what we expect when we turn on the TV, radio or read a newspaper.

Without a doubt, good news is better but bad news sells. I can’t remember the last time I heard any good news. If more good news was shown, I think people would have a positive outlook to life and feel there is something to look forward to. Who wouldn’t be excited finding out about tax cuts, economic growth, low levels of unemployment etc.

News is broadcast around the clock and decided upon by editors who are influenced by external factors like how to make a profit for the station or newspaper, how to attract more audiences than their competitors, political affiliations etc. Bad news dominates the media and makes us immune to it. Positive news is rare but more of it would be appreciated.

Cambridge, Ielts 1 past papers, p.73.

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