IELTS Writing Sample #160
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Many newspapers and magazines feature stories about the private lives of famous people. We know what they eat, where they buy their clothes and who they love. We also often see pictures of them in private situations.
Is it appropriate for a magazine or newspaper to give this kind of private information about people?
Give reasons for your answer.
Write at least 250 words.
Writing Tip
Structuring an essay is an important part of writing for IELTS. For a
Task 2 essay, use a standard essay structure consisting of separate paragraphs:
an
introduction (one paragraph), followed by the main
body of the essay (two or three paragraphs), then a
conclusion (one paragraph).
There are various connectors that are typically used for conclusions. The
first one on the list is the most unimaginative, and it is better to think
of a more interesting one if you can.
In conclusion, finally,
therefore, consequently,
clearly, it is clear,
on the whole, in other
words, generally speaking
You cannot score above Band 5 if you do not use any paragraph.
You cannot score above Band 6 if your paragraphs do not
have a clear central topic.
Sample answer
Generally, people read newspapers to find out about world current affairs and they read magazines to be entertained. Therefore, one would expect to find articles that feature the private lives of famous people in magazines rather than newspapers. However, nowadays, more and more newspapers include stories like these which are neither informative nor useful.
In my opinion, this type of gossip about people's
private lives should not be in newspapers for several reasons. Firstly, for example,
the fact that Princess Diana is going out with a sportsman is not important news.
Secondly, if newspapers want to publish articles about famous people they should
focus on their public events and achievements. In other words, if there is an article
about Princess Diana it should be about her works of charity, which will increase
public awareness of important problems. In addition, journalists should make sure
that they write about the facts only, not rumours. One should be able to rely on
newspapers for the actual truth.
Magazines, on the other hand, focus on social news. But I feel it is more acceptable
for them to contain some features about famous personalities. In addition to being
popular reading, these stories often benefit the stars by giving free publicity
to them, thereby helping their careers. However, I also believe that magazine stories
should not mention things that are too embarrassing or untrue just to attract people
to buy the magazine. Sensational stories, such as these, cause great unhappiness
to the people concerned.
In conclusion, I think newspapers should
concentrate on real news but magazines can feature some articles on people's
private lives.
(268 words)