IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.
IELTS Essay # 1488 - Reading books keeps a person’s mind active
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Reading books keeps a person’s mind active, whereas watching films and television is passive and does not require a person to use their imagination.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [Agreement]
In today's media-driven world, the debate between the mental engagement offered by reading books compared to the passive nature of watching films and television programmes persists. Personally, I concur with the notion that reading books stimulates mental activity more actively than watching films or television, as books necessitate the engagement of one's imagination and cognitive faculties.
Primarily, reading necessitates an active participation of the mind. When engrossed in a book, readers actively construct the story’s visuals, characters, and settings within their minds. For instance, the renowned literary works of Tolkien in "The Lord of the Rings" series or Rowling's "Harry Potter" demand readers to envision and create elaborate worlds, stimulating the imagination vividly. In contrast, visual mediums like films and television provide a more passive experience, offering viewers pre-imagined visuals and limiting the depth of creative engagement.
Moreover, reading fosters critical thinking and mental dexterity. It prompts readers to interpret and analyze information, encouraging active engagement with the text. For instance, analyzing complex narratives or discerning symbolism in literary classics, such as George Orwell's "1984" or Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird," requires readers to exercise their cognitive abilities actively. This level of mental engagement is comparatively lacking in the passive consumption of visual media like films or television.
In conclusion, the active involvement required in reading, which prompts readers to envision scenarios and stimulates cognitive engagement, sets it apart from the more passive nature of visual media. While films and television offer visual narratives, the mental activity elicited by reading books surpasses them in requiring imaginative and cognitive participation.
Model Answer 2: [Disagreement]
Some people argue that books have a far greater ability to stimulate readers' minds and foster creative thinking than watching movies or TV programmes. Contrary to this assertion that reading books keeps the mind more active than viewing visual media, I contend that films and television possess unique elements that actively engage the audience and stimulate mental faculties.
To begin with, films and television productions employ sophisticated visual and auditory techniques that effectively captivate and engage the audience's attention. For instance, the mesmerizing cinematography, intricate special effects, and compelling soundtracks in films like "Inception" or "The Shawshank Redemption" captivate viewers' imagination and emotions, actively involving them in the narrative. Such visual and auditory stimulations create a vivid and immersive experience that actively engages the audience's senses and emotions.
Furthermore, visual media often adapts complex literary works into cinematic forms, providing an avenue for individuals who may struggle with reading comprehension to engage with intricate stories. Adaptations like "The Great Gatsby," "Pride and Prejudice," and "The Lord of the Rings" series transform dense literature into visually stimulating and accessible narratives, fostering engagement and comprehension among diverse audiences.
Moreover, the collaborative effort of filmmaking, involving directors, scriptwriters, actors, and technicians, intricately weaves a narrative that encourages critical thinking and emotional connections. For instance, analyzing the character motivations, subtexts, and visual symbolism portrayed in a film like "The Matrix" or "Schindler's List" necessitates active cognitive engagement and interpretative skills.
In conclusion, while reading books undeniably stimulates the imagination and critical thinking, films and television possess the capacity to actively engage audiences through visually rich and emotionally resonant storytelling and they are not just passive entertainment. The multi-dimensional aspects of visual media provide unique opportunities for mental engagement and critical analysis, challenging the presumption that reading is the sole driver of an active mind.
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