1. Topic:
It is becoming more and more difficult to escape the influence of the media on our lives.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living in a media rich society.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
(Model Answer)
The media is about communication and I suppose most of us would agree that, as human beings we need to communicate. We need to know what is going on in the world generally; we want to be entertained and to keep in touch with people. Older media, such as newspapers, radio and TV help us do this, but the newer media, particularly the internet and mobile phones go further. We have more choice in terms of what we watch or who we talk to.
I have an I-Phone which allows me - just by using one device - to make phone calls, use the internet, listen to music, play games and watch videos. And it's all immediate, and portable. It makes you feel in control, but there arc disadvantages too.
People are always texting and emailing each other and if they don't have their phone or laptop around, they feel cut off. Also, have you seen a group of teenagers in a cafe where they're not talking to each other, but using their phones? It's a very common sight these days, which many people feel is worrying, as we seem to prefer using technology to face-to-face communication.
We are also spoilt for choice - perhaps too much choice. There are so many TV channels, but so many of the programmes are poor quality. There's also so much advertising all around us, trying to persuade us to buy things we don't really need. To survive in such a society, you have to be very aware of the power the media can have over you, your actions and your opinions, and try not to let it control your life.
To my mind, there's no doubt we live in a media-rich society, and there's nothing we can do about that. What we can do is use the media responsibly and not let it use us.
(327 words)
2. Topic:
Recent figures show an increase in violent crime among youngsters under the age of 18. Some psychologists claim that the basic reason for this is that children these days are not getting the social and emotional learning they need from parents and teachers.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
(Model Answer)
It does seem to be true that parents find teachers have lost the authority they used to have, especially in the eyes of teenagers. They are no longer seen as models for behavior: hard work, politeness and other positive qualities are seen as old fashioned. Many young people have no respect for these qualities or the people who represent them. In fact, I think when young people today are so rebellious that it's possible that both parents and teachers are afraid to exercise their authority. However, I do not agree that this is the basic reason for the increase in teenage violence.
While I believe it is true that a lack of social and emotional learning contributes to the problem. Other factors are surely involved: economic factors, for example. If a child comes from a poor family and they live in low-quality housing in all undesirable area, this is sure to affect the child, however loving the parents are.
There is also the question of who your friends are. I believe that when you are in your teens your friends have more influence on you than your parents or teachers. At that age, you want to be part of a group, or even a gang, and this might lead to breaking the law in a number of ways.
In conclusion, while I agree that lack of social and emotional learning from parents and teachers is a factor in the growth of teenage violence, I do not believe that it is the only or main cause.
(255 words)