Media & CommunicationAgree / DisagreeIntermediateHigh Frequency

IELTS Essay: The media tends to focus on problems rather than positive developments. Some ...

Prompt

The media tends to focus on problems rather than positive developments. Some people think that this is harmful to individuals and society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

#media bias#negativity bias#journalism ethics#mental health#social impact

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Band 7 → 9 — Band 7 acknowledges harm but notes some negative reporting is necessary; Band 9 distinguishes reporting necessary bad news from manufactured outrage, and emphasizes audience agency in selective exposure.

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Key concepts in this essay

Negativity bias (in media and in humans)
Business incentives and attention economy
Mental health effects of media consumption
Distinction between reporting bad news and sensationalism
Media literacy and critical consumption

Pitfalls the model essay avoids

Assuming media negativity causally drives social harm without evidence
Ignoring that negative events are inherently newsworthy (not media fault)
Neglecting individual resilience and media literacy as moderating factors

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