Topic : Media
Whoever controls the media also controls opinions and attitudes of the people and there is little can be done to rectify this.
To what extend do you agree or disagree?
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 01 :
In some countries the media is controlled exclusively by large companies; in other it is the government that has this control. Often, in war situation, one of the first casualties is the media, which is seized by one group or another. This gives some support to the idea that the media is a source of power and control.
Whoever controls the media also has ultimate control over what is published or broadcasted and what is omitted. They can also add a certain prejudice or bias to their coverage of certain news stories depending on their own feelings about the matter. This is not a new problem, although the issue is perhaps more pressing now that the Internet and play-TV have enabled these messages to be disseminated even further.
However, we should remember that readers have their own ideas and opinions. You can control what is printed but you cannot control the opinions of your readers. I think the only positive here is that, nowadays, people seem to be much more cynical about what they read in the press or hear on the television. In particular, when it comes to the tabloid press, people know that they have to take what they read with a grain of salt. In other words, they read knowing they may be being lied to. Perhaps it is even greater concern that we have become so accepting of this form of censorship.
The only thing that can be done to alter this situation is for the government to regulate the industry so that there is no longer a monopoly on media ownership. This also means that they have to allow and support a totally free press, even if this means the government may be criticised or ridiculed within its pages.
(295 words)
Model Answer 02 :
There are numerous companies and organization who takes control our global media system. Therefore, they are inevitably capable of influencing people thoughts and attitudes. Furthermore, the media makes up the significant part of our lives; hence, there are not many solutions to solve this problem. We are able to access the internet whenever and wherever we like on our smart phones, laptops and computers.
Large number of people use media for searching information, updating news, communicating, or even entertaining. Hence, they will definitely absorb what they are presented through the media and , consequently, the media will influence the users into believing in the them. For instances, if people watch the commercials about any product frequently, they will eventually be induced to buy that product. This how most of the media work; they are persuasive and convincible. Consequently, people’s minds absolutely are effected by receiving these things repeatedly.
Teenagers, who tends to be gullible , are usually the main target of the media. Moreover, most of them love and admire celebrities and singers around their age and takes them as there role model. Of course, the companies wants to sell their records and movie and therefore, use commercials to influence the young ones.
In addition, television-programming companies are having a right to present anything that they want to. As a results, movies on our television are sometimes abusive and cruel, which are not suitable for young children. Small kids don’t have enough justification to judge from what is right or what is wrong in the media. Consequently, they might emulate these behaviors, making them become more aggressive towards their families and friends.
In conclusion, people who have the dominate the media are also able to control people attitudes and opinions. Thfore, people should be more considerate toward the information presented to us through the media.
(305 words)
