C1IELTS-style · Band 7.0–8.0Writing55 min

IELTS Writing: News and Media

News and media

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Module 1: Build-up

Media Literacy, Critical Discourse & Impersonal Reporting

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How to Use This Lesson

👩‍🏫 For the Teacher:

Move step-by-step from lexical form to discursive function before having students produce free responses.
Check answers collaboratively after each stage and elicit why distractors fail in high-register media writing.

🧑‍🎓 For the Learner:

Complete the sections in numerical sequence to master word forms and collocations prior to sentence construction.
Pay close attention to grammar endings and punctuation around discourse markers as you type.

Part A

Vocabulary Word Forms

Complete each sentence using the correct morphological form of the base word in brackets.

1. The report was heavily criticized for containing deliberately [MISLEAD] statistics designed to sway public sentiment.

Answer: ____ (Type the correct form...)

2. Many online tabloids tend to [SENSATIONALISE] breaking news stories merely to generate higher click-through rates.

Answer: ____ (Type the correct form...)

3. Strict editorial checks are implemented to prevent the rapid [DISSEMINATE] of unverified claims across digital networks.

Answer: ____ (Type the correct form...)

4. Independent analysts questioned the journalist's [CREDIBLE] after it emerged that key sources had been fabricated.

Answer: ____ (Type the correct form...)

5. The editor issued a formal [RETRACT] on the front page once the legal team confirmed the factual inaccuracy.

Answer: ____ (Type the correct form...)
Part B

Media Collocations

Select the most natural, idiomatic academic collocation for each sentence.

1. Algorithms often create echo chambers that ______ fringe conspiracy theories by prioritizing engagement over truth.

____ a. inflate ____ b. amplify ____ c. ascend ____ d. suppress

2. The minister's contradictory statements came under intense public ______ during the televised inquiry.

____ a. supervision ____ b. observation ____ c. scrutiny ____ d. viewing

3. Due to its heavily ______ bias, the broadcasting network frequently refused to air dissenting political opinions.

____ a. partisan ____ b. sectarian ____ c. divided ____ d. subjective

4. Established news ______ are holding themselves to stricter verification guidelines to combat synthetic media.

____ a. corridors ____ b. vents ____ c. staircases ____ d. outlets

5. During the health crisis, health agencies launched campaigns to combat rampant ______ spread via messaging apps.

____ a. disbelief ____ b. misinformation ____ c. misunderstanding ____ d. mistrust
Part C

Discourse Phrase Bank

Select the most fitting transition phrase from the bank below for each sentence context.

Admittedly Notwithstanding It could be argued that By contrast Consequently

1. ______, citizen journalism lacks the rigorous editorial checks of legacy media, yet it provides rapid on-the-ground footage.

____ Admittedly ____ Consequently ____ By contrast

2. ______ recent crackdowns on bot accounts, coordinated manipulation campaigns remain prevalent across several networks.

____ Notwithstanding ____ It could be argued that ____ Admittedly

3. ______ content moderation algorithms infringe on individual free expression if applied without transparent appeal mechanisms.

____ It could be argued that ____ Notwithstanding ____ By contrast

4. Traditional broadsheets focus on investigative depth; ______, micro-blogging platforms prioritize immediacy and visual engagement.

____ consequently ____ by contrast ____ admittedly

5. The channel repeatedly violated broadcasting neutrality standards; ______, its license was suspended pending an independent audit.

____ consequently ____ notwithstanding ____ it could be argued that
Part D

Academic Paraphrasing

Select the option that best preserves the meaning of the original sentence while adopting academic tone and target vocabulary.

Original sentence:

"The newspaper printed lies about the politician just to make the story sound more dramatic and sell copies."

Which option is the most accurate academic paraphrase?

____ a. The newspaper admitted that sensational stories sell better than factual scrutiny. ____ b. The media outlet chose to sensationalise the coverage of the politician using misleading statements for commercial gain. ____ c. The politician successfully forced the outlet to retract all sensationalist reporting immediately.

Original sentence:

"People don't believe what the reporter writes anymore because she took sides during the campaign."

Which option is the most accurate academic paraphrase?

____ a. The reporter's credibility suffered substantially as a direct result of her partisan coverage during the campaign. ____ b. Although she was partisan, the journalist maintained widespread public scrutiny and praise. ____ c. Notwithstanding her impartial reporting, readers questioned whether she disseminated rumors.

Original sentence:

"Experts are checking the scientific paper very carefully before sharing it on public forums."

Which option is the most accurate academic paraphrase?

____ a. The paper was quickly amplified by scientific experts to prevent any formal retraction. ____ b. Researchers decided to retract the document rather than endure media scrutiny. ____ c. The paper is being subjected to rigorous scrutiny prior to broader public dissemination.
Part E

Grammar Recap: Impersonal Reporting Verbs

Rewrite or complete each sentence using the passive reporting structure: is said to / is believed to / appears to + infinitive.

📌 Structural Formula:

Subject + is said / is believed / appears + to [infinitive] (or to have [past participle] for past actions).

1. People say that the tech company gathers private user records without explicit consent.

Complete the rewrite using is said to:

The tech company ____ (is said to...) private user records without explicit consent.

2. Experts believe that the leaked memo influenced the outcome of the mayoral vote.

Complete the rewrite using is believed to (note the past tense action):

The leaked memo ____ (is believed to have...) the outcome of the mayoral vote.

3. It appears that the algorithm prioritizes contentious posts over factual corrections.

Complete the rewrite using appears to:

The algorithm ____ (appears to...) contentious posts over factual corrections.

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Module 2: Essay Writing Task

Cause & Solution Essay

Writing Prompt
"Fake news and misleading stories spread quickly online. What are the main reasons for this, and what can be done to reduce the problem?"

Write an essay answering both parts of the question. Follow the guidelines and paragraph plan below.

Task Requirements

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Word Count

Write at least 250 words in full sentences.

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Unit Grammar

Include at least 3 sentences using impersonal reporting structures (is said to, is believed to, appears to).

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Unit Vocabulary

Incorporate at least 5 words or phrases from Module 1 (e.g., misleading, sensationalise, dissemination, credibility, amplify, scrutiny, partisan, outlets, misinformation).

4-Paragraph Essay Plan

Structure your essay into 4 paragraphs using the mandatory sentence starter for each section.

Paragraph 1 Introduction

Introduce the background of the issue and state the purpose of your essay.

Required Starter: "This essay will consider the main causes and some solutions."
Paragraph 2 Causes

Discuss why fake news and misleading content spread quickly online.

Required Starter: "One cause is ..."
Paragraph 3 Solutions

Explain practical measures that can be taken to tackle and reduce this issue.

Required Starter: "To reduce the problem, ..."
Paragraph 4 Conclusion

Summarize the main points and provide a final closing thought.

Required Starter: "In conclusion, ..."
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Self-Check Checklist

Review your essay against these four checkpoints before final submission.

____ Length: My essay contains at least 250 words. ____ Structure: I wrote 4 paragraphs and used the required sentence starters ("This essay will consider...", "One cause is...", "To reduce the problem...", "In conclusion..."). ____ Grammar: I included at least 3 sentences using impersonal reporting verbs (is said to, is believed to, appears to). ____ Vocabulary: I used at least 5 target words or phrases from Module 1.

Write Your Essay

Type your complete essay below. It will be evaluated on the criteria shown.

Task Response Coherence and Cohesion Lexical Resource Grammatical Range and Accuracy
____ (Start your essay here using the required structure...)
Target: 250+ words Automatic AI evaluation enabled
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Module 3: Model Essay

Advanced Sample Text & Structural Analysis

🎯 Model Text Length: 256 Words
✔️ 4-Paragraph Structure ✔️ 3 Passive Reporting Forms ✔️ Core Media Vocabulary

Open Model Text

Read through the model essay below. Pay close attention to the bolded sentences and the explanatory notes directly underneath each one.

Paragraph 1: Introduction

The rapid dissemination of misleading information across digital networks has grown into a serious modern challenge. While unverified gossip has always existed, digital communication now allows unconfirmed rumors to reach millions of readers in minutes. Consequently, establishing factual truth has become increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens. This essay will consider the main causes and some solutions.

Paragraph 2: Causes

One cause is the commercial pressure placed on digital outlets to capture immediate attention. In order to maximize advertising profits, content creators frequently sensationalise headlines and publish partisan talking points that trigger strong emotional reactions. In this fast-paced environment, sensational material is said to generate far higher advertising revenue than objective journalism.

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Pattern Note (is said to + generate):

This shows a common claim people frequently report about the media market without identifying an individual source.

Furthermore, automated recommendation engines constantly amplify controversial opinions to boost user watch time. As a result, the online ecosystem appears to prioritize shock value over factual scrutiny.

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Pattern Note (appears to + prioritize):

This describes how a situation looks based on visible results and observable trends rather than personal opinion.

Paragraph 3: Solutions

To reduce the problem, platforms must introduce rigorous verification standards and hold publishers accountable for rampant misinformation. Warning banners should immediately flag questionable claims before they achieve viral dissemination across messaging apps. In addition, educational institutions must take an active role. Teaching digital media literacy is believed to protect citizens against manipulated reports.

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Pattern Note (is believed to + protect):

This shows a widespread conviction among educators and specialists regarding an effective course of action.

Once individuals learn how to evaluate source credibility, they will hesitate before forwarding doubtful stories.

Paragraph 4: Conclusion

In conclusion, false narratives spread quickly because commercial incentives favor provocative stories and automated algorithms amplify divisive content. Nevertheless, this issue can be curtailed through transparent platform moderation and proactive media education. By combining technological accountability with critical thinking skills, society can protect public discussion and restore faith in reliable information.

Analysis

Model Analysis & Structure Check

Answer the questions below to review how the model essay applies the core techniques.

1. In Paragraph 2, why did the writer choose the structure "sensational material is said to generate far higher advertising revenue" instead of "I think sensational stories make more money"?

____ a. Because the writer is uncertain whether the statement is true. ____ b. To maintain an impersonal, objective tone without relying on personal pronouns. ____ c. Because using active verbs is prohibited in academic essays.

2. Which phrase from the model essay serves as the solution paragraph's mandatory topic opener?

____ a. In order to solve this issue, ... ____ b. Addressing these digital trends requires ... ____ c. To reduce the problem, ...

3. Match each bolded model sentence to its everyday communicative function:

Target Sentence
General Belief
Reported Claim
Visible Trend
...is said to generate far higher advertising revenue...
____General Belief ____Reported Claim ____Visible Trend
...appears to prioritize shock value over factual scrutiny...
____General Belief ____Reported Claim ____Visible Trend
...is believed to protect citizens against manipulated reports...
____General Belief ____Reported Claim ____Visible Trend

4. Complete the key takeaway regarding the grammar target:

In impersonal reporting, phrases such as is said and is believed are followed directly by ____ (form of verb...) (for present actions) to keep statements formal and objective.

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