IELTS Writing: News and Media
News and media
Answers and an explanation for each question appear once you add this activity to your own library.
Module 1: Build-up
Media Literacy, Critical Discourse & Impersonal Reporting
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.
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.
2. Many online tabloids tend to [SENSATIONALISE] breaking news stories merely to generate higher click-through rates.
3. Strict editorial checks are implemented to prevent the rapid [DISSEMINATE] of unverified claims across digital networks.
4. Independent analysts questioned the journalist's [CREDIBLE] after it emerged that key sources had been fabricated.
5. The editor issued a formal [RETRACT] on the front page once the legal team confirmed the factual inaccuracy.
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.
2. The minister's contradictory statements came under intense public ______ during the televised inquiry.
3. Due to its heavily ______ bias, the broadcasting network frequently refused to air dissenting political opinions.
4. Established news ______ are holding themselves to stricter verification guidelines to combat synthetic media.
5. During the health crisis, health agencies launched campaigns to combat rampant ______ spread via messaging apps.
Discourse Phrase Bank
Select the most fitting transition phrase from the bank below for each sentence context.
1. ______, citizen journalism lacks the rigorous editorial checks of legacy media, yet it provides rapid on-the-ground footage.
2. ______ recent crackdowns on bot accounts, coordinated manipulation campaigns remain prevalent across several networks.
3. ______ content moderation algorithms infringe on individual free expression if applied without transparent appeal mechanisms.
4. Traditional broadsheets focus on investigative depth; ______, micro-blogging platforms prioritize immediacy and visual engagement.
5. The channel repeatedly violated broadcasting neutrality standards; ______, its license was suspended pending an independent audit.
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?
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?
Original sentence:
"Experts are checking the scientific paper very carefully before sharing it on public forums."
Which option is the most accurate academic paraphrase?
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.
Module 2: Essay Writing Task
Cause & Solution Essay
"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
Word Count
Write at least 250 words in full sentences.
Unit Grammar
Include at least 3 sentences using impersonal reporting structures (is said to, is believed to, appears to).
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.
Introduce the background of the issue and state the purpose of your essay.
"This essay will consider the main causes and some solutions."
Discuss why fake news and misleading content spread quickly online.
"One cause is ..."
Explain practical measures that can be taken to tackle and reduce this issue.
"To reduce the problem, ..."
Summarize the main points and provide a final closing thought.
"In conclusion, ..."
Self-Check Checklist
Review your essay against these four checkpoints before final submission.
Write Your Essay
Type your complete essay below. It will be evaluated on the criteria shown.
Module 3: Model Essay
Advanced Sample Text & Structural Analysis
Open Model Text
Read through the model essay below. Pay close attention to the bolded sentences and the explanatory notes directly underneath each one.
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.
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.
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.
This describes how a situation looks based on visible results and observable trends rather than personal opinion.
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.
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.
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.
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"?
2. Which phrase from the model essay serves as the solution paragraph's mandatory topic opener?
3. Match each bolded model sentence to its everyday communicative function:
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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