BEST IELTS Writing Task 2, 29th April

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IELTS WRITING TASK 2

Reading books keeps a person’s mind active, whereas watching films and television is passive and does not require a person to use their imagination.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

SAMPLE ANSWER

In today’s media-driven world, the debate between the mental engagement offered by reading books compared to the passive nature of watching films and television programmes persists. Personally, I concur with the notion that reading books stimulates mental activity more actively than watching films or television, as books necessitate the engagement of one’s imagination and cognitive faculties.

Primarily, reading necessitates an active participation of the mind. When engrossed in a book, readers actively construct the story’s visuals, characters, and settings within their minds. For instance, the renowned literary works of Tolkien in “The Lord of the Rings” series or Rowling’s “Harry Potter” demand readers to envision and create elaborate worlds, stimulating the imagination vividly. In contrast, visual mediums like films and television provide a more passive experience, offering viewers pre-imagined visuals and limiting the depth of creative engagement.

Moreover, reading fosters critical thinking and mental dexterity. It prompts readers to interpret and analyze information, encouraging active engagement with the text. For instance, analyzing complex narratives or discerning symbolism in literary classics, such as George Orwell’s “1984” or Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” requires readers to exercise their cognitive abilities actively. This level of mental engagement is comparatively lacking in the passive consumption of visual media like films or television.

In conclusion, the active involvement required in reading, which prompts readers to envision scenarios and stimulates cognitive engagement, sets it apart from the more passive nature of visual media. While films and television offer visual narratives, the mental activity elicited by reading books surpasses them in requiring imaginative and cognitive participation.

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