IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write at least 250 words.
It is better to learn the way people lived in the past through films and video records than written documents
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Sample Answer:
In the modern era of technological advances, it has become increasingly easy to gain access to both written documents and films and video records of the past. As a result, it is often argued that it is preferable to learn about history through the latter, as opposed to the former. While there are benefits associated with this approach, I firmly believe that written documents remain the most reliable source of information and should be given greater weight in the study of the past.
The first advantage of using films and video records over written documents is that they can convey a greater sense of authenticity and provide a more stimulating approach to learning. For example, students are able to gain a much better understanding of a specific moment in history when they are able to watch a re-enactment of the event as opposed to reading a description of it. This is further enhanced when the visuals are accompanied by a narrator who is able to provide additional context. As such, it is clear that this form of media can have a profound impact on the educational experience.
However, it is important to note that there are several drawbacks associated with this form of learning. One such limitation is that the narrative of a film or video record is often slanted to evoke a certain reaction from the viewer. This is especially true when the production is being funded by companies or organizations that have an agenda that they wish to promote. Furthermore, the accuracy of a video record is only as good as the knowledge of the people who produced it. As such, the information presented may not be completely reliable.
In contrast, written documents are much more objective and can be verified through independent sources. This is particularly relevant when it comes to historical accounts, as the accuracy of the text can be determined through a variety of methods. For example, documents such as diaries and letters can be cross-referenced against other documents that were written around the same time. This is not possible with a video record, as there is no way to verify the accuracy of the information presented.
In conclusion, while films and video records can provide an engaging and stimulating way to learn about the past, I believe that written documents remain the most reliable source of information. They present a more objective form of media, which can be verified through a variety of means. As such, I believe that written documents should be given greater weight in the study of the past.