Plan this discussion essay about media with the ideas and outline below, write it on a 40-minute timer, then compare it with a band-8 model answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that films from other countries are more valuable than local films, while others believe in supporting national cinema.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
Pick two or three points from one or both columns. You do not need all of them, and your own examples score better than memorised ones.
Spend the first few minutes planning, then write.
0 words of 250 minimum
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Write your own answer first, then compare: how it answers the exact question, what each paragraph does, and which phrases you could borrow.
Opinions differ on whether foreign films deserve more attention than those made at home, or whether national cinema should be supported. Both views have merit, but I believe that audiences should watch a mixture of the two.
Those who prefer foreign films often argue that they offer a wider view of the world. Watching stories set in Japan, Brazil or France shows viewers different customs and perspectives, and can build understanding between nations. Large international productions, especially from Hollywood, also have bigger budgets and more advanced technology, which results in impressive special effects and polished storytelling. Additionally, original-language films with subtitles are a useful way to pick up vocabulary and pronunciation in another language.
On the other hand, supporters of national cinema stress the importance of preserving a country's culture. Local films record the history, humour and daily life of a society in a way that outsiders cannot. They also provide work for actors, directors and technicians; without their support, a domestic film industry could collapse under competition from foreign blockbusters. Perhaps most importantly, local stories deal with situations and values that audiences recognise, which makes them more meaningful. The success of Korean cinema shows what can be achieved when a government supports its film makers: its films have won international awards and brought worldwide attention to Korean culture.
My own view is that neither is more valuable than the other. Foreign films broaden the mind, but if viewers only watch imported productions, local stories and talent are lost. Cinema-goers and governments should therefore make an effort to support domestic films, for example through funding and film festivals, while remaining open to the best of world cinema.
In conclusion, foreign and local films each contribute something important, and a healthy film culture needs both.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| national cinema | a country's own film industry |
| box office | ticket sales for films |
| subtitles | written translations on screen |
| cultural identity | sense of belonging to a culture |
| big-budget | costing a lot to make |
| film industry | businesses making movies |
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