Some people believe it is better to import foreign films and TV programs, while others argue that countries should produce their own shows.

Practice this IELTS Writing Task 2 question on IELTSX. Some people believe it is better to import foreign films and TV programs, while others argue that countries should produce their own shows.

Import Foreign Films TV Programs vs Produce Own Shows - IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Write at least 250 words.

A student's answer to this task, and the feedback on it

Written by an IELTSX user under exam conditions and published unedited and anonymously. Band 7 · 266 words.

Some people think it is preferable for countries to import films and television programs from abroad, while others believe that producing local content is more beneficial. This essay will discuss both views before giving my own opinion.

On the one hand, importing foreign films and shows has clear advantages. Firstly, it is often cheaper for broadcasters to buy content made elsewhere than to produce their own, since filming and hiring actors and crew is expensive. Secondly, imported shows expose viewers to other cultures, languages, and ways of life, which can broaden people’s understanding of the world. For example, many people around the world have learned about American culture mainly through Hollywood films and American TV series.

On the other hand, there are strong arguments in favour of producing local content. In my opinion, while importing foreign content has some benefits, countries should prioritise producing their own films and shows. Most importantly, homegrown shows reflect a country’s own culture, history, and social issues in a way that foreign content cannot. This helps people, especially younger generations, feel connected to their own identity and traditions. In addition, producing local films and programs creates jobs for local actors, writers, and film crews, which supports the national economy. For instance, countries like South Korea have built a huge entertainment industry by investing in local dramas and films, which has also boosted tourism and the country’s international image.

In conclusion, although importing foreign television content is cheaper and offers cultural exposure, I believe producing local films and programs is more valuable, since it preserves national identity and supports the domestic economy.

Examiner feedback

This is a clear, well-organised response that addresses both views and gives a firm opinion, supported by relevant examples. It reaches Band 7 because the ideas are relevant but not fully developed, the counter-argument on cost is not rebutted, and the vocabulary and grammar are controlled but not yet consistently sophisticated.

Task Response - 7

- Addresses both views and gives a clear opinion (local production should be prioritised), which meets the task requirements. - Ideas are relevant and supported with examples such as Hollywood's global reach and South Korea's entertainment industry, though the cultural-exposure point is not developed beyond one sentence. - The case for imports is stated but not rebutted: the cost argument is never answered, and 'homegrown shows reflect... in a way that foreign content cannot' over-generalises.

Coherence & Cohesion - 7

- Four clearly organised paragraphs (introduction, two view paragraphs, conclusion) with a logical progression from 'on the one hand' to 'on the other hand' to the opinion. - Cohesive devices are used appropriately (Firstly, Secondly, Most importantly, In addition, For instance), though some are formulaic and slightly mechanical. - Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and the conclusion summarises the position effectively, though it repeats the introduction's structure.

Lexical Resource - 7

- Good range for the topic, including 'broadcasters', 'homegrown', 'domestic economy', 'national identity', and 'international image', with some awareness of register. - Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout, with consistent British spelling ('favour', 'prioritise'). - A few phrases are less precise or slightly informal, such as 'a huge entertainment industry', and 'shows' and 'programs' are used interchangeably without clear reason.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 7

- A good variety of structures is used, including complex sentences with relative clauses, 'since' and 'although' clauses, and comparative constructions. - Most sentences are error-free, and no errors impede meaning. - Punctuation is controlled, though the writer could use more varied structures in the conclusion to avoid repetition.

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