IELTS Writing Task 2 – Band 8.0 Sample

News reports today are often dominated by stories of war, crime and disaster, leading some people to argue that the media should give more coverage to positive events. I largely agree with this view, provided that serious issues are not ignored.

The main reason for including more positive news is its effect on mental well-being. Constant exposure to negative stories can leave audiences feeling anxious and helpless, and many people now avoid the news altogether because they find it too depressing. Positive reports, by contrast, can restore a sense of hope and remind viewers that progress is possible. A story about a community that rebuilt a school after a flood can inspire others far more than a list of casualties.

In addition, a more balanced approach would give a more accurate picture of the world. Many long-term trends, such as falling child mortality and rising literacy rates, receive little attention because they happen slowly and do not make dramatic headlines. As a result, people often overestimate how dangerous the world is. Reporting these achievements would help citizens form more realistic opinions.

Nevertheless, the media's primary duty is to inform the public about problems that need solving. Journalists who expose corruption or warn about public health threats play a vital role in holding the powerful to account. If news outlets focused only on uplifting stories, they would fail in this responsibility. Positive news should therefore complement, not replace, critical reporting.

In conclusion, I agree that newspapers and television should report more positive stories, as this would benefit audiences' well-being and present a fairer view of the world. However, this must not come at the expense of reporting the serious problems that societies face.