IELTS Writing Task 2 – Band 8.0 Sample

In many countries, cinemas and television schedules are dominated by Hollywood productions. Some people therefore argue that broadcasters should be required to show a minimum quota of domestic films and programmes. I agree with this policy, although the quota should be set at a reasonable level.

The most important reason is that quotas help protect national culture. Films and television programmes reflect a country's language, values and history. If audiences watch only foreign content, young people in particular may lose touch with their own traditions and adopt foreign lifestyles uncritically. For instance, local dramas set in rural villages help urban children understand how their grandparents lived.

Secondly, quotas support the local film industry. Domestic studios cannot compete on equal terms with Hollywood, which has enormous budgets and global marketing networks. A guaranteed share of screen time gives local producers the audience and income they need to grow. South Korea, for example, used screen quotas for decades, and its film industry is now internationally successful.

Critics claim that quotas restrict consumer choice and may force cinemas to show low-quality local films that nobody wants to watch. This concern is valid if the quota is too high. However, a moderate requirement, such as 25 per cent of screen time, would still leave plenty of room for foreign productions. Moreover, in the age of streaming, viewers can easily access international content online whenever they wish.

In conclusion, I believe that requiring cinemas and broadcasters to show a minimum proportion of domestic content is justified, as it safeguards cultural identity and nurtures local talent. The key is to keep quotas moderate so that audiences still enjoy a diverse range of films.