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People are Spending More Time Watching Movies - IELTS Task 2 Essay

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.


Write about the following topic:


Nowadays people are spending more time watching movies.

Why is this happening?

Is it a positive or a negative development?


Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experiences.


You should write at least 250 words.


Task 2 Band 9 IELTS Sample Essay - Nowadays people are spending more time watching movies.

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Model Essay 1

In recent times, the inclination towards watching movies has seen a notable surge, primarily attributed to advancements in digital technology and a collective yearning for escapism. This essay posits that while this trend enriches our cultural tapestry and enhances global connectivity, it also harbors potential for negative impacts, particularly in fostering unrealistic expectations and diminishing physical social interactions.


At the heart of this discussion lies the undeniable enrichment of cultural understanding and global connectivity afforded by cinema. Movies serve as windows to diverse cultures, offering viewers a glimpse into lives vastly different from their own, thereby fostering empathy and cross-cultural understanding. For instance, a film set in a remote part of the world can introduce audiences to customs, traditions, and challenges they were previously unaware of, bridging gaps in knowledge and nurturing global solidarity. Additionally, the film industry's relentless innovation has democratized access to cinema, making it a universal source of entertainment and learning.


Conversely, the convenience and allure of movies can engender a form of escapism that detracts from real-life experiences and interactions. The immersive worlds offered by films can sometimes set unrealistic expectations for life, relationships, and success, leading to dissatisfaction with the mundane realities of everyday existence. Moreover, the social aspect of movie-watching has transformed; where once it was a communal experience, it has increasingly become a solitary activity, thanks to individual streaming on personal devices. This shift can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and disconnection from the community, underscoring the necessity of moderation in our consumption of digital content.


The rising popularity of movies offers both benefits and drawbacks. It broadens cultural understanding and empathy but also risks isolating viewers from real-world interactions. To maintain the enriching aspects of cinema while avoiding its potential for isolation, a balanced approach to digital consumption is essential, ensuring movies enhance rather than detract from the depth of real-life experiences.


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Model Essay 2

In an era increasingly dominated by digital entertainment, the allure of cinema has significantly magnified, prompting individuals to dedicate more time to movie watching. This phenomenon, driven by the quest for escapism and the unparalleled quality of modern filmmaking, represents a multifaceted development with both positive and negative connotations.


The surge in movie consumption primarily stems from the desire to escape the mundanity of daily life. In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and digital fatigue are rampant, movies offer a sanctuary. They not only provide a respite from reality but also foster empathy and understanding by plunging viewers into diverse worlds and experiences. Moreover, the advent of technology has elevated the cinematic experience, making films more accessible and visually stunning than ever before. High-definition visuals and immersive sound technologies have transformed viewing into a highly engaging activity, further fueling the public's interest.


However, this trend is not devoid of drawbacks. Excessive movie watching can lead to social isolation, as individuals may prefer the company of fictional characters over real human interactions. Moreover, while movies can inspire and educate, offering insights into different cultures and life philosophies, an overindulgence might result in a disconnection from reality. This disconnection manifests as individuals struggle to differentiate between the cinematic world and their daily lives, potentially leading to challenges in personal relationships and real-world problem-solving. Additionally, the constant consumption of films could overshadow traditional cultural and intellectual pursuits, such as reading and community involvement, leading to a homogenization of cultural experiences and a decrease in cultural diversity and personal creativity.


In conclusion, the surge in movie watching represents a nuanced phenomenon. As a source of entertainment and empathy, it brings undeniable benefits. However, its potential to induce social isolation and cultural dilution requires a mindful approach to consumption, emphasizing the importance of balancing screen time with real-world interactions and diverse cultural engagements.


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Model Essay 3

It is a trend that people take more time on watching movies in the modern society. The alternation is due to the surge of online streaming services. However, this essay views it as a negative change because the increased amount of screen time leads to not only lack of social interactions but also gaining weights.


With the advent of subscription-based online streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and other apps, people are getting heavily interested on watching movies. In the past, the only way for latest blockbusters was to go to a nearby cinema and queue in front of the counter to purchase the hefty ticket prices. On the other hand, nowadays a library of films from online streaming services can be accessible at subscribers’ fingertips and with affordable monthly fees. My parents, for instance, used to watch TV series from digital channels at home to save money. Recently, they have started to watch streaming movies twice a week.


However, the excessive screen time has some drawbacks. To be specific, movie watching usually lacks close interaction among participants. Children, for example, are likely to watch films at pastime instead of playing physical sports or group boardgames with their friends, which is detrimental for their social skills in the long run. In addition, people tend to go with unnecessary junk food intake and reduce exercise with the longer screen time, which might cause overweight in the end. According to studies, the rate of obesity of the adults is twice higher compared to that of the same age of adults in twenty years ago.


In conclusion, online streaming platforms are the root causes for increased films time. However, this development has negative impacts on social connection and obesity.


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