Newspapers or Other Media
Some think newspapers are the best method for reading the news while others think other media is better.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
The ongoing debate about the most optimal way of consuming news has brought newspapers and other media platforms into the limelight. In my opinion, both methods have their advantages, and the choice of either ultimately depends on individual preferences and circumstances.
On the one hand, advocates of newspapers argue that printed news is of superior quality. They highlight the rigorous process of curation, censorship, and editing that news undergoes before being made available to the public. This results in higher quality and better content compared to news on other media platforms, making newspapers a viable method for readers who value credibility and authenticity.
On the other hand, other forms of media offer newsreaders more flexibility in staying informed. These include online news outlets and social media platforms. Online newspapers have news updated by the minute, and their articles are constantly revised to provide readers with the most current information. In addition, most online news platforms today are free or only charge small subscriptions, making information more accessible to people of all demographics. Social media sites also play a significant role, with a large segment of the population getting informed through TikTokers and YouTubers, who report global and local happenings with the added advantage of entertainment.
In conclusion, the most optimal method of consuming news depends on individual priorities. Those seeking high levels of accuracy and authenticity may prefer traditional newspapers, while those opting for quick updates and entertainment may prefer other forms of media. It is, therefore, important to strike a balance between the two methods, and governments should provide incentives for online media to improve the public’s consumption of news.
Essay Breakdown
Structure
Introduction
[1] The ongoing debate about the most optimal way of consuming news has brought newspapers and other media platforms into the limelight. [2] In my opinion, both methods have their advantages [2.1], and the choice of either ultimately depends on individual preferences and circumstances [2.2].
1. Paraphrase the given topic (this sentence is more of a hook one, giving the context of the topic and the essay).
2. Answer the question and state my clear stance
[2.1]: Answer the question “Discuss both views” 🡪 State that both views have their advantages.
[2.2]: Give my opinion. This is an example of a balanced essay with me assuming a neutral position.
Body
Paragraph 1
[1] On the one hand, advocates of newspapers argue that printed news is of superior quality. [2] They highlight the rigorous process of curation, censorship, and editing that news undergoes before being made available to the public. [3] This results in higher quality and better content compared to news on other media platforms, making newspapers a viable method for readers who value credibility and authenticity.
1. A topic sentence showing the main idea: the advantages of printed news
2. Explain the main point
3. Keep developing the main point and stating the results
Paragraph 2
[1] On the other hand, other forms of media offer newsreaders more flexibility in staying informed. [2] These include online news outlets and social media platforms. [3] Online newspapers have news updated by the minute, and their articles are constantly revised to provide readers with the most current information. [4] In addition, most online news platforms today are free or only charge small subscriptions, making information more accessible to people of all demographics. [5] Social media sites also play a significant role, with a large segment of the population getting informed through TikTokers and YouTubers, who report global and local happenings with the added advantage of entertainment.
1. A topic sentence expressing the main idea: the advantages of other forms of media (flexibility)
2. Provides an explanation to support the main point, stating clearly two types of media (online news and social platforms) for further explanation
3. Explain the first supporting idea (Online news)
4. Keep developing the first supporting idea (Online news)
5. Explain, give examples, and develop the second supporting idea (Social media platforms)
Conclusion
[1] In conclusion, the most optimal method of consuming news depends on individual priorities. [2] Those seeking high levels of accuracy and authenticity may prefer traditional newspapers, while those opting for quick updates and entertainment may prefer other forms of media. [3] It is, therefore, important to strike a balance between the two methods, and governments should provide incentives for online media to improve the public’s consumption of news.
1. Restate my opinion
2. Summarise the arguments of both sides
3. Extend the viewpoint by stating a final thought, in this case providing a viable solution
Vocabulary
The ongoing debate about the most optimal way of consuming news has brought newspapers and other media platforms into the limelight. In my opinion, both methods have their advantages, and the choice of either ultimately depends on individual preferences and circumstances.
On the one hand, advocates of newspapers argue that printed news is of superior quality. They highlight the rigorous process of curation, censorship, and editing that news undergoes before being made available to the public. This results in higher quality and better content compared to news on other media platforms, making newspapers a viable method for readers who value credibility and authenticity.
On the other hand, other forms of media offer newsreaders more flexibility in staying informed. These include online news outlets and social media platforms. Online newspapers have news updated by the minute, and their articles are constantly revised to provide readers with the most current information. In addition, most online news platforms today are free or only charge small subscriptions, making information more accessible to people of all demographics. Social media sites also play a significant role, with a large segment of the population getting informed through TikTokers and YouTubers, who report global and local happenings with the added advantage of entertainment.
In conclusion, the most optimal method of consuming news depends on individual priorities. Those seeking high levels of accuracy and authenticity may prefer traditional newspapers, while those opting for quick updates and entertainment may prefer other forms of media. It is, therefore, important to strike a balance between the two methods, and governments should provide incentives for online media to improve the public’s consumption of news.
Vocabulary Highlight
- consuming news: the act of reading, watching, or listening to the news
- media platforms: channels through which news is disseminated, such as newspapers, TV, radio, social media, etc.
- in the limelight: in the public eye; receiving a lot of attention
- printed news: news that is published in physical forms, such as newspapers and magazines
- superior quality: of higher quality than something else
- rigorous process: a thorough and careful process
- curation: the process of selecting and organizing content
- censorship: the act of removing or suppressing content that is considered objectionable or sensitive
- editing: the process of revising and improving written content
- credibility: the quality of being trusted and believed
- authenticity: the quality of being genuine and true
- newsreaders: people who read or follow the news
- flexibility: the ability to adapt to changing circumstances
- online news outlets: news sources that are available on the internet
- updated by the minute: constantly refreshed with the most recent information
- revised: updated and improved
- subscriptions: payments made on a regular basis to access content or services
- accessibility: the quality of being easily reached or obtained
- social media sites: online platforms that allow users to create, share, and interact with content
- play a significant role: have a major impact or influence
- global and local happenings: events and developments at the national and international level, as well as in one’s own community
- strike a balance: find a compromise between two opposing things or ideas
- incentives: benefits or rewards offered to encourage a certain behavior
- improve the public’s consumption of news: make it easier or more beneficial for people to access and engage with news.
Grammar Gems
COMPARATIVE AND SUPERLATIVE ADJECTIVES
“printed news is of superior quality” (comparative)
“most optimal method of consuming news” (superlative)
One interesting grammar structure used in this essay is the use of comparative and superlative adjectives to compare the advantages of different forms of media for consuming news. For example, “printed news is of superior quality” (comparative), and “most optimal method of consuming news” (superlative). I also use the comparative form “more accessible” to compare the accessibility of online news platforms to traditional newspapers.
Reading
Further reading can be found here:
https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/jun/25/ofcom-newspapers
Listening
Further listening can be found here: