Writing Task 2 · Opinion (agree or disagree)

Live performances versus televised broadcasts: opinion essay: IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer

An IELTS Writing Task 2 opinion essay question with a Band 8 sample answer, the plan behind it, the vocabulary that lifts it and what an examiner looks for.
  • 291 words
  • Opinion (agree or disagree)
  • Academic
  • 40 minutes

The question

Many people believe that watching a live performance is more enjoyable than watching the same event on television. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

About 40 minutes. Write at least 250 words.

Opinion (agree or disagree)

Plan before you write

  1. 1

    Your position

    I strongly agree that the immersive experience of attending live events surpasses the convenience of watching them on television.

  2. 2

    Paragraph 2

    Live performances provide a unique atmosphere and emotional connection between the artist and the audience.

  3. 3

    Paragraph 3

    The shared social experience of being part of a live crowd creates a sense of collective excitement that screens cannot replicate.

  • →State a clear position in the last sentence of the introduction and keep it to the end.
  • →Two body paragraphs that each give one reason for that position, with an example.
  • →A partial position is fine if it is stated precisely; a position that drifts is what caps task response at 6.

Model answer

Band 8 sample essay

Band 8291 words · use the structure and vocabulary, not the sentences

Whether attending a concert or a theatre production in person offers more satisfaction than viewing a broadcast from home is a subject of debate. I strongly agree that the immersive experience of attending live events surpasses the convenience of watching them on television, as the former provides sensory engagement and social synergy that digital media fails to capture.

Live performances provide a unique atmosphere and an immediate emotional connection between the artist and the audience. When a performer is physically present, the energy in the room is palpable, creating an unmediated interaction that screens simply cannot replicate. For instance, at a live jazz concert, the subtle nuances of an improvised solo and the acoustics of the venue create a visceral experience for the spectator. This sense of presence ensures that every moment feels authentic and singular, whereas a television broadcast often filters out the raw intensity of the performance.

Furthermore, the shared social experience of being part of a live crowd creates a sense of collective excitement that enhances the enjoyment of the event. Being surrounded by fellow enthusiasts allows for a communal exchange of reactions, such as laughter at a comedy show or applause at a play, which amplifies the overall impact of the performance. For example, attending a major sporting match in a stadium fosters a feeling of unity among fans that remains impossible to achieve while watching alone on a sofa. This social dimension transforms the event into a memorable occasion rather than a passive viewing activity.

In summary, while television offers accessibility and comfort, it lacks the emotional depth and communal energy inherent in live settings. The unique atmosphere and the collective spirit of being physically present make live events significantly more enjoyable than their televised counterparts.

Examiner's view

Why this scores Band 8

This essay achieves Band 8 by maintaining a consistent, sophisticated argument supported by specific, relevant examples throughout. A Band 6 response often fails to develop these ideas, instead listing generic pros and cons without clearly articulating a personal position.

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8 words

Vocabulary from the essay

  • palpable

    able to be felt or clearly perceived easily

  • unmediated

    existing without any intervening stage or medium

  • visceral

    relating to deep inward feelings rather than intellect

  • social synergy

    the combined effect of people interacting together

  • nuances

    subtle differences in meaning, expression, or sound

  • communal

    shared by all members of a specific group

  • amplifies

    increases the volume or intensity of something

  • inherent

    existing in something as a permanent essential attribute

More words for this topic: IELTS vocabulary for culture and tradition.

Frequently asked questions

What type of essay is "Live performances versus televised broadcasts: opinion essay"?+

Opinion (agree or disagree). State a clear position in the last sentence of the introduction and keep it to the end.

How many words should an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay be?+

At least 250 words, in about 40 minutes. This sample is 291 words, written to fit that time with five minutes left to check grammar.

How is IELTS Writing Task 2 scored?+

On four criteria: task response, coherence and cohesion, vocabulary, and grammatical range and accuracy. Task 2 counts for twice as much as Task 1 in your Writing band.

What is the difference between a Band 6 and a Band 8 answer here?+

This essay achieves Band 8 by maintaining a consistent, sophisticated argument supported by specific, relevant examples throughout. A Band 6 response often fails to develop these ideas, instead listing generic pros and cons without clearly articulating a personal position.

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