Today, TV channels provide men's sports shows more than women's sports shows. Why? Should TV channels give equal time for women's sports and men's sports?
This IELTS Writing Task 2 question addresses two aspects:
- Why TV channels prioritize men's sports over women's sports. This asks you to analyze the reasons behind this phenomenon.
- Whether equal time should be allocated to both genders' sports. This invites your opinion, requiring you to discuss and justify your perspective.
Key skills tested:
- Task Response: Answer both parts of the question fully.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Present ideas logically and link them effectively.
- Lexical Resource: Use varied vocabulary related to sports, media, and gender issues.
- Grammar: Use a range of sentence structures and avoid errors.
Tips for Writing this Type of Essay
Structure your essay clearly:
- Introduction: Paraphrase the question, state your opinion, and outline your main points.
- Body Paragraph 1: Explain why TV channels prioritize men's sports.
- Body Paragraph 2: Discuss whether and why equal time should be allocated.
- Conclusion: Summarize your points and reaffirm your stance.
Plan your ideas before writing:
- Reasons: Larger audience for men’s sports, cultural preferences, sponsorship money.
- Opinion: Should or shouldn’t there be equal time, supported by logical reasons.
Use topic-specific vocabulary:
- E.g., "viewership," "gender disparity," "commercial viability," "societal norms."
Stay balanced and avoid sweeping generalizations:
- Acknowledge counterarguments for a well-rounded response.
Band 6.0 Example
It is clear that men’s sports have more viewers compared to women’s sports. Many people find men’s sports more competitive and exciting, which brings high ratings. Furthermore, sponsors invest in programs that attract big audiences, and men’s sports fit this requirement better. This is why television networks air them more often.
Some people believe both genders’ sports should be treated equally. However, it is difficult to achieve this in reality. Men’s sports are already very popular, and changing schedules might upset viewers. On the other hand, women’s sports need more support to grow. Giving them more air time may encourage people to watch and help them become popular.
In conclusion, men’s sports dominate TV because of their popularity and sponsorship. Although equal time for women’s sports would promote fairness, it may not be realistic without stronger interest from audiences.
Why Band 6.0?
Essay Recap:
This essay provides a basic explanation of why men's sports dominate TV and discusses whether equal airtime should be given. The writer acknowledges that women’s sports need more support but lacks clarity and depth in the argument.
Strengths:
- Task Response: Covers the two parts of the question but does so superficially. The arguments lack sufficient elaboration or examples.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Uses basic connectors like “Furthermore” and “On the other hand,” which provide some flow.
- Lexical Resource: Simple vocabulary, e.g., "popular," "support," and "viewers," is clear but repetitive.
Weaknesses:
- Task Response: Ideas are underdeveloped. The reasons for the popularity of men’s sports and the challenges of equal airtime are not explored in detail.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Limited use of cohesive devices. There are gaps between ideas, making the essay feel slightly disjointed.
- Lexical Resource: Basic vocabulary with limited variety and no use of advanced terms.
- Grammar: Errors like “giving them more air time may encourage people to watch and help them become popular” reduce clarity and fluency.
How to Improve to Band 6.5:
- Expand on reasons for the popularity of men’s sports with more examples (e.g., specific sports like football or basketball).
- Include more connectors like “This is because,” “For instance,” or “As a result” to improve coherence.
- Use varied vocabulary, e.g., “broadcasting,” “entertainment industry,” “investment decisions.”
- Fix grammatical issues by reviewing sentence structures for better accuracy.
Band 6.5 Example
Why do TV channels focus more on men's sports?
One of the main reasons TV channels broadcast men’s sports more often is because of higher viewership. Men’s sports are perceived as more intense and competitive, which draws larger audiences. Another reason is financial. Sponsorship deals are more lucrative for men’s sports due to their popularity, making them a safer investment for networks.
Should women’s sports get equal time?
Providing equal airtime to women’s sports could promote gender equality and inspire female athletes. However, there are challenges. Men’s sports already have a loyal fanbase, and it will take time for women’s sports to reach the same level of interest. That said, initiatives like gradually increasing coverage of women’s sports can encourage broader public support.
Conclusion
In summary, the dominance of men’s sports on TV is driven by audience preferences and financial incentives. While equal airtime is an ideal goal, a gradual approach would be more practical and effective in raising the popularity of women’s sports.
Why Band 6.5?
Band 6.5 Analysis
Essay Recap:
This essay provides a more structured response, explaining why men’s sports dominate TV and exploring how equal airtime might benefit women’s sports. It suggests a gradual approach to promote women’s sports.
Strengths:
Task Response: Addresses both parts of the question with clear opinions and some elaboration. Suggests practical ideas like gradual coverage increases.
Coherence and Cohesion: Logical structure with improved transitions (“Another reason,” “That said”). The flow is smoother than in Band 6.0.
Lexical Resource: Incorporates slightly advanced vocabulary like “lucrative,” “fanbase,” and “initiatives.”
Weaknesses:
Task Response: Still lacks depth in supporting arguments. For example, the financial incentives for men’s sports could be explored further with data or examples.
Coherence and Cohesion: Though improved, transitions could be more varied, and ideas need more integration (e.g., linking financial incentives to the cultural aspect).
Lexical Resource: Vocabulary is stronger but still not sophisticated enough for a Band 7.0.
Grammar: Occasional awkward phrasing, e.g., “it will take time for women’s sports to reach the same level of interest.”
How to Improve to Band 7.0:
Provide deeper reasoning and specific examples, e.g., “In the 2023 Women’s World Cup, viewership surged by 40%, showing potential for growth if coverage increases.”
Use varied connectors like “Consequently,” “Nonetheless,” or “In contrast” to enhance cohesion.
Integrate advanced vocabulary, e.g., “gender equity,” “media representation,” “commercial sponsorship.”
Enhance grammatical range with complex sentences, e.g., “While men’s sports dominate due to their historical popularity, increasing exposure to women’s sports could shift societal perceptions over time.”
Band 7.0 Example
Why do TV channels focus more on men's sports?
The primary reason for the prevalence of men’s sports on television is the significantly higher viewership they attract. Many fans find men’s sports to be more physically demanding and thrilling, which translates to greater entertainment value. Moreover, this high viewership translates into substantial advertising revenue, as companies are eager to invest in programs with guaranteed large audiences. This economic factor strongly influences programming decisions.
Should women’s sports get equal time?
While allocating equal airtime to women’s sports is a commendable idea, it requires careful implementation. On the one hand, it can challenge societal stereotypes and encourage greater female participation in sports. On the other hand, equal coverage might initially face resistance from viewers accustomed to men’s sports. To strike a balance, broadcasters could introduce targeted campaigns and partnerships to highlight women’s sports and progressively build a fanbase, ensuring sustainable growth in their popularity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the dominance of men’s sports on TV stems from audience preferences and economic incentives. However, a gradual increase in women’s sports coverage, supported by promotional efforts, can foster equality without alienating existing viewers, paving the way for a more balanced representation.
Why Band 7.0?
Band 7.0 Analysis
Essay Recap:
This essay effectively analyzes the popularity of men’s sports and proposes a balanced approach for increasing airtime for women’s sports. It uses nuanced reasoning, examples, and precise vocabulary.
Strengths:
Task Response: Fully addresses the question with well-developed ideas and practical suggestions. The gradual approach balances audience preferences and equality.
Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas flow seamlessly. Advanced linking phrases like “supported by promotional efforts” integrate different points smoothly.
Lexical Resource: Demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary, e.g., “substantial advertising revenue,” “societal stereotypes,” “progressively build a fanbase.”
Grammar: Uses complex sentences with excellent accuracy, e.g., “This economic factor strongly influences programming decisions.”
Weaknesses:
Task Response: While nuanced, the essay could include more specific examples, such as naming sports or sponsorship campaigns.
Lexical Resource: Could further vary synonyms for "dominance" and "equality."
Grammar: A small risk of over-complexity in some sentences, but overall very strong.
How to Improve Beyond Band 7.0:
Add concrete, real-world examples, e.g., “Nike’s 2019 ‘Dream Crazier’ campaign spotlighted female athletes, leading to increased brand engagement.”
Use even more sophisticated transitions, e.g., “Notwithstanding this, a significant shift in societal attitudes is essential.”
Explore counterarguments in more detail to add complexity, e.g., “Opponents argue that equal airtime may alienate loyal fans of men’s sports, but this concern can be mitigated by ...”
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