Entertainment vs Educational Value in Movies

Some people think movies should only be for entertainment. Others think that they should also have educational values. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Annotated response

2 correction notes

Showing 2 correction notes.

While some people consider films simply a source of entertainment , others suggest that films should be educational. Personally, I believe that films can be either, or both, entertaining and educational; however, it is up to each individual to choose what films they like to watch and for what reasons they watch them.

These days, films and TV are extremely popular forms of entertainment . Almost every household owns one or more televisions, and almost everybody loves to watch a certain television program or type of film. After a long day at work or school, many people simply want to come home and sit in front of the TV to relax and be entertained. They may not have the energy or enthusiasm to sit and learn about something. Furthermore, films and television programs are a part of the entertainment industry . The purpose of this industry is for entertainment, and it is a multibillion-dollar industry that creates jobs and generates a lot of money in many countries.

On the other hand, films and TV programs can have very strong effects on the minds of audiences and therefore people should be careful about how the contents of the films that they watch affect them and their families. For example, many people’s morals and values are shaped by what they watch on TV and in films. In addition, children can learn about right and wrong through the cartoons they watch, while adults can also learn many important lessons through watching films. For instance, watching a film about war may cause people to have a strong sense of patriotism for as a positive educational effect.

In conclusion, while educational films, such as documentaries, can also be entertaining, and some films for entertainment can also have many educational aspects, I believe it is not necessary that all films need to be educational.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 7.0

The response clearly addresses the task, discussing both views in well-organised body paragraphs and stating a consistent personal position. Its strongest aspect is the logical progression and relevant support, including examples on moral influence and patriotism. The main limitation is somewhat formulaic development and vocabulary that, while accurate, lacks the precision and range of higher-band performance.

IELTS criteria

How each score was decided

Task Response

7.0

The response addresses all parts of the task, presents a clear and consistent opinion, and develops both views with relevant supporting ideas and examples, though some points remain generally rather than deeply elaborated.

Coherence and Cohesion

7.0

Ideas progress logically across clearly sequenced paragraphs with appropriate cohesive devices, although linking is at times mechanical and paragraph development is somewhat predictable.

Lexical Resource

7.0

Vocabulary is sufficient for flexibility and accuracy in discussing the topic, with some precise collocations, but overall range is adequate rather than wide or highly precise.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

7.0

A variety of complex structures is used with generally good control, and errors are minor and non-impeding, with occasional awkward phrasing such as 'either, or both, entertaining and educational'.