Model Speaking Part 2, 3 topic: Discuss a newspaper or magazine you enjoy reading

2. Part 2 Structure

2.1. Sample outline (in Vietnamese)

2.2 One-minute Take-note (English)

3. Sample Speaking: Discuss a newspaper or magazine you enjoy reading

One of my cherished habits is cosying up with a book or magazine on a rainy day, so I have a collection of magazines to fill my shelves with. The one I'd like to elaborate on today is “National Geographic”, a publication that features numerous fascinating and provocative articles.  

I've been an avid subscriber to the magazine since 2020, when the pandemic first struck and necessitated strict social distancing measures worldwide, and I was no exception. With an abundance of time spent at home with little to do, I found solace in flipping through magazines, and National Geographic caught my eye.

In essence, it covers topics related to science, geography, and world culture, and is famous for its photojournalism approach, where articles and news stories are accompanied by photographs. The magazine's target audience spans a wide demographic, from young adults to those over 55. However, what unites them all is a shared passion for learning and exploration. 

There are numerous reasons why I find this magazine captivating. Perhaps the most noteworthy one is, without a doubt, the subjects it covers. As someone deeply concerned about environmental issues, National Geographic's longstanding commitment to environmentalists over the past few decades is inspiring. The magazine has consistently spoken out on various environmental concerns such as climate change, endangered species, and waste disposal.

Another reason for my enduring affection is the stunning photographs of a wide variety of subjects, taken in even the most remote corners of the world. The photographs are usually of exceptional quality, and their impact in conveying messages and inspiring readers to delve deeper is undeniable. Lastly, on a more personal note, this magazine fulfills my thirst for knowledge and adventure.

As I am often swamped with work, National Geographic allows me to explore the world from the comfort of my living room. I believe I have gained a wealth of scientific and cultural knowledge since subscribing to this magazine, and isn't knowledge the most powerful tool of humanity?

Some key scoring vocabulary used in the Discuss a newspaper or magazine you enjoy reading sample:

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  • ritual (n): nghi thức
  • curl up (v): cuộn mình 
  • have my fair share of (phr): có nhiều cái gì
  • stock something up (phr): lấp đầy cái gì
  • intriguing (a): thú vị
  • thought-provoking (a): gợi nhiều suy nghĩ 
  • subscriber (n): người theo dõi
  • social distancing (n): giãn cách xã hội
  • excessive (a): nhiều
  • kill time (v): giết thời gian
  • feature (v): bao gồm, viết về (với báo chí)
  • renown for (a): nổi tiếng bởi
  • photojournalism (n): phóng sự ảnh
  • accompanied by (v): đi kèm với
  • intended audience (n): khán giả nhắm tới
  • demographic (n): nhân khẩu học
  • range from (v): bao gồm từ… đến…
  • core characteristic (n): yếu tố cốt lõi
  • dedicated to (v): dành cho
  • notable (a): đáng lưu ý, lưu tâm
  • beyond doubt (adv): không nghi ngờ gì
  • ally (n): đồng minh
  • heartwarming (a): ấm lòng
  • outspoken (a): nói thẳng, trực tiếp
  • green issues (n): các vấn đề môi trường
  • waste management (n): xử lý rác thải
  • a plethora of (phr): nhiều cái gì
  • remote (a): xa xôi, hẻo lánh
  • significance (n): tầm quan trọng
  • transfer (v): truyền tải
  • undeniable (a): không thể bàn cãi
  • satiate (v): thỏa mãn
  • snowed under (phr): bận rộn với công việc
  • acquire (v): đạt được

II. Sample IELTS Speaking Part 3 Answer: Newspapers

1. Do you think people will rely on the internet for news?

Isn’t it the norm these days? I believe the number of people turning to the internet for news and information has become immense in recent decades. It is unavoidable, considering how convenient online news is - updated by the second, generally cheaper, and often free. Not to mention, readers can easily access various types of information on multiple devices such as smartphones, iPads, and laptops, as long as there’s a stable internet connection. 

2. What marketing strategies do these newspapers employ?

A common approach is using them as advertising platforms. This can be done by placing ads in magazines that are read by the target audience for the advertised product or service. Another strategy is distributing magazines to potential customers by mailing them or handing them out at trade shows or other events.

3. Do you think newspapers alter real stories to boost sales?

Hmmm, to be honest, as I am an outsider of the journalism industry, my claims would mostly be assumptions. I do think some broadsheets and reputable magazines tend to be more cautious and honest with their news coverage. However, certain levels of fabrication definitely exist, at least in a few tabloids that focus on sensational showbiz news, for instance.

Unscrupulous journalists and editors could manipulate real stories they get hold of by different means, like adding embellishments, omitting crucial details, or just outright spewing lies… You know, the usual gutter press. Unfortunately, these scandalous news and stories still receive lots of public attention, hence increasing the newspapers’ profits. So it is a vicious cycle of “let’s provide readers with what would sell even if it means being untruthful.”

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  •  
    • outsider (n): người ngoài cuộc
    • assumption (n): 
    • broadsheet (n): báo cỡ lớn
    • reputable (a): danh tiếng, đáng tin cậy
    • fabrication (n): sự thêu dệt, bịa chuyện
    • tabloid (n): báo lá cải
    • sensational (a): giật gân
    • unscrupulous (a): vô lương tâm
    • manipulate (v): thao túng
    • embellishment (n): sự tô vẽ
    • omit (v): loại bỏ
    • outright (adv): dứt khoát, hoàn toàn
    • spew (v): tuôn ra
    • gutter press (n): báo lá cải, rẻ tiền
    • scandalous (a): gây sốc, giật gân
    • vicious cycle (n): vòng luẩn quẩn

III. Lời kết