Original BandLadder material
Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a one-page visual summary, word cards with meanings and examples (news coverage, biased reporting, misinformation and sensational headlines), a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.
Reading it online is free: create a free BandLadder account and the whole lesson opens in our study reader, on the web and in the app. Downloading the PDF to keep needs a plan; the free reader has every card.
The first 3 of 9 cards
vague words make the reader guess
"Bad" could mean biased, untrue or gloomy. Name the problem instead.
A lot ofhow many? adverts for children are badharmful how? and the news is badbiased? untrue? too.
The fixes: constant advertising, target children, biased reporting.
swap the vague words for the real problem
| Vague | Precise |
|---|---|
| the news is bad | biased reporting |
| wrong stuff online | misinformation |
| shocking titles | sensational headlines |
| a lot of adverts | constant advertising |
| stars in adverts | celebrity endorsements |
IELTS Band 7 Lexical Resource: “an awareness of style and collocation”. The PTE Essay has a vocabulary trait too.
say exactly what is wrong with it
The storm got little news coverage abroad.
Some papers are known for biased reporting.
Messaging apps can spread misinformation fast.
Tabloids rely on sensational headlines.
Card 4 of 9 onwards
Keep reading free
The other 6 cards open in the reader with a free account.
Create a free account →9 cards
Read the full Media words: name the problem free
Create a free account and it opens in the study reader, with the rest of the BandLadder library. Download the PDF with any plan.
Create a free account →Preparing for PTE? Read it in the PTE library.
Free practice
Keep reading
Questions
Yes, to read online. Create a free BandLadder account and the full lesson opens in the study reader. No card details are needed.
The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.
The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.
Both. The lesson is in the IELTS and the PTE study library, so it opens whichever exam you prepare for.
IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. PTE is a trademark of Pearson. BandLadder is not affiliated with either.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy