The topic of limiting children’s screen time has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends, it is highly likely that this subject will continue to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a real IELTS question that has been asked on this topic:

Some people think that parents should regulate the hours their children spend watching TV or using a computer. Others believe children should be free to choose how to spend their free time. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question addresses a critical issue in modern parenting and child development. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Question Analysis

This task requires candidates to:

1. Discuss two contrasting views on regulating children’s screen time
2. Provide their own opinion on the matter
3. Support arguments with relevant examples and explanations

Key points to consider:

• Reasons for regulating screen time
• Potential benefits of allowing children to manage their own time
• Balancing screen time with other activities
• Long-term effects of excessive screen time on children’s development

Now, let’s examine sample essays for different band scores.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Parents today face a significant challenge in managing their children’s screen time, given the ubiquity of digital devices and media. While some argue for strict regulation of children’s TV and computer usage, others advocate for allowing children the freedom to choose their leisure activities. In my opinion, a balanced approach that combines parental guidance with gradual independence is most effective.

Those who support parental regulation of screen time often cite concerns about the negative impacts of excessive media consumption on children’s physical and mental health. Prolonged screen exposure can lead to issues such as obesity, poor sleep patterns, and reduced social skills. Moreover, uncontrolled access to online content may expose children to inappropriate material or cyber bullying. By setting limits, parents can ensure that their children engage in a diverse range of activities, including physical exercise, reading, and face-to-face social interactions, which are crucial for holistic development.

On the other hand, proponents of children’s autonomy argue that allowing them to manage their own time fosters important life skills. Learning to make decisions, prioritize activities, and self-regulate are valuable competencies that children need to develop. Furthermore, in an increasingly digital world, familiarity with technology is essential, and restricting access may put children at a disadvantage. Advocates of this view also contend that overly strict regulations may lead to rebellion or secretive behavior, potentially damaging the parent-child relationship.

In my view, a nuanced approach that evolves with the child’s age and maturity is most beneficial. For younger children, parents should establish clear guidelines and time limits for screen use, ensuring a healthy balance with other activities. As children grow older, they can be gradually given more responsibility in managing their time, with parents shifting to a more advisory role. This approach allows children to develop self-regulation skills while still benefiting from parental guidance.

It is crucial for parents to lead by example and create a family culture that values diverse activities beyond screen time. Engaging in regular family activities such as outdoor excursions, board games, or creative projects can naturally reduce the allure of constant screen use. Additionally, parents should stay informed about the content their children consume and use technology as a tool for bonding and learning together.

In conclusion, while both viewpoints have merit, I believe that a flexible, age-appropriate approach to managing children’s screen time is most effective. By combining reasonable limits with opportunities for autonomy, parents can help their children develop a healthy relationship with technology while ensuring their overall well-being and development.

(343 words)

Children using digital devices with parental supervision

Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)

This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that align with Band 8-9 criteria:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly presenting the writer’s own opinion. It provides a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is cohesive and progresses logically, with each paragraph focused on a specific aspect of the argument. Effective use of cohesive devices (e.g., “Moreover,” “Furthermore,” “On the other hand”) enhances the flow of ideas.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is sophisticated and precise, with a wide range of words and phrases used accurately (e.g., “ubiquity,” “holistic development,” “nuanced approach,” “self-regulation”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of complex structures used accurately and flexibly. There is a mix of simple and complex sentences, with no noticeable errors.

5. Development and Support: Each main point is well-elaborated with relevant examples and explanations, showing a deep understanding of the issue.

6. Tone and Style: The essay maintains an academic tone throughout, presenting a balanced and nuanced argument.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

In today’s digital age, the question of how much time children should spend watching TV or using computers is a hot topic. Some people think parents should control their kids’ screen time, while others believe children should decide for themselves. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.

Those who support parental control of screen time have some good reasons. Too much time on screens can be bad for children’s health and development. It can cause problems like not sleeping well, not exercising enough, and not spending time with friends in person. Also, there are many dangerous things online that kids might see if they use the internet without limits. Parents who set rules about screen time can make sure their children do other important activities like reading books, playing sports, or learning music.

On the other hand, people who think children should choose how to spend their free time also have valid points. They say that children need to learn how to manage their own time and make decisions. If parents always control everything, kids might not learn these important skills. Also, in today’s world, being good with technology is very important, and using computers and the internet can help children learn useful skills for their future jobs.

In my opinion, I think the best way is to find a balance between these two views. Parents should set some basic rules about screen time, especially for younger children. But as kids get older, they should be given more freedom to decide how to use their time. Parents can teach their children about the good and bad sides of technology and help them make smart choices. This way, children can learn to use screens responsibly while also enjoying other activities.

It’s also important for parents to be good examples. If parents spend all their time on phones or computers, it’s hard for kids to understand why they shouldn’t do the same. Families can have fun together doing things that don’t involve screens, like going to the park, playing games, or cooking together.

To conclude, while both views have their merits, I believe a balanced approach works best. Parents should guide their children’s screen time while also letting them learn to make their own choices as they grow up. This can help children develop a healthy relationship with technology and enjoy a variety of activities in their free time.

(391 words)

Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)

This essay demonstrates qualities that align with Band 6-7 criteria:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and presenting the writer’s opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed and supported.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear progression throughout. Basic cohesive devices are used, but there could be more sophisticated linking of ideas.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with some attempt at using less common words. However, the range is more limited compared to the Band 8-9 essay, and there’s less precision in word choice.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control. There are no major errors that impede communication, but the range of structures is less varied than in higher band essays.

5. Development and Support: Main points are supported with relevant ideas, but the explanations and examples are less detailed and sophisticated compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

6. Tone and Style: The essay maintains an appropriate tone, but the style is more straightforward and less academic than higher band essays.

Key Vocabulary

1. Ubiquity (noun) – /juːˈbɪkwəti/ – the state of being everywhere

2. Holistic (adjective) – /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – considering the whole thing or being rather than just parts

3. Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression

4. Self-regulation (noun) – /ˌselfˌreɡjʊˈleɪʃən/ – control of oneself by oneself

5. Autonomy (noun) – /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/ – the right or condition of self-government

6. Prioritize (verb) – /praɪˈɒrɪtaɪz/ – to designate or treat something as more important than other things

7. Cyber bullying (noun) – /ˈsaɪbə ˌbʊliɪŋ/ – the use of electronic communication to bully a person

8. Rebellion (noun) – /rɪˈbeljən/ – an act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler

9. Diverse (adjective) – /daɪˈvɜːs/ – showing a great deal of variety; very different

10. Evolve (verb) – /ɪˈvɒlv/ – to develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form

These vocabulary items are crucial for discussing topics related to the effects of technology on children’s attention spans and should parents monitor their children’s online activities. By incorporating these words into your essays, you can demonstrate a sophisticated command of English and express your ideas more precisely.

Conclusion

The topic of limiting children’s screen time is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related subjects such as:

• The impact of social media on children’s social skills
• The role of technology in education
• Balancing online and offline activities for children’s development
• The pros and cons of allowing children to use smartphones
• Should governments regulate the use of social media by minors?

Remember to analyze the question carefully, plan your essay structure, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Practice writing essays on this topic and share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.