The topic of how technology influences modern friendships is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exams and current trends, this subject is likely to appear frequently in future tests. Its relevance to contemporary society makes it a prime candidate for examination. Let’s explore this topic through a carefully selected prompt and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Some people think that modern communication technology is having a negative effect on social relationships. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to discuss their views on the impact of modern communication technology on social relationships. The key aspects to address are:
- The phrase “some people think” indicates that you should consider multiple perspectives.
- “Modern communication technology” refers to recent advancements in how we interact, such as smartphones, social media, and instant messaging.
- “Negative effect” suggests you should explore potential drawbacks, but also leaves room to discuss positive aspects.
- “Social relationships” encompasses friendships, family ties, and other interpersonal connections.
- “To what extent do you agree or disagree” means you should clearly state your position and support it with relevant examples and reasoning.
The impact of digital technology on interpersonal communication is a complex topic that requires careful consideration of both benefits and drawbacks.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In the digital age, the impact of modern communication technology on social relationships has become a topic of intense debate. While some argue that these advancements are eroding the quality of our interpersonal connections, I believe that the effects are largely positive, albeit with some potential pitfalls that require mindful navigation.
Undeniably, technology has revolutionized the way we maintain and develop social relationships. Instant messaging apps, social media platforms, and video calling services have effectively bridged geographical gaps, allowing friends and family to stay connected regardless of distance. This has been particularly evident during global crises, such as the recent pandemic, where technology became a lifeline for maintaining social bonds. Moreover, these tools have expanded our social circles, enabling us to form meaningful connections with like-minded individuals across the globe, enriching our perspectives and cultural understanding.
However, it would be remiss to ignore the potential negative aspects of this technological shift. The ease of digital communication can sometimes lead to a preference for shallow, online interactions over deeper, face-to-face engagements. Additionally, the constant connectivity facilitated by smartphones can create pressure to be always available, potentially leading to stress and diminished quality of in-person interactions. There’s also the risk of social media addiction and the phenomenon of curating idealized online personas, which can foster feelings of inadequacy and impact self-esteem.
Nevertheless, I contend that these challenges are outweighed by the benefits and can be mitigated through conscious use of technology. By setting healthy boundaries and using digital tools mindfully, we can harness their power to enhance rather than detract from our social relationships. For instance, using video calls to maintain long-distance friendships while also prioritizing quality time with local friends strikes a balance between technology’s benefits and traditional social interaction.
In conclusion, while modern communication technology has introduced new dynamics to social relationships, its overall impact is predominantly positive. The key lies in leveraging these tools to complement and enhance our social connections rather than allowing them to substitute for genuine human interaction. As we continue to adapt to this digital landscape, it’s crucial to remain mindful of how we use technology to ensure it enriches rather than diminishes the quality of our social bonds.
Technology's impact on modern friendships through digital communication
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In today’s world, modern communication technology has changed the way we interact with each other. While some people believe it has a negative effect on social relationships, I partially agree with this opinion, as there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider.
On the one hand, technology has made it easier to stay in touch with friends and family, especially those who live far away. Social media platforms and messaging apps allow us to share updates, photos, and videos instantly, helping us feel connected even when we’re physically apart. This is particularly useful for maintaining long-distance friendships or keeping in touch with relatives in other countries. Additionally, video calling has made it possible to have face-to-face conversations with people anywhere in the world, which can strengthen relationships.
However, there are also some negative aspects to consider. Excessive use of technology can lead to reduced face-to-face interactions, which are important for developing strong social bonds. People may spend more time looking at their screens than engaging in real-life conversations, which can make relationships feel less personal. Moreover, social media can create unrealistic expectations and feelings of jealousy or inadequacy when people compare their lives to the curated versions they see online.
How modern communication technology affects human relationships is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of both its benefits and drawbacks.
Another concern is that people may become overly dependent on technology for social interaction, making it harder to develop important social skills. This can be especially problematic for younger generations who grow up with these technologies and may struggle with face-to-face communication.
In conclusion, while modern communication technology has certainly changed the nature of social relationships, I believe its effects are mixed rather than entirely negative. It’s important to use technology in moderation and balance it with real-life interactions to maintain healthy social relationships. By being aware of both the benefits and potential drawbacks, we can make conscious choices about how we use technology to enhance our social connections rather than letting it detract from them.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowadays, modern communication technology is very popular and many people use it every day. Some people think it has a bad effect on social relationships. I agree with this opinion to some extent.
There are some good things about modern technology for relationships. We can talk to friends and family who live far away easily. For example, we can use video calls to see and talk to people in other countries. Also, social media helps us share photos and news with many friends at the same time. This is good for keeping in touch with people we don’t see often.
But there are also bad things about technology for relationships. Sometimes people spend too much time on their phones or computers and don’t talk to people face-to-face. This can make friendships less strong. Also, on social media, people often show only the good parts of their lives, which can make others feel bad about their own lives.
The effects of social media on personal relationships are complex and can vary depending on how individuals use these platforms.
Another problem is that some people, especially young people, might find it hard to talk to others in real life because they are used to talking online. This can cause problems in making new friends or in work situations.
In conclusion, I think modern communication technology has both good and bad effects on social relationships. It’s important to use technology in a good way and not let it replace real face-to-face talking with friends and family. We should try to find a balance between using technology and spending time with people in real life.
Balancing technology and real-life interactions for healthy relationships
Explaining the Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent use of language and addresses all parts of the task fully. It presents a clear position and develops ideas coherently. The essay:
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and flexibly (e.g., “eroding the quality,” “mindful navigation,” “curating idealized online personas”).
- Employs a variety of complex structures with full flexibility and accuracy.
- Presents a fully developed position with relevant, extended, and well-supported ideas.
- Uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention and skillfully manages paragraphing.
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows a good attempt at addressing the task, with some limitations. It presents a clear overall progression, although it may lack some coherence. The essay:
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, with some attempts at less common words.
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, with some errors that do not impede communication.
- Presents relevant ideas but some may be inadequately developed or unclear.
- Uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be faulty or mechanical.
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay addresses the task only partially, presenting a relevant but underdeveloped position. The essay:
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary, with some repetition and inappropriate word choice.
- Uses mainly simple sentences with limited accuracy in complex structures.
- Presents some main ideas but these are limited and not sufficiently developed.
- Uses basic cohesive devices but these may be inaccurate or repetitive.
Impact of social media on personal relationships is a topic that requires careful consideration of both positive and negative aspects, as demonstrated in these sample essays.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Interpersonal communication (noun) – /ˌɪntəˈpɜːsnl kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃn/ – Communication between people
- Social bonds (noun) – /ˈsəʊʃl bɒndz/ – Connections between individuals in a society
- Curate (verb) – /kjʊəˈreɪt/ – To select, organize, and present content
- Mindful (adjective) – /ˈmaɪndfʊl/ – Conscious or aware of something
- Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – To make less severe or serious
- Inadequacy (noun) – /ɪnˈædɪkwəsi/ – The state of being insufficient or lacking
- Diminish (verb) – /dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/ – To make or become less
- Leverage (verb) – /ˈliːvərɪdʒ/ – To use something to maximum advantage
- Moderation (noun) – /ˌmɒdəˈreɪʃn/ – The avoidance of excess or extremes
- Dependency (noun) – /dɪˈpendənsi/ – The state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else
How social media affects interpersonal communication is a crucial aspect to consider when discussing the influence of technology on modern friendships, as highlighted by the vocabulary used in these sample essays.
Conclusion
The influence of technology on modern friendships is a complex and evolving topic that is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. As we’ve seen through these sample essays, there are various perspectives to consider, from the benefits of enhanced connectivity to the potential drawbacks of reduced face-to-face interaction.
For future practice, consider exploring related topics such as:
- The role of artificial intelligence in shaping social interactions
- The impact of virtual reality on long-distance relationships
- How technology affects work relationships and professional networking
- The influence of social media on teenage friendships and mental health
- The balance between privacy and connectivity in the digital age
To further improve your writing skills, we encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you internalize the structures and vocabulary necessary for success in IELTS Writing Task 2.