Social media’s impact on public discourse has become a hot topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This theme frequently appears in recent exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Given its significance, let’s explore a real IELTS question that captures the essence of this subject:
Some people think that social media is helping to create a more open and connected world, while others think it is actually narrowing people’s viewpoints. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
This question perfectly encapsulates the debate surrounding how social media platforms influence public discourse. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
This question asks you to:
- Discuss the view that social media creates a more open and connected world
- Discuss the opposing view that social media narrows people’s viewpoints
- Give your own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all three points in your essay to achieve a high score.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The ubiquity of social media platforms has sparked a debate about their impact on global communication and perspectives. While some argue that these digital networks foster openness and connectivity, others contend that they actually limit users’ worldviews. This essay will examine both sides of the argument before presenting my own stance.
Proponents of social media assert that these platforms have revolutionized global connectivity. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have undeniably bridged geographical gaps, allowing instant communication across continents. This unprecedented access to diverse cultures and ideas has the potential to broaden horizons and promote mutual understanding. Moreover, social media has given voice to marginalized groups, enabling them to share their experiences and perspectives on a global stage.
However, critics argue that social media can create echo chambers that reinforce existing beliefs and narrow viewpoints. The algorithms that power these platforms often prioritize content that aligns with users’ pre-existing views, potentially limiting exposure to diverse perspectives. This phenomenon, known as the “filter bubble,” can lead to increased polarization and a lack of critical thinking. Furthermore, the brevity encouraged by platforms like Twitter may oversimplify complex issues, hindering nuanced discussion.
In my opinion, while social media has the potential to connect us globally, its impact on broadening or narrowing viewpoints largely depends on how individuals use these platforms. Users who actively seek out diverse perspectives and engage in respectful dialogue can indeed expand their worldviews. Conversely, those who passively consume content or interact only with like-minded individuals may find their views becoming more entrenched.
In conclusion, social media’s influence on public discourse is complex and multifaceted. While it offers unprecedented opportunities for global connection, it also presents challenges in terms of echo chambers and oversimplification. Ultimately, the onus is on users to approach these platforms critically and actively seek out diverse viewpoints to truly benefit from the connected world social media can offer.
(Word count: 309)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Social media has become a big part of our lives, and people have different opinions about how it affects the way we see the world. Some think it helps us connect more, while others believe it makes our views narrower. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
On one hand, social media can make the world more open and connected. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter allow us to talk to people from all over the world easily. We can learn about different cultures and ideas just by scrolling through our feeds. This can help us understand others better and become more open-minded. Also, social media gives a voice to people who might not be heard otherwise, which is good for sharing different views.
On the other hand, some people think social media actually narrows our viewpoints. The way social media works can sometimes show us only things we already agree with. This is because the algorithms try to show us content we like, which might mean we don’t see other opinions much. This can make people’s views stronger and not open to change. Also, because posts on social media are often short, it can be hard to explain complicated ideas properly.
In my opinion, social media can be both good and bad for our views. It depends on how we use it. If we try to follow different kinds of people and read about various topics, it can help us learn more. But if we only look at things we already like, it might not broaden our minds much.
To conclude, social media has changed how we communicate and get information. While it can connect us to the world, it’s important to use it wisely to really benefit from it. We should try to see different viewpoints on social media to avoid getting stuck in our own bubble.
(Word count: 309)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Social media is very popular now. Some people think it helps us connect more with others. But some people think it makes our ideas smaller. I will talk about both ideas and say what I think.
First, social media can make the world more open. We can talk to people from other countries on Facebook or Twitter. This is good because we can learn new things. We can see how other people live and think. This can make us understand others better. Also, people who don’t usually get to speak can share their ideas on social media.
But, some people say social media makes our views smaller. Sometimes, social media only shows us things we already like. This means we might not see different opinions. This can make people only believe what they already think. Also, on social media, messages are often short. This can make it hard to explain big ideas well.
I think social media can be good and bad. It depends on how we use it. If we look at many different things on social media, we can learn a lot. But if we only look at things we already like, we might not learn new ideas.
In the end, social media has changed how we talk to people and get information. It can help us connect with the world, but we need to use it carefully. We should try to see many different ideas on social media. This way, we can really learn from it.
(Word count: 237)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the response
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Organizes information coherently and there is clear progression throughout
- Uses cohesion in such a way that it attracts no attention
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, although conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some evidence of style and flexibility
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Arranges information coherently and there is clear overall progression
- Uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be faulty or mechanical
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but development is not always clear
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task
- May make noticeable errors in spelling and/or word formation that may cause some difficulty for the reader
- Uses only a limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses
- Presents information with some organization but there may be lack of overall progression
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Ubiquity (noun) /juːˈbɪkwəti/ – the state of being everywhere
- Echo chamber (noun) /ˈekəʊ ˌtʃeɪmbə(r)/ – an environment where a person only encounters information or opinions that reflect and reinforce their own
- Polarization (noun) /ˌpəʊlərəˈzeɪʃn/ – division into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs
- Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
- Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
- Entrenched (adjective) /ɪnˈtrentʃt/ – firmly established and difficult or unlikely to change; ingrained
- Onus (noun) /ˈəʊnəs/ – something that is one’s duty or responsibility
- Algorithm (noun) /ˈælɡərɪðəm/ – a process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer
- Filter bubble (noun) /ˈfɪltə ˌbʌbl/ – a state of intellectual isolation that can result from personalized searches when a website algorithm selectively guesses what information a user would like to see
- Discourse (noun) /ˈdɪskɔːs/ – written or spoken communication or debate
In conclusion, the topic of how social media has changed public discourse is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might explore related themes such as how social media influences voting behavior or how digital platforms influence public opinion. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on these topics, focusing on developing balanced arguments and clear personal opinions. Remember to use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures to achieve higher band scores. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement!