Technology’s impact on personal relationships is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared in various forms over the past few years and is likely to continue being relevant in future exams. Let’s examine a specific question related to this theme and analyze sample essays for different band scores.

Some people think that digital technology has a negative impact on personal relationships between people. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analyzing the Question

This question asks for your opinion on whether digital technology negatively affects personal relationships. Key points to consider:

1. Understand the term “digital technology” (smartphones, social media, messaging apps, etc.)
2. Consider both positive and negative impacts on relationships
3. Decide your position: agree, disagree, or partially agree
4. Provide reasons and examples to support your view

Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9

In the digital age, concerns about technology’s impact on personal relationships have become increasingly prevalent. While some argue that digital technology has a detrimental effect on interpersonal connections, I partially agree with this viewpoint, as I believe the impact can be both positive and negative depending on how we utilize these tools.

On one hand, digital technology has undoubtedly transformed the way we communicate and maintain relationships. Social media platforms and instant messaging apps have made it easier than ever to stay connected with friends and family across vast distances. For instance, expatriates can now effortlessly share their experiences with loved ones back home through video calls and photo-sharing, bridging the gap that physical distance once created. Moreover, online communities have enabled individuals with niche interests to form meaningful connections that may have been impossible in their immediate physical surroundings.

Family using video call

However, it is equally true that excessive reliance on digital communication can lead to superficial relationships and a lack of genuine human interaction. The convenience of texting and social media updates often replaces face-to-face conversations, potentially eroding our ability to read non-verbal cues and engage in deep, meaningful dialogues. Furthermore, the constant connectivity facilitated by smartphones can lead to a phenomenon known as “phubbing,” where individuals ignore those physically present in favor of their digital devices, thereby damaging real-world relationships.

In my opinion, the key lies in striking a balance between digital and physical interactions. While technology offers valuable tools for maintaining and expanding our social networks, it should complement rather than replace traditional forms of communication. By setting boundaries on our digital usage and prioritizing quality face-to-face interactions, we can harness the benefits of technology without sacrificing the depth and authenticity of our personal relationships.

Friends enjoying dinner

In conclusion, while digital technology has the potential to negatively impact personal relationships, its effects are largely determined by how we choose to integrate it into our lives. By using these tools mindfully and maintaining a focus on genuine human connection, we can mitigate the negative aspects and leverage technology to enhance rather than diminish our personal relationships.

(Word count: 329)

Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates characteristics of a high band score (8-9):

1. Clear position: The writer partially agrees with the statement, providing a nuanced view.
2. Well-developed ideas: Each paragraph explores a different aspect of the issue with relevant examples.
3. Cohesion and coherence: Ideas flow logically, with appropriate linking words and phrases.
4. Lexical resource: Uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately (e.g., “detrimental,” “expatriates,” “niche interests,” “phubbing”).
5. Grammatical range and accuracy: Employs various complex structures correctly.

Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7

Nowadays, digital technology is everywhere in our lives. Some people think it has a bad effect on how we relate to each other. I partly agree with this idea because there are both good and bad things about using technology in relationships.

On the positive side, digital technology helps us stay in touch with people who are far away. For example, we can use video calls to talk to family members in other countries, which was not easy before. Also, social media lets us connect with old friends and make new ones who share our interests. This can be good for people who find it hard to meet others in real life.

However, there are also some negative effects. Sometimes people spend too much time on their phones and ignore the people around them. This can make face-to-face conversations less common and might make it harder for people to understand each other’s feelings. Another problem is that online communication can be less real than talking in person, and people might pretend to be someone they’re not.

Ignoring friend while using phone

I think the important thing is to use technology in a balanced way. We should enjoy the benefits of staying connected online, but also make sure we spend quality time with people in real life. It’s good to have rules, like not using phones during meals or when having important conversations.

In conclusion, while digital technology can have some negative impacts on relationships, it also has many benefits. The key is to use it wisely and not let it replace real human connections. If we do this, technology can help make our relationships stronger instead of weaker.

(Word count: 272)

Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates characteristics of a mid-range band score (6-7):

1. Position stated: The writer partially agrees with the statement.
2. Main ideas developed: The essay covers both positive and negative aspects with some examples.
3. Organization: There is a clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
4. Vocabulary: Uses some less common vocabulary (e.g., “relate,” “ignore,” “balanced”) but with less sophistication than the Band 8-9 essay.
5. Grammar: Generally accurate with some complex sentences, but less varied than the higher band essay.

Key Vocabulary

1. Digital technology (noun): Electronic tools, systems, devices and resources that generate, store or process data
   /ˈdɪdʒɪtl tekˈnɒlədʒi/

2. Personal relationships (noun phrase): Close connections between individuals
   /ˈpɜːsənl rɪˈleɪʃnʃɪps/

3. Interpersonal connections (noun phrase): Bonds or associations between people
   /ˌɪntəˈpɜːsənl kəˈnekʃnz/

4. Detrimental (adjective): Causing harm or damage
   /ˌdetrɪˈmentl/

5. Superficial (adjective): Lacking depth or substance
   /ˌsuːpəˈfɪʃl/

6. Phubbing (noun): The act of snubbing someone in favor of a mobile phone
   /ˈfʌbɪŋ/

7. Mindfully (adverb): In a conscious or aware manner
   /ˈmaɪndfəli/

8. Harness (verb): To control and make use of
   /ˈhɑːnɪs/

9. Mitigate (verb): To make less severe or serious
   /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/

10. Leverage (verb): To use something to maximum advantage
    /ˈliːvərɪdʒ/

Conclusion

The topic of technology’s impact on personal relationships is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams. To prepare, practice writing essays that:

1. Discuss both positive and negative effects of technology on relationships
2. Provide specific examples of how digital tools influence communication
3. Suggest ways to balance online and offline interactions

Remember to support your arguments with relevant examples and maintain a clear structure in your essay. Practice writing on similar topics like:

• The role of social media in modern friendships
• How technology affects family dynamics
• The impact of remote work on professional relationships

Feel free to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare for the exam.

For more insights on how technology is reshaping various aspects of our lives, you might find these articles interesting:

• How Automation is Reshaping the Service Industry
• The Role of Digital Marketing in Reshaping Global Advertising
• How Automation is Reshaping Customer Relationship Management

These resources can provide additional context and vocabulary to enhance your understanding of technology’s impact on various sectors, which can be valuable for your IELTS preparation.