The impact of mobile technology on social interaction is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests. Its popularity stems from the pervasive influence of smartphones and social media on our daily lives and interpersonal relationships. Let’s explore this topic through a real IELTS question and analyze sample essays for different band scores.

How technology has changed the way people communicate is a closely related topic that you might also encounter in your IELTS preparation. Understanding these interconnected themes can help you develop a more comprehensive approach to your essay writing.

Some people think that mobile phones and other forms of technology are creating distance between people and weakening family relationships. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Question Analysis

This question requires you to discuss the impact of mobile technology on interpersonal relationships, particularly within families. You need to:

1. State your opinion clearly (agree, disagree, or partially agree)
2. Provide reasons and examples to support your stance
3. Consider potential counterarguments
4. Conclude by summarizing your main points

Now, let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality and analyze why they correspond to different band scores.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In today’s digital age, the ubiquity of mobile phones and other technological devices has sparked a debate about their impact on human relationships. While some argue that these technologies are creating distance between people and weakening family bonds, I partially agree with this statement. Although excessive use of mobile devices can indeed lead to social isolation, when used mindfully, they can also enhance communication and strengthen family connections.

On one hand, the overuse of mobile phones can undoubtedly create barriers in face-to-face interactions. Many individuals become engrossed in their devices, neglecting the people physically present around them. This phenomenon, often referred to as “phubbing” (phone snubbing), can lead to feelings of disconnection and resentment among family members. For instance, parents absorbed in their smartphones might miss crucial moments in their children’s lives, while teenagers constantly engaged in social media may become emotionally distant from their families.

However, it is essential to recognize that mobile technology, when used judiciously, can actually strengthen family relationships. These devices offer unprecedented opportunities for staying connected, especially for families separated by distance. Video calls, instant messaging, and social media platforms allow family members to share experiences, offer support, and maintain close ties despite geographical barriers. For example, grandparents can witness their grandchildren’s milestones through video chats, while working parents can check in with their kids during busy workdays.

Moreover, technology can facilitate shared experiences within families. Educational apps, online games, and digital storytelling platforms can provide opportunities for parents and children to learn and bond together. Family movie nights streamed on smart TVs or group chats for planning gatherings can enhance family cohesion in the digital era.

In conclusion, while the excessive use of mobile phones and other technologies can indeed create distance between people, their impact on family relationships is not inherently negative. The key lies in mindful usage and establishing healthy boundaries. Families should strive to balance digital connectivity with quality face-to-face interactions, ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces genuine human connection.

Mobile technology's impact on family relationships

Essay 1 Analysis (Band 8-9)

This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that justify a high band score:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a nuanced view (partial agreement). It develops main ideas with relevant examples and fully extended support.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “On one hand”, “However”, “Moreover”) and demonstrates a logical structure with each paragraph focusing on a distinct idea.

3. Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control (e.g., “ubiquity”, “engrossed”, “judiciously”, “unprecedented”). There is good awareness of style and collocation.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. It uses complex sentences without any noticeable errors.

5. Development and Support: Each main idea is well-developed with specific examples and explanations, demonstrating a depth of critical thinking.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Mobile phones and other technologies have become a big part of our lives today. Some people think these devices are making people less close to each other and hurting family relationships. I partly agree with this idea because while technology can cause problems, it also has some good points for families.

It’s true that mobile phones can sometimes make people pay less attention to their family members. For example, when family members are eating dinner together, some people might be looking at their phones instead of talking to each other. This can make people feel ignored and can weaken family bonds. Also, spending too much time on social media or playing games can mean less time for family activities.

However, technology can also help families stay connected. For families who live far apart, video calls and messaging apps make it easy to keep in touch. This is especially helpful for people who work in different cities or countries but want to stay close to their families. They can share photos, chat every day, and even see each other’s faces, which wasn’t possible before.

Technology can also be used for family activities. Families can watch movies together on streaming services, play online games as a group, or use educational apps to help children with their homework. These shared experiences can bring family members closer together.

In conclusion, while mobile phones and technology can sometimes create distance between people, they can also help families stay connected and share experiences. It’s important for families to find a balance and use technology in ways that bring them together rather than push them apart.

Family using technology together

Essay 2 Analysis (Band 6-7)

This essay demonstrates good qualities but has some limitations that place it in the Band 6-7 range:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the task and presents a clear position (partial agreement). It covers the main points but could benefit from more depth and fuller development of ideas.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear overall progression. It uses some cohesive devices, but they are less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with some attempts at less common words. However, the range is more limited compared to the higher band 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 it lacks the full flexibility seen in Band 8-9 essays.

5. Development and Support: Main ideas are supported with relevant examples, but the development is less thorough and nuanced compared to the higher band essay.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Nowaday, mobile phones and technology are everywhere. Some people think it make people far from each other and family relationships become weak. I agree with this idea because I see many problems from technology.

First, people always use phones and don’t talk to family. When family eat together, everyone look at phone not talk. This is bad for family. Also, people spend much time on social media and games, so they don’t have time for family.

Second, children use phones too much and don’t listen parents. They always play games or chat with friends. This make parents angry and family have problems.

But sometimes technology can be good. People can call family if they are far away. This is helpful for work people who live in other city. They can see family face on video call.

In conclusion, I think mobile phones and technology are mostly bad for family relationships. People should use less technology and spend more time with family.

Essay 3 Analysis (Band 5-6)

This essay demonstrates limitations that place it in the Band 5-6 range:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the task but presents a limited position. It covers some main points but lacks depth and fuller development of ideas.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a basic structure, but the progression of ideas is not always clear. It uses basic cohesive devices, but there’s a lack of sophistication in linking ideas.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. There are attempts to use less common words, but they’re often inaccurate or inappropriate.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses mostly simple sentences with limited accuracy. There are noticeable errors that sometimes impede communication.

5. Development and Support: Main ideas are present but underdeveloped. Examples are basic and lack specificity.

Key Vocabulary

1. Ubiquity (noun) – /juːˈbɪkwəti/ – the state of being everywhere
2. Engrossed (adjective) – /ɪnˈɡrəʊst/ – having all one’s attention or interest absorbed by someone or something
3. Phubbing (noun) – /ˈfʌbɪŋ/ – the practice of ignoring one’s companion or companions in order to pay attention to one’s phone or other mobile device
4. Judiciously (adverb) – /dʒuːˈdɪʃəsli/ – with good judgment or sense
5. Unprecedented (adjective) – /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/ – never done or known before
6. Cohesion (noun) – /kəʊˈhiːʒən/ – the action or fact of forming a united whole
7. Mindful (adjective) – /ˈmaɪndfʊl/ – conscious or aware of something
8. Enhance (verb) – /ɪnˈhɑːns/ – intensify, increase, or further improve the quality, value, or extent of
9. Pervasive (adjective) – /pəˈveɪsɪv/ – spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people
10. Interpersonal (adjective) – /ˌɪntəˈpɜːsənl/ – relating to relationships or communication between people

How technology influences parenting styles is another interesting aspect to consider when discussing the impact of technology on family dynamics. This could provide additional insights for your essay writing practice.

In conclusion, the impact of mobile technology on social interaction, particularly within family relationships, is a complex and nuanced topic. While excessive use can indeed create barriers, mindful utilization can enhance communication and strengthen bonds. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, consider practicing with similar topics such as:

1. The effects of social media on face-to-face communication
2. The role of technology in modern education and its impact on student-teacher relationships
3. How digital communication platforms affect workplace dynamics

Remember to analyze the question carefully, plan your response, and use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures in your essay. Feel free to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will significantly improve your writing skills and prepare you better for the IELTS exam.

How does technology affect family communication is another related topic that you might find helpful in expanding your understanding and preparing for your IELTS Writing Task 2.