In recent years, the topic of social media literacy in schools has gained significant attention in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This subject is becoming increasingly relevant as social media continues to play a crucial role in our daily lives, especially for younger generations. By analyzing past exam trends and considering the current digital landscape, we can expect this theme to appear more frequently in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore a sample question and provide two model essays to help you prepare for this important topic.
Analyzing the Task Question
Some people think that schools should teach children how to use social media responsibly. Others believe that this is not the role of schools. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
This question presents a balanced argument about the role of schools in teaching social media literacy. It requires you to:
- Discuss the view that schools should teach responsible social media use
- Explore the opposing view that this is not the responsibility of schools
- Provide your personal opinion on the matter
Let’s examine two sample essays that address this question, one aiming for a Band 8-9 score and another for a Band 6-7 score.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In today’s digital age, the debate over whether schools should incorporate social media literacy into their curriculum has become increasingly pertinent. While some argue that this responsibility lies with schools, others contend that it falls outside the educational system’s purview. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint on this critical issue.
Proponents of teaching social media literacy in schools argue that it is essential for preparing students for the modern world. Social media platforms have become integral to communication, information sharing, and even professional networking. By incorporating this into the curriculum, schools can equip students with the necessary skills to navigate these platforms responsibly, critically evaluate online information, and protect themselves from potential risks such as cyberbullying or online predators. Moreover, as many children start using social media at a young age, schools are well-positioned to provide guidance before harmful habits form.
On the other hand, those who oppose this idea contend that schools should focus on traditional academic subjects and leave social media education to parents or guardians. They argue that the school curriculum is already overcrowded, and adding social media literacy would detract from core subjects like mathematics, science, and literature. Additionally, some believe that social media use is a personal matter and that schools should not interfere with how families choose to manage their children’s online activities.
In my opinion, while parents certainly play a crucial role in guiding their children’s social media use, schools have a responsibility to address this important aspect of modern life. The digital landscape is complex and ever-changing, and many parents may not have the knowledge or resources to provide comprehensive guidance on social media use. Schools, with their access to up-to-date information and teaching expertise, are well-equipped to provide structured, age-appropriate lessons on responsible social media use.
Furthermore, integrating social media literacy into the curriculum doesn’t necessarily mean creating separate classes. It can be incorporated into existing subjects such as digital literacy, citizenship, or even language arts. This approach would not only teach students how to use social media responsibly but also how to leverage these platforms for learning and future career opportunities.
In conclusion, while the debate on this issue continues, I believe that schools play a vital role in teaching social media literacy. By providing students with the tools to navigate the digital world responsibly, schools can help create a generation of informed, critical, and safe social media users. This education is not just beneficial for individual students but for society as a whole, as it promotes digital citizenship and responsible online behavior.
Teaching social media literacy in a modern classroom
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of whether schools should teach children about responsible social media use is a hot topic these days. Some people think it’s important for schools to do this, while others believe it’s not part of a school’s job. In this essay, I will discuss both sides and give my own opinion.
Those who support teaching social media in schools say it’s necessary because social media is a big part of our lives now. They think schools can help students learn how to use social media safely and avoid problems like cyberbullying. Also, many kids start using social media very young, so schools can teach them good habits early on.
On the other hand, people who don’t think schools should teach this say that schools should focus on regular subjects like math and science. They think there’s not enough time to add new topics to what schools already teach. Some also believe that how kids use social media should be up to their parents, not schools.
In my opinion, I think schools should teach about responsible social media use. While parents are important in guiding their children, not all parents know enough about social media to teach their kids properly. Schools have more resources and can provide good information to all students.
I also think that teaching about social media doesn’t have to be a separate subject. Schools can include it in other classes like computer studies or even in language classes. This way, students can learn about social media while also learning other important things.
To conclude, I believe that schools have an important role in teaching students about responsible social media use. This can help students be safer online and use social media in a good way. It’s not just good for the students, but also for society as a whole.
Writing Tips for Different Band Scores
For Band 8-9:
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Vocabulary: Use a wide range of sophisticated vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. For example:
- “integral to communication”
- “navigate these platforms responsibly”
- “detract from core subjects”
- “digital landscape is complex and ever-changing”
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Grammar: Demonstrate a variety of complex sentence structures:
- Conditional sentences: “By incorporating this into the curriculum, schools can equip students…”
- Relative clauses: “Those who oppose this idea contend that…”
- Passive voice: “This approach would not only teach students…”
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Coherence and Cohesion: Use a range of linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly:
- “Moreover”, “Furthermore”, “Additionally”
- “On the other hand”, “In conclusion”
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Task Response: Fully address all parts of the question, providing a clear opinion and well-developed arguments.
For Band 6-7:
-
Vocabulary: Use a good range of vocabulary, with some less common words:
- “responsible social media use”
- “cyberbullying”
- “provide good information”
-
Grammar: Use a mix of simple and complex sentences:
- Simple: “This can help students be safer online.”
- Complex: “While parents are important in guiding their children, not all parents know enough about social media to teach their kids properly.”
-
Coherence and Cohesion: Use basic linking words to connect ideas:
- “On the other hand”, “Also”, “To conclude”
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Task Response: Address all parts of the question, but with less depth and development compared to a Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Social media literacy (noun): The ability to use social media platforms effectively and responsibly.
Pronunciation: /ˈsəʊʃəl ˈmiːdiə ˈlɪtərəsi/ -
Digital citizenship (noun): The responsible use of technology and online platforms.
Pronunciation: /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈsɪtɪzənʃɪp/ -
Cyberbullying (noun): The use of electronic communication to bully a person.
Pronunciation: /ˈsaɪbəˌbʊliɪŋ/ -
Online predator (noun phrase): A person who uses the internet to exploit or abuse others, especially children.
Pronunciation: /ˈɒnlaɪn ˈpredətə/ -
Digital footprint (noun phrase): The information about a person that exists on the internet as a result of their online activity.
Pronunciation: /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈfʊtprɪnt/ -
Information literacy (noun phrase): The ability to find, evaluate, and use information effectively.
Pronunciation: /ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃn ˈlɪtərəsi/ -
Critical thinking (noun phrase): The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue to form a judgment.
Pronunciation: /ˈkrɪtɪkl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ -
Digital etiquette (noun phrase): The standards of conduct and behavior when using digital technologies.
Pronunciation: /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈetɪket/
Conclusion
The Importance Of Social Media Literacy In Schools is a topic that is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. As you prepare, consider practicing with similar questions, such as:
- Do the benefits of social media in education outweigh the drawbacks?
- Should there be age restrictions on social media use? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
- How has social media changed the way we communicate? Is this a positive or negative development?
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is practice. Try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in your IELTS exam.
For more insights on related topics, you might find our articles on the importance of digital literacy in modern society and the importance of critical thinking in problem solving helpful in expanding your understanding and vocabulary for these types of questions.
