Social media usage by young people has become a hot topic in recent years, frequently appearing in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. This issue is likely to remain relevant in future exams due to ongoing debates about the impact of social media on youth. Let’s examine a real IELTS question on this subject and analyze sample essays for different band scores.
Some people think that children should not be allowed to use social media until they are at least 16 years old. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on age restrictions for social media use, specifically focusing on a minimum age of 16. Key points to consider:
- The topic is social media usage by children
- The proposed age limit is 16 years old
- You need to express your level of agreement or disagreement
- Reasons and examples should support your position
Now let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Band 8 Sample Essay
In today’s digital age, the debate over children’s access to social media platforms has intensified. While some advocate for strict age restrictions, I partially agree that children should face limitations on social media use, but believe a complete ban until age 16 is too extreme.
There are valid reasons to restrict young children’s social media access. Firstly, children lack the maturity to navigate the complex social dynamics and potential dangers of online interactions. They may be more susceptible to cyberbullying, online predators, or exposure to inappropriate content. Additionally, excessive social media use can negatively impact academic performance, sleep patterns, and real-world social skills development. Implementing some age restrictions could help protect children from these risks.
However, a blanket ban until age 16 is overly restrictive and potentially counterproductive. Social media has become an integral part of modern communication and can offer educational and social benefits when used responsibly. A more nuanced approach would be to introduce gradual access with parental supervision and education about responsible online behavior. For instance, limited, monitored accounts could be allowed for younger teens, with increased independence granted as they demonstrate responsible usage.
Instead of relying solely on age restrictions, a comprehensive approach to children’s social media use is needed. This should include:
- Digital literacy education in schools
- Parental involvement and open communication about online activities
- Improved safety features and content moderation on social media platforms
- Encouraging a balanced lifestyle with offline activities and face-to-face interactions
In conclusion, while some restrictions on children’s social media use are warranted, a complete ban until age 16 is excessive. A more effective strategy would combine age-appropriate access, education, and parental guidance to help children develop healthy digital habits and navigate the online world safely.
(Word count: 295)
Band 8 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates several qualities of a high-scoring IELTS response:
- Clear position: The writer partially agrees with restrictions but disagrees with a complete ban until 16.
- Well-developed arguments: Both sides of the issue are discussed with specific examples and explanations.
- Logical structure: The essay follows a clear introduction-body-conclusion format with good paragraph organization.
- Cohesion and coherence: Ideas flow smoothly with appropriate linking words and phrases.
- Vocabulary range: The essay uses a variety of advanced vocabulary accurately (e.g., “nuanced approach,” “counterproductive,” “comprehensive approach”).
- Grammatical accuracy: Complex sentence structures are used correctly throughout.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Nowadays, social media has become very popular among young people. Some people think children should not be allowed to use it until they are 16 years old. I partially agree with this idea because there are both advantages and disadvantages to using social media at a young age.
On one hand, social media can be dangerous for children. They might talk to strangers online who could trick them or bully them. Also, spending too much time on social media can make children not do their homework or play outside with friends. These are important reasons why parents worry about their kids using social media.
However, completely banning social media until 16 years old might not be the best solution. Social media can also be useful for children to learn new things and stay connected with friends and family. Many schools use social media for educational purposes, so banning it could make children miss out on these opportunities.
I think a better approach would be to have some restrictions but not a total ban. Parents should teach their children how to use social media safely and monitor their usage. Social media companies should also make their platforms safer for young users. Maybe children could have special accounts with more safety features until they are older.
In conclusion, while there are risks to children using social media, a complete ban until 16 is too strict. It’s better to teach children to use social media responsibly and have some restrictions rather than not allowing it at all.
(Word count: 253)
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates qualities of a mid-range IELTS response:
- Clear position: The writer partially agrees with restrictions but not a complete ban.
- Adequate arguments: Both sides are discussed, but with less depth and fewer specific examples than the Band 8 essay.
- Basic structure: The essay follows a simple introduction-body-conclusion format.
- Some cohesion: Ideas are generally connected, but transitions could be smoother.
- Vocabulary: Mostly common vocabulary with some attempt at more advanced words.
- Grammar: Mostly simple and compound sentences with a few attempts at complex structures.
Should parents monitor their children’s online activities is a related topic that often appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. This essay touches on that idea when discussing parental involvement in children’s social media use.
Key Vocabulary
Here are some important vocabulary items from the essays, along with their definitions and parts of speech:
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Advocate (verb) /ˈædvəkeɪt/: To publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy.
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Susceptible (adjective) /səˈseptəbl/: Likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing.
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Counterproductive (adjective) /ˌkaʊntərprəˈdʌktɪv/: Having the opposite of the desired effect.
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Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/: Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.
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Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/: Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.
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Blanket (adjective) /ˈblæŋkɪt/: Covering all cases or instances; total and inclusive.
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Integral (adjective) /ˈɪntɪɡrəl/: Necessary to make a whole complete; essential or fundamental.
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Moderation (noun) /ˌmɒdəˈreɪʃn/: The action of making something less extreme, intense, or violent.
Conclusion
The topic of age restrictions for social media use is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. To prepare for this and similar topics, consider practicing with these related questions:
- Should parents have full access to their children’s social media accounts?
- Do the benefits of social media for young people outweigh the drawbacks?
- Should schools be responsible for teaching students about online safety?
Remember to structure your essay clearly, support your arguments with specific examples, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Practice writing your own essays on these topics and share them in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners.
Should there be a limit to freedom of speech on social media is another related topic you might encounter in IELTS Writing Task 2. Consider how this issue intersects with age restrictions and online safety for young users.