Social media’s influence on communication skills has become a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Given its relevance in today’s digital age, this topic is likely to appear frequently in future exams. Let’s explore a sample question and analyze exemplar essays at different band levels to help you excel in your IELTS writing task.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that social media is harmful to personal relationships, while others think it is a good way to keep in touch with friends and family. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question presents a balanced argument about the impact of social media on personal relationships. It requires you to:
- Discuss the negative effects of social media on personal relationships
- Explore the positive aspects of social media for maintaining connections
- Provide your personal opinion on the matter
Now, let’s examine three sample essays addressing this topic, each targeting a different band score.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Level
In the digital age, social media platforms have revolutionized the way we communicate, sparking a heated debate about their impact on personal relationships. While some argue that these platforms erode genuine connections, others contend that they facilitate keeping in touch with loved ones. In my opinion, social media’s influence on relationships is largely dependent on how individuals choose to utilize these tools.
Critics of social media argue that it can be detrimental to personal relationships. They claim that excessive use of platforms like Facebook or Instagram can lead to shallow interactions, replacing meaningful face-to-face conversations with superficial likes and comments. Moreover, the constant comparison with others’ carefully curated online personas can breed feelings of inadequacy and jealousy, potentially straining relationships. There’s also concern about the addictive nature of social media, which may cause individuals to prioritize virtual interactions over real-world engagements, leading to social isolation.
On the other hand, proponents of social media highlight its capacity to maintain and even strengthen personal connections. These platforms enable instant communication across vast distances, allowing friends and family to stay connected regardless of geographical barriers. For example, expatriates can easily share their experiences with loved ones back home through photos and video calls. Social media also provides a means to reconnect with old acquaintances and expand one’s social circle, potentially enriching one’s personal life. Furthermore, during times of crisis, such as the recent global pandemic, social media has proven invaluable in keeping people connected and emotionally supported.
In my view, the impact of social media on personal relationships is not inherently positive or negative but depends on how it is used. When employed mindfully as a tool to supplement rather than replace face-to-face interactions, social media can enhance relationships. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance between online and offline communication. Users should be aware of the potential pitfalls, such as the tendency to present an idealized version of their lives, and strive for authenticity in their online interactions.
In conclusion, while social media presents challenges to personal relationships, it also offers significant benefits in terms of connectivity. The key lies in using these platforms judiciously, being mindful of their impact on our social interactions, and ensuring that they complement rather than substitute for real-world relationships. As with many technological advancements, the onus is on users to harness social media’s potential while mitigating its drawbacks.
(Word count: 398)
Social media impact on relationships
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.
Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, with some less common phrases (e.g., “carefully curated online personas”, “expatriates”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of complex structures used accurately, with only minor errors.
Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Level
Social media has become a big part of our lives, and people have different opinions about how it affects our relationships. Some think it’s bad for personal connections, while others believe it’s a good way to stay in touch with friends and family. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, social media can harm personal relationships. People spend too much time on their phones or computers, which means they might not have real conversations with the people around them. Also, seeing others’ perfect lives on social media can make people feel jealous or unhappy with their own lives, which can cause problems in relationships. For example, if someone sees their friend on a luxury vacation, they might feel bad about their own situation.
On the other hand, social media helps people stay connected, especially with those who live far away. It’s easy to share photos, send messages, or even have video calls with family and friends in other countries. This can help people feel closer to their loved ones even when they can’t meet in person. Social media also helps people find old friends or make new ones with similar interests, which can expand their social circle.
In my opinion, social media can be both good and bad for relationships, depending on how people use it. If someone uses social media too much and ignores the people around them, it can definitely hurt their relationships. However, if they use it in moderation and as a tool to stay in touch with people they can’t see often, it can be very helpful.
To conclude, social media has both positive and negative effects on personal relationships. While it can lead to less face-to-face interaction and feelings of jealousy, it also helps people stay connected over long distances. I believe the key is to find a balance and use social media wisely to enhance our relationships rather than replace real-life interactions.
(Word count: 329)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates competence in several areas but has room for improvement:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas could be more fully developed.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices could be more sophisticated.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate but lacks the precision and sophistication of a higher band score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences but could demonstrate a wider range of structures.
Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant but could be supported with more specific examples and deeper analysis.
Sample Essay 3: Band 5-6 Level
Nowadays, social media is very popular. Some people think it’s bad for relationships, but others think it’s good to keep in touch. I will talk about both sides and give my opinion.
First, social media can be bad for relationships. People use their phones too much and don’t talk to others in real life. They might ignore their family or friends when they’re together. Also, people see others having fun on social media and feel sad about their own life. This can make them unhappy in their relationships.
But social media can also be good. It helps people talk to friends and family who are far away. They can send messages and pictures easily. It’s also good for finding old friends or making new ones. This can help people have more friends.
I think social media can be good and bad. It depends on how people use it. If they use it too much, it’s bad. But if they use it to talk to people they can’t see often, it’s good.
In conclusion, social media has good and bad points for relationships. People should be careful how they use it. They should remember to talk to people in real life too, not just online.
(Word count: 196)
Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates basic competence but has several limitations:
Task Response: The essay addresses the task but lacks depth in its discussion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a basic structure but lacks sophisticated linking words and cohesive devices.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, with few advanced words or phrases.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay primarily uses simple sentence structures with limited complexity.
Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented but lack detailed examples or thorough explanations.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Erosion (noun) – /ɪˈrəʊʒn/ – gradual destruction or diminution of something
- Curated (adjective) – /kjʊəˈreɪtɪd/ – carefully chosen and thoughtfully organized
- Superficial (adjective) – /ˌsuːpəˈfɪʃl/ – existing or occurring at or on the surface
- Inadequacy (noun) – /ɪnˈædɪkwəsi/ – the state or quality of being inadequate; lack of the quantity or quality required
- Expatriate (noun) – /eksˈpætrɪət/ – a person who lives outside their native country
- Judiciously (adverb) – /dʒuːˈdɪʃəsli/ – with good judgment or sense
- Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – make (something bad) less severe, serious, or painful
- Complement (verb) – /ˈkɒmplɪment/ – add to (something) in a way that enhances or improves it
Conclusion
The impact of social media on communication skills is a complex and nuanced topic that is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. By studying these sample essays and understanding the criteria for different band scores, you can improve your writing skills and approach this topic with confidence.
Remember to practice writing your own essays on this topic and related themes. You might consider exploring questions such as:
- How has social media changed the way we form and maintain friendships?
- Do you think social media has more positive or negative effects on society as a whole?
- Should there be age restrictions on social media use? Why or why not?
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below. This active practice will help you develop your writing skills and prepare effectively for your IELTS exam.