Social media’s influence on our daily interactions has become a hot topic in recent years, making it a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on the analysis of past IELTS exams and current trends, we can expect this subject to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s explore some sample essays addressing this crucial issue, providing you with valuable insights to excel in your IELTS Writing Task 2.
Analyzing the Question
For this article, we’ll focus on the following question:
Some people believe that social media has a negative impact on personal relationships, while others think it can strengthen connections between people. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the negative impacts of social media on personal relationships
- Explore how social media can strengthen connections
- Provide your own perspective on the issue
Let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality to understand what separates a high-scoring response from a lower-scoring one.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In the digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives, profoundly influencing the way we interact and maintain relationships. While some argue that these platforms erode the quality of personal connections, others contend that they enhance our ability to stay connected. This essay will explore both perspectives before offering a balanced view on this contentious issue.
On one hand, critics of social media argue that it negatively impacts face-to-face interactions and genuine emotional connections. The constant need to check notifications and update statuses can lead to a phenomenon known as “phubbing,” where individuals ignore their present company in favor of their digital devices. This behavior can create feelings of neglect and diminish the quality of real-life conversations. Moreover, the curated nature of social media profiles often presents an idealized version of people’s lives, potentially fostering unrealistic expectations and feelings of inadequacy in others.
Conversely, proponents of social media highlight its ability to bridge geographical gaps and maintain long-distance relationships. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp allow individuals to stay connected with friends and family across the globe, sharing life events and maintaining a sense of closeness despite physical separation. Additionally, social media can facilitate the formation of new relationships based on shared interests, connecting like-minded individuals who might never have met otherwise.
In my opinion, the impact of social media on personal relationships is largely dependent on how it is used. When employed mindfully as a tool to supplement rather than replace face-to-face interactions, social media can indeed strengthen connections. However, it is crucial to strike a balance between online and offline interactions to maintain the depth and authenticity of relationships. Setting boundaries for device usage during social gatherings and prioritizing quality time with loved ones can help mitigate the potential negative effects of social media.
In conclusion, while social media has the potential to both hinder and enhance personal relationships, its ultimate impact is determined by individual usage patterns. By consciously leveraging the benefits of these platforms while being mindful of their limitations, we can harness the power of social media to enrich our relationships without sacrificing the irreplaceable value of genuine, in-person connections.
(Word count: 345)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both negative and positive views while clearly presenting a personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of linking words (e.g., “On one hand,” “Conversely,” “In conclusion”).
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Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “contentious issue,” “curated nature,” “foster unrealistic expectations”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors.
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Social media has changed the way people communicate and maintain relationships. Some people think it has a bad effect on personal relationships, while others believe it can make connections stronger. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On the negative side, social media can make people spend less time talking face-to-face. Many people are always looking at their phones, even when they are with friends or family. This can make others feel ignored and hurt relationships. Also, people often show only the good parts of their lives on social media, which can make others feel bad about themselves.
However, social media can also help people stay in touch with friends and family who live far away. It’s easy to share photos and messages with loved ones in other countries. Social media can also help people find new friends who like the same things they do.
In my opinion, social media can be good or bad for relationships depending on how people use it. If people use it too much and ignore the people around them, it can be harmful. But if they use it to stay connected with others and don’t let it replace real conversations, it can be helpful.
To conclude, social media has both positive and negative effects on personal relationships. It’s important for people to find a balance between using social media and spending time with others in person. By using social media wisely, people can enjoy its benefits without letting it harm their relationships.
(Word count: 253)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates competence but lacks the sophistication of the higher band essay:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task but with less depth and detail than the Band 8-9 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less varied and sophisticated.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences but with less variety than the Band 8-9 essay.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant but less fully extended and supported than in the higher band essay.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowadays, social media is very popular. Some people think it’s bad for relationships, but others think it’s good. I will talk about both sides and give my idea.
Social media can be bad because people use their phones too much. They don’t talk to their friends and family in real life. This can make people feel lonely. Also, people only show good things on social media, so others might feel sad about their own lives.
But social media can also be good. It helps people talk to friends who live far away. You can see pictures and send messages easily. You can also make new friends on social media.
I think social media can be good and bad. It depends on how people use it. If they use it too much, it’s not good. But if they use it carefully, it can help them stay close to people.
In the end, social media affects relationships in different ways. People should be careful how they use it. They should spend time with people in real life too, not just online.
(Word count: 163)
Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates a basic understanding of the task but has several limitations:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the task but in a simplistic manner with limited development of ideas.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a basic structure but lacks sophisticated linking words and cohesive devices.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, with few advanced words or phrases.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay primarily uses simple sentence structures with limited variety.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are present but lack depth and supporting details.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Integral (adjective) /ɪnˈteɡrəl/ – necessary and important as a part of a whole
- Contentious (adjective) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause disagreement
- Erode (verb) /ɪˈrəʊd/ – gradually destroy or diminish
- 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
- Curated (adjective) /kjʊəˈreɪtɪd/ – carefully chosen and thoughtfully organized or presented
- Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – make less severe, serious, or painful
- Leverage (verb) /ˈliːvərɪdʒ/ – use (something) to maximum advantage
- Irreplaceable (adjective) /ˌɪrɪˈpleɪsəbl/ – impossible to replace; unique
Conclusion
The impact of social media on real-life relationships is a complex and nuanced topic that requires careful consideration. By studying these sample essays and understanding the key elements that contribute to a high-scoring response, you can improve your own writing skills for IELTS Task 2.
To practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or a related one, such as:
- The effects of social media on youth mental health
- The role of social media in shaping public opinion
- The impact of digital technologies on social behavior
Remember to focus on addressing all parts of the question, organizing your ideas coherently, using a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and providing relevant examples to support your points. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.