In recent years, the topic of technology’s influence on children’s social abilities has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. This subject reflects growing concerns about how digital devices and online interactions affect young people’s interpersonal skills. Based on past exam trends and current societal issues, we can expect this theme to appear frequently in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore a relevant question and provide sample essays to help you prepare effectively.
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that the increasing use of technology, such as smartphones and computers, has a negative effect on young people’s social skills. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question requires you to consider the impact of technology on young people’s ability to interact socially. It’s an opinion-based question, asking for your personal view on the matter. Key points to consider:
- The focus is on “young people” – not just children, but potentially teenagers and young adults as well.
- “Social skills” is a broad term that can include various aspects of interpersonal communication and relationships.
- The question specifies “smartphones and computers” but you can discuss other forms of technology if relevant.
- You need to state your level of agreement and support your position with reasons and examples.
Sample Essay (Band 8-9)
Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, especially for the younger generation. While some argue that the proliferation of devices like smartphones and computers is detrimental to young people’s social skills, I partially agree with this view. Although excessive use of technology can indeed hinder social development, it also offers new avenues for social interaction and skill enhancement when used judiciously.
Undoubtedly, the overuse of technology can negatively impact face-to-face communication skills. Young people who spend excessive time on devices may struggle with reading non-verbal cues or maintaining eye contact during in-person conversations. This can lead to difficulties in forming deep, meaningful relationships in the real world. Moreover, the instant gratification provided by social media and online interactions may make young individuals less patient and less adept at navigating the complexities of real-world social situations.
However, it would be myopic to view technology solely as a detriment to social skills. When used appropriately, technology can actually enhance social connections and foster new forms of communication. Online platforms allow young people to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds, broadening their social circles and exposing them to different perspectives. Additionally, collaborative online projects and multiplayer games can teach valuable teamwork and leadership skills that are transferable to offline settings.
Furthermore, technology can be a powerful tool for those who struggle with traditional social interactions. For instance, individuals with social anxiety or autism spectrum disorders may find digital communication less overwhelming, allowing them to build confidence and gradually improve their social skills. The key lies in striking a balance between online and offline interactions, using technology as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, face-to-face communication.
In conclusion, while the excessive use of technology can indeed hinder the development of certain social skills, its impact is not universally negative. The effects largely depend on how technology is used and integrated into young people’s lives. Parents, educators, and young people themselves must work together to ensure that technology use is balanced and constructive, fostering both digital literacy and traditional social skills. By doing so, we can harness the benefits of technology while mitigating its potential drawbacks on social development.
(Word count: 345)
Sample Essay (Band 6-7)
In today’s world, technology like smartphones and computers is everywhere, and some people think it’s bad for young people’s social skills. I partly agree with this idea because too much technology can cause problems, but it also has some good points for social interaction.
On the negative side, when young people spend too much time on their phones or computers, they might not learn how to talk to people face-to-face very well. They might find it hard to understand body language or to have long conversations without looking at a screen. This can make it difficult for them to make friends in real life or to do well in job interviews later.
However, technology isn’t all bad for social skills. It can help young people stay in touch with friends and family who live far away. They can use video calls to see and talk to people, which is almost like being there in person. Also, social media and online games can help shy people practice talking to others in a way that feels safer for them.
Another good thing is that technology can teach young people new social skills. For example, they can learn how to work in teams on online projects or how to be polite and respectful in online discussions. These are important skills that can also be used in real-life situations.
The important thing is to find a balance. Young people should use technology in a way that helps their social skills, not hurts them. Parents and teachers can help by setting rules about screen time and encouraging activities that involve talking to people face-to-face.
In conclusion, while too much technology can be bad for young people’s social skills, it’s not all negative. If used wisely, technology can actually help improve social skills in some ways. The key is to use it in moderation and not let it replace real-life social interactions completely.
(Word count: 309)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph development.
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Language: The band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.
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Arguments: Both essays present balanced arguments, considering both positive and negative aspects of technology’s impact on social skills.
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Examples: The band 8-9 essay provides more specific and varied examples to support its points.
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Coherence: Both essays use linking words and phrases to connect ideas, but the band 8-9 essay demonstrates more sophisticated cohesion.
Vocabulary to Remember
- Proliferation (noun) /prəˌlɪf.əˈreɪ.ʃən/ – rapid increase in the number or amount of something
- Detrimental (adjective) /ˌdet.rɪˈmen.təl/ – causing harm or damage
- Myopic (adjective) /maɪˈɒp.ɪk/ – lacking foresight or intellectual insight
- Foster (verb) /ˈfɒs.tər/ – encourage the development of something
- Complement (noun) /ˈkɒm.plɪ.ment/ – something that completes or makes perfect
- Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪt.ɪ.ɡeɪt/ – make less severe, serious, or painful
- Judiciously (adverb) /dʒuːˈdɪʃ.əs.li/ – with good judgment or sense
In conclusion, the impact of technology on children’s social skills is a complex and nuanced topic that requires careful consideration. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, remember to practice analyzing questions, structuring your essays, and using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures. You might encounter similar questions about technology’s influence on education, family relationships, or work habits. To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.