The Effects of Increasing Screen Time on Children’s Development: An IELTS Reading Practice Guide

Reading is a vital part of the IELTS exam. It tests your ability to understand detailed reading passages and answer related questions critically. One recurring topic that appears in IELTS Reading is the impact of increasing screen time on children’s development. This issue has become prominent in recent years due to the exponential growth in screen media consumption among young people, making it a probable topic for future exams.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive IELTS Reading practice test, detailed explanations, and targeted strategies to help you excel. Our sample reading passage will focus on the effects of increasing screen time on children’s development.

Reading Passage: “The Effects of Increasing Screen Time on Children’s Development”

Easy Text

The Effects of Increasing Screen Time on Children’s Development

In today’s digital age, the amount of time children spend in front of screens has surged significantly. Screen time includes all activities performed on computers, tablets, smartphones, and televisions. This increase has sparked concerns among educators, parents, and health professionals regarding its potential effects on children’s physical, mental, and cognitive development.

A critical area of concern is physical health. Studies indicate that excessive screen time is linked to sedentary behavior, leading to obesity, poor posture, and vision problems in children. Furthermore, the lack of physical activity associated with prolonged screen use can result in decreased cardiovascular health and muscle strength.

children-using-digital-devices|children using digital devices|A group of children sitting on a couch, engrossed in their digital devices. They are all using different devices, including smartphones, tablets, and handheld game consoles.

The impact on mental health is another significant issue. Children who spend considerable time on screens are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. Social media and video games, in particular, have been shown to contribute to negative self-esteem and cyberbullying, which can exacerbate mental health issues.

Cognitive development is also affected by increasing screen time. Research has revealed that excessive screen use can impair academic performance, attention span, and critical thinking skills. Children who engage in more screen activities tend to have lower academic achievements compared to those who partake in physical and interactive learning experiences.

In conclusion, while digital devices play a critical role in modern education and entertainment, it is essential to monitor and regulate children’s screen time to minimize potential adverse effects on their development.

Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the primary concern regarding increased screen time in children?

   • A. Financial costs
   • B. Physical health
   • C. Technological literacy
   • D. Social interaction

2. Which aspect of mental health is NOT mentioned as being affected by screen time?

   • A. Anxiety
   • B. Depression
   • C. Sleep disturbances
   • D. Eating disorders

Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)

3. Excessive screen time has been scientifically proven to improve children’s vision. (True/False/Not Given)

4. The article suggests that children with regulated screen time have better academic performance. (True/False/Not Given)

Sentence Completion

5. Excessive screen use negatively impacts children’s and .

Summary Completion

6. Fill in the gaps:

Research suggests that excessive screen time leads to behavior, resulting in health issues such as and ___ problems.

Answers

1. B. Physical health
2. D. Eating disorders
3. False
4. True
5. attention span; critical thinking skills
6. sedentary; obesity; vision

Common Mistakes in IELTS Reading

1. Not Skimming the Text: Before delving into the questions, skim the text to grasp the main ideas.
2. Misinterpreting Questions: Read each question carefully to understand what is being asked.
3. Time Management: Allocate your time wisely—don’t spend too much time on one question.
4. Overlooking Key Details: Pay attention to subtle hints or key words in the text.

Vocabulary

1. Sedentary (adjective): /ˈsednˌterē/ – Spending much time seated, inactive.
2. Exacerbate (verb): /ɪɡˈzasərˌbāt/ – Make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse.
3. Cognitive (adjective): /ˈkäɡnədiv/ – Relating to conscious intellectual activity.
4. Cardiovascular (adjective): /ˌkärdēōˈvaskyələr/ – Relating to the circulatory system, involving the heart and blood vessels.

Grammar Notes

1. Relative Clauses: Provide additional information about a noun. E.g., “Children who spend considerable time on screens are more likely to experience anxiety.”
2. Passive Voice: Used to emphasize the action rather than the subject performing the action. E.g., “Research has revealed that excessive screen use can impair academic performance.”
3. Present Continuous: Describes an action currently in progress. E.g., “The amount of time children are spending in front of screens has surged significantly.”

Tips for High IELTS Reading Scores

1. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice with a variety of texts is key.
2. Expand Vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with academic vocabulary and phraseology.
3. Improve Skimming and Scanning Skills: Develop techniques to quickly locate information in the text.
4. Take Timed Practice Tests: Simulate exam conditions to build your time management skills.

By focusing on these areas, you can enhance your reading comprehension abilities and improve your overall performance in the IELTS Reading section.