IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1274 - Some children spend hours every day on their smartphones
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some children spend hours every day on their smartphones.
Why is this the case?
Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer 1: [View: It is a negative development]
In today's world, it is common to see children spending several hours daily on their smartphones. This phenomenon has attracted both positive and negative opinions from various individuals. This essay will explore the reasons why this is happening and argue that it is more of a negative development.
One reason why children spend many hours on their smartphones is their easy access to social media. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram provide children with a platform to connect with their peers and share their daily experiences. They can chat, and share photos and videos, and this gives them a sense of belonging and connectedness. This can be positive in some instances, but it can be harmful to a great extent as children can be exposed to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and even addiction to social media.
Another reason why children spend many hours on their smartphones is the availability of entertainment options. Children can download games, music, and movies on their smartphones and spend several hours watching, listening, or playing. This may be perceived as positive on the ground, but it can be highly negative as it takes away the time that should be spent on other activities such as homework, sports, or socializing with friends.
Considering the effects of this trend, we can say that it is a negative development as it can expose children to cyberbullying, and addiction to social media, and can distract them from important academic and skill development activities.
In conclusion, children spending long hours on their smartphones is a negative development. Although there are some benefits such as staying connected with peers and access to entertainment, the negative impacts outweigh the positive ones. It is crucial for parents and guardians to monitor their children's smartphone use and ensure that they spend enough time on activities that promote their growth and development.
Model Answer 2: [View: It is a positive development]
In the modern era, many children spend a significant portion of their day using smartphones. This trend can be attributed to several factors, such as technological advancements and shifts in educational and social activities. Despite criticisms regarding excessive screen time, this essay argues that smartphone use among children is a positive development, as it enhances learning opportunities and improves social connectivity.
One of the main reasons why children devote hours to smartphones is the increasing role of digital education. Many schools integrate technology into their teaching methods, requiring students to use educational apps, online courses, and research tools. For example, platforms like Khan Academy and Duolingo provide interactive lessons that enhance students' understanding of various subjects. Additionally, smartphones offer a wide array of entertainment, from games to streaming services, which captivate young users. Parents also contribute to this trend, as many allow their children to use smartphones for convenience and safety. For instance, GPS tracking and instant messaging apps help parents monitor their children's whereabouts, ensuring their security.
Despite concerns about screen addiction, smartphone use can be highly beneficial. Firstly, it fosters cognitive development by providing access to educational resources and problem-solving games that enhance critical thinking skills. For example, puzzle-based applications like Brainly and Lumosity improve memory and analytical abilities. Secondly, smartphones facilitate communication, enabling children to stay connected with family and friends, even across long distances. A case in point is social media and messaging platforms that allow young users to interact, collaborate on school projects, and maintain relationships, reducing feelings of isolation.
In conclusion, while daily smartphone use among children is often viewed negatively, it has substantial benefits. It enhances learning experiences, strengthens social connections, and ensures safety. When used responsibly, smartphones can be powerful tools for children’s intellectual and personal growth.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay Question:
Some children spend hours every day on their smartphones.
Why is this the case?
Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?
Essay Type:
Double Question Essay (Reason & Positive/Negative Development Essay)
Main question:
What are the reasons for children spending hours on their smartphones? Is this a positive or a negative trend?
Reasons why children spend hours on their smartphones:
Widespread access to the internet and digital devices:
The increasing affordability and availability of smartphones mean that more children now own personal devices. With high-speed internet and unlimited data plans, children can stay online for extended periods without restrictions. For example, in many developed countries, government programs provide students with digital devices for learning, making internet access more convenient and frequent.
Integration of technology in education:
Many schools incorporate digital learning into their curriculum, requiring students to use educational apps and online resources. This leads to increased screen time as children engage with interactive lessons and assignments. For example, platforms like Khan Academy and Duolingo offer engaging content that helps students understand complex concepts in an enjoyable manner.
Entertainment and recreational activities:
Smartphones provide various entertainment options, such as games, videos, and social media, which captivate young users. With easily accessible content, children often spend hours consuming digital media. For example, platforms like YouTube and Netflix offer endless content tailored to children’s preferences, making it difficult for them to limit their screen time.
Parental influence and convenience:
Many parents allow their children to use smartphones as a means of keeping them engaged or for safety purposes. Tracking apps and instant communication provide peace of mind to parents while allowing children digital freedom. For example, GPS-enabled applications like Google Maps and parental control tools help parents monitor their children's activities and whereabouts.
Influence of digital trends and peer pressure:
Children are often influenced by social media trends, gaming communities, and peer interactions, leading to prolonged smartphone usage. The fear of missing out encourages them to stay online, participate in viral challenges, and engage in virtual communities. For example, platforms like TikTok and Instagram constantly introduce new trends that children feel pressured to follow, keeping them glued to their screens for hours.
Why children's smartphone usage is a positive development:
Enhances cognitive and educational development:
Smartphones provide access to a wealth of knowledge, helping children learn new skills, improve problem-solving abilities, and develop analytical thinking. For example, educational apps like Brainly and Lumosity improve memory retention and critical thinking through interactive exercises.
Facilitates social interaction and connectivity:
Smartphones allow children to stay connected with friends and family, helping them develop communication skills and maintain relationships across distances. For example, messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger enable children to collaborate on school projects and engage in meaningful conversations with peers.
Provides safety and security:
Many smartphone features, such as emergency contact access and real-time tracking, ensure children's safety when they are outside the home. For example, GPS tracking apps like Life360 allow parents to monitor their children's location and ensure their well-being.
Improves multitasking and adaptability:
Using smartphones exposes children to multiple digital tools, helping them develop multitasking skills and adapt to technological advancements. These skills are increasingly valuable in education and future careers. For example, students who use mobile devices for online research, calendar management, and study apps tend to develop better time management and organization skills.
Why children's smartphone use is a negative trend:
Leads to addiction and reduced attention span:
Excessive screen time can cause smartphone addiction, making it difficult for children to focus on studies or other activities. Short-form content on apps like TikTok conditions them to expect instant gratification, reducing their ability to concentrate on longer tasks. For example, studies show that children who spend over four hours on screens daily struggle with attention and memory retention in school.
Increases risk of mental health issues:
Prolonged smartphone use, especially social media exposure, can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Cyberbullying and unrealistic beauty standards contribute to emotional distress. For example, research has linked heavy social media use among teenagers to rising levels of anxiety and dissatisfaction with their self-image.
Reduces physical activity and leads to health problems:
Children who spend too much time on smartphones often lead sedentary lifestyles, increasing the risk of obesity and other health issues. Lack of physical activity can also affect their posture and vision. For example, a study found that children who use smartphones for more than five hours a day are more likely to develop poor posture and eye strain.
Disrupts sleep patterns and causes fatigue:
The blue light emitted from smartphone screens affects melatonin production, disrupting sleep cycles. Late-night screen usage leads to inadequate rest, making children tired and less productive. For example, children who use smartphones before bedtime often struggle to wake up on time for school and experience daytime drowsiness.
Reduces real-life social interactions:
Excessive smartphone use can make children socially withdrawn, as they prefer virtual interactions over face-to-face conversations. This can hinder their ability to develop strong interpersonal skills. For example, many children today prefer texting over verbal communication, which weakens their ability to express themselves confidently in real-life situations.
Model Answer 3: [View: It is a negative development]
In today's digital era, a growing number of children spend considerable hours each day engrossed in smartphone usage. This essay aims to explore the reasons behind this phenomenon. It also outlines that it is a negative development by examining and evaluating the potential consequences.
The rapid advancement of smartphones has provided children with easy access to a wide range of digital content and interactive applications. The proliferation of social media platforms, gaming apps, and streaming services has created an engaging and immersive digital environment that captivates children's attention for extended periods. Moreover, smartphones enable children to stay connected with friends, family, and peers through various communication channels. The allure of constant social interaction, instant messaging, and the desire to be part of online communities can drive children to spend excessive time on their devices, seeking validation and maintaining virtual relationships.
Excessive smartphone use may lead to detrimental effects on children's physical and mental well-being. Sedentary behaviour, reduced physical activity, and the potential for sleep disturbances are concerns associated with prolonged screen time. Moreover, excessive exposure to digital content can impact children's social interactions, emotional development, and attention spans, potentially leading to addictive behaviours and a diminished ability to engage in real-world activities.
I believe that it is a negative trend. This is primarily because we can make our children computer literate when they are in school and remain connected with them in person rather than online to build lasting relationships. So the advantages that it offers are not far-reaching or significant. On the contrary, the drawbacks of this development are so profound that they are worrisome. This is why we should be aware of the negative consequences of it.
The prevalence of children spending extensive hours on smartphones stems from various factors, including technological advancements and social connectivity. While the advantages of digital literacy and educational opportunities are evident, the negative consequences on physical health, mental well-being, and social skills far outweigh the advantages.
There are several reasons for this trend. Firstly, as technology advances, the production costs of smartphones decrease. Thus smartphones are affordable to more parents. The gadgets have become more popular than they were before. The connection between the children becomes virtual. They can spend more time on their phones for virtual meetings and pillow talks with other youngsters and classmates. In addition, mobile phones have become more powerful in modern times. One can use their mobile phone for communication to research. One can use them for education as learning applications are developed. Moreover, children can also enjoy entertainment content like watching movies and playing games on their smartphones. Therefore the lowering cost and expanding usage make the children use more time on the phone.
The trend is negative for the development of children. If children spend much time on their smartphones, there will be less time for them to learn something which is important for their growth. They will have less time to do physical exercise outside. Furthermore, there are some applications which are not suitable for the children. For instance, some mature or violent games are created to attract adults, but they also attract children. Thus these harmful items will harm the immature minds of the children.
In conclusion, the advancement of technology, affordability and educational value of smartphones and other gadgets are the reasons children spend more time on their smartphones. We have to be wary of its devastating effects on their growth. So we need to implement strict and careful supervision of our children's smartphone use.
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