IELTS HUBIELTS CES Essay on Tech & Health & Family
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Nowadays children mostly spend time playing computer games rather than sports.
What are the reasons for this? Is it a positive or negative development?
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Discuss why kids play computer games more than sports and whether this is positive or negative.
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Reasons for increased computer game playing: Digital entertainment is accessible and attractive (tech improves engagement). Easier to play at home (less space for sports). Social trends (friends playing games).
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Effects and evaluation of the trend. Positive effects: Improve skills (problem-solving, strategic thinking, creativity, spatial awareness - Minecraft example). Negative effects: Health problems (obesity, vision), less physical activity (less fit), fewer social skills (miss teamwork/friendship).
Conclusion
Summarize reasons (tech, ease, social trends) and effects (cognitive benefits vs health/social drawbacks). Conclude the trend is worrying.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
This essay discusses why more kids are playing computer games instead of physical sports, and whether this is good or bad.
One main reason for this change is that digital entertainment is becoming more accessible and attractive. As technology improves, computer games are more engaging and interesting, making traditional sports less appealing. Also, it's easier to play these games at home, especially in cities where there's not much space for sports. Kids also tend to do what their friends are doing, and these days, that often means playing computer games.
Next, we look at the effects of this trend. Computer games can improve skills like problem-solving and strategic thinking. For example, in 'Minecraft', players build complex structures, which can boost creativity and spatial awareness. However, spending too much time on screens can lead to health problems like obesity and vision issues. Plus, not getting enough physical activity can mean kids are less fit and have fewer social skills, as they miss out on the teamwork and friendship that come with sports.
To sum up, kids are playing more computer games because of advancements in technology, ease, and social trends. While these games can have cognitive benefits, the potential health and social drawbacks make this trend worrying.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
The contemporary trend of children predominantly engaging in computer games as opposed to physical sports is a phenomenon of growing concern. This essay aims to explore the reasons behind this shift and to evaluate whether this development is beneficial or detrimental.
A primary reason for this trend is the increasing accessibility and allure of digital entertainment. As technology advances, computer games have become more sophisticated and immersive, captivating children's attention and making traditional sports seem less appealing. Furthermore, the convenience of playing these games from the comfort of one's home, especially in urban areas where open spaces for sports are scarce, has contributed to their popularity. Another significant factor is the influence of peer pressure and societal trends. Children often gravitate towards activities that their peers are engaged in, and in the current digital age, computer games have become a common pastime.
Transitioning to the second question, the implications of this trend are multifaceted and warrant careful consideration. On one hand, computer games can enhance cognitive skills such as problem-solving and strategic thinking. For instance, games like 'Minecraft' require players to construct complex structures, thereby fostering creativity and spatial awareness. On the other hand, the excessive screen time associated with computer gaming can lead to health issues such as obesity and vision problems. Moreover, the lack of physical activity can result in reduced physical fitness and social skills, as children miss out on the camaraderie and teamwork inherent in sports.
In summary, the shift towards computer games is driven by technological advancements, convenience, and societal influences. While these games can offer cognitive benefits, the potential health risks and loss of physical and social skills make this development a cause for concern.