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Agree or disagree TechFamilyEducation Essay #544
Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:

Computer games are very popular for all ages and nationalities. Parents think this has little educational value and it will be harmful for children.

To what extent Do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Use the plan, then compare with Band 9.
296 words · 5 paragraphs
Introduction

Paraphrase topic (computer games popular but potentially harmful/low educational value). State strong agreement with this negative view. Briefly list the main reasons to be discussed (mental growth effects, addiction, unsuitable content).

The prevailing notion is that computer games, despite their universal appeal, offer minimal educational benefits and may even be detrimental to children, a perspective with which I wholeheartedly concur. This belief is predicated on the potential negative impacts on children's cognitive development, the risk of addiction, and the potential for exposure to inappropriate content.

Body 1 · View 1

Topic sentence: Games often lack promotion of crucial mental skills beyond quick reflexes. Explanation: Promote shallow engagement over deep thinking. Immediate rewards reduce patience/determination.

To begin with, while computer games can stimulate quick thinking and improve hand-eye coordination, they often fail to foster critical cognitive skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and analytical thinking. The fast-paced, reactive nature of many games tends to encourage superficial engagement rather than deep, reflective thought. Moreover, the instant gratification provided by these games can diminish a child's patience and perseverance, essential traits for academic success and personal growth.

Body 2 · View 2

Topic sentence: Addictive quality is a major risk. Explanation: Engaging elements lead to excessive gaming, sacrificing real-life interactions. Results include social withdrawal, lack of sleep, and depression.

Secondly, the addictive nature of computer games poses a significant risk to children's mental health and social development. The compelling graphics, captivating storylines, and the sense of achievement from advancing levels can lead to excessive gaming, often at the expense of real-world interactions and experiences. This obsession can result in social isolation, sleep deprivation, and even depression, thereby hindering a child's overall well-being.

Body 3 · Opinion

Topic sentence: Uncontrolled content exposes children to unsuitable themes and violence. Explanation: Aggression portrayal desensitizes children, distorts norms. Online anonymity allows cyberbullying.

Lastly, the unregulated content in many computer games exposes children to inappropriate themes and violence. The graphic depictions of aggression and brutality, often rewarded in these games, can desensitize children to real-world violence and distort their understanding of social norms and values. Furthermore, the anonymity of online gaming platforms can make children vulnerable to cyberbullying and other forms of online abuse.

Conclusion

Summarize the main points (limited educational value, damaging effects). Restate strong agreement with the negative view. Briefly reiterate the reasons (lack of mental skills, addiction risk, unsuitable content exposure).

In conclusion, I firmly maintain that computer games, while entertaining, have limited educational value and can indeed be harmful to children. This stance is substantiated by the lack of cognitive skill development, the risk of addiction, and the potential exposure to inappropriate content inherent in many of these games.

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Next question: More and more parents are allowing their children to play on computers and tablets as they think that children should learn technology skills. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?