IELTS HUBIELTS Positive-Negative Essay on Tech & Family & Health
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
New technologies have changed the way children spend their free time.
Do you think the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Paraphrase topic (technology changing children's free time). State opinion (disadvantages outweigh advantages).
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Topic sentence for advantages: Technology provides learning opportunities and global connections. Point 1: Expanded learning via educational games/apps. Point 2: Global communication fostering cultural interaction, global mindset, and empathy.
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Topic sentence for disadvantages: Negative aspects are significant. Point 1: Health problems (obesity, vision issues) from excessive screen time/inactivity replacing physical activity. Point 2: Exposure to unsuitable content and cyber dangers due to unpredictable online environment.
Conclusion
Summarize main points (educational/global benefits vs. health risks/harmful content). Restate opinion (influence is more harmful). Suggest finding a balance.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
The introduction of modern technology has drastically changed how children spend their free time. Although there are advantages, I believe the negative effects are more significant.
Technology has expanded learning opportunities for children. Educational games and apps make learning enjoyable and help children understand complex ideas easily. Also, technology has made worldwide communication possible, allowing children to connect with others globally. This interaction with different cultures and viewpoints can help children develop a global mindset and empathy, enhancing their personal development.
However, we can't ignore the negative aspects of this change. Too much screen time, a common result of using technology, has been connected to health problems in children like obesity and vision issues. This is due to the inactive lifestyle that often comes with extended gadget use, replacing important physical activities. Moreover, the online world can expose children to unsuitable content and cyber dangers. Even with parental controls, the internet is a huge and unpredictable place, and children might accidentally find harmful content, leading to negative mental effects.
In conclusion, while technology provides educational benefits and global connections, the health risks and potential exposure to damaging content make its influence on children's leisure time more harmful. Therefore, it's crucial to find a balance between technology use and traditional leisure activities to ensure children's all-round development.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
The advent of modern technology has significantly altered the manner in which children utilize their leisure time. It is my belief that despite the benefits, the negative implications of this trend are more profound.
On the positive side, technology has broadened the scope of learning for children. Interactive educational games and applications not only make learning fun, but also allow children to grasp complex concepts with ease. Furthermore, technology has facilitated global communication, enabling children to interact with their peers across the globe. This exposure to diverse cultures and perspectives can foster a sense of global citizenship and empathy in children, enriching their personal growth.
However, the drawbacks of this shift cannot be overlooked. The excessive screen time associated with technology use has been linked to health issues in children, such as obesity and vision problems. This is a consequence of the sedentary lifestyle that often accompanies prolonged use of gadgets, replacing physical activities that are crucial for their health. Additionally, the virtual world can expose children to inappropriate content and cyber threats. Despite parental controls, the internet is a vast and unpredictable space, and children may inadvertently stumble upon harmful material, leading to negative psychological impacts.
In conclusion, while technology does offer educational opportunities and global connectivity, the health risks and potential exposure to harmful content make its impact on children's free time more detrimental. Therefore, it is imperative to strike a balance between the use of technology and traditional forms of leisure to ensure the holistic development of children.