IELTS HUBIELTS Positive-Negative Essay on Tech & Family & Education
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
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?
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Paraphrase topic (parents allowing tech for tech skills). State that whether advantages outweigh disadvantages is debatable.
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Topic sentence: Provides important digital skills. Point 1: Easier future adaptation, job market advantage. Point 2: Educational tool, interactive learning example.
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Topic sentence: Possible downsides. Point 1: Negative physical health (inactivity, obesity). Point 2: Interferes with social skills (lack of face-to-face interaction).
Conclusion
Summarize benefits (tech literacy, learning) vs downsides (health, social). State opinion: Negatives are more significant. Suggest finding a balance.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
In today's world, more and more parents are allowing their kids to use digital devices like computers and tablets, thinking that tech-savviness is a key skill for the future. Although this trend has benefits, it's debatable whether they outweigh the potential negatives.
The main benefit of this trend is that it provides children with important digital skills early on. For example, kids who use technology from a young age often find it easier to keep up with the changing digital world in their later years, giving them a leg up in the job market. Plus, technology can be a strong educational tool, improving traditional teaching methods. A child using an educational app on a tablet can learn at their own speed and in a more interactive way, which can greatly enhance their understanding and memory of the subject.
However, we can't ignore the possible downsides of this trend. The most noticeable issue is the negative effect on children's physical health. Too much screen time can lead to inactive behavior, which is associated with obesity and other health issues. Moreover, overusing technology can interfere with children's social skill development. This is because kids who spend a lot of time on screens might miss out on important face-to-face interactions, which are key for developing interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
In conclusion, while early tech exposure can promote digital literacy and improve learning, the impact on physical health and social skill development makes the negatives more significant. Therefore, it's important to find a balance between tech use and other parts of a child's development.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
In the contemporary world, an increasing number of parents are permitting their children to engage with digital devices such as computers and tablets, under the belief that technological literacy is a crucial skill for the future. While this trend has its merits, it is arguable whether these outweigh the potential drawbacks.
The primary advantage of this development is that it equips children with essential digital skills at an early age. For instance, children who are exposed to technology early on often find it easier to adapt to the evolving digital landscape in their later years, thus giving them a competitive edge in the job market. Additionally, technology can serve as a powerful educational tool, enhancing traditional teaching methods. A child using an educational app on a tablet, for example, can learn at their own pace and in a more interactive and engaging manner, which can significantly improve their understanding and retention of the subject matter.
However, the potential disadvantages associated with this trend cannot be overlooked. The most salient concern is the detrimental impact on children's physical health. Excessive screen time can lead to sedentary behavior, which is linked to obesity and other health complications. Furthermore, the overuse of technology can hinder the development of social skills in children. The reason being, children who spend a significant amount of time interacting with screens may miss out on crucial face-to-face interactions, which are vital for honing interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
In conclusion, while early exposure to technology can foster digital literacy and enhance learning, the implications for physical health and social skill development make the disadvantages more significant. Therefore, it is crucial to strike a balance between technological engagement and other aspects of a child's development.