New technologies have changed the way children spend their free time. Do you think the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages? IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Question
Bhargavee Sisodia31 Jul 2024

Criteria of scoring in the Writing Task 2
According to the marking scheme, there are four aspects that will determine the band score in writing task two. The band ranges from 0 to 9, but most students get between 6 to 9 Marks. The requirements are as follows:
- Task Achievement: It is also good practice to stick to the topic of discussion and provide a brief summary at the beginning of the introduction. Avoid using fewer than the 250 words that are provided as the recommended word limit. If the prompt does not encourage the author to present the writer’s opinion, then no, do not write an opinionated essay.
- Coherence and Cohesion: While coherence refers to the extent to which ideas formulated can be easily expressed, cohesion is the extent to which repetition or irrelevant information has been averted. Do not overdo the use of a single word such as ‘However,’ choose to use ‘Furthermore,’ ‘For instance,’ or ‘In summary,’ instead. You also must compose four paragraphs or more; the paragraphs have to be interlinked and related to the topic.
- Lexical Resource: Avoid using any big and complex words and spell the words correctly according to the context in which the content is to be used. You also do not revise your own written work hence it is advisable not to write in a rush. There is a need for distinguishing simple lexis and basic choice of words. Sometimes simple lexis is used in combination with advanced grammar so the focus should be placed on simple word choice. Thus, you can keep it highly engaging, but avoid introducing such terms that are difficult to handle in the given context.
- Grammatical Accuracy and Range: When writing, be aware of the construction of your sentences and the tenses used. Use simple and clear word choice and ensure the correct punctuation of the text.
IELTS writing task 2 Sample Question with Answer:
New technologies have changed the way children spend their free time. Do you think the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
This essay format is “advantages/disadvantages.” On this specific topic, though, you are requested to share your opinion on whether you feel the advantages outweigh the disadvantages or vice versa. Let's review the format for these kinds of essays.
- Introduction: Start with a paraphrase of the question in the introduction.
- Body 1: You will reword the question and indicate in the first sentence whether you are talking about benefits or drawbacks. List the benefits or drawbacks in the sentences that follow.
- Body 2: List the drawbacks here if you listed the merits in the preceding paragraph, and vice versa.
- Body 3: You are not required to write this paragraph. You can only use the third body paragraph to break up the preceding paragraphs if necessary.
- Conclusion: Reword the question again and end the essay.
IELTS writing task 2 topics with answers:
Band 6
The way youngsters uses their leisure time has been altered by new technologies in the contemperary era. This has its own advantages and disadvantages but with the correct guidance, the advantages can easily outweighs the disadvantages.
New technology has transformed how children use their free time and this is largely due to the incoming digital revolution, access to smartphones, and social media, and it has quite a few advantages because the kids have access to information from around the world and avenues to pursue different hobbies. For example, if someone is interested in playing chess but does not have any classes nearby can now pursue it online from various digital corses. There are also ample resources to make their studies interesting in the form of videos and games that they can indulge in during their free time.
However, the way technology has changed how kids use their free time has its disadvantages as well as there has been a significant disconnect from the nature. For example, previously children used to play outdoor sports with their friends which is becoming rare now as they prefer sticking to smart devices for their entertainment, and as a result, the inclination toward physical activities is reducing. The only way to curb the disadvantages are to strike a balance between using technology as well as being connected to nature.
New technology have transformed the way children spend their leisure time. However, with the correct harmany and guidance, the advantages will outweigh the disadvantages and be a boon for the kids in learning new things.
Clarification on the band: The grammatical errors in the Grammatical Range and Accuracy part of the evaluation. The spelling errors in the Lexical Resources portion of the evaluation. The lengthy sentences which is categorized as cohesiveness and coherence in the evaluation.
Band 7
The way that today’s youth configure their free time has been revolutionized by technology. Even though this shift of paradigim contain pros and cons, the former can outweigh the later if it is facilitated correctly.
Technological advancement particularly in the advanced digital era, possession of smartphones, and social media have greatly affected children’s leisure activities. This swich in technology supplies many benefits. In this sense children now are privileged to be exposed to a plethora of international information and resources that allow them to discover various interests. For instance, a child with a desire learn chess but who has no resources in the local region can greatly benefit from a vast number of online classes. Materials has also been made fun with the help of interactive videos and educational games making learning during their free time more interesting and informed.
However, the advancement in technology as a tool of learning are however associated with some negative impacts. A major negative outcome is the diminising interraction with nature. Earlier children used to play outdoors with friends for sports activities which was gradually replaced by screen-based activities. Therefore to minimize these drawbacks, there is a necessity to find a proper balance between approaches based on the technology's employment and natural interaction.
Therefore, it can conclusively be said that technology have changed children’s use of leisure time with its set of advantages and disadvantages. The balance between technology and contemporary physical activities will allow children to have it easy and have their technological advantages, thus giving them healthy progress.
Clarification on the band: The grammatical errors in the Grammatical Range and Accuracy part of the evaluation and words that should have been followed by a comma. The spelling errors in the Lexical Resources portion of the evaluation. The word “however” is repeated in the same sentence twice which falls under coherence and cohesion.
Band 9
The way youth spend their leisure has been changed by technology. Although this shift of thinking is rather a mixture of strengths and weaknesses, the former has the potential to supersede the latter if managed with sagacity.
Young people’s leisure, with efficient attention to technological evolution, access to the Internet, and popular social platforms through smartphones, cannot be regarded as the same any longer. This advancement in technology promises a numerous advantage. In this context, children are now rather fortunately equipped with the opportunity to freely delve into a wide range of fields of interest by having access to an expansive array of information and resources around the globe. For instance, a child with a passion for mastering chess, although lacking local learning resources, can effectively use the internet to avail of classes. In addition, by rendering interactive videos and educational games, study materials have been made more appealing to make the children engage in leisure education while learning.
However, the dominance of technology in leisure is not devoid of its corresponding negative effects. A rather obvious negative outcome is the decrease in contact with nature. In the past, children engaged themselves in outdoor activities, specifically sports that involved other kids and this has gradually been substituted with screen-centric pursuits. Thus, to ameliorate the negative impacts, it is imperative to work on establishing an equilibrium between tech-based activities and activities with nature.
To sum up it can be beyond doubt that contemporary technology has changed the perception of leisure time utilization by children and introduced both opportunities and threats. In this manner, the purpose of emerging technologies in a child’s development can be upheld by carefully interlacing it with the necessity for more physically active movements of the child, during different points in time.
Clarification on the band: There are no grammatical or spelling problems or word repetitions. The sentences are well-written, and the vocabulary is advanced.
Conclusion
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