Technology and communication have become increasingly intertwined topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exam papers and expert predictions, questions about digital communication appear in approximately 15-20% of tests, making this a crucial topic for IELTS candidates to master. Let’s examine one of the most common question types on this theme.
Nội dung bài viết
The role of technology in modern communication has transformed how we interact, making it essential to understand its implications for IELTS success.
Task Analysis
Some people believe that modern technology has made communication between people less personal. Others say that technology has improved the quality of relationships between people. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This is a discussion essay requiring candidates to:
- Examine both positive and negative impacts of technology on communication
- Present a balanced analysis of contrasting viewpoints
- Express and justify a personal stance
The impact of technology on personal communication and relationships
Band 8-9 Model Essay
Today’s digital age has sparked debate about whether technology enhances or diminishes the quality of human connections. While some argue that digital communication has made interactions more impersonal, I believe that technology has ultimately improved our ability to maintain and strengthen relationships.
Those who criticize technology’s impact on communication often point to the reduction in face-to-face interactions. They argue that people prefer texting over meeting in person, leading to superficial relationships and diminished emotional connections. Moreover, the prevalence of social media has created a culture of performative relationships, where genuine interactions are replaced by likes and shares.
However, technology has revolutionized our ability to maintain meaningful connections across distances. Video calling platforms enable grandparents to watch their grandchildren grow up despite living continents apart. Professional collaboration tools have made it possible for teams to work closely together regardless of geographical barriers. Furthermore, social media platforms help people with niche interests find like-minded individuals they might never have met otherwise.
In my opinion, technology has enhanced rather than degraded the quality of human relationships. While it’s true that digital communication cannot fully replicate the intimacy of physical presence, it has expanded our capacity for connection in unprecedented ways. The key lies in using technology as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, traditional forms of communication.
The impact of technology on social inclusion demonstrates how digital tools can strengthen community bonds when used thoughtfully.
Band 6-7 Model Essay
Many people have different opinions about how modern technology affects communication between people. This essay will discuss both sides of this issue and share my views.
On one side, technology can make relationships less personal. When people spend too much time on phones and computers, they might talk less with family members face to face. Also, social media friends are sometimes not real friends, and people might feel lonely even with many online connections.
However, technology also helps people stay connected better than before. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people could work from home and talk to their families using video calls. The impact of technology on family life has been particularly significant in such situations. Social media also helps us find old friends and keep in touch with people who live far away.
In my opinion, technology is good for relationships if we use it properly. While it’s important to meet people in person, technology gives us more ways to stay connected. The problem is not the technology itself but how we choose to use it.
Key Vocabulary
- Performative (adj) /pəˈfɔːmətɪv/ – done for show
- Superficial (adj) /ˌsuːpəˈfɪʃəl/ – lacking depth
- Diminished (adj) /dɪˈmɪnɪʃt/ – reduced or lessened
- Revolutionary (adj) /ˌrevəˈluːʃəneri/ – causing complete change
- Unprecedented (adj) /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/ – never known before
High-Scoring Sentence Structures
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Complex Contrast:
“While it’s true that digital communication cannot fully replicate the intimacy of physical presence, it has expanded our capacity for connection in unprecedented ways.”
Structure: While + clause, main clause -
Causative Structure:
“The prevalence of social media has created a culture of performative relationships.”
Structure: Subject + has/have + past participle + object -
Opinion Formula:
“In my opinion, technology has enhanced rather than degraded the quality of human relationships.”
Structure: In my opinion + subject + has + verb + rather than + verb
Consider practicing with this topic and sharing your essay in the comments section for feedback and improvement suggestions.
