Technology and societal change has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in approximately 15% of recent tests. Based on analysis of past papers, questions often focus on digital transformation, social media impact, and technological disruption of traditional practices. Let’s examine a frequently tested question format:
Nội dung bài viết
Some people believe that technological advancements have made societies more disconnected and impersonal, while others argue technology has created new forms of social connection. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analysis of the Question
- Topic: Impact of technology on social connections
- Task: Discuss both sides + opinion
- Key areas to cover:
- Negative effects on traditional social bonds
- Positive impact through new forms of connection
- Personal stance with supporting arguments
Band 9 Model Essay
The digital revolution has fundamentally transformed how people interact, leading to ongoing debate about its social implications. While some contend that technology has eroded traditional interpersonal bonds, I believe its overall impact has been positive in fostering new and meaningful forms of connection.
Those who criticize technology’s social impact make valid observations about changing interaction patterns. Face-to-face conversations have notably declined as people increasingly engage with their devices instead of those physically present. This phenomenon is particularly evident in public spaces where individuals remain absorbed in their smartphones rather than engaging with their surroundings. Furthermore, traditional community gatherings and family dinners are often interrupted by digital distractions, potentially weakening these fundamental social bonds.
However, technology has created unprecedented opportunities for connection that transcend physical limitations. The impact of technology on healthcare access has demonstrated how digital platforms can bring people together in meaningful ways. Social media platforms enable individuals to maintain relationships across vast distances, while online communities unite people with shared interests who might never meet otherwise. Virtual communication tools have proven invaluable during global crises, allowing families, colleagues, and friends to remain connected despite physical separation.
In my view, technology’s capacity to facilitate new forms of social interaction outweighs its potential drawbacks. While being mindful of maintaining a healthy balance between digital and physical interaction is important, The importance of promoting cultural exchange shows how technology has created unprecedented opportunities for cross-cultural understanding and connection. The key lies in conscious usage of these tools to enhance rather than replace traditional social bonds.
Band 6.5 Model Essay
Nowadays, technology affects how people connect with each other. Some people think it makes society less personal, but others say it helps people connect better. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
On the negative side, technology can make people less social in real life. Many people spend too much time on their phones instead of talking to family and friends. For example, in restaurants, you can see many people looking at their phones instead of talking to the people they are eating with. This is not good for real relationships.
However, technology also helps people stay connected in new ways. The role of technology in public health shows how people can keep in touch even when they cannot meet. People can use social media and video calls to talk to friends and family who live far away. Also, they can make new friends online who have the same interests.
In my opinion, technology is more helpful than harmful for connecting people. Although we should be careful not to use it too much, it gives us many good ways to stay in touch with others. The important thing is to use technology in a balanced way.
Scoring Analysis
Band 9 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “fundamentally transformed”, “unprecedented opportunities”
- Complex structures: Various conditionals and relative clauses
- Clear organization with smooth transitions
- Nuanced arguments with specific examples
- Coherent development of ideas
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Basic but clear vocabulary
- Simple sentence structures with some errors
- Basic organization present
- Limited range of linking words
- Some repetition in ideas
Key Vocabulary
- digital revolution (n.) /ˈdɪdʒɪtəl ˌrevəˈluːʃən/ – widespread adoption of digital technologies
- interpersonal (adj.) /ˌɪntəˈpɜːsənl/ – relating to relationships between people
- transcend (v.) /trænˈsend/ – go beyond normal limits
- unprecedented (adj.) /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/ – never having happened before
- facilitate (v.) /fəˈsɪlɪteɪt/ – make possible or easier
High-Scoring Sentence Patterns
- Complex contrast: “While some contend that…, I believe…”
- Cause-effect with multiple clauses: “Face-to-face conversations have notably declined as people increasingly engage with…”
- Balanced argument structure: “Although X is true, the benefits of Y outweigh…”
Visual representation of technology's impact on society
Feel free to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback!
