The topic of social media’s influence on education has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS examinations, appearing frequently in recent years. Based on analysis from reputable IELTS tracking websites, this theme has appeared in approximately 15% of Task 2 essays since 2020, similar to The impact of technology on cultural identity. Let’s examine a common question format and analyze sample responses across different band scores.
Question Analysis
Some people believe that social media has a negative impact on academic performance, while others think it can enhance learning experiences. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires:
- Discussion of both positive and negative impacts
- Clear personal stance
- Balanced analysis
- Relevant examples
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
Social media’s role in education has become a contentious topic, with valid arguments on both sides. While some argue that these platforms diminish academic achievement, others maintain that they offer valuable educational opportunities. In my opinion, while social media presents certain risks, its benefits for learning can outweigh the drawbacks when properly managed.
Those who criticize social media’s impact on education raise legitimate concerns. Students often become distracted by constant notifications and messages, reducing their ability to concentrate during study sessions. Furthermore, excessive time spent on platforms like Instagram and TikTok can lead to decreased sleep quality and shortened attention spans, directly affecting academic performance. Just as The impact of AI on social dynamics has transformed interpersonal relationships, social media has fundamentally altered study habits.
However, social media also offers significant educational advantages. Educational content creators on YouTube and specialized learning groups on Facebook provide valuable supplementary resources that can enhance understanding of complex topics. Additionally, collaborative platforms enable students to engage in group discussions, share research findings, and participate in global learning communities. These tools have proven particularly valuable during remote learning situations, facilitating continuous education despite physical barriers.
In my view, the key lies in implementing strategic approaches to social media use in education. Schools should develop comprehensive policies that harness these platforms’ educational potential while minimizing their distractive elements. For instance, designated academic social media time could be incorporated into lessons, similar to how The benefits of early technology education suggests structured digital learning approaches.
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
Nowadays, social media has become very important in education. Some people think it is bad for students’ studies, but others believe it helps learning. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
On the negative side, social media can be very distracting for students. Many young people spend too much time checking Facebook and Instagram instead of studying. This means they don’t complete their homework properly and get poor grades. Also, some students stay up late using social media and feel tired during classes the next day.
However, social media also has good points for education. Students can join study groups online and share helpful information with classmates. They can also watch educational videos on YouTube to understand difficult subjects better. During COVID-19, many schools used social media to teach students who couldn’t come to class.
I think social media can be good for education if students use it carefully. Teachers should show students how to use these platforms for learning and not just entertainment. Maybe schools can create special social media accounts for sharing study materials and helping students learn better.
Key Vocabulary
- contentious (adj) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing disagreement or argument
- diminish (v) /dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/ – to become or make something smaller
- supplementary (adj) /ˌsʌplɪˈmentəri/ – additional
- collaborative (adj) /kəˈlæbərətɪv/ – involving working together
- comprehensive (adj) /ˌkɑːmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete; including all aspects
- facilitate (v) /fəˈsɪlɪteɪt/ – to make an action possible or easier
- strategic (adj) /strəˈtiːdʒɪk/ – carefully planned to achieve a specific goal
Conclusion
The impact of social media on education remains a relevant IELTS topic. For practice, consider writing about related questions such as:
- The role of social media in distance learning
- Social media’s influence on student-teacher relationships
- The balance between social media and traditional learning methods
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and improvement suggestions.