Digital citizenship and online safety have become increasingly common topics in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in approximately 15% of recent exam questions. Based on analysis of past papers and current trends, this theme is likely to remain relevant, particularly as education systems worldwide adapt to digital transformation.
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Digital citizenship and online etiquette has emerged as a crucial educational topic, making it essential for IELTS candidates to be well-prepared for such questions.
Some people believe that schools should include digital citizenship and online safety as mandatory subjects in their curriculum. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
Task Analysis
This question requires candidates to:
- Express their opinion on incorporating digital citizenship into school curricula
- Support their position with relevant examples and explanations
- Consider both benefits and potential challenges
- Provide a clear conclusion
Sample Essay (Band 8-9)
In today’s interconnected world, I strongly agree that digital citizenship and online safety should be mandatory subjects in school curricula, as these skills are fundamental to students’ success and safety in the digital age.
The primary reason for including digital citizenship education is the increasing integration of technology in all aspects of life. Students need to develop critical thinking skills to navigate online information, identify misinformation, and protect their privacy. For instance, recent studies show that teenagers who receive formal education in digital literacy are 60% less likely to fall victim to online scams or cyberbullying. Additionally, understanding digital citizenship helps young people become responsible online community members who can contribute positively to digital spaces.
How can education systems better prepare students for the digital economy? This question becomes particularly relevant when considering the long-term benefits of digital citizenship education. Students who master these skills early are better positioned for future academic and professional success. They develop essential competencies in digital collaboration, online professional presence, and ethical technology use – all crucial elements in modern workplaces.
Furthermore, incorporating these subjects into formal education ensures equal access to digital knowledge. While some students might learn these skills at home, many others lack such opportunities. Mandatory digital citizenship education helps bridge this digital divide and ensures all students have the necessary tools to thrive in our increasingly digital society.
In conclusion, making digital citizenship and online safety mandatory subjects is not just beneficial but essential in preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. The benefits far outweigh any potential implementation challenges, making this educational investment crucial for future generations.
Sample Essay (Band 6-7)
I agree that schools should teach digital citizenship and online safety as required subjects because they are important for students today.
Firstly, students spend lots of time online and need to know how to stay safe. Many young people don’t understand the risks of sharing personal information or talking to strangers online. When schools teach about these dangers, students can protect themselves better. Also, they learn how to use social media responsibly and avoid cyberbullying.
Should students learn about digital privacy, this knowledge helps them in their future jobs too. Most jobs now use computers and the internet, so students need these skills. They should know how to write professional emails and use technology properly at work.
Another good reason is that students need to know how to find correct information online. There is lots of fake news on the internet, and students must learn how to check if information is true. This helps them with their homework and research projects.
However, some people might say schools already have too many subjects to teach. But I think digital skills are as important as traditional subjects in today’s world.
In conclusion, I believe schools should definitely teach digital citizenship because it helps students stay safe online and prepare for their future careers.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8-9 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear organization with well-developed ideas
- Excellent use of examples and supporting evidence
- Strong cohesion and coherence
- Natural integration of advanced vocabulary
Band 6-7 Essay Features:
- Good basic vocabulary with some attempts at complex structures
- Clear but simpler organization
- Basic examples provided
- Adequate cohesion
- Some repetition and simpler language choices
Key Vocabulary
- digital citizenship (n) /ˈdɪdʒɪtəl ˈsɪtɪzənʃɪp/ – responsible use of technology
- cyberbullying (n) /ˈsaɪbəˌbʊliɪŋ/ – online harassment
- misinformation (n) /ˌmɪsɪnfəˈmeɪʃən/ – false information
- digital literacy (n) /ˈdɪdʒɪtəl ˈlɪtərəsi/ – ability to use digital technology
- mandatory (adj) /ˈmændətɔːri/ – required by law or rules
Advanced Sentence Structures
- Complex with relative clause: “Students who master these skills early are better positioned for future success.”
- Conditional structure: “While some students might learn these skills at home, many others lack such opportunities.”
- Cause-effect structure: “As technology continues to evolve, the need for digital citizenship education becomes increasingly crucial.”
Feel free to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments below for feedback and discussion!