Social media’s impact on communication has become a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in approximately 15% of recent tests. Based on analysis from The role of social media in modern communication, this topic’s frequency is expected to increase given its growing relevance in today’s digital age.
Question Analysis
Some people think that social media has a negative impact on personal relationships and face-to-face communication. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
This question requires candidates to:
- Express their position on social media’s impact
- Support arguments with relevant examples
- Consider both personal relationships and face-to-face communication
- Provide a balanced discussion
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The perception that social media adversely affects interpersonal relationships and traditional communication has gained significant traction in recent years. While I partially agree with this viewpoint, I believe the reality is more nuanced and depends largely on how individuals utilize these platforms.
Social media can indeed diminish the quality of face-to-face interactions. When people become overly dependent on digital communication, they may struggle with real-world social skills. For instance, many young adults now feel more comfortable expressing themselves through text messages rather than direct conversations, potentially hampering their ability to read non-verbal cues and maintain meaningful in-person dialogues. This phenomenon relates closely to The impact of technology on social skills.
However, social media also offers unique opportunities to enhance relationships. These platforms enable people to maintain connections across geographical boundaries and time zones, allowing family members and friends to share life experiences despite physical separation. Moreover, social media has proven invaluable during global crises, as discussed in The role of social media in crisis communication, by providing essential emotional support and maintaining social cohesion when physical meetings were impossible.
In conclusion, while excessive social media use can potentially harm face-to-face communication, the key lies in striking a balance. The solution isn’t to abandon these platforms but to use them mindfully as tools that complement rather than replace traditional forms of interaction.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
In today’s world, many people think social media is bad for our relationships and how we talk to people face-to-face. I agree that social media can cause some problems, but it also has good points.
First, social media can make people spend less time talking to others in person. Many people are always looking at their phones, even when they are with friends or family. This is not good because we need to practice talking to people face-to-face to have good relationships.
However, social media helps us stay connected with people who live far away. We can chat with friends and family in other countries and see what they are doing. This is very helpful for people who cannot meet often because of distance or busy schedules.
Also, social media can help shy people make friends. Some people find it easier to start conversations online before meeting in person. But we should remember not to only use social media for talking to people.
In conclusion, I think social media has both good and bad effects on our relationships. The important thing is to use it carefully and not let it replace real conversations with people.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “diminish,” “adversely affects,” “nuanced”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear position with balanced arguments
- Coherent paragraphing
- Relevant examples and explanations
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic sentence structures
- Position stated but less developed
- Some paragraph organization
- Basic examples provided
Key Vocabulary
- adversely (adv) /ədˈvɜːsli/ – negatively or unfavorably
- interpersonal (adj) /ˌɪntəˈpɜːsənl/ – relating to relationships between people
- diminish (v) /dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/ – to become or make something smaller or less
- nuanced (adj) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle differences
- cohesion (n) /kəʊˈhiːʒn/ – the act or state of sticking together tightly
For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments. Consider also exploring related topics like The influence of media on public opinion for additional practice.