IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1490 - Whether the internet has brought people closer together
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that the internet has brought people closer together while others think that people and communities have become more isolated due to the internet.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [View: people and communities have become more isolated due to the internet]
The impact of the internet on social connections is a topic of contention. While some argue that it has brought people closer together, others assert that the internet has led to increased isolation among individuals and communities. I strongly believe that the internet has contributed to a sense of isolation rather than fostering closer relationships. In this essay, I will discuss both perspectives and give arguments for my opinion.
Proponents of the idea that the internet brings people closer together emphasize its role in connecting individuals across geographical boundaries. Social media platforms, for instance, enable people to interact with friends, family, and even strangers from different parts of the world. Virtual communities and online forums allow individuals to engage in discussions, share experiences, and develop friendships beyond physical limitations. For instance, platforms like Facebook or Twitter connect individuals separated by continents, allowing long-lost friends to rekindle relationships and enabling families residing in different countries to regularly communicate and share life updates.
However, detractors argue that while the internet offers connectivity, it often leads to superficial relationships and a sense of isolation. As people spend more time engrossed in online interactions, face-to-face communication diminishes. Real-life social interactions dwindle, leading to a decline in genuine connections. Moreover, excessive screen time can result in social withdrawal, affecting mental health and reducing community engagement. For example, excessive use of screens, especially among teenagers, might lead to reduced face-to-face interactions, causing a decline in participation in community events or local gatherings, potentially impacting their sense of belonging and social connection.
From my perspective, the internet has inadvertently contributed to isolation by creating a facade of connectivity that lacks depth. While it offers virtual connections, these often lack the richness and depth of real-life interactions.
In conclusion, despite the internet's ability to facilitate connections, I think that it has primarily contributed to people and communities becoming more isolated. The allure of online connectivity often comes at the cost of genuine, meaningful relationships and reduced community engagement.
Model Answer 2: [View: the internet has brought people closer together]
The impact of the internet on social connectivity is a subject of fierce debate. While some argue that it has fostered closer relationships, others claim that it has caused increased isolation. This essay will explore both perspectives and lean towards the view that the internet has brought people closer together.
Critics argue that the internet has led to increased social isolation. They point to instances where individuals, particularly younger generations, spend excessive time online, withdrawing from real-world interactions. For instance, studies show a rise in social anxiety among adolescents, largely attributed to prolonged internet usage.
On the contrary, proponents of the idea that the internet brings people closer together emphasize its role in connecting individuals across geographical boundaries. Social media platforms, for instance, enable people to interact with friends, family, and even strangers from different parts of the world. Virtual communities and online forums allow individuals to engage in discussions, share experiences, and develop friendships beyond physical limitations.
The internet, through its vast array of communication tools and platforms, has undoubtedly enriched social connections. Video calls, social media interactions, and shared interest forums have diminished the barriers of distance and fostered a sense of community among diverse individuals. The ability to instantly connect with people globally has redefined relationships and opened doors to cross-cultural understanding and cooperation.
In conclusion, while concerns about internet-induced isolation are valid, the overwhelming evidence suggests that the internet has predominantly enhanced social connectivity. Its role in bringing people together, transcending geographical limitations, and enabling diverse interactions signifies its pivotal role in fostering a more interconnected global community.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay Question:
Some people think that the internet has brought people closer together while others think that people and communities have become more isolated due to the internet.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Essay Type: Discussion Essay
The main question of this IELTS Essay:
A) How has the internet helped bring people closer together?
B) How has the internet contributed to social isolation?
C) What is your opinion on this issue?
How the Internet Has Brought People Closer Together:
Instant global communication:
The internet allows people to communicate in real-time across the world, making it easier to stay connected with family, friends, and colleagues regardless of distance. For example, video calling apps like Zoom and Skype enable people to maintain relationships even when living in different countries.
Online communities and social networking:
People with shared interests can connect through social media platforms, online forums, and discussion groups, fostering a sense of belonging. For example, websites like Reddit and Facebook Groups allow individuals to engage in discussions and find support networks globally.
Bridging cultural gaps:
The internet facilitates cultural exchange by allowing people to learn about different traditions, languages, and lifestyles, promoting mutual understanding. For example, platforms like YouTube and language-learning apps like Duolingo enable users to explore diverse cultures from their homes.
Opportunities for remote collaboration:
People can work together on projects, attend virtual meetings, and build professional relationships without geographical limitations. For example, multinational companies use remote collaboration tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams to connect employees worldwide.
How the Internet Has Contributed to Social Isolation:
Reduced face-to-face interactions:
Many people prefer online communication over in-person interactions, leading to weaker social skills and less meaningful real-world relationships. For example, young people often spend hours texting or gaming online instead of engaging in outdoor activities or meeting friends in person.
Increased screen time and digital addiction:
Excessive use of the internet can lead to social withdrawal, where individuals prioritize online engagement over real-life socialization. For example, studies have shown that excessive use of social media can cause loneliness and depression, particularly among teenagers.
Creation of virtual echo chambers:
Algorithms on social media platforms often show users content that aligns with their views, limiting exposure to diverse perspectives and reducing open discussions. For example, people who rely solely on personalized news feeds may become disconnected from broader social conversations.
Decline of community engagement:
As people spend more time online, participation in local events, volunteering, and neighborhood activities has decreased, weakening real-life community bonds. For example, fewer people attend town meetings or social clubs as they engage in digital entertainment and online interactions instead.
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