IELTS Writing Task 2 essay with model answer

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic

According to a recent study, the more time people use the Internet the less time they spend with real human beings. Some people say that instead of seeing the Internet as a way of opening up new communication possibilities worldwide, we should be concerned about the effect this is having on social interaction. How far do you agree with this opinion?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer:

From recent researches conducted worldwide, it is evident that the usage of Internet and social media for interpersonal interactions has increased by mammoth proportions. This is a cause of serious concern because some people believe that the use of Internet has led to the erosion of social interactions as most people live in a virtual world and spend more time interacting through social media than indulging in direct conversations. However,  I strongly disagree that the Internet should be blamed for this debacle because it is in the hands of humans to use or misuse it. This essay will try to substantiate my opinion. 

It cannot be refuted that Internet has become an addiction for today's generation which seems to love living in a virtual world. People are busy taking selfies, sharing it with strangers, chatting with unknown people without realising the consequences. This has undoubtedly increased the incidence of cybercrime, duping and fatal accidents while taking selfies. 

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Moreover, as people spend more and more time interacting on social media, they spend lesser time with friends and family. This has led to the erosion of family ties and values. To illustrate, an interesting study conducted in the US in 2016, clearly showed that there has been a gradual delay in initiation of speech among children aged 1-2 years because of lack of social interaction among family members at home!

However, it would be naive to blame the Internet for this debacle. It is like blaming the invention of nuclear power for the aftermath of the Second World War in the Hiroshima and Nagasaki; the warring countries were responsible for the horrible misuse of nuclear power. A weapon is only as powerful as its user. It is up to us to use it responsibly. The Internet has helped us keep in touch with faraway relatives and friends through inventions like Whatsapp and Skype. The world is becoming smaller and closer than ever before. In today's fast-paced world, the Internet is a much faster way of communicating than writing handwritten letters. Also, it has played a major role in large-scale public mobilisation for candlelight marches and peaceful protests at an alarmingly faster speed. This, has often, helped to shrug off the lackadaisical attitude of the police and administration. Jessica Lal murder case is a particularly good example of this. 

To reiterate, it is true that the time spent by people on the Internet is leading to decreased social interactions in the real world. But the Internet should not be blamed injudiciously for this menace. It is up to the human race to utilise the bounties of the scientific research easily.  

Total Words: 437

Task Achievement: 9

Coherence & Cohesion: 9

Lexical resources: 9

Grammar: 9

Overall Score: Band 9

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