Level: IELTS Academic Writing Task 2
Task type: Positive or negative development
Recommended time: 40 minutes
Word count: At least 250 words
Question
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In many countries, people are spending more time using screens for entertainment, shopping and communication.
Is this a positive or negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
How to write it
A clear structure for this essay:
Introduction
Paraphrase the question and give your clear position.
Body paragraph 1
Explain the benefits of increased screen use.
Body paragraph 2
Explain the problems caused by increased screen use and show why these are more serious.
Conclusion
Summarise your view and restate whether you think this trend is mainly positive or negative.
Main ideas you can use
Screens make communication faster and more convenient
Online shopping and digital services save time
Entertainment is easier to access than in the past
People can access services, information and social contact from home
Too much screen time can damage physical and mental health
People may become less active and less socially connected in real life
Children and teenagers may be especially affected by overuse
Overall, the benefits are useful, but the risks are serious if screen use is not controlled
Band 6 sample
In many parts of the world, people now spend more time using screens for entertainment, shopping and communication. In my opinion, this development has some advantages, but it is mostly negative because it can affect people’s health and social life.
On the one hand, screens have made daily life more convenient. People can contact family and friends instantly, even if they live in different countries. They can also buy products online without travelling to shops, which saves time and effort. In addition, films, music, games and online videos are easy to access, so people have more choices for entertainment than before. These benefits are especially useful for busy people.
On the other hand, spending too much time on screens can create serious problems. Many people sit for long periods while using phones, computers or tablets, which can lead to poor fitness and health problems. Screen use can also reduce face-to-face communication. For example, some people spend hours online but do not spend enough time talking to family or meeting friends in real life. Young people may also become distracted from schoolwork if they use screens too much.
In conclusion, screens are useful for communication, shopping and entertainment. However, I believe this is mainly a negative development because excessive screen time can harm health, reduce real social contact and make people less active.
Band 8 sample
In many countries, screens have become central to everyday life, with people relying on them increasingly for leisure, shopping and communication. Although this trend offers clear practical benefits, I believe it is largely a negative development because of its effects on health, attention and real-world relationships.
There are certainly advantages to greater screen use. Digital communication allows people to stay in touch instantly across long distances, which is valuable for families, friends and businesses. Online shopping also makes life more efficient, as people can compare prices, order essential goods and use services without needing to travel. In terms of entertainment, streaming platforms, games and social media provide a wide range of affordable options. For people with busy schedules or limited mobility, these conveniences can significantly improve daily life.
However, the disadvantages are more serious. Excessive screen time often encourages a sedentary lifestyle, which can contribute to poor physical health. It may also affect mental well-being, particularly when people spend too much time comparing themselves with others online or consuming low-quality content for long periods. Another major problem is that digital interaction can replace face-to-face communication. While messaging and video calls are useful, they do not always provide the same depth of connection as real social contact. This is especially concerning for children and teenagers, who need direct interaction to develop communication skills and emotional awareness.
In conclusion, screens have made many aspects of life faster and more convenient. Nevertheless, I consider this trend mainly negative, as the overuse of screens can damage health, weaken social relationships and reduce people’s ability to focus on the real world.
