IELTS Writing Task 2: Children And Screen Time — Band 6.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

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The Prompt

Some people believe that children should not be allowed to use smartphones or tablets. Others argue that these devices can be beneficial for learning. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Band 6.0 Sample Answer

Many parents worry about their children using smartphones and tablets too much. While these devices can be useful for learning, some people think they should be restricted. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.

On the one hand, smartphones and tablets can be very helpful for children's education. They can access educational apps, watch educational videos, and do online research. For example, my nephew uses his tablet to learn English through interactive games. These devices can make learning more fun and engaging. However, some parents worry that their children will spend too much time on these devices and not enough time doing other activities like reading books or playing outside.

On the other hand, some people believe that children should not use these devices at all. They argue that too much screen time can be harmful to children's health. For instance, spending too much time looking at screens can cause eye strain and headaches. Additionally, some parents think that children can become addicted to these devices and spend less time interacting with other people. For example, my sister's son sometimes ignores his family when he is playing games on his tablet.

In my opinion, children should be allowed to use smartphones and tablets, but their usage should be limited. Parents should set rules about how much time their children can spend on these devices. For example, they can allow their children to use these devices for one hour after school and not at all during meal times. This way, children can benefit from the educational apps and videos, but they will also have time for other activities.

Scoring Breakdown

| Criteria | Band 6.0 Score | Explanation | |----------|--------------|-------------| | Task Response | 6.0 | Presents a clear position but with some limitations in depth. The response addresses the task but may be limited in complexity. | | Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 | Uses some cohesive devices but may not always use them appropriately. The ideas are organized but may not always follow a clear progression. | | Lexical Resource | 6.0 | Uses a mix of simple and complex vocabulary. Some attempts at less common vocabulary but with some inaccuracies. | | Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 | Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. Some errors in grammar and punctuation but generally understandable. |

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Beneficial (adj.) - providing a help or advantage; helpful.

• Example: These devices can be beneficial for learning.

1. Engaging (adj.) - attracting or holding interest or attention.

• Example: These devices can make learning more fun and engaging.

1. Restricted (adj.) - limited in scope or extent; not extensive.

• Example: Some people think they should be restricted.

1. Interactive (adj.) - involving communication or action on the part of a user (e.g., a computer program).

• Example: My nephew uses his tablet to learn English through interactive games.

1. Addicted (adj.) - physically and mentally dependent on a particular substance, thing, or activity.

• Example: Some parents think that children can become addicted to these devices.

1. Strain (n.) - injury or damage to a muscle or tendon caused by overuse.

• Example: Spending too much time looking at screens can cause eye strain.

1. Ignores (v.) - to refuse to take notice of or acknowledge; disregard intentionally.

• Example: My sister's son sometimes ignores his family when he is playing games on his tablet.

1. Rules (n.) - a principle or condition that custom or habit imposes unavoidably.

• Example: Parents should set rules about how much time their children can spend on these devices.

1. Limited (adj.) - restricted in size, amount, or extent; little.

• Example: Children should be allowed to use smartphones and tablets, but their usage should be limited.

1. Set (v.) - to put, lay, or stand (something) in a specified place or position.

• Example: Parents should set rules about how much time their children can spend on these devices.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position in their response. They may discuss both sides but not clearly state their opinion.

1. Inadequate Vocabulary: Using simple vocabulary and repeating the same words can lower the lexical resource score. Students should try to use a range of vocabulary.

1. Grammatical Errors: Common grammatical errors include subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, and article usage. These errors can make the response harder to understand.

1. Poor Cohesion: Using too many simple sentences and not enough cohesive devices can make the response choppy and hard to follow. Students should practice using a variety of cohesive devices.

1. Insufficient Depth: Providing only surface-level discussion without supporting ideas or examples can limit the task response score. Students should aim to provide detailed supporting points.

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