IELTS Writing Task 2: Social Media Band 7.5 Sample with Full Breakdown

Related guides:

• IELTS Writing Task 2: Plastic Pollution (Advantages…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Recycling (Discussion) — Band 6/7/8/9…
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Renewable Energy Two Part Question…
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Renewable Energy Agree Disagree Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Deforestation Two Part Question Sample…

The Prompt

Some people believe that social media has a positive impact on society, while others argue that it has a negative effect. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Social media is very popular now. Some people think it is good, others think it is bad. I think both are true.

First, social media is good. It helps people connect. Friends and family can talk even if they are far away. Also, it is easy to find information. News and learning are on social media. For example, I learn English from videos on Facebook.

But social media can be bad. Some people waste time. They look at their phone too much and do not study or work. Also, some people are not nice on social media. They say bad things and make others feel sad. Cyberbullying is a big problem.

In my opinion, social media is good if you use it right. You should not waste time and should be kind to others. If you do this, social media is helpful.

Band 7.0 Answer

The influence of social media on society is a contentious issue, with proponents highlighting its benefits and critics pointing out its drawbacks. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my view.

On the positive side, social media has revolutionized communication. Platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp enable instant connection with loved ones across the globe. Moreover, it serves as a valuable educational resource. For instance, educational institutions often share learning materials on platforms like YouTube, making education more accessible.

However, social media also has its downsides. Excessive use can lead to addiction, negatively impacting productivity. Furthermore, the anonymity of the internet can foster cyberbullying and online harassment, causing emotional distress to victims. For example, many young people have reported feeling anxious or depressed due to negative comments on social media.

In my view, the benefits of social media outweigh the drawbacks. By using it responsibly and promoting positive interactions, we can maximize its advantages while minimizing its negative impacts.

Band 7.5 Answer

The pervasive influence of social media on contemporary society has sparked a heated debate regarding its overall impact. While proponents advocate for its numerous benefits, detractors highlight its potential pitfalls. This essay will delve into both perspectives before presenting a nuanced stance.

Proponents of social media argue that it has democratized communication and information sharing. Platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn have broken down geographical barriers, enabling real-time interaction with individuals worldwide. Additionally, social media has become an invaluable educational tool. For example, educational institutions leverage platforms like Instagram and TikTok to disseminate knowledge in engaging formats, catering to diverse learning preferences.

Conversely, critics contend that social media can have detrimental effects on mental health and productivity. The constant bombardment of information and the pressure to maintain a curated online persona can lead to anxiety and depression. Furthermore, the spread of misinformation and fake news can have serious societal consequences. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, false information on social media led to public confusion and non-compliance with health guidelines.

In my opinion, the impact of social media is largely dependent on how it is used. While it offers immense benefits, such as enhanced connectivity and access to information, it also poses risks, including mental health issues and the spread of misinformation. Therefore, it is crucial to promote digital literacy and responsible usage to maximize the advantages of social media while mitigating its negative impacts.

Band 8.0 Answer

The ubiquity of social media in modern society has engendered a polarized discourse regarding its societal implications. Proponents laud its transformative potential, while critics decry its pernicious effects. This essay will critically evaluate both viewpoints before presenting a balanced perspective.

Advocates of social media posit that it has revolutionized interpersonal communication and information dissemination. Platforms like Facebook and WeChat have facilitated instantaneous connection with friends and family, transcending geographical constraints. Moreover, social media has emerged as a powerful tool for social activism and political engagement. For example, movements like #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo have gained global traction through social media, amplifying marginalized voices and catalyzing societal change.

However, the dark side of social media cannot be ignored. The constant comparison with idealized online personas can engender feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Furthermore, the echo chamber effect can reinforce prejudices and polarize societies. For instance, the spread of conspiracy theories and hate speech on social media has been linked to real-world violence and social unrest.

In my view, the impact of social media is a double-edged sword. While it offers unprecedented opportunities for connection and activism, it also poses significant risks to mental health and social cohesion. Therefore, a balanced approach is required, one that harnesses the benefits of social media while addressing its potential harms.

Scoring Breakdown

Band 6.0 Answer

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development and some irrelevant points.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 5.0 - Ideas are presented but with some repetition and lack of clear progression.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses some appropriate vocabulary but with errors and limited range.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 5.0 - Sentences are simple and contain frequent errors.

Band 7.0 Answer

• Task Response (TR): 6.5 - Presents a clear position with some development and relevant examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.5 - Ideas are logically organized with some use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary with some errors and limited range.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.5 - Sentences are varied but contain some errors.

Band 7.5 Answer

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with developed arguments and relevant examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Ideas are logically organized with effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.5 - Uses a range of appropriate vocabulary with some errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Sentences are varied and generally accurate.

Band 8.0 Answer

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with fully developed arguments and relevant examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Ideas are logically organized with effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of appropriate vocabulary with few errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Sentences are varied and accurate.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Pervasive (adj.): Widespread or influential.

• Example: The pervasive influence of social media on modern society.

1. Contentious (adj.): Controversial or disputed.

• Example: The contentious issue of social media's impact on society.

1. Democratized (v.): Made accessible to everyone.

• Example: Social media has democratized communication and information sharing.

1. Anonymity (n.): The condition of being anonymous.

• Example: The anonymity of the internet can foster cyberbullying.

1. Curated (adj.): Selected and organized.

• Example: The pressure to maintain a curated online persona.

1. Bombardment (n.): An overwhelming amount of something.

• Example: The constant bombardment of information on social media.

1. Misinformation (n.): False or inaccurate information.

• Example: The spread of misinformation on social media.

1. Engender (v.): Cause or give rise to.

• Example: Social media can engender feelings of inadequacy.

1. Echo chamber (n.): An environment where a person encounters only beliefs or opinions that coincide with their own.

• Example: The echo chamber effect on social media.

1. Ubiquity (n.): The fact of being everywhere.

• Example: The ubiquity of social media in modern society.

1. Polarized (adj.): Divided into two sharply contrasting groups.

• Example: The polarized discourse regarding social media's impact.

1. Transformative (adj.): Causing a marked change.

• Example: The transformative potential of social media.

1. Pernicious (adj.): Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.

• Example: The pernicious effects of social media.

1. Amplify (v.): Increase the volume or intensity of.

• Example: Social media amplifies marginalized voices.

1. Catalyzing (v.): Causing a significant event or change.

• Example: Social media catalyzes societal change.

1. Engender (v.): Cause or give rise to.

• Example: Social media can engender feelings of inadequacy.

1. Echo chamber (n.): An environment where a person encounters only beliefs or opinions that coincide with their own.

• Example: The echo chamber effect on social media.

1. Ubiquity (n.): The fact of being everywhere.

• Example: The ubiquity of social media in modern society.

1. Polarized (adj.): Divided into two sharply contrasting groups.

• Example: The polarized discourse regarding social media's impact.

1. Transformative (adj.): Causing a marked change.

• Example: The transformative potential of social media.

1. Pernicious (adj.): Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.

• Example: The pernicious effects of social media.

1. Amplify (v.): Increase the volume or intensity of.

• Example: Social media amplifies marginalized voices.

1. Catalyzing (v.): Causing a significant event or change.

• Example: Social media catalyzes societal change.

Common Mistakes

1. Overgeneralization: Making broad statements without sufficient evidence or examples.
2. Lack of Balance: Failing to present both sides of the argument equally.
3. Repetition: Repeating the same ideas or phrases without adding new information.
4. Poor Vocabulary Choice: Using inappropriate or incorrect words that detract from the argument.
5. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical mistakes that hinder understanding.

Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol

Practice makes perfect. Get your own IELTS Writing Task 2 response scored by AI on English AIdol and receive detailed feedback to improve your score.