Many people believe that social media has a negative impact on society. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This essay question type is the most common.
Practice writing your own response before looking at the IELTS Band 9 Essay example answer below. Please note that this is only an example and should not be memorized.
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Social media has become an integral part of our lives, but there is a growing concern among some people that it has a negative impact on society. In my opinion, while social media has its downsides, its benefits far outweigh them. In this essay, I will explain why social media is a net positive for society, despite its negative aspects, and will provide examples to support my argument.
On the one hand, social media can be detrimental to our mental health. Many studies have shown that excessive use of social media can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Moreover, social media platforms are often used to spread hate speech and fake news, which can have a negative impact on society by fueling prejudice and division.
On the other hand, social media has a plethora of benefits that cannot be ignored. For instance, social media enables us to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds, breaking down barriers and promoting understanding. Social media also serves as a platform for people to express their opinions and raise awareness about important issues, such as climate change and human rights abuses.
Furthermore, social media has transformed the way we communicate, making it faster and more convenient. It has revolutionized the way businesses operate, allowing them to reach a wider audience and engage with their customers in a more meaningful way. Social media has also provided a platform for artists and musicians to showcase their talent and gain recognition on a global scale.
In conclusion, while it is true that social media has some negative aspects, such as its impact on mental health and its role in spreading hate speech and fake news, its benefits cannot be ignored. Social media has transformed the way we communicate, connect, and do business. As long as we use it responsibly and with caution, social media can have a positive impact on society.
Why is this a good answer?
This is a good essay because it follows the structure and requirements of an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay. The essay is well-organized with a clear thesis statement and a logical progression of ideas. The writer has provided strong arguments to support their opinion, and they have used a variety of advanced vocabulary, complex sentence structures, and cohesive devices effectively to enhance the coherence and cohesiveness of the essay.
The essay also uses appropriate examples to illustrate the writer's points, which is essential in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Additionally, the writer has made an effort to address the opposing viewpoint, which is a crucial component of a high-scoring essay.
Furthermore, the writer has maintained a formal and objective tone throughout the essay, which is appropriate for academic writing. They have also used appropriate grammar, punctuation, and spelling, which demonstrates their language proficiency.
Overall, this is an excellent essay that meets the requirements of the task and demonstrates a high level of English language proficiency.
Advanced vocabulary from this answer
Integral - essential or necessary for completeness.
Plethora - a large or excessive amount of something.
Detrimental - causing harm or damage.
Prejudice - preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.
Division - the act of separating or dividing something into parts.
Revolutionized - completely changed or transformed something.
Advocacy - public support or recommendation of a particular cause or policy.
Game-changer - something that completely changes the way things are done.
Targeted - specifically aimed at a particular group or market.
Net positive - overall positive.
