IELTS Writing Task 2 Opinion Essay: Social Media Impact — Model Answer
IELTS Writing Task 2 Opinion Essay: Social Media Impact — Model Answer. Question, examiner-style analysis and common traps.
The question
Some people believe that social media has a detrimental effect on individuals and society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Model answer (opening excerpt)
The proliferation of digital networking platforms has fundamentally reconfigured the architecture of human interaction. While proponents argue these technologies democratize information, I largely agree that their unrestrained use has precipitated a quantifiable decline in both individual psychological well-being and the collective social fabric.
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Band-by-Band Breakdown: The Logic of the Score
| Element | Why This is Band 9 | Common Band 6 Trap |
|---|---|---|
| Task Response | Addresses both "individual" and "society" specifically and deeply. | Addresses "people" in general without distinguishing between personal and societal impacts. |
| Lexical Resource | Uses precise terminology: commodification, epistemic, algorithmic, longitudinal. | Uses generic words: bad things, many problems, very useful, getting information. |
| Grammar | 85%+ of sentences are error-free complex structures (e.g., nominalization: "The proliferation of..."). | Relies on "Subject-Verb-Object" structures or makes mistakes when attempting long sentences. |
| Cohesion | Cohesion is "organic." The ideas flow logically without needing "First, Second, Third." | Over-uses mechanical linkers like "Moreover," "In addition," "Firstly" at the start of every sentence. |
More: all model answers · Task 2 structure guide
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