IELTS Writing Task 2 · Two-part question · General Training

The evolution of communication through technology: impacts and evaluation

The question

How has technology changed the way we communicate? Do you think this is a good change?

About 40 minutes. Write at least 250 words.

Plan before you write

Position:
Technology has revolutionised human interaction by enhancing connectivity and speed, which represents a largely positive shift despite certain interpersonal drawbacks.
Paragraph 2:
Digital advancements have dismantled geographical barriers, enabling instantaneous global communication.
Paragraph 3:
The reliance on virtual interactions risks eroding the depth and nuance of face-to-face relationships.
  1. Answer the first question in body paragraph one and the second in body paragraph two.
  2. Signpost each with the question's own words so the examiner can tick both parts.
  3. Missing either part caps task response at 5, however good the language.

Band 8 sample essay

The landscape of human interaction has undergone a radical transformation due to the rapid proliferation of digital communication tools. While traditional methods like letters and landline telephony once limited the reach and frequency of exchanges, contemporary platforms have made connectivity seamless. This shift is fundamentally beneficial, as it fosters global integration, although it necessitates a cautious approach to maintaining authentic personal connections.

Technological progress has effectively eliminated the constraints of distance, allowing individuals to maintain relationships regardless of their physical location. Through high-speed internet and sophisticated software, people can engage in real-time video conferencing or instant messaging, which was previously impossible. For instance, multinational corporations now rely on these tools to coordinate teams across different continents, ensuring productivity is not hindered by geographical separation. This constant accessibility ensures that social and professional networks remain robust and dynamic.

However, the ubiquity of digital discourse has introduced concerns regarding the quality of human engagement. Over-reliance on text-based platforms often strips away vital non-verbal cues, such as tone of voice and body language, which are essential for true empathy. A clear example of this is the increasing trend of individuals preferring digital chats over physical meetings, which can lead to a sense of superficiality in friendships and a decline in social skills. Consequently, while the breadth of communication has expanded, the depth of individual interactions may be compromised.

To conclude, technology has profoundly altered how society connects by providing unprecedented levels of access and efficiency. Although this development brings challenges related to the authenticity of our exchanges, the overall impact remains positive by facilitating global unity. As long as users balance digital convenience with intentional face-to-face contact, the benefits of these advancements will continue to outweigh their potential disadvantages.

286 words. Use the structure and the vocabulary, not the sentences.

Why this scores Band 8

The essay achieves Band 8 by directly addressing both parts of the prompt with sophisticated vocabulary and logical coherence. A Band 6 response often fails to provide a clear argument regarding whether the change is 'good,' frequently drifting into a list of pros and cons without a unified stance.

Vocabulary from the essay

proliferation
a rapid increase in the number of things
seamless
smooth and continuous without any apparent obstacles
ubiquity
the state of being found everywhere at once
discourse
written or spoken communication or formal debate
nuance
a subtle difference in meaning or expression
superficiality
lack of depth or genuine emotional significance
unprecedented
never having happened or existed before now
robust
strong and healthy or unlikely to fail

Write this one yourself and get a band

Forty minutes, then a band for task response, coherence, vocabulary and grammar, with the sentences that cost you marked.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of essay is "The evolution of communication through technology: impacts and evaluation"?

Two-part question. Answer the first question in body paragraph one and the second in body paragraph two.

How long should the answer be?

At least 250 words. This sample is 286 words, written to fit 40 minutes with five minutes left to check grammar.

What is the difference between a Band 6 and a Band 8 answer here?

The essay achieves Band 8 by directly addressing both parts of the prompt with sophisticated vocabulary and logical coherence. A Band 6 response often fails to provide a clear argument regarding whether the change is 'good,' frequently drifting into a list of pros and cons without a unified stance.

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