Writing Task 2 · Discussion (both views)

Has technology simplified or complicated human existence: discuss both views: IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer

An IELTS Writing Task 2 discussion essay question with a Band 8-style sample answer, the plan behind it, the vocabulary that lifts it and what an examiner looks for.
  • 294 words
  • Discussion (both views)
  • General Training
  • 40 minutes

The question

Some people believe that technology has made our lives easier, while others think it has made life more complicated. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

About 40 minutes. Write at least 250 words.

Discussion (both views)

Plan before you write

  1. 1

    Your position

    While technology has undeniably streamlined daily tasks, its pervasive nature often introduces unnecessary complexity and psychological strain.

  2. 2

    Paragraph 2

    Technological advancements have significantly enhanced efficiency in communication and information access.

  3. 3

    Paragraph 3

    The constant connectivity and information overload resulting from digital tools complicate modern existence.

  • →Explain both views fairly, with reasons or examples for each.
  • →If the prompt asks for your opinion, state it clearly and support it throughout the response.
  • →A separate paragraph for each view can help organise the discussion; make the relationship between the views clear.

Model answer

Band 8-style sample essay

This AI-generated teaching example illustrates target features; it has not received an official IELTS band. Compare its ideas and structure with your own response.

Band 8-style model294 words · use the structure and vocabulary, not the sentences

The rapid evolution of technology has fundamentally altered the way individuals navigate their daily routines. While some argue that these developments have provided unparalleled convenience, others contend that they have introduced a new layer of intricacy to human life. This essay will examine both perspectives and argue that, despite the practical benefits, technology often fosters a more demanding and complex lifestyle.

Advocates of technological progress highlight its role in simplifying essential tasks. Digital innovation has revolutionised communication, allowing people to connect instantaneously across continents, which has bridged geographical gaps in both personal and professional spheres. Furthermore, the internet serves as a vast repository of knowledge, making information retrieval near-instantaneous. For instance, the advent of banking applications has replaced time-consuming visits to physical branches with secure, immediate transactions, thereby saving significant time for the average user.

Conversely, many suggest that the same tools have created a sense of perpetual obligation. The expectation of constant availability, facilitated by smartphones and messaging platforms, often blurs the boundary between work and leisure, leading to increased stress. Additionally, the sheer volume of data generated daily can lead to cognitive overload, making it difficult to discern relevant information from digital noise. A clear example of this is the rise of social media, where the pressure to curate a digital persona and the endless stream of notifications often detract from genuine human connection and mental clarity.

In summary, while technological tools have undoubtedly streamlined logistical processes, they have simultaneously introduced profound challenges regarding focus and personal wellbeing. I believe that the convenience offered by these advancements is frequently overshadowed by the complexity they impose on our daily routines. Ultimately, achieving a balanced life requires a conscious effort to manage technology rather than allowing it to dictate the rhythm of one's existence.

Model commentary

Features to notice in this model

This model aims to illustrate Band 8 features by maintaining a consistent, sophisticated argument and using precise, natural vocabulary throughout the discussion. A Band 6 response typically fails to address both sides of the argument equally or relies on clichéd phrases and repetitive sentence structures.

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8 words

Vocabulary from the essay

  • pervasive

    spreading widely throughout an area or a group

  • streamlined

    made more efficient and effective by removing waste

  • unparalleled

    having no equal; exceptional or without any match

  • intricacy

    the quality of being complex or detailed

  • repository

    a place where things are stored or kept

  • perpetual

    never ending or changing; occurring repeatedly or constantly

  • cognitive overload

    a state where the brain receives too much information

  • curate

    to select, organise, and present information or content

More words for this topic: IELTS vocabulary for technology.

Frequently asked questions

What type of essay is "Has technology simplified or complicated human existence: discuss both views"?+

Discussion (both views). Explain both views fairly, with reasons or examples for each.

How many words should an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay be?+

At least 250 words, in about 40 minutes. This sample is 294 words, written to fit that time with five minutes left to check grammar.

How is IELTS Writing Task 2 scored?+

On four criteria: task response, coherence and cohesion, vocabulary, and grammatical range and accuracy. Task 2 counts for twice as much as Task 1 in your Writing band.

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

This model aims to illustrate Band 8 features by maintaining a consistent, sophisticated argument and using precise, natural vocabulary throughout the discussion. A Band 6 response typically fails to address both sides of the argument equally or relies on clichéd phrases and repetitive sentence structures.

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