In this essay you have to discuss whether allowing children to use tablets and computers has more positive or negative impacts.
As is usual with IELTS essay questions, this is a topical issue as it is something that you will commonly see debated in the media and amongst people generally.
This is the question:
More and more parents are allowing their children to play on computers and tablets as they think that children should learn technology skills.
Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
Analysing the Question
The key part of this question is this part:
- More and more parents are allowing their children to play on computers and tablets
Although it mentions why parents are allowing this (they think that children should learn technology skills), you don’t have to focus on the issue of technological skills.
You should mention it as it’s in the question, but you can write about any arguments for or against children using computers and tablets.
This is because you are not discussing whether there are more advantages or disadvantages of learning technology skills via computers and tablets. This is only something some parents think happens so it can’t be treated as a fact – it may not actually be the case in your opinion.
Organizing the Essay
This essay says:
- Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
In this type of essay it is best to discuss both pros and cons. This is because the question suggests there are both. You still though have to say which there are more of.
In order to ensure your opinion reflects the structure of your essay, one good way to organize it is with three body paragraphs. You then have two of these focused on the side you support.
So, for example, if you think there are more disadvantages to allowing children to play on computers and tablets, then you could organize your essay as follows:
- Opinion: Disadvantages outweigh the Advantages
- Body 1: Advantage
- Body 2: Disadvantage
- Body 3: Disadvantage
Remember, outweigh means more than (literally heavier than)! So, in this case, there are more disadvantages than advantages.
Now take a look at the model answer:
Essay: Are Tablets and Computers Good for Children
| You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: More and more parents are allowing their children to play on computers and tablets as they think that children should learn technology skills. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge. Write at least 250 words. |
Model Answer:
These days it is common to observe children spending significant amounts of time on electronic devices such as computers and tablets. In my opinion, the drawbacks of allowing children to do this outweigh any advantages.
The benefit of this development is that it will keep children occupied. There is no doubt that raising children and taking care of them can be stressful at times for parents so allowing them to play on a device means that the parents can have a break and not have to continuously entertain them. This could potentially mean improved family relationships.
However, there are several disadvantages. Firstly, children’s free time can be better utilized with other activities. Although they may learn some technological skills, they mostly just play games, and in any case, computer skills are now taught in school. Of much more benefit is encouraging children to spend their free time interacting with other children, playing with normal toys, and playing other games outside, which will foster their creative, cognitive, and social skills.
In addition to this there is growing evidence that it can also have negative health impacts. Research reported in the media claims that it can possibly damage the eyes of a child when looking at screens for long periods. Studies also indicate children using these devices may have more difficulty sleeping, something which is crucial for mental development.
In conclusion, the drawbacks of allowing children to use computers and tablets outweigh the benefits. While it may give parents more time, it could damage their mental and physical development.
Words: 257
Evaluation:
Task Achievement: Band 8
- The essay effectively addresses the prompt by presenting both sides of the argument.
- The opinion is clear: the disadvantages of children using electronic devices outweigh the advantages.
- Supporting points are relevant and well-developed, including parental stress relief, alternative activities for children, and health concerns like sleep and vision issues.
- Examples are provided, such as research on health effects and the argument that computer skills are taught in schools. However, these could be expanded or specified for a higher band (e.g., citing particular studies).
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
- The essay is well-structured, with clear paragraphs for advantages, disadvantages, and a conclusion.
- Ideas flow logically, and cohesive devices like “however,” “in addition to this,” and “in conclusion” ensure smooth transitions.
- Cohesion could be slightly improved by varying linking phrases. For example, instead of “in addition to this,” “furthermore” or “another disadvantage” could be used.
Lexical Resource: Band 7.5
- Vocabulary is appropriate and varied, with phrases like “technological skills,” “cognitive and social skills,” and “mental development.”
- Some word choices are slightly repetitive or could be more precise:
- “Playing with normal toys” could be replaced with “engaging in traditional, hands-on activities.”
- “Research reported in the media” might be better specified as “recent studies published in reputable journals.”
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
- A wide range of sentence structures is used, including conditionals (“although they may learn”) and relative clauses (“something which is crucial”).
- Grammar is accurate, with no significant errors.
- Some sentences could be rephrased for greater variety or conciseness:
- “The benefit of this development is that it will keep children occupied” might be streamlined to “One advantage is that it keeps children occupied.”
- “Research reported in the media claims that it can possibly damage” could be revised to “Research suggests prolonged screen time may harm.”
Word Count: 287 Words
- The essay meets the word count requirement, with a well-balanced discussion of both advantages and disadvantages.
Strengths:
- Clear and consistent opinion with well-developed arguments.
- Strong organization, with each paragraph addressing a specific point.
- Effective use of examples, particularly health-related concerns.
Areas for Improvement:
- Expand examples to include specific data or references to strengthen arguments.
- Use more varied linking phrases to improve cohesion.
- Replace repetitive or vague terms with more precise and advanced vocabulary.
Overall Band: 7.5 – 8
This essay provides a strong response to the task, demonstrating effective analysis and structure. A higher band could be achieved with richer vocabulary, greater example specificity, and slightly improved variety in phrasing.
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