WRITING TASK 2 — Children and Smartphones
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Shadi
- Writing Task.2
IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some children spend hours every day on their smartphones.
Why is this the case? Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
✍️Task Analysis & Step-by-Step Response Strategy
1. STRUCTURE & OUTLINE
Topic: Children spending hours on smartphones – causes and evaluation
For this type of “Cause + Opinion” question, the ideal structure is:
✅ Introduction
- Paraphrase the question
- Clearly state why it’s happening and your position (positive or negative)
✅ Body Paragraph 1: Causes
- Explain 1–2 clear reasons why children use smartphones so much
- Give relevant examples or brief elaborations
✅ Body Paragraph 2: Evaluation
- State clearly if this trend is positive or negative
- Support your opinion with 2–3 consequences or arguments
- Back it up with data, examples, or logic
✅ Conclusion
- Summarize both parts
- Restate your opinion (positive or negative)
2. USEFUL VOCAB & PHRASES
Here are some topic-specific and formal academic phrases:
🔹 Talking about causes:
- “One contributing factor is…”
- “This can be attributed to…”
- “Smartphones are now readily available, even for younger users…”
- “Entertainment apps are designed to be addictive and engaging.”
🔹 Evaluating impact:
- “While this offers some convenience, the drawbacks are more serious.”
- “This has raised concerns about physical and mental well-being.”
- “Prolonged use may hinder social and emotional development.”
- “Children may become overly dependent on digital stimulation.”
🔹 Giving examples:
- “For instance, many children…”
- “Recent studies have shown…”
- “A clear example of this is…
3. USEFUL SENTENCE STRUCTURES
To improve clarity and coherence, try these sentence patterns:
🔸 Complex Causes:
- “As digital devices have become more affordable, children are increasingly exposed to screens from an early age.”
🔸 Balanced Viewpoint:
- “Although smartphones can provide educational content, the amount of time spent on them is often excessive and unregulated.”
🔸 Opinion Emphasis:
- “In my view, the negative outcomes—especially those affecting health and social skills—far outweigh the potential benefits.”
🎯 Band 7+ Model Response
Word Count: 280 ✅
In today’s digital age, it is increasingly common for children to spend several hours a day on their smartphones. This trend can be attributed to a variety of social and technological factors. While some argue that smartphones offer educational benefits, I believe the overuse of these devices has more negative consequences than positive ones.
One contributing factor is the widespread availability of smartphones and internet access, even among young users. As digital devices have become more affordable, children are increasingly exposed to screens from an early age. In addition, entertainment apps such as games and social media platforms are designed to be addictive and highly engaging, which encourages prolonged use. Parents also sometimes rely on smartphones to keep children occupied, especially in busy households or during travel.
Although smartphones can provide access to learning apps and allow children to stay connected with peers, the drawbacks are more serious. Prolonged use may hinder social and emotional development by reducing face-to-face interaction. It can also affect physical health, as excessive screen time is linked to poor posture, eye strain, and lack of exercise. According to a 2023 Canadian study, children who used smartphones for more than three hours per day reported lower levels of focus and increased feelings of anxiety.
In my view, the negative outcomes—especially those affecting health and social skills—far outweigh the potential benefits. While smartphones are an inevitable part of modern life, their use among children should be carefully monitored and limited to prevent long-term harm.
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