Part 3 · Band 8

How do you think technology has changed the way we communicate with each other?

Source-reported band score · 241 words

Sample answer

Technology has significantly changed the way we interact with each other. For instance, social media, like WeChat in China, is the most popular platform. For more formal interactions, email is preferred, especially between students and teachers, as well as among employers at work. These technologies allow real-time communication, largely at our fingertips, and foster connections that were previously unimaginable. Moreover, video conferencing tools such as Zoom and Skype have revolutionized the way we conduct meetings and maintain relationships over long distances. This has become particularly evident during the global pandemic, where face-to-face interactions were limited. People have adapted by using these platforms to hold virtual gatherings, ensuring that personal and professional ties remain strong despite physical separation. However, while technology has made communication more convenient, it has also introduced challenges. The reliance on digital communication can lead to misunderstandings, as non-verbal cues are often lost in text-based interactions. Additionally, the prevalence of online communication may diminish the quality of our face-to-face interactions, as individuals become more accustomed to expressing themselves through screens rather than in person. In conclusion, technology has undeniably transformed the landscape of communication, making it easier and more efficient. Yet, it is essential to strike a balance between digital and personal interactions to maintain the depth and richness of human relationships. As we continue to embrace these advancements, we must remain mindful of the potential drawbacks and work towards fostering genuine connections in both virtual and real-world settings.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The ideas follow a clear progression: examples of social media and email lead to video calls, then to drawbacks and a balanced conclusion. This gives the response a strong development rather than a list of disconnected points. Because this is text only, spoken fluency cannot be assessed. Practise delivering this answer in two minutes, keeping each paragraph’s main idea and linking it naturally to the next.

Lexical Resource

Phrases such as “revolutionized the way we conduct meetings” and “the depth and richness of human relationships” show a broad, precise range suited to the topic. The answer also uses communication vocabulary consistently, including “non-verbal cues” and “virtual gatherings.” To make the response sound more conversational, you could replace a few formal expressions with simpler spoken alternatives while keeping these precise topic terms.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

The answer handles varied sentence structures accurately, including the contrast in “while technology has made communication more convenient, it has also introduced challenges” and the clause “as non-verbal cues are often lost.” There is good control of complex sentences and consistent tense. As a refinement, vary a few sentence openings: several paragraphs begin with formal transitions such as “Moreover,” “However,” and “In conclusion.”

Pronunciation

This is not an assessment of a recording; text alone cannot show pronunciation. For practice, stress the key content words in “video conferencing tools” and “non-verbal cues,” then group the conclusion into thought units: “technology has undeniably transformed communication / making it easier and more efficient.” Record a short delivery, check that each phrase is easy to understand, and compare your emphasis with the meaning—not with a particular accent.

A transcript shows language and organisation. Fluency, delivery and pronunciation require an audio recording; the synthetic voice demonstrates the text, not the original speaker.

  • Practise giving the answer in about two minutes; keep the examples, but avoid expanding every point to essay length.
  • Add one brief explanation after an example—for instance, explain why email suits formal communication—so your examples directly support your main point.
  • Use clear spoken transitions between the benefits and drawbacks, and pause briefly at those changes of direction rather than relying on formal essay signposts.

Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • Explain how video calls and messaging let people maintain personal relationships and collaborate despite being geographically far apart.
  • Explore how social media can create a sense of community while also changing the quality of interaction.
  • Discuss missing non-verbal cues and the value of balancing digital communication with face-to-face contact.

Suggested structure

  1. State your overall view of how technology has changed communication.
  2. Give specific benefits, such as maintaining relationships and collaborating remotely.
  3. Introduce drawbacks, including less expressive interaction and possible misunderstandings.
  4. Conclude with a balanced recommendation to combine online and in-person communication.
Useful vocabulary & examples
real-time communication
Communication that happens immediately, without a significant delay.

Video calls allow colleagues to discuss a project through real-time communication.

body language
Physical signals, such as gestures and facial expressions, that help communicate meaning.

Body language can make the emotion behind a face-to-face conversation clearer.

interpersonal skills
Abilities used to communicate and interact effectively with other people.

In-person conversations give people opportunities to practise interpersonal skills.

stay in touch
Continue communicating with someone over time.

Messaging apps make it easier for friends who live far apart to stay in touch.

Practise your answer →

Compare answers on this topic

Band 8

In my view, technology has significantly transformed the way we communicate. It has not only made it easier to maintain connections with family and friends, but also revolutioni...

Band 7

I am definitely sure that technology has changed the way we communicate every day. First of all, it has influenced the way we study. There are many online platforms, universitie...

Band 6

I think technology has changed the way we communicate with our friends and other people in many ways, most of which are positive. The first thing is it enhances the convenience...

Band 5

A lot. I feel like in the past, when we wanted to talk to other people, we had to pay for the telephone. But currently, we can call over 500 areas for free, or anything like that.

Band 4

I think technology has changed the way we communicate with each other because it connects us. It helps other people, as high technology develops our country and we can learn new...

Band 4

Hi, yes, I am definitely sure that today technology has developed so much. This proves that it provides a useful connection with other people. It is so changeable; if you can cr...