Part 3 · Band 5

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

Source-reported band score · 251 words

Sample answer

People have a different view on whether technology has changed the way people communicate with each other. Some people support this idea because they believe it has many advantages. Others argue it's bringing disadvantages. Right now, I will discuss both sides and share my personal opinion. Let's begin by looking at the first perspective. Technology has made communication much easier and faster. For instance, people can now send messages instantly through smartphones and social media. This means that friends and family can stay in touch no matter where they are in the world. Additionally, video calls allow us to see each other even if we are far apart, which helps to maintain relationships. On the other hand, some people think that technology has negative effects on communication. They argue that face-to-face interactions are becoming less common, and this can lead to misunderstandings. For example, when people communicate through text, they might misinterpret the tone or intention behind the words. Moreover, excessive use of technology can result in people feeling lonely, as they may prefer chatting online rather than meeting in person. In my opinion, while technology has changed the way we communicate, it is not entirely good or bad. It offers many benefits, such as convenience and speed, but it also has drawbacks, like reducing personal connections. Therefore, it is important for us to find a balance between using technology and maintaining traditional forms of communication. By doing so, we can enjoy the advantages of technology while also preserving meaningful relationships.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The response moves in a clear sequence: it introduces two views, gives benefits and drawbacks, then states a balanced opinion. However, phrases such as “Right now, I will discuss both sides” make the answer sound more like a prepared essay than a spontaneous Part 3 response. For practice, give this answer in 90 seconds, using only four prompts—benefits, drawbacks, example, opinion—and record yourself to check that each point leads naturally to the next.

Lexical Resource

Relevant phrases such as “misinterpret the tone or intention” and “maintaining meaningful relationships” express the topic clearly. The response also uses useful vocabulary for both sides, including “convenience and speed” and “face-to-face interactions.” Some wording is repetitive, especially repeated references to “technology” and “communication,” while “bringing disadvantages” is less natural than a more direct expression. Next, practise replacing repeated topic words with precise alternatives such as “digital tools” or “online contact.”

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

The answer uses a range of sentence forms accurately, including relative clauses in “which helps to maintain relationships” and a concessive structure in “while technology has changed the way we communicate.” Most sentences are easy to follow. One small issue is “People have a different view,” where the plural subject would more naturally take “different views”; some sentences also rely on similar, extended patterns. Practise giving the same ideas in a mix of short and complex spoken sentences.

Pronunciation

Pronunciation cannot be assessed from text, so this is a practice guide, not an assessment of a recording. Try stressing the key content words in “send messages instantly,” “misinterpret the tone,” and “meaningful relationships.” Practise thought groups such as “On the other hand / some people think technology has negative effects.” Record one delivery, then check whether the stressed words are clear and the thought groups are easy to follow; no claim is made about how you sound now.

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

  • Replace the essay-style opening with a direct answer, such as “I think technology has made communication both easier and more complicated.”
  • Develop each side with one clear cause-and-effect link: explain how instant messages help people stay in touch, then how text can make tone harder to interpret.
  • Practise delivering the answer in 90 seconds from four keywords rather than memorising full sentences; finish with your view on balancing online and face-to-face communication.

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 8

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 interac...