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User-written IELTS example

Writing Academic Task 2 Band 5.0 Example

Original task prompt, user essay, band score, and related examples in the same report workspace.

301 words AcademicTask 2
Task 2

Illustrative target band for this original model answer.

Plan your answer

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Ideas to explore

  • Explain how engaging content, autoplay and mobile games can make children lose track of time.
  • Discuss how family device habits and the convenience of phones may normalise frequent use.
  • Weigh potential benefits such as learning and communication against effects on sleep, physical activity and concentration.

Suggested structure

  1. Introduce the issue and give a clear view on whether the trend is positive or negative.
  2. Use the first body paragraph to explain key causes, supported by specific examples.
  3. Use the second body paragraph to evaluate consequences and acknowledge any genuine benefits.
  4. Conclude by restating the judgement and giving a practical response, such as setting reasonable limits.
Useful vocabulary & examples
immediate entertainment
Enjoyment that is available quickly and with little effort.

Games and short videos provide immediate entertainment for children.

stay connected with friends
Maintain communication and contact with other people.

Messaging apps help children stay connected with friends outside school.

face-to-face interaction
Communication between people who are physically together.

Heavy phone use may leave less time for face-to-face interaction.

set clear screen-time boundaries
Establish understandable limits on how long devices can be used.

Parents can set clear screen-time boundaries, especially before bedtime.

Task Prompt

Some children spend hours every day on their smartphones. Why is this the case? Is it a positive or negative trend?

User Essay Analysis

Review the public answer with report-style highlights.

Band 5.0

It is argued that some children may spend extensive time on smartphones. The reasons why they use these gadgets so much are due to the wide range of accessible activities and educational purposes. However, I believe that increased use of smartphones has negative consequences. Firstly, these digital devices are used every day by children. Because they can provide entertainment at any time and in almost any place, children often turn to them throughout the day. Games, short videos and social media are designed to keep users interested, so children may continue using them longer than they planned. In addition, many parents give a phone to a child to keep them quiet or occupied, especially when they are busy. This can gradually become a daily habit. Smartphones are also useful for schoolwork. Children can search for information, watch explanations and communicate with classmates about assignments. As these activities are convenient, some young users may not notice how much time has passed.

Despite these benefits, I consider this trend mostly negative. Spending several hours looking at a screen can reduce time for exercise, sleep and face-to-face interaction. For example, a child who uses a phone late at night may find it difficult to concentrate at school the next day. Also, online content is not always suitable for young users, and without limits they may come across material that is upsetting or misleading. Educational use is valuable, but it does not require unlimited screen time.

In conclusion, children use smartphones so much because they offer constant entertainment and convenient learning tools, while parents may rely on them to occupy children. Although phones can support education, excessive use can harm healthy routines and social development. Parents should set clear time limits and encourage offline activities, while schools can teach children to use digital devices responsibly.

Targeted Improvement Tips

1
Replace the opening phrase “The reasons why … are due to” with a direct cause clause, then name the specific attractions, such as games or short videos.
2
Make each body paragraph’s first sentence state its main point; avoid using a sentence that simply repeats that children use phones daily.
3
After each cause or risk, add one brief explanation of its effect on children, such as how late-night use can affect concentration the next day.

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