Task 2 · · 18 samples

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

Practise this task →

Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

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.

Sample answers

AI-completed learning example

281 words · Illustrative target band

In the contemporary era, the proliferation of technology has led to the ubiquitous presence of electronic devices in our daily lives. While these advancements are undoubtedly significant, they also present a potential threat, particularly in the context of children’s excessive smartphone usage. Unlike previous generations, where the acquisition of a smartphone typically occurred in early adolescence, children today a…

Read full answer & analysis →

AI-completed learning example

343 words · Illustrative target band

With the advancement of technology, electronic devices are getting immersed in our lives at a fast pace. As generations pass, their significance in our lives continues to grow, but so does the threat they pose to us. Back in the day, people used to get their first smartphone only after turning twenty-one or twenty-two years old. Now many children have access much earlier. That makes it important to consider why they …

Read full answer & analysis →

AI-completed learning example

281 words · Illustrative target band

Smartphones have become an integral aspect of contemporary culture, with numerous young individuals devoting several hours to their utilization on a daily basis. The primary cause of this trend is the transition towards digital learning platforms, which schools are progressively adopting for educational purposes and evaluation. Although there are worries about the amount of time children spend using these devices, it…

Read full answer & analysis →