Plan this problem and solution essay about media with the ideas and outline below, write it on a 40-minute timer, then compare it with a band-8 model answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Short videos on social media are very popular, but many people say they make it harder to concentrate on longer tasks.
What are the causes of this problem and what measures could be taken to solve it?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
Pick two or three points from one or both columns. You do not need all of them, and your own examples score better than memorised ones.
Spend the first few minutes planning, then write.
0 words of 250 minimum
Your answer stays on this page only. Copy it before you leave.
Write your own answer first, then compare: how it answers the exact question, what each paragraph does, and which phrases you could borrow.
Short video apps have become extremely popular, yet many people believe that they weaken the ability to concentrate on longer tasks. This essay will discuss the causes of this problem and suggest some solutions.
The main cause lies in how these apps are built. Each clip lasts only a few seconds, and a new one appears with a single swipe, giving the viewer a constant stream of small rewards. The brain gets used to this rapid stimulation, so activities that demand patience, such as reading a chapter or studying for an exam, begin to feel dull. Endless scrolling makes the situation worse, because there is no natural point at which to stop, and users often spend hours without intending to. As time on these apps increases, people have less practice at holding their attention on one thing, and the skill gradually weakens. Teachers in several countries report that students find it hard to read long passages.
There are a number of measures which could help. Individuals can set daily screen-time limits on their phones, and parents can do the same for children. Schools and families should also encourage focused activities, such as reading books, playing chess or learning a musical instrument, which rebuild the habit of concentration. Technology companies share responsibility too. They could stop videos from playing automatically, add reminders after a certain period of use or offer settings which make it harder to scroll indefinitely. Some governments have already considered rules for this, particularly for apps used by teenagers.
In conclusion, short videos harm concentration because they offer instant rewards and have no end. A combination of personal discipline, healthier activities and more responsible app design would help people to protect their attention.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| attention span | time one can focus |
| endless scrolling | content that never ends |
| instant gratification | immediate reward |
| distraction | something drawing attention away |
| concentrate on | focus on |
| limit screen time | reduce time on devices |
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