Plan this discussion essay about technology 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:
Some people think that video games are harmful to young people. Others believe that games can have educational and social benefits.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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.
Video games are hugely popular among young people, and opinions about their effects differ. Some people consider them harmful, while others believe they have educational and social benefits. I will discuss both views and then give my own opinion.
Critics make several arguments. Playing for many hours can lead to addiction, with players neglecting homework, sleep and exercise. Sitting still for long periods contributes to obesity and eye strain, and violent games are sometimes blamed for making young people aggressive or less sensitive to suffering, although the evidence is disputed. Online games can expose children to bullying and strangers, and some use spending mechanisms that encourage children to waste money on virtual items.
Supporters, by contrast, point to real benefits. Many games develop problem-solving, strategic thinking, quick reactions and hand-eye coordination. Some are designed for education and teach history, mathematics or languages in an enjoyable way; Minecraft, for instance, is used in classrooms to teach design and teamwork. Multiplayer games also let friends who live far apart play together, and team-based games encourage communication and cooperation. For some shy or isolated young people, gaming communities provide a sense of belonging, and professional esports offer new career paths.
In my opinion, video games themselves are neither good nor bad; what matters is how much and what kind of games are played. Moderate play of suitable games can be enjoyable and valuable, but excessive use is harmful. Parents should set time limits, check age ratings and talk with their children about what they play, and game makers should avoid features designed to be addictive.
In conclusion, video games bring both risks and rewards, and with sensible limits and supervision, young people can enjoy their benefits while avoiding the harm.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| gaming addiction | inability to stop playing |
| hand-eye coordination | skill linking vision and movement |
| violent content | scenes of fighting |
| educational games | games designed to teach |
| multiplayer | played with other people |
| moderation | keeping within sensible limits |
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