GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 379
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some children spend hours every day on their smartphones.
Why is this the case?
Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer:
In contemporary society, it is not uncommon to observe children spending a considerable amount of time engrossed in their smartphones. This essay aims to delve into the reasons behind this phenomenon and also evaluate why it is mostly a negative development.
There are several factors that contribute to children’s excessive smartphone usage. Firstly, the proliferation of technology has made smartphones readily accessible, enabling everyone, including children, to engage in various activities such as gaming, social media, and online entertainment. Additionally, the increasing connectivity and convenience offered by smartphones have made them integral to modern communication, education and information-sharing, further enticing children to rely on them as primary means of interaction and education. Finally, modern parents are busy, and they give their smartphones to their children so that they can do their work.
The impact of this trend is detrimental. Prolonged screen time limits physical activity, hampers social skills, and impedes cognitive growth. Excessive exposure to screen content, including violence or inappropriate material, may also have negative psychological effects. Moreover, the addictive nature of smartphones can lead to dependency and detachment from the real world. Though smartphones offer educational and cognitive benefits, with various applications providing opportunities for learning, creativity, and problem-solving, the potential adverse consequences, such as decreased physical activity, impaired social skills, and psychological harm, are far graver.
In conclusion, despite the potential advantages smartphones offer, the negative implications on physical, social, and cognitive well-being suggest that this trend is predominantly detrimental. It is crucial for parents, educators, and society as a whole, to promote a balanced approach, setting reasonable limits on screen time, encouraging alternative activities, and fostering digital literacy to mitigate the potential risks associated with excessive smartphone use.