Clearly state your stance in the introduction (e.g., "I largely agree..." or "I strongly disagree...") and ensure every body paragraph contributes to defending it. To balance, acknowledge opposing views using concessionary phrases like "While it is undeniable that social media offers connectivity, its detrimental effects on mental health and privacy are far more pervasive." Immediately follow with a stronger counter-argument or a reinforcement of your main position.

To support a negative impact stance, consider discussing the spread of misinformation and its role in political polarization (e.g., the 2016 US election or Brexit referendum). Another strong point is the documented rise in mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, particularly among young people, often linked to cyberbullying and unrealistic social comparisons. Alternatively, if arguing for a more balanced or positive view, you could highlight their role in facilitating social movements (e.g., the Arab Spring or #BlackLivesMatter) or connecting diaspora communities.

The most common mistake is presenting a descriptive essay that merely lists pros and cons without taking a clear stance or sufficiently addressing "to what extent." Avoid simply outlining various impacts; instead, evaluate the magnitude of these impacts and argue why one side outweighs the other, or why the negative impacts are more profound societally. Ensure your arguments consistently support your stated degree of agreement or disagreement.

For opinion essays, use transition words that signal agreement, disagreement, concession, and reinforcement. Start body paragraphs with topic sentences that clearly align with your position. For instance, to introduce a counter-argument before refuting it, use "Admittedly, some argue that..." followed by "However, this perspective often overlooks..." or "Nevertheless, the long-term consequences suggest otherwise." This creates a cohesive flow that guides the reader through your argument.

Examiners look for a nuanced and sophisticated argument that directly addresses "to what extent." A band 8-9 response will not just list impacts but will critically analyze their societal implications, demonstrating a deep understanding of the issue. This includes using precise academic vocabulary, complex sentence structures, and a consistently clear, well-supported, and logical argument that maintains coherence and cohesion throughout the essay.