Some people think that the increasing use of computers and mobile phones for communication has had a negative effect on young people's reading and writing skills. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

When addressing this 'to what extent' question, clearly state your position (e.g., 'I largely agree' or 'I strongly disagree') in your introduction. To balance, acknowledge the opposing view with a concession like 'While it is undeniable that some concerns exist regarding...' before immediately reinforcing your main stance with 'nevertheless, I contend that the overall impact is...' throughout your body paragraphs.

If arguing for a negative impact, you could cite the prevalence of 'textspeak' and abbreviations in informal digital communication, which often bleeds into formal writing, leading to a decline in grammatical precision. Conversely, if arguing against a negative impact, consider the increased exposure to diverse online content (e.g., academic blogs, news articles) that can foster reading comprehension, or the role of digital tools like grammar checkers in improving writing mechanics.

The most common mistake is discussing the general impact of technology on young people, rather than specifically linking it to reading and writing skills. Avoid this by ensuring every argument directly explains how technology affects their ability to read complex texts, understand vocabulary, or produce coherent, grammatically correct written work. For instance, don't just say 'screen time is bad,' but explain 'excessive screen time on social media platforms often involves short, informal texts, potentially reducing engagement with longer, more complex literary works and thus diminishing reading stamina.'

For an opinion essay, use transition phrases that clearly signpost your argument's progression and your stance. To introduce a new supporting point, use 'Furthermore,' or 'Another significant factor is.' When acknowledging the other side, use 'Admittedly,' or 'While some may argue that,' immediately followed by a strong counter-argument using 'However,' or 'Conversely,' to maintain your primary position.

Examiners look for a nuanced argument that directly addresses the 'to what extent' aspect, avoiding an all-or-nothing stance. A band 8-9 answer will demonstrate sophisticated vocabulary related to education, technology, and cognitive development, alongside complex sentence structures that clearly articulate a well-supported and coherent viewpoint, often acknowledging complexities without undermining the main argument.