Many people nowadays spend a large part of their free time using a smartphone. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

For this opinion essay, state your clear position (e.g., 'predominantly negative' or 'overwhelmingly positive') in your introduction and consistently reinforce it. While acknowledging the opposing viewpoint in a concession paragraph (e.g., 'Admittedly, smartphones offer certain benefits...'), immediately follow this with a strong rebuttal or a statement that re-emphasises your main stance, ensuring your core argument remains dominant.

Consider arguing that excessive smartphone use leads to diminished social capital and real-world interaction, citing phenomena like 'phubbing' (phone snubbing) in social settings or the rise of 'digital detox' movements. Alternatively, you could highlight the positive aspects like enhanced global connectivity and access to vast educational resources, referencing platforms like MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) or instant news dissemination during global events.

The most common mistake on this question is presenting a balanced discussion of pros and cons without clearly committing to a dominant opinion, effectively treating it as a 'discuss both views' essay. To avoid this, ensure each body paragraph directly supports your chosen stance, and if you include a counter-argument, always follow it with a strong refutation that brings the focus back to your main argument.

When transitioning between points, especially when moving from a concession to your main argument, use specific linking phrases that signal your stance. For instance, 'While it is undeniable that smartphones offer convenience, this pales in comparison to the pervasive negative impact on mental well-being' or 'Notwithstanding these advantages, the detrimental effects on human connection are far more profound.'

Examiners look for a nuanced understanding of 'a large part of their free time' rather than just general smartphone use. A band 8-9 answer will explore the implications of this extensive engagement, using sophisticated vocabulary related to cognitive load, attention spans, and the quality of human interaction, while maintaining a clear, well-supported, and logically developed argument throughout.