IELTS.international
Opinionacademic·2023

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

Andika angalau maneno 250. Unapaswa kutumia takriban dakika 40 katika kazi hii.

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Step 1

Vidokezo vya Mtahini kwa Mada Hii

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.'

5

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.

Step 2

Muundo wa Aya Unaopendekezwa

1
Utangulizi

Eleza swali kwa maneno yako mwenyewe na ueleze wazi msimamo WAKO.

  • Usinakili swali neno kwa neno — ubadilishe kwa kutumia maneno yenye maana sawa.
  • Toa maoni yako katika sentensi ya mwisho ya utangulizi.
  • Usizidi sentensi mbili au tatu.

Misemo ya Kuanzia

It is often argued that...There is a growing debate about whether...In my view, ... because ...
2
Kifungu cha Mwili 1 — Hoja Kuu

Wasilisha hoja yako yenye nguvu zaidi kwa mfano maalum.

  • Anza na sentensi ya mada iliyo wazi inayoelezea hoja.
  • Toa usaidizi kwa mfano maalum, takwimu, au kisa halisi cha ulimwengu.
  • Eleza KWA NINI mfano huu unaunga mkono hoja yako.

Misemo ya Kuanzia

The primary reason I hold this view is that...This is clearly illustrated by...For instance, in many countries...
3
Kifungu cha Mwili 2 — Hoja ya Kusaidia

Ongeza hoja ya pili inayounga mkono msimamo wako kutoka kwa mtazamo tofauti.

  • Chagua mtazamo tofauti — ikiwa aya ya 1 ilikuwa ya kiuchumi, jaribu ya kijamii au ya kimazingira.
  • Tumia aina tofauti ya ushahidi (uchunguzi wa kibinafsi, utafiti, mantiki)
  • Unganisha tena na hoja yako kuu.

Misemo ya Kuanzia

Furthermore, it is worth considering that...Another compelling argument is that...This is further supported by the fact that...
4
Hitimisho

Rudia maoni yako na ufupishe hoja zako kuu.

  • USIanzishe mawazo mapya katika hitimisho
  • Eleza msimamo wako kwa kutumia maneno tofauti na yale yaliyotumiwa katika utangulizi.
  • Iweke kwa sentensi mbili.

Misemo ya Kuanzia

In conclusion, I firmly believe that...To sum up, the evidence clearly suggests that...

Step 3

Msamiati Muhimu

digital nativesIndividuals who have grown up in the digital age and are familiar with computers and the internet from an early age.
cognitive overloadA state where the brain is overwhelmed by too much information, making it difficult to process or retain new data.
diminished social capitalA reduction in the value of social networks and the benefits derived from them, such as trust, reciprocity, and shared understanding.
it is widely acknowledged thatA phrase used to introduce a generally accepted fact or common understanding.
a compelling argument can be madeA phrase used to introduce a strong and convincing point or reason.
this notion is predicated onThis idea or belief is based on or depends on a particular principle or assumption.
from my perspectiveA phrase used to introduce one's personal opinion or viewpoint.
the evidence overwhelmingly suggestsA phrase used to indicate that there is a strong body of data or facts supporting a particular conclusion.
notwithstandingDespite; in spite of.
it could be argued thatA phrase used to introduce a possible point or contention, often to acknowledge an alternative view or to present a nuanced argument.

Step 4

Academic Phrases for This Essay Type

It is widely acknowledged thatThere is compelling evidence to suggestThis phenomenon can be attributed toA growing body of research indicatesThe implications of this are far-reachingThis raises important questions aboutFrom a broader perspectiveIt would be short-sighted to ignore

Kujumlisha

MoreoverFurthermoreIn additionWhat is more

Tofauti

HoweverNeverthelessOn the other handConversely

Sababu / Athari

ConsequentlyAs a resultThereforeThis leads to

Mfano

For instanceTo illustrateA case in point isSuch as

Ruzuku

AlthoughWhile it is true thatDespiteAdmittedly

Step 5

Grammar Patterns for Band 7+

Sentensi changamano yenye konsesheni

Although some argue that technology isolates people, the evidence suggests it strengthens connections.

Inamwonyesha mtahini kuwa unaweza kushughulikia sentensi tegemezi. Anza na 'Although/While' + mtazamo tofauti, kisha toa mtazamo wako.

Masharti (Aina ya 2)

If governments invested more in public transport, traffic congestion would decrease significantly.

Inafaa kwa hoja na suluhisho za kinadharia. 'If + past simple, would + infinitive'.

Sauti ya utendaji kwa ajili ya sauti ya kitaaluma

It is often argued that education should be free. However, this view overlooks the practical challenges.

Uandishi wa kitaaluma unapendelea matumizi ya sauti ya upatanishi. 'It is + past participle + that' inasikika kuwa na mamlaka.

Kifungu cha uhusiano

Students who study abroad, which is becoming increasingly common, tend to develop greater independence.

Vifungu vya uhusiano huongeza maelezo bila kuanza sentensi mpya. Tumia 'who' kwa watu, 'which' kwa vitu.

Kifungu cha nomino kwa msongamano

The rapid expansion of urban areas has led to increased pollution levels.

Weka taarifa katika virai nomino badala ya kutumia sentensi nyingi fupi. Hii itakusaidia kupata alama za juu katika Lexical Resource.

Step 6

Jibu la Mfano

Jisajili bila malipo ili usome jibu kamili la mfano kwa mada hii.

Jisajili ili Usome Jibu la Mfano

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