IELTS Task 2 Writing – Choosing the Best Conclusion – Smartphones and Technology
Read the IELTS question below and think about how you would answer this question.
Some people believe that technological advancements, such as the internet and smartphones, have made people less sociable. Do you agree or disagree?
Next, read the sample answer that follows. How does this answer compare to your own ideas?
Look at the three conclusions. Decide which of the conclusions (A), (B), or (C) is the best. For what reasons?
In today’s digital age, high-tech innovations like the World Wide Web and cell phones have significantly transformed human interaction. While some argue that these developments have diminished social connections, I contend that they have not necessarily made people more unsociable but have altered the dynamics of socialisation.
To begin with, the internet and smartphones have undeniably facilitated communication, allowing individuals to stay connected across vast distances. Platforms like social media enable users to maintain relationships with friends and family regardless of geographical barriers. Moreover, instant messaging apps provide a convenient means of staying in touch in real-time. Therefore, rather than isolating individuals, technology has expanded the scope of social networks.
However, excessive reliance on digital communication mediums can lead to a decline in face-to-face interactions. With the convenience of sending a quick message or email, people may opt for virtual contact over in-person meetings, thereby reducing the opportunities for meaningful, interpersonal connections. Consequently, while technology fosters connectivity, it also poses a risk of superficial interactions replacing deeper, more enriching relationships.
Nevertheless, the impact of technological advancements on sociability varies among individuals and across cultures. Some may embrace technology as a tool to enhance social interactions, while others may struggle to adapt, feeling disconnected or overwhelmed by the digital realm. Therefore, rather than attributing a universal decline in sociability to technology, it is essential to recognise the nuanced ways in which it shapes interpersonal relationships.
Which conclusion is the best?
(A) In conclusion, technological advancements have transformed the landscape of social interaction and have made people less sociable. They have diminished how individuals connect and communicate, offering both opportunities and challenges in fostering meaningful bonds.
(B) In conclusion, while technological advancements have transformed the landscape of social interaction, they have not necessarily impacted negatively our relationships. Instead, they have redefined how individuals connect and communicate, offering both opportunities and challenges in fostering meaningful bonds.
(C) In conclusion, while some argue that technological advancements, such as the internet and smartphones have made people less sociable, I contend that they have not necessarily made people more unsociable but have altered the dynamics of socialisation.
Answer
(B) is the best. It reinforces what has been said in the essay and uses different phrases and vocabulary to summarise those ideas.
(A) contradicts the opinion the writer first stated in the introduction and says that in fact ‘technological advancements have transformed the landscape of social interaction and have made people less sociable’.
(C) supports the original opinion but repeats too much phrasing and vocabulary already used in the question and the essay.
For more information, lessons, practice tests, and all things IELTS, visit our members’ area.
