Academic Writing - Model Answer (Task 2)

According to a recent study, the more time people use the Internet, the less time they spend with real human beings. Should we worry about the effect this is having on social interaction or should we see the Internet as a way of opening up new communication possibilities worldwide. What are your views?

Current technology allows us to use the internet for endless functions ranging from entertainment, information and research to communication and social networking. For this reason many people are addicted to the internet spending most of their free time surfing the web at the expense of spending time with friends.

 

The internet allows people to communicate with their loved ones using various on-line applications like Skype for free. In the past it was difficult for people to communicate. They had to use letters or make costly overseas phone calls using a landline phone. All this has changed nowadays, with businesses also being able to benefit from advances in technology with traditional meetings being replaced with efficient and cheap video conferencing.

Face-to-face social interaction needs to be practiced by humans who are social beings. Being on the internet for long periods of time, isolates people and makes them anti-social. Internet addicts live like hermits and do not develop their communication skills. These people will have difficulty making new friends, going out and even feel left out in the workplace. Being social means having self-confidence, good people skills and being good at team activities.

Wi-Fi hot spots mean that we are able to keep-in-touch with our social network of family and friends at all times irrespective of their location. This has bought with it a new host of communication opportunities. In fact, I believe that it has strengthened ties between people as they are able to stay connected and in each other’s lives continuously.

Question taken from Focus on IELTS, Longman p.120