People Believe that Time Spent on Television and Computer Games Can be Valuable for Children - IELTS Writing Task 2

The IELTS Writing Task 2 topic on ‘People Believe that Time Spent on Television and Computer Games Can be Valuable for Children' would clearly help you get familiar with the structure for the Discuss Both the Views type of essays. 

By practising to write your answer on this topic, you will learn how to develop ideas logically and present your arguments. Enhancing your writing skills for the IELTS Writing Task 2 is quite important since it carries double the weightage than the Writing Task 1. 

With proper strategies in place, you will be able to elevate your writing skills while learning how to approach such topics. Moreover, by practising under the actual exam conditions, you will also learn the ways to answer questions within 40 minutes. So why wait? Let us begin practising the ‘People Believe that Time Spent on Television and Computer Games Can be Valuable for Children’ discussion essay now! 

Question

You should spend 40 minutes answering this.

Some people believe that time spent on television and computer games can be valuable for children. Others believe this has negative effects on a child. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Write at least 250 words. 

Structure Breakdown

Band 9 Sample Answer - People Believe that Time Spent on Television and Computer Games Can be Valuable for Children

Electronic devices have increasingly permeated human life. This has become a contentious issue, with many expressing their approbation, while others have contended that it has had several adverse effects on children. In this essay, I will explore the arguments made by both sides and cite reasons as to why I personally think that they could have more of a favourable impact on children than a harmful one.

Firstly, becoming accustomed to electronic devices can help children develop the technological knowledge and adroitness that is so prized in today’s digital world. With education going online during the pandemic, children have had to acclimatise themselves to accomplishing their educational tasks digitally with the help of electronic devices. In workplaces today, digital literacy is desired and having such an indispensable skill can serve them well throughout their professional life as well. They also had enormous recreational importance, allowing children to not only be entertained but also learn skills such as blogging, editing, and digital art. Electronic devices have offered a welcome escape from the tedium of daily living.

However, overuse of electronic devices can have deleterious effects on children rather than being valuable. It can take the form of addiction or have other negative effects on people’s mental health resulting in symptoms such as impoverished attentional spans and languished moods. Overuse of electronic devices can also take a physical toll on children’s health, resulting in inflammation and injuries and worsened eyesight.

In conclusion, I think the constructive aspects of electronic devices outweigh their unrewarding features, and thus, they can be largely considered to be valuable for children.

Band 8 Sample Answer - People Believe that Time Spent on Television and Computer Games Can be Valuable for Children

The influence of television and computer games on children these days has been widely debated. While some people argue that these activities can be beneficial, others believe they definitely have harmful effects on a child’s development. This essay will discuss both the views before presenting my own view.

On the positive side, television programmes and computer games can be a greater educational tool when used appropriately. Most of the television shows are designed to improve a child’s language skills, general knowledge, and also their creativity through engaging content. Similarly, some computer games help develop problem-solving abilities, coordination, and strategic thinking as well. Adding on, these forms of entertainment can help children relax after school and may also encourage social interaction when games are being played cooperatively with friends or family members.

However, some critics argue that excessive screen time can negatively affect a child’s physical, social, and emotional development. Spending longer hours watching television or playing games often tends to reduce time spent on physical activities, increasing the risk of obesity and related health problems. Moreover, children who rely heavily on screens for entertainment may also struggle to develop strong social skills, as face-to-face interaction is reduced. Exposure to violent or inappropriate content can also influence someone’s behaviour, making some children more aggressive or less sensitive towards others.

To conclude, in my opinion, watching television and playing computer games are neither entirely good nor entirely bad. The impact depends largely on how they are consumed. When the screen time is carefully controlled and content is age-appropriate, these kinds of activities can support learning and relaxation to the children. However, parents should make sure of a healthy balance by encouraging outdoor play, reading, and social interaction. All in all, moderation and guidance are key to ensuring that screen-based entertainment benefits rather than it harms children.

Vocabulary to Use in “People Believe that Time Spent on Television and Computer Games Can be Valuable for Children”

The following are some of the IELTS Vocabulary found in the "People Believe that Time Spent on Television and Computer Games Can be Valuable for Children - IELTS Writing Task 2."

• Permeate

Meaning – Diffuse through or pass
Example – The smell of cakes being baked permeated the house in the week leading up to Christmas.

• Contentious/

Meaning – Debatable or disputable
Example – The recent judgment passed by the court was a very contentious one.

• Approbation

Meaning – Expression of satisfaction or approval
Example – The crowd expressed their approbation towards the speech she made.

• Accustomed

Meaning – Usual or customary
Example – I am accustomed to starting my day with a cup of green tea.

• Adroitness

Meaning – Skill or expertise
Example – She has demonstrated her adroitness in paintings through this exhibition.

• Indispensable

Meaning – Necessary or unavoidable
Example – Smartphones have become an indispensable part of modern life.

• Enormous

Meaning – Extremely large in size or amount
Example – The Van Gogh painting earned an enormous amount of money when it was sold during an auction.

• Tedium

Meaning – The quality of being tedious or boring
Example – People often go on holidays to escape the tedium of everyday life.

• Deleterious

Meaning – Harmful or adverse
Example – The pests had a deleterious impact on the farmer’s crops.

• Constructive

Meaning – Helpful or favourable
Example – Despite its shortcomings, computers play a largely constructive role in people’s lives.

With the right strategies and consistency in your practice sessions, you will level up your preparation for the IELTS Exam. Remember that since there are different essay types, under various topics just like a discussion essay you practiced on “People Believe that Time Spent on Television and Computer Games Can be Valuable for Children,” and you need to be well aware of each of their specific structures. This will help you to acquire the needed skills and make you exam-ready to achieve a higher band of 8+.

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