Some People Regard Video Games as Harmless Fun- IELTS Writing Task 2

An opinion essay in IELTS Writing Task 2 requires you to present and support your personal viewpoint on a given topic. You must clearly state your opinion, provide relevant arguments and evidence, and address any counterarguments. Structuring your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay with a clear introduction, well-organized body paragraphs, and a strong conclusion is crucial for demonstrating your ability to effectively communicate and argue your perspective.

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Some people regard video games as harmless fun or even as a useful educational tool. Others, however, believe that video games are having an adverse effect on the people who play them. In your opinion, do the drawbacks of video games outweigh the benefits?

Outline

Essay Type

Opinion essay

Introduction

Sentences 1&2 – Video games are a source of entertainment and recreation for numerous adults and children across the world. The purpose served by video games is often the source of much debate, sparking conversations about which are more significant – their benefits or their disadvantages.

Sentence 3 – I agree that the shortcomings of video games overshadow their perks and shall explain my perspective in the forthcoming paragraphs.

Body paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – Several individuals show signs of gaming addiction and this affects their performance at school and at work.

Paragraph 2 – Increased gaming is linked with various health issues.

Paragraph 3 – Video games do have certain benefits.

Conclusion

It was reiterated that the drawbacks of video games are more significant and outweigh its beneficial effects as stated in the introduction.

Band 9 Sample Essay

Video games are a source of entertainment and recreation for numerous adults and children across the world. The purpose served by video games is often the source of much debate, sparking conversations about which are more significant – their benefits or their disadvantages. I agree that the shortcomings of video games overshadow their perks and shall explain my perspective in the forthcoming paragraphs.

To start with, video games have become a cause of significant apprehension for individuals, particularly children and youth, and for society as a whole. Many people display signs of addiction to video games and suffer emotional distress when they are not gaming. As a result of gaming obsession, their performance at school and work get negatively impacted. People’s social skills deteriorate and they tend to become more socially detached from others due to excessive gaming. Other effects of being hooked to video games include augmented aggression, languished moods and increased anxiety, as found in research

Video games also have a number of detrimental physical effects on people. Since they are primarily a sedentary activity, they have been associated with rising obesity in youngsters. Individuals playing video games also tend to skip meals or snack on junk food which also contributes to obesity. Increased screen time due to gaming can also result in worsened eyesight and frequent headaches. Lastly, research has also found that repeated stress injuries are common in gamers due to overuse of their thumbs, fingers, and wrist. Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome are becoming increasingly prevalent as well.

However, research has also found that video games may have some benefits for people. It can serve as a way of connecting with others, providing a sense of community to people and also be a source of enjoyment. It has also been found to increase focus when played in moderation and has applications in medical science.

In conclusion, it must be said that while there is a fruitful side to video games, they have far more significant adverse impacts on human life, which overshadow the benefits.

• Recreation

Meaning – activity one participates in for enjoyment and pleasure
Example – Hannah always knits for recreation, when she is not busy teaching at the local preschool.

• Perks

Meaning – an advantage or benefit
Example – The perks of shopping from a thrift store is that, besides it being cheap and sustainable, you also get to own a unique piece of vintage fashion.

• Forthcoming

Meaning – impending or approaching
Example – After leaving the show, Dev found that he was simply uninterested in knowing what was going to happen in the forthcoming episodes.

• Deteriorate

Meaning – worsen or decline
Example – The officers from the health department noted that the quality of care provided by the hospital had deteriorated since their last inspection.

• Detach

Meaning – isolate, segregate or move away
Example – Ria began to detach herself from all her school friends when she moved away from her hometown for college.

• Languish

Meaning – grow weak or decline
Example – The basil plant I gifted her has been languishing on her windowsill because she keeps forgetting to water it.

• Detrimental

Meaning – harmful or negatively impactful
Example – Doctors say that even passive smoking can have a detrimental impact on people’s health.

• Moderation

Meaning – within reasonable limits
Example – It is good to enjoy drinking coffee but make sure to drink it in moderation.

• Fruitful

Meaning – successful or beneficial
Example – After months of hard work, the scientists found that their efforts in conducting the experiment had been fruitful.

• Overshadow

Meaning – surpass or outshine
Example – The judges declared that star anise overshadowed the flavours of all other spices she used in her dish.

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