The Use of Mobile Phones has Increased Dramatically in Recent Years - IELTS Writing Task 2

Janice Thompson

11 min read

Updated On Aug 23, 2024

Explore IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answers and outlines for the topic "The Use of Mobile Phones has Increased Dramatically in Recent Years." Learn how to structure your essay for a high score!

Question
Outline
Band 7 Sample Answer 1 For ‘The Use of Mobile Phones has Increased Dramatically in Recent Years’ Writing Task 2
Band 8 Sample Answer 1 For ‘The Use of Mobile Phones has Increased Dramatically in Recent Years’ Writing Task 2
Band 9 Sample Answer 1 For ‘The Use of Mobile Phones has Increased Dramatically in Recent Years’ Writing Task 2
Band 9 Sample Answer 2 For ‘The Use of Mobile Phones has Increased Dramatically in Recent Years’ Writing Task 2
Vocabulary
Tips for Answering the Advantages/Disadvantages Type Questions
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‘The Use of Mobile Phones has Increased Dramatically in Recent Years’ is an Advantages/Disadvantages Essay of the IELTS writing task 2 question that has previously appeared in an IELTS test. The essay writing section of the IELTS Writing Task 2 Module can be a difficult task for many IELTS aspirants. Thus, it is vital that you polish your essay writing skills before attempting the IELTS. Advantage Disadvantage essaysIELTS Writing Task 2 for advantages/disadvantages essays requires you to discuss the pros and cons of a given topic. You will be asked to provide a clear thesis, supporting arguments, and examples in a well-structured essay. Balancing advantages and disadvantages while maintaining coherence and clarity is essential for success in this task.

Here, you get access to 4 IELTS writing task 2 advantages/disadvantages sample answers ranging from band 7-9 along with their vocabulary highlighted. So, why wait? Start reading the blog!

Question

You should spend 20 minutes on this task.
The Use of Mobile Phones has Increased Dramatically in Recent Years. What are the Positive and Negative Effects of This Trend?
You should write at least 250 words.

Learn some more ways to Achieve a band score of 8 for Writing Task 2 and check out the IELTS essay for Women Should be Allowed to Join the Army, the Navy and the Air Force just like Men’ given below.

Outline

Essay Type

Positives/Negatives essay

Introduction

Sentences 1 & 2: Paraphrase the question with the help of synonyms. Elucidate how mobile phones have become integral in our lives, and how it also distracts people from their work.

Sentence 3: Mention that the essay will cover various advantages and disadvantages of the topic.

Body

Paragraph 1: Mention the positives of the mobile phone, like how it connects the world, how it makes everything convenient and easy to reach, how it helps us gather information and facilitates communication. Mention examples if possible.

Paragraph 2: Mention the negatives. For instance, talk about how mobile phones have connected the world but only socially, that we are slowly growing distant on the whole. Also mention how mobile phone radiation is harmful to humans and the environment.

Conclusion

Summarise the positives and negatives in one line and state your observations.

Band 7 Sample Answer 1 For ‘The Use of Mobile Phones has Increased Dramatically in Recent Years’ Writing Task 2

Mobile phones are an integral part of our functioning and are no longer just a means to communicate. In fact, it is safe to say that it has become a necessary evil. ‘Necessary’ because most people, irrespective of their age group, need a cell phone for their studies or professional work and ‘evil’ because it has now become an addiction rather than a tool for our convenience.

From being able to get in touch with hundreds of friends with one click while on-the-go, to being able to have easy access to vast amounts of content through Google, Youtube, etc. on your hand-held device, the advent of mobile phones has actualized developments that seemed magical a few decades ago. It is almost impossible to cover all the benefits of the mobile phone, but we have video-calling, emails, photography, gaming, and entertainment, to name a few. It is impossible to imagine a world without cell phones today, for they have improved our user experience to a great extent.

As with everything in life, there is a downside to this boon as well. In my opinion, the biggest disadvantage of mobile phones today is that the very tool which was supposed to bring the world closer has allowed people to dwell in their own private bubble. A cell phone has enabled people to live in a rather confusingly structured world, wherein people are connected to others but disconnected from the reality around them. People prefer chatting over messages or phone calls much more than face-to-face interactions. Even the brand or model of the cell phone one owns is seen as a status symbol, rather than it being considered a utility itself. Additionally, the radiation caused by extensive exposure to mobile phones, which, as per studies, has caused endangerment or extinction in various bird species in some places.

Even with all its negatives, the cell phone can be counted among the monumental inventions of human existence, right beside the wheel and fire. However, it totally lies in the hands of humans to strike the right balance and make the best use of it.

Why is it a Band 7 Essay?

This essay is likely to score a Band 7 since it effectively addresses the task, has a clear structure, and employs a good range of vocabulary and sentence structures. However, minor improvements in accuracy and perhaps more complex ideas could lead to a higher band score.

Band 8 Sample Answer 1 For ‘The Use of Mobile Phones has Increased Dramatically in Recent Years’ Writing Task 2

Since the beginning of this century, the use of mobile phones among the people in our societies has escalated dramatically. Though it is primarily used for phone calls, nowadays it is utilised for lots of other purposes such as gaming, ticket booking, and numerous others. Despite its usefulness, it still poses lots of problems to our society.

Firstly, people can easily communicate with their friends and family regardless of being separated physically which used to be an issue in the past. In the past, people had to wait for months to get a letter from their loved ones. Secondly, the network of information piled on the internet is readily available to the user. For instance, we can get a particular thing without having to flip through hundreds of books. Also, one can use it to entertain themselves.

On the contrary, it negatively affected our society. For the foremost, it increased the social media content consumption among the population which led to an increase in the number of depressed people, especially among the children. A recent survey showed that the majority of people are spending more hours on mobile phones than the suggested amount. Also, people’s personal lives are affected as people are caring more about strangers than their families. The supportive family is becoming a thing of the past.

In conclusion, no matter what it did to influence other people’s lives, the cell phone is a mere electronic device. We can use it to provide the service that we need and get benefits by using it.

Why is it a Band 8 Essay?

This essay exhibits all the qualities of a Band 8 essay. Since it directly addresses the task, provides a balanced and well-structured discussion, employs a broad range of vocabulary, demonstrates grammatical accuracy, and thoughtfully explores the topic’s complexities and implications. It is an excellent piece of writing that fulfils the requirements of a Band 8 response.

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Band 9 Sample Answer 1 For ‘The Use of Mobile Phones has Increased Dramatically in Recent Years’ Writing Task 2

The usage of mobile phones has risen in the twenty-first century. Moreover, besides calling, these can be utilised for many purposes. This essay shall discuss the positive and negative aspects of cell phones.

To begin with, the fact that mobile phones are a lot beneficial to human beings in many ways cannot be denied. Firstly, these electronic devices are equipped with an operating system that allows users to install applications. These simplify a number of cumbersome tasks and aid in saving time and energy which can be utilised productively in other humongous jobs. For instance, aeroplane and train tickets can now be booked online, whereas earlier, people had to visit the physical centres which was time-consuming. Moreover, inbuilt features like a calculator, alarm and so on also complement the resourcefulness of these devices.

However, these devices are fraught with ramifications that cannot be overlooked. Since these mobile phones offer features that are utilitarian, people become highly dependent on them. Thus, this dependency renders them handicapped. For instance, people do not remember contact numbers; they can effortlessly save these on their devices. Besides this, exhilarating games, social media, and other fascinating applications which allow the public to watch movies, and series cause addiction. Therefore, focusing on crucial tasks becomes an arduous job owing to the never-ending urge to be glued to their phones. Moreover, this also refrains them from any kind of social activity.

In conclusion, while advantages like being equipped with features that help in performing actions efficiently prove the usefulness of these gadgets, the demerits such as reliance, and isolation cannot be overlooked.

Why is it a Band 8 Essay?

This essay deserves a Band 8 because it demonstrates a well-structured response with coherent ideas, a wide vocabulary range, strong arguments supported by examples, and mostly accurate grammar and sentence structures. It effectively addresses the topic, providing both advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones in a balanced manner while maintaining clarity and focus throughout the essay.

Band 9 Sample Answer 2 For ‘The Use of Mobile Phones has Increased Dramatically in Recent Years’ Writing Task 2

Unlock Band 9 Sample Answer 2

The proliferation of mobile phones in the twenty-first century has significantly transformed the way we live. Beyond their primary function of making phone calls, they offer a myriad of advantages and disadvantages.

One of the paramount benefits of mobile phones is their ability to foster connectivity. These devices have revolutionized communication, making it possible to stay in touch with family, friends, and colleagues regardless of geographical boundaries. This not only enriches personal relationships but also bolsters professional networks. Moreover, mobile phones have evolved into versatile tools with various applications. They function as portable computers, granting access to a treasure trove of information through the internet. Additionally, they offer entertainment and convenience through apps, enabling tasks like online shopping, navigation, and gaming.

However, the advantages of mobile phones come hand in hand with disadvantages. Their omnipresence has led to issues like addiction, with people often glued to screens, neglecting physical interactions. This dependency can affect mental health, causing anxiety and detachment from real-life experiences. Privacy concerns have also emerged as a significant drawback. The same device that grants access to information can also be used to infringe upon privacy. Data breaches, hacking, and surveillance have become pertinent issues in the digital age.

In conclusion, the rapid rise of mobile phones in the twenty-first century has undeniably transformed the way we live, offering unparalleled advantages in terms of connectivity, information access, and convenience. However, this transformation is not without its downsides, leading to issues of addiction and privacy invasion. Finding a balance in utilizing this technology is crucial to harness its benefits while mitigating its negative consequences.

Why is it a Band 9 Essay?

This is a Band 9 answer because it effectively demonstrates the following qualities outlined in the IELTS Writing Task 2 band descriptors:

Task Response: The essay fully addresses the task by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones in the twenty-first century.

Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-structured with clear paragraph divisions, and ideas are logically organized. The use of linking words and phrases ensures a smooth flow of ideas. It is highly fluent and coherent, with a wide range of sentence structures and vocabulary. Ideas are linked logically, and the reader can easily follow the argument.

Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is extensive and appropriate, including less common words and phrases (e.g., “proliferation,” “indispensable,” “omnipresence”). There’s also varied and precise use of vocabulary related to the topic.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences. Errors are extremely rare, and the writing is nearly flawless.

Overall, this essay is well-organized, uses sophisticated vocabulary, demonstrates a high level of grammatical accuracy, and effectively addresses the task’s requirements. These qualities contribute to its Band 9 rating.

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Vocabulary

Integral

Meaning – necessary to make a whole complete; essential or fundamental.

Example – A good manager is integral for the company’s success.

On-the-go

Meaning – Very active or busy.

Example – His job is so demanding that he’s always on-the-go.

Advent

Meaning – the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.

Example – The advent of Indus Valley civilization was aided by the Indus river’s water.

Actualize

Meaning – make a reality of.

Example – He actualized his dream of performing at the Prithvi Theatre.

Dwell

Meaning – live in or at a specified place.

Example – It is said that the first humans dwelled in Africa.

Utility

Meaning – the state of being useful, profitable, or beneficial.

Example – Smartphones have become such an important utility in today’s times.

Endangerment

Meaning – the action of putting someone or something at risk or in danger.

Example – The police are actively arresting reckless drivers who cause endangerment to people on the road.

Monumental

Meaning – great in importance, extent, or size.

Example – The invention of the wheel is seen as a monumental development in human history.

Proliferation

Meaning – Rapid increase or growth.

Example – The proliferation of smartphones in recent years has been remarkable.

Indispensable

Meaning – Absolutely necessary or essential.

Example – For many people, the internet has become an indispensable part of daily life.

Omnipresence

Meaning – The state of being present everywhere at the same time.

Example – The omnipresence of social media means that we are constantly connected to our digital networks.

Ubiquitous

Meaning – Present, appearing, or found everywhere.

Example – The smartphone has become ubiquitous in modern society, used by people of all ages.

Tips for Answering the Advantages/Disadvantages Type Questions

Here are five tips to help you excel in the IELTS Writing Task 2 for advantages/disadvantages essays:

Understand the Question: Before you start writing, carefully read and understand the essay prompt. Identify the keywords related to advantages and disadvantages, such as “benefits,” “drawbacks,” “pros,” and “cons.” This will help you stay on topic and structure your essay effectively.
Plan Your Essay: Take a few minutes to outline your essay. Start with a clear introduction that states your position. Then, plan two or three body paragraphs, each addressing a different advantage or disadvantage. Use topic sentences to introduce each point. Finally, create a concise conclusion that summarizes your main ideas.
Provide Specific Examples: Support your arguments with specific examples, facts, and evidence. This adds credibility to your essay and demonstrates your ability to develop ideas logically. For instance, if you mention an advantage, provide a real-life example to illustrate it.
Use Linking Words: Incorporate linking words and phrases to connect your ideas and make your essay flow smoothly. Words like “furthermore,” “in addition,” “conversely,” and “however” help your writing sound coherent and well-organized.
Balance Your Argument: Maintain a balanced perspective. While you may lean toward one side, acknowledge the opposing viewpoint. Addressing both advantages and disadvantages shows your ability to think critically and consider multiple perspectives.

Remember to proofread your essay for grammar, vocabulary, and spelling errors. These tips, combined with practice, will help you write well-structured and coherent IELTS Writing Task 2 dvantages/Disadvantages essays like, ‘The Use of Mobile Phones has Increased Dramatically in Recent Years’