You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Nowadays the way many people interact with each other has changed because of technology.
In what ways has technology affected the types of relationships people make?
Has this become a positive or negative development?
How Technology Has Changed How People Interact with Each Other: Insights for Writing a Band 9 Essay
Before diving into the Band 9 sample essays, let’s briefly discuss the topic and strategies for achieving a top score. If you prefer, feel free to scroll down and explore the sample essays directly. This topic asks you to analyze how technology has changed the way people interact with each other and whether this shift is positive or negative.
To craft a Band 9 essay, focus on presenting one or two well-developed ideas rather than listing multiple points superficially. For instance, you could discuss how social media has expanded the types of relationships people form globally or how virtual interactions can lack depth compared to face-to-face communication. Remember, IELTS examiners value clear explanations and detailed examples over the quantity of ideas. Whether you argue that these changes are positive or negative, choose the perspective you can best explain and support with examples. You can use made-up scenarios or draw from personal experiences—both are acceptable as long as they align with your discussion. Finally, ensure your response meets the IELTS Band Descriptors: address the task fully, structure your ideas coherently, use diverse vocabulary naturally, and showcase a range of grammatical structures.
To boost your preparation, explore our comprehensive eBooks, which you can download in PDF format. These resources cover everything you need to know, from detailed essay-writing tips to step-by-step examples and practice questions based on recent exams. Additionally, consider our personalized essay correction service, where a dedicated IELTS examiner provides detailed feedback within 24 hours. This service helps you identify your weaknesses and improve rapidly. With the right resources and strategies, you can confidently aim for your desired band score.
Sample Essay 1
The rise of technology has drastically transformed how people interact with each other, reshaping relationships in unprecedented ways. While it has opened doors to global connectivity and broadened social networks, it has also led to a decline in the depth of personal interactions. This essay explores how technology has influenced the types of relationships people build and evaluates whether this shift has been beneficial or detrimental.
Technology has profoundly affected the types of relationships people form, primarily by enabling global connectivity and fostering virtual interactions. Social media platforms, for instance, allow individuals to connect with people across geographical boundaries, broadening their social networks beyond what was previously imaginable. Professional networking sites like LinkedIn enable users to form connections that are driven by shared interests or career goals, rather than physical proximity. However, while these advancements have expanded social circles, they have also introduced superficiality in relationships. Many online connections lack emotional depth, as virtual interactions often fail to replicate the nuances of face-to-face communication. For instance, a video call may help maintain relationships, but it cannot replace the intimacy and emotional resonance of in-person meetings. Hence, while technology has diversified the types of relationships people can form, it has also made many of these connections more transient and impersonal.
From a broader perspective, the changes brought about by technology in how people interact with each other are a mixed development. On one hand, the ability to communicate instantly has strengthened relationships by bridging long distances. Families separated by migration, for example, can maintain meaningful connections through video calls and instant messaging. On the other hand, the reliance on technology has led to the erosion of traditional social skills, with many individuals struggling to engage effectively in face-to-face interactions. Furthermore, the constant availability of digital communication can blur personal boundaries, contributing to stress and emotional fatigue. While the positive aspects of technological advancements in relationships are undeniable, the negative implications suggest that these changes are not entirely beneficial.
In conclusion, technology has significantly influenced how people interact with each other, introducing both advantages and challenges. While it has expanded the types of relationships people can form, the depth and quality of these connections have often been compromised. Therefore, this development can be considered both positive and negative, depending on the context and usage of technology.
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Sample Essay 2
The way people interact with each other has undergone a profound transformation due to advancements in technology. While technology has made relationships more efficient and accessible, it has also introduced challenges such as reduced emotional engagement and over-reliance on digital mediums. This essay discusses how technology has altered the nature of relationships by prioritizing speed and convenience, and whether this shift can be considered positive or negative.
Technology has affected relationships by emphasizing speed and accessibility over depth and emotional connection. Instant messaging, for example, enables people to communicate quickly and frequently, but often at the cost of meaningful conversations. Social media platforms prioritize short-form interactions like likes and comments, which, while frequent, lack the substance of deeper exchanges. This trend is also evident in romantic relationships, where dating apps encourage rapid matching but often fail to foster long-term bonds. For instance, individuals can swipe through hundreds of profiles in minutes, reducing relationships to transactional interactions based on superficial criteria. While these technologies make communication easier, they risk creating a culture of convenience that undermines the development of meaningful connections. The focus on efficiency can dilute the emotional richness that traditionally defines human relationships, leading to relationships that are functional but shallow.
The broader impact of these changes can be seen as both advantageous and problematic. On the positive side, technology allows people to stay connected despite busy lifestyles, enabling relationships to survive even in demanding circumstances. For example, professionals working long hours can maintain contact with their loved ones through quick messages or voice notes. However, this accessibility can lead to over-reliance on digital mediums, replacing genuine in-person interaction with virtual communication. The constant availability of technology also fosters distractions, as people often prioritize online notifications over present relationships. This shift can erode trust and intimacy, especially in close relationships, as the quality of engagement diminishes. While technology has provided unparalleled convenience, it also challenges the authenticity and depth of modern relationships, creating a nuanced dynamic that cannot be wholly positive.
In conclusion, technology has reshaped how people interact with each other by prioritizing efficiency and accessibility, but it has also diminished the emotional depth of relationships. While it offers undeniable benefits, the associated drawbacks reveal that this development is both positive and negative, depending on its use and context.
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