Social Media IELTS Essay Band 9: Latest Sample Q&A

In the IELTS writing test, Task 2 is the second part of the examination. Here, a candidate will be asked to provide an opinion on a social issue. Again, the paper-based test will be handwritten, whereas, for computer-based tests, candidates will give the test through a computer.

It is recommended that candidates take 40 minutes to write about 250 words for the task. However, it might penalize a candidate if written less than the minimum word count. This task consists of about 66% of the writing score. Thus for a social media IELTS essay band 9 and similar topics, the simplest and easiest way is to maintain the right word count and to know different ways to approach a topic.

How to approach writing task 2? 

To score a higher band on IELTS task 2, there are 7 different pointers to note. These pointers are mentioned in detail below – 

1. IELTS Writing Task 2 Assessment criteria

Firstly, it is essential to include all the resources in the writing that enhance candidates’ scores. These include task response, coherence and cohesion, lexical resources, grammatical range and accuracy. 

Task response 

• Addressing all key pointers of the task. 
• Providing relevant and well-structured responses with extended and supported ideas. 

Coherence and cohesion 

• Logically and sequentially providing all ideas and information. 
• Proper structuring by correctly using paragraphing.
• Managing proper cohesion throughout. 

Lexical Resource 

• Using proper vocabulary to depict the slightest ideas with relevant context. 
• Skilfully using uncommon words and lexical resources with occasional errors. 
• Rare spelling mistakes and word choice or formation.

Grammatical range and accuracy 

• Depicting a wide range of grammatical usage. 
• Very rare grammatical errors or inappropriate use of grammar.  
• Most sentences are error-free. 

Apart from these resources in writing, it is beneficial to consider how an examiner checks an essay. 

2. Answer Must Be Relevant To The Question

Candidates must note writing extra words or answering additional things will negatively impact the score. Also, generalizing too much about a given topic can impact a candidate’s score.  So, it is important to note a few pointers before answering a task:

• Ideas should be directly related to the question.
• Candidates can extend an answer to provide supporting ideas. 
• Use examples or ideas that a candidate is familiar with. Opting for irrelevant and unfamiliar examples negatively can impact the score of a candidate. 

3. Answering  Every Aspect  Of The Question 

For a social media IELTS essay band 9,or any other related topic, it is important to include every part of the task. Thus a candidate must – 

• Firstly, understand the topic carefully and frame parts to include in the answer. 
• Present opinion and support it with relevancy throughout. If a task asks for a view, make sure to give equal weightage to every view. 
• Write more than 250 words. 
• If asked for ‘advantages’, provide more than 1 advantage. 

4. Organizing Essay  

It is important to present and express an answer properly in the correct order. This will help to maintain a logical flow within the essay structure. 

• Do not overuse linking words. 
• Consider using adverbial phrases rather than using common linking words.
• Use proper punctuation within the essay. 
• Frame the essay properly with the correct structure. 
• Use one paragraph for each idea. 
• Make sure to add one separate paragraph for introduction and conclusion. 

5. Use Paragraphs 

Using paragraphs can properly portray the central idea of the topic. It also helps to maintain a proper flow within the content structure.

• Use linkers between the paragraphs. 
• Leave a space between each paragraph. 
• Use a separate paragraph for each topic. 
• Give proper introduction and conclusion. 

6. Use Less Common Vocabulary

Using less common words within an essay portrays a range of vocabulary of a candidate. But using these in the correct context with the right spelling is equally important. 

• Consider using daily language.
• Make precise word choices. 
• Use words that are familiar to a candidate.
• Make sure to use phrasal verbs and collocation. 

7. Use A Variety Of Sentences 

A candidate with a higher IELTS band is expected to have a higher competency to use a range of complex sentences within an essay. Although using unnecessary complex words and sentences might harm the candidate, using them in the proper context will be beneficial.  

Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2  

For a higher band, using a range of words is beneficial. This vocabulary usage shows the competency of a candidate in the English language, thus fetching a higher score. Introduction  

• It may seem that
• This essay will show that 
• To examine this issue, the essay will examine both..

Paragraphs  

• In addition
• For instance
• First of all
• Consequently
• What’s more
• Furthermore
• On the other hand

Conclusion 

• In the end 
• On balance 
• Therefore 

Opinion 

• I strongly believe that
• Apparently
• Speaking personally
• I suppose
• According to me

To Show Examples 

• To cite an instance
• As for instance
• For instance
• By way of illustration
• As an illustration
• To illustrate

Conclusion 

• In conclusion
• In a nutshell
• In summary
• To conclude
• To sum up
• In general

Sample Question with Answer on Social Media IELTS Essay Band 9

Question:Most people believe that social media such as Facebook and Instagram negatively impact society and individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the statement? 

Answer:The rise of social networking like Facebook and Instagram changed the way of life for most individuals. It allows people and communities to connect with each other virtually. But, I genuinely agree that social media has an overall negative impact on our lives. Much before social media, people used to have active hobbies as a form of enjoyment. The hobbies like painting, sports, music, gardening and others help keep the mind and body active. But, presently, using social media only boosts people’s self-esteem by viewing countless hours of digital content. Social media doesn’t only make people lazy; it also feeds individuals with temporary joys from feedback, likes and other sorts of interactions. As a result of this, people are opting out more secure and longer form joy from lasting accomplishments.Most elderly people comment on today’s youths that they are glued to their phones. This statement is true to a certain extent, as most of us seek temporary joys from social media. However, few sections of people also anonymously comment on various platforms and thus making them less sociable in public life. As a result of this, they lack communication skills and can’t interact with people appropriately. This is particularly visible in social gatherings where few youths feel less tolerant and patient when dealing with older adults. In conclusion, social media has negatively impacted this society. To cope up with this, parents have to take strict controls to regulate the availability of social media for kids and younger teens.

Tips to Write IELTS Writing Task 2  

• Candidates need to understand the question and know what the examiner needs. 
• It is ideal to develop the frame of the article beforehand. 
• Make sure to write complete answers.
• Be aware of the familiar topics and prepare accordingly. 
• Try to make use of linking words.  
• Time management is crucial.
• Avoid using informal language and tone. 

Conclusion

One of the most common topics in IELTS writing task 2 is social media essays. Apart from this topic and category, you can expect any question category like opinion, problem, discussion, double question, and advantage disadvantage essays. Therefore, candidates have to be very cautious about the topic while framing an outline of the essential pointers before approaching the task.