IELTS Writing Task 2: Technology sample answer — Band 8

It is often claimed that, as computers and smartphones become central to young people's lives, their ability to read and write properly is in decline. While I acknowledge that certain habits have suffered, I largely disagree with this pessimistic view, because digital technology has also expanded the amount young people read and write every day.

There is some justification for the concern. Predictive text and autocorrect can make young writers less careful about spelling and punctuation, and the abbreviated style of messaging may carry over into more formal contexts. Likewise, the constant stream of short videos and notifications arguably shortens attention spans, making it harder to engage with long, demanding texts such as novels or academic articles.

However, the broader picture is more positive. Young people today read and write almost constantly — messages, posts, articles and comment threads — so their exposure to written language is far greater than that of previous generations, who might read little outside school. Moreover, technology gives them access to a vast range of material and audiences: a teenager can now publish writing that others around the world will read and respond to, which is a powerful incentive to write clearly. The skills involved may differ from traditional ones, but they are skills nonetheless.

In conclusion, although digital tools have weakened certain conventions of careful writing, I believe their overall effect has been to make young people read and write more, not less. The challenge is not to limit technology but to help young people apply formal standards when the situation requires them.