Question: In what ways has technology affected the types of relationships that people make? Has this been a positive or negative development?
Band 8+ Sample Answer:
(Intro) In recent decades, new technologies have significantly influenced the kinds of relationships that exist between people, both in education and social interaction. Despite some drawbacks, I feel this has been an overwhelmingly positive trend.
(Body 1) To begin with, technology has facilitated new relationships through online teaching and on social media. The development of smartphones and the internet have created the possibility for people to communicate with one another regardless of geographical distances. For example, a student can now use video conferencing software such as zoom to take an online course with a teacher living in a different city or country replacing face-to-face interactions in traditional classes. Furthermore, there has been a growing tendency towards using social networks, such as Facebook to make new friends and find people who share common interests or debate their political viewpoints, paving the way for new relationships and online communities.
(Body 2) There are clear educational and social benefits of these kinds of new relationships. Firstly, students now have the ability to study with the best teachers from around the globe at a time that suits their potentially hectic schedules. This could mean access to high quality of teaching, with a more supportive, accessible and flexible teacher. Meanwhile, social media relationships may be tremendously beneficial. For example Facebook allows for students of the same class to form an online group where they can ask questions, share ideas, thereby supporting and motivating each other. This could over time turn into long-lasting friendships.
(Conclusion) In conclusion, video technology and social media are facilitating new relationships between teachers and students. This is clearly a beneficial phenomena as it can improve access to high quality teaching and allow students to support each other more effectively. Governments should ensure this kind of technology is available to remote communities who would benefit the most from it. (301 words).
Words: Student essay, corrected & upgraded by Nick Kemp, former IELTS examiner.
Image: Gerd Altmann / Pixabay.