Free IELTS Writing · Task 2 · common prompt pattern
Discuss both views
One complete Task 2 practice with two worked examples, a full model and self-review.
How to use this sample
Study the two worked examples. Use the writing plan and useful language to prepare your response, then submit it to review the model and explanation. Scores exclude the examples; Writing and Speaking use self-review rather than automatic band marking.
Original SUFAS teaching material. This is a focused sample exercise, not a full IELTS examination.
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Two worked examples
Example 1 · Answer the task in a clear introduction
Model answer: The appropriate age for introducing children to digital devices is widely debated. Supporters of early exposure argue that technology is now essential to learning and communication, whereas critics worry about its effects on attention and social development. I believe supervised, limited use is preferable to either unrestricted access or a complete ban.
Why: The introduction responds to the particular instructions and establishes the direction of the essay.
Example 2 · Develop one relevant argument
Model answer: Those who favour an early introduction point out that digital competence is increasingly important. Young children can use carefully designed applications to practise sounds, numbers and problem-solving, while video calls allow them to communicate with relatives who live far away. Familiarity with basic tools may also prevent a gap between children who have access to technology at home and those who encounter it only at school. From this perspective, delaying all exposure could make digital skills seem unnecessarily difficult later.
Why: The paragraph develops a reason with explanation and relevant support, rather than listing points.
Your independent practice
Writing task
Some people think children should learn to use digital devices from an early age. Others believe screen-based technology should be introduced much later. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Write at least 250 words. Support your answer with reasons and relevant examples.
develop basic digital skills · displace face-to-face interaction · supervise children’s screen use
Phrases to adapt
“Supporters of early access argue that children can use devices to …”
“Limited screen time is most appropriate when an adult can …”
Model response and explanation
The appropriate age for introducing children to digital devices is widely debated. Supporters of early exposure argue that technology is now essential to learning and communication, whereas critics worry about its effects on attention and social development. I believe supervised, limited use is preferable to either unrestricted access or a complete ban.
Those who favour an early introduction point out that digital competence is increasingly important. Young children can use carefully designed applications to practise sounds, numbers and problem-solving, while video calls allow them to communicate with relatives who live far away. Familiarity with basic tools may also prevent a gap between children who have access to technology at home and those who encounter it only at school. From this perspective, delaying all exposure could make digital skills seem unnecessarily difficult later.
Opponents, however, argue that screen activities may displace experiences that are especially valuable in childhood. Physical play, conversation and reading with adults offer opportunities to develop language, cooperation and self-regulation. Digital content can also be designed to hold attention through rapid changes and repeated rewards. If children spend long periods using such material, they may have fewer opportunities to practise sustained concentration. These concerns are particularly serious when devices are used without adult involvement.
In my opinion, the quality and purpose of screen use matter more than the simple question of age. Parents and teachers should select age-appropriate activities, participate when possible and protect time for sleep, outdoor play and face-to-face interaction. A short session creating a drawing or solving a puzzle is different from hours of passive viewing.
In conclusion, early digital literacy offers benefits, but it should not replace essential childhood experiences. Carefully guided exposure provides a reasonable middle path between the two positions.
Why this works: Task response: Both views receive separate development, and the writer consistently favours supervised, limited exposure. Coherence and cohesion: The early-access argument leads into developmental concerns before a separate paragraph defines the writer’s practical position. Lexical resource: “Digital competence”, “self-regulation” and “passive viewing” keep the discussion specific to childhood development. Grammatical range and accuracy: Modal verbs qualify possible benefits and harms; contrasting a short creative activity with passive viewing makes the conditional opinion concrete. Your practice: Underline the thesis and each body paragraph’s topic sentence. Identify an explanation and an example, then rewrite one paragraph with clearer reasoning.
Self-review score
Compare your work with the model and tick only points you achieved. This is a self-review checklist, not automatic marking or an IELTS band score.