IELTS Band 9 Essay About some people believe that watching TV is bad for children
Here we take a look at a band 9 IELTS writing task 2 sample about “Some people believe that watching TV is bad for children”. This sample then will be further analyzed for its vocabulary, grammar and format, so we see how it has qualified for such band score. We also suggest over 200 band 9 IELTS samples released in 2025.
Sample Answer (Band 9)
Some people believe that watching TV is bad for children, while others claim it has positive effects for children as they grow up.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
There is ongoing debate regarding whether television exposure is detrimental or beneficial to children. While some individuals argue that watching TV harms young minds, others contend that it offers developmental advantages. This essay will explore both perspectives before offering my personal stance on the issue.
On the one hand, those who believe that television negatively affects children emphasize its potential to hinder cognitive development and promote sedentary lifestyles. Prolonged exposure to screens has been linked to reduced attention spans, which can impede academic performance. Moreover, many television programs lack educational value and instead focus on entertainment, exposing children to inappropriate content or fostering unhealthy consumerism. Consequently, critics argue that excessive screen time can undermine the formation of essential social and intellectual skills during early childhood.
On the other hand, proponents of television view it as a valuable medium for learning and broadening children’s horizons. Educational programs, such as those covering science, history, or language learning, can enhance intellectual curiosity and complement formal education. Additionally, certain shows are designed to develop emotional intelligence by depicting real-world scenarios and promoting empathy. For instance, interactive programs that encourage problem-solving can foster critical thinking, a skill necessary for future success. Thus, when carefully curated, television can serve as a powerful tool for holistic development.
In my opinion, television can play a constructive role in a child’s upbringing, provided that its use is moderated and guided. Parents should be mindful of both the content their children consume and the duration of their viewing. Encouraging children to watch educational programs while limiting access to potentially harmful content can strike a balance between entertainment and education. Additionally, fostering habits such as discussing what has been watched can help children develop analytical thinking and better social interactions.
In conclusion, while there are valid concerns about the adverse impacts of excessive television consumption, it is undeniable that it can also be a resource for learning and entertainment. The key lies in responsible parental supervision and ensuring that content consumption aligns with developmental goals. Therefore, by adopting a balanced approach, children can reap the benefits of television without suffering its negative effects.
Vocabulary in the sample for some people believe that watching TV is bad for children
Cognitive /ˈkɒɡ.nɪ.tɪv/
Example: Prolonged screen exposure can interfere with cognitive functions such as memory and concentration.
Attention span /əˈtɛn.ʃən spæn/
Example: Watching TV for long periods may reduce children’s attention span, making it harder for them to focus in school.
Inappropriate /ˌɪn.əˈprəʊ.pri.ət/
Example: Parents should ensure that children do not watch inappropriate content that may negatively influence their behavior.
Holistic /həˈlɪs.tɪk/
Example: A holistic approach to education involves addressing not only academic but also emotional and social development.
Curiosity /ˌkjʊə.riˈɒs.ɪ.ti/
Example: Watching documentaries can ignite children’s curiosity about the world around them.
Advanced Grammatical Structures
Complex Sentences with Subordinate Clauses
Example: While some individuals argue that watching TV harms young minds, others contend that it offers developmental advantages.
Explanation: Using subordinate clauses improves sentence variety and clarity, helping convey nuanced arguments effectively.
Passive Voice
Example: Prolonged exposure to screens has been linked to reduced attention spans.
Explanation: The passive voice is appropriate in academic writing to focus on the action rather than the subject performing it.
Use of Modal Verbs for Suggestion
Example: Parents should be mindful of both the content their children consume and the duration of their viewing.
Explanation: Modal verbs such as “should” provide suggestions or advice, which is critical in argumentative essays.
Nominalization
Example: Encouraging children to watch educational programs while limiting access to potentially harmful content can strike a balance between entertainment and education.
Explanation: Nominalization adds formality and conciseness by turning verbs or adjectives into nouns.
Conditional Sentences
Example: If properly guided, television can play a constructive role in a child’s upbringing.
Explanation: Conditional sentences are used to discuss hypothetical situations, enhancing the depth and persuasiveness of the argument.
Free IELTS Sample Essays with Answers PDF
Here you can download over a 1000 sample essays in pdf written by ex ielts examiners: PDF 1 / PDF 2 / PDF 3 / PDF 4 / PDF 5
Last But Not Least!
We suggest a useful IELTS website in English for more valuable IELTS sample essays on a range of topics. Our final suggestion is our writing free correction Telegram channel where you can send your own sample for evaluation and correction by an experience IELTS tutor with over a decade of practical experience in this matter.
