IELTS Band 9 Essay About The use of social media such as Facebook or Twitter is replacing face-to-face contact this century
Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “The use of social media such as Facebook or Twitter is replacing face-to-face contact this century”. 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 March 2025.
Sample Essay (Band 9)
The use of social media such as Facebook or Twitter is replacing face-to-face contact this century.
Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
In the 21st century, social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have gained unprecedented popularity, significantly altering the way people interact. While it is undeniable that these platforms provide certain conveniences and opportunities, it is essential to consider whether they are truly replacing face-to-face contact in a way that is beneficial or detrimental. In this essay, I will evaluate both the advantages and disadvantages of this development.
On the one hand, social media offers a range of benefits that enhance communication. For instance, these platforms allow individuals to connect with others globally, bridging geographical distances and facilitating the exchange of ideas. This is particularly advantageous for those who live in remote areas or have busy schedules, as they can stay in touch with family, friends, and colleagues without having to meet in person. Moreover, social media can foster inclusivity by providing a platform for individuals who might otherwise be marginalized to express their opinions and share their experiences.
On the other hand, there are several disadvantages to the over-reliance on social media for communication. First and foremost, face-to-face interactions are essential for developing strong, meaningful relationships. When people rely too heavily on digital communication, they miss out on the nuanced social cues, such as body language and tone of voice, that are critical to understanding emotions and intentions. This can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of empathy. Furthermore, excessive use of social media has been linked to feelings of isolation and loneliness, as online connections often lack the depth and authenticity of in-person relationships.
In conclusion, while social media undoubtedly offers convenience and a platform for global interaction, it cannot fully replace the value of face-to-face communication. The key lies in finding a balance, using social media as a tool for connection without allowing it to replace real-world relationships. Ultimately, the advantages and disadvantages must be weighed carefully, but in my view, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages in terms of fostering meaningful human connections.
Academic Vocabulary in the sample for The use of social media such as Facebook or Twitter is replacing face-to-face contact this century
Conveniences (kən-ˈvēn-yəns)
Sentence: The convenience of online shopping has revolutionized the retail industry.
Benefits (ˈbe-nə-fits)
Sentence: The health benefits of regular exercise are well-documented.
Inclusivity (in-ˈklü-siv-ə-tē)
Sentence: The new policies promote inclusivity by ensuring that all students have equal access to resources.
Disadvantages (ˌdis-ˈad-ˈvan-tə-jəz)
Sentence: One of the disadvantages of living in a large city is the high cost of living.
Isolation (ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shən)
Sentence: The isolation experienced by remote workers can be detrimental to their mental health.
Advanced Grammar Structures:
Complex Sentences
Example: “While it is undeniable that these platforms provide certain conveniences and opportunities, it is essential to consider whether they are truly replacing face-to-face contact in a way that is beneficial or detrimental.”
Explanation: This sentence uses a complex sentence structure with multiple clauses, which demonstrates a higher level of grammatical complexity.
Conditional Statements
Example: “If people rely too heavily on digital communication, they miss out on the nuanced social cues.”
Explanation: Conditional structures help express hypothetical scenarios and their consequences, which adds sophistication to the writing.
Passive Voice
Example: “The key lies in finding a balance, using social media as a tool for connection without allowing it to replace real-world relationships.”
Explanation: The passive voice is used here to emphasize the importance of finding balance without focusing on who is taking action.
Comparative Structures
Example: “The advantages and disadvantages must be weighed carefully, but in my view, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages in terms of fostering meaningful human connections.”
Explanation: The comparison of advantages and disadvantages with the use of “outweigh” adds clarity and depth to the argument.
Relative Clauses
Example: “This is particularly advantageous for those who live in remote areas or have busy schedules.”
Explanation: The relative clause provides additional information about the people who benefit from social media, enhancing sentence structure complexity.
How These Structures Contribute to a Higher Band Score:
Complex Sentences: The use of subordinating conjunctions like “while” and “if” in complex sentences shows the writer’s ability to manage complex thoughts and present multiple ideas in a clear, organized way, which contributes to a higher band score.
Conditional Statements: These statements demonstrate the ability to speculate and discuss possible outcomes, a skill that is necessary for addressing the task in a nuanced manner.
Passive Voice: The use of passive constructions adds variety to sentence structure and allows the writer to focus on the action or idea rather than the subject, which is a sign of grammatical range.
Comparative Structures: Using comparative phrases like “outweigh” helps articulate clear arguments and contrasts, which is essential in effectively addressing the task question.
Relative Clauses: These enhance sentence complexity by adding more information in a compact way, showcasing advanced grammatical skills and contributing to the overall fluency of the writing.
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