Technology topics are among the most common themes in IELTS Writing Task 2. Questions about social media, artificial intelligence, screen time, and automation appear regularly — and many test-takers freeze when they see them, not because the ideas are hard, but because they do not know how to structure a convincing academic argument under timed conditions.
This guide walks you through a complete, annotated technology essay sample at band 7+ level, breaking down exactly what makes it work and how you can replicate the approach on test day.
Before you study the model essay, it helps to know where your writing currently stands. The IELTS Express Pre-Test gives you a section-by-section band prediction for just $4.99 — so you can see precisely which writing skills need attention before you begin.
The Essay Question
Some people believe that technology has made people more isolated and less sociable. Others think that technology brings people closer together. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This is a classic discuss both views + give your opinion question type. It asks you to present both perspectives fairly, then make your own position clear — ideally weaving your opinion throughout rather than saving it for a final paragraph.
Band 7+ Technology Essay Sample (Full Text)
The relationship between technology and human connection is one of the defining debates of modern life. While some argue that devices and digital platforms erode genuine social bonds, others contend that technology creates new forms of meaningful interaction across distances previously impossible to bridge. In my view, technology is largely a tool for connection when used with intention, though passive and excessive use does carry genuine social risks.
Those who argue that technology isolates people point to real and measurable concerns. Screen time statistics consistently show that many adults spend more hours interacting with devices than with family members in physical spaces. Social media platforms, in particular, are designed to reward frequent engagement — a business model that can displace face-to-face conversation. Research from the United Kingdom has linked heavy social media use among teenagers to reported feelings of loneliness, suggesting that digital engagement is not always a functional substitute for in-person community.
On the other hand, technology has demonstrably expanded the social reach of millions of people. Video calling tools allowed families separated by migration, work, or illness to maintain relationships that geography would once have severed. Online communities have given connection and belonging to individuals who, for reasons of geography, disability, or minority identity, would otherwise find it difficult to build a social network. These are not trivial benefits: for many people, technology is not competing with an active social life but actively enabling one.
My own position is that the distinction lies in how technology is used, not whether it is used. Passive scrolling through curated content is a poor substitute for genuine interaction and the evidence for its isolating effects is credible. Active use — video calls, collaborative platforms, interest communities — tends to supplement rather than replace meaningful connection. The problem is not technology itself but the absence of deliberate habits around it.
In conclusion, technology can either isolate or connect depending on the choices users make. Blaming the tool for passive behaviour misses the point; the more productive response is to develop conscious habits that use technology as a bridge rather than a barrier.
Why This Essay Scores at Band 7+
Understanding the features of a strong response is as useful as reading the essay itself. Here is what this sample does well across all four marking criteria.
Task Response
The question asks to discuss both views and give an opinion. This essay does exactly that — both sides receive a full paragraph, and the writer’s position is introduced in the introduction and developed through the body, not just tagged on at the end. Many candidates state an opinion without ever justifying it; this essay explains why the writer holds the position they do.
Coherence and Cohesion
The essay uses clear paragraph structure: one main idea per paragraph, developed with evidence or reasoning, then connected back to the question. Cohesive devices (“on the other hand”, “in particular”, “in conclusion”) signal transitions without being mechanical. Crucially, the essay avoids the common error of overusing linking words as a substitute for actual logical progression.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary choices include precise collocations — “erode genuine social bonds”, “passive scrolling”, “curated content”, “functional substitute” — rather than high-frequency generic phrases. This signals lexical range without forcing uncommon words unnaturally. Avoid the trap of inserting rare vocabulary to impress; examiners reward accuracy and range, not obscurity.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
The sample uses a mix of complex structures — relative clauses, passive voice, conditional logic, and abstract noun phrases — without overcomplicating sentences to the point of error. A single sentence that reads smoothly and accurately is worth more than a complex sentence with a grammar mistake.
How to Structure a Technology Essay on Any Question Type
Technology essays appear as opinion, advantage/disadvantage, discuss both views, and problem/solution formats. The structural approach differs slightly for each, but the underlying discipline is the same: one clear argument per paragraph, supported by a reason and an example or evidence.
For discuss both views questions (like the sample above):
- Introduction: paraphrase + both views briefly named + your position
- Body 1: View A, fully developed
- Body 2: View B, fully developed
- Body 3 (optional): your own developed position, or weave throughout
- Conclusion: synthesise, restate opinion
For opinion essays on technology:
- State your position clearly in the introduction
- Body paragraphs each develop one reason supporting your view
- Acknowledge a counterargument briefly if space allows
- Conclusion reinforces position without introducing new ideas
The IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Score Strategy guide covers all five question types in detail, with structural templates you can adapt to any technology topic.
Common Technology Topic Mistakes
Knowing what to avoid is as important as knowing what to do. These are the errors that pull scores down most often on technology topics.
Stating opinions without evidence. “Technology is bad for society” is a claim, not an argument. Every position needs a reason, and reasons carry more weight when grounded in evidence — statistics, research findings, or plausible real-world logic.
Treating both sides as equally valid when you have a clear opinion. The instructions say “give your own opinion.” Hedging to the point where your view is invisible will cost you on Task Response. Take a position and defend it.
Over-generalising about “young people” or “everyone.” Examiners notice when candidates apply sweeping claims without qualification. Phrases like “many studies suggest” or “evidence from [region]” show more academic control.
Using technology vocabulary incorrectly. Words like “algorithm,” “automation,” and “platform” have specific meanings. Using them loosely or incorrectly is worse than avoiding them. If you are not confident, use precise plain language.
Losing paragraph focus. Each body paragraph should develop one idea only. When a paragraph tries to cover multiple arguments, coherence and cohesion scores drop.
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Practice Questions for Technology Essay Topics
Once you understand the structure, the best way to improve is timed practice with real question types. Below are five common technology question frames to practise with:
1. Some people think that modern technology has made people lazier. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
2. The internet has changed the way people communicate, but not all of these changes are positive. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
3. Technology can never replace human workers in many key industries. Do you agree or disagree?
4. Some argue that social media has more negative effects than positive ones. Discuss.
5. Technology is increasingly used in education. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?
For each, time yourself strictly: 40 minutes maximum, 250 words minimum. Review your response against the four marking criteria before checking model answers.
Access timed, examiner-marked practice with the Unlimited IELTS Mock Tests plan — the fastest way to identify patterns in your own writing errors and fix them systematically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What band score would this technology essay sample receive?
This essay demonstrates band 7+ performance across all four criteria. Task Response is fully addressed, coherence is strong, lexical resource is precise, and grammar is mostly accurate with range. A well-executed version of this structure, submitted under timed conditions, is consistent with a band 7 or higher result for most examiners.
How long should an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay be?
The minimum is 250 words, but most band 7+ responses fall between 270 and 320 words. Quality matters more than length — adding filler to reach 350 words rarely helps and can introduce errors. Aim for tight, well-developed paragraphs rather than padding.
Can I use the same essay structure for every technology question?
Not exactly. The paragraph structure adapts to the question type — opinion essays differ from discuss both views, which differ from problem/solution tasks. The underlying discipline (one idea per paragraph, supported and explained) stays constant, but the sequencing changes. Study the question type before choosing your structure.
How important are examples in IELTS Writing Task 2?
Examples support your arguments but are not independently assessed. A precise reason without a specific example often scores better than a vague example without a clear reason. If you use examples, keep them brief, relevant, and grounded — real-world references, plausible statistics, or named research carry more weight than invented scenarios.
How do I improve my vocabulary for technology essays specifically?
Read technology-related articles in quality publications (broadsheet newspapers, academic commentary, policy briefings) and note the collocations used — not just the words themselves. Phrase banks built from authentic reading improve both range and accuracy faster than memorising word lists in isolation.
