Task 2 — Argument Essay Band 7 Structure
The Essay That's Worth Double
Task 2 carries twice the weight of Task 1, and a clear four-paragraph argument structure with real examples consistently outperforms flashier but less organised writing.
40 Minutes, Worth Double
The 4-Paragraph Structure
Time Plan (40 minutes)
Avoid These
- Contractions — write "do not", not "don't"
- Bullet points — Task 2 must be full prose paragraphs
- Short paragraphs (fewer than 4 sentences)
- Repeating the same vocabulary throughout the essay
Full Model Essay — Band 7–8
The 4-paragraph structure above applied to a real Task 2 prompt, with a breakdown of exactly why it scores well.
Prompt: Some people believe that technology has made people less social. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is often argued that modern technology, particularly smartphones and social media, has weakened face-to-face social connections. While I understand this concern, I believe technology has changed the nature of social interaction rather than reduced it overall.
On one hand, there is clear evidence that heavy device use can displace in-person contact. It is a common sight to see friends or family members sitting together yet absorbed in their individual phones instead of talking to one another. Over time, this habit can weaken the depth of real-world relationships, since quick messages rarely replace the nuance of a face-to-face conversation. Critics of technology often point to this pattern as proof that people are becoming more isolated.
On the other hand, technology has also created entirely new forms of social connection that would not otherwise exist. Video calls allow families separated by distance to maintain close relationships, while online communities connect people who share niche interests they could never have found locally. For many, particularly those with limited mobility or social anxiety, digital platforms offer a genuine and valuable way to socialise that traditional settings do not provide. In this sense, technology has broadened, rather than narrowed, who people are able to connect with.
In conclusion, while excessive or thoughtless use of technology can reduce the quality of in-person interaction, it would be inaccurate to say technology has made people less social overall. It has simply shifted where and how socialising happens, bringing both new risks and new opportunities.