IE:TS Bands 6-9

🎯Context: Social media platforms have become integral to modern communication, connecting people across the world. However, these platforms also have a profound influence on social behavior and mental health. ❓Question: How has social media changed the way people communicate and form relationships? ⚠️Challenging words: 1) Integral (adjective): necessary and important as a part of a whole. He's an integral part of the team and we can't do without him 2) Profound (adjective): very great or intense. Her books offer profound insights into the true nature of courage. 3) Influence (noun): the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something. Band 6 Answer: "Social media is an integral part of our lives now. It helps us stay in touch with friends and family easily. We can also meet new people online. But sometimes, it affects how we communicate in real life. People spend more time on their phones than talking face-to-face." Band 7 Answer: "Social media has had a profound influence on how we communicate. It allows us to stay connected with people from all over the world, which is amazing. However, I also think it has made communication less personal. Many people, especially young ones, rely too much on texting or social media, which can harm their real-life communication skills." Band 8 Answer: "Social media has undoubtedly changed the dynamics of communication, serving as an integral tool for maintaining long-distance relationships and connecting with diverse groups. While it facilitates instant communication, the profound effect it has on human interaction can be both positive and negative. On one hand, it has expanded social networks; on the other, it may diminish the depth of relationships as virtual interactions often replace face-to-face connections." Band 9 Answer: "Social media’s influence on communication is both revolutionary and concerning. On one hand, it has become an integral part of modern life, allowing individuals to communicate instantaneously across continents, fostering global networks. However, the profound shift towards digital communication has led to a decline in face-to-face interactions, potentially weakening interpersonal skills and creating a more superficial layer of relationships built on online personas rather than genuine human connection."

Part 1: Introduction and Interview You can read the provide answer to practice reading and pronunciation, or you can answer the question from your own perspective. ⭐️1. How often do you use social media? "I use social media quite frequently throughout the day. I’d say I check it multiple times, usually to stay in touch with friends and family or to catch up on news and trends. However, I try to limit my usage because it can easily become a distraction, especially when I have tasks to complete." ⭐️2. What do you think is the most popular social media platform in your country? "In my country, I think Instagram is probably the most popular social media platform. It appeals to a wide range of people, particularly younger users, because it’s highly visual and user-friendly. Many people use it not only for personal connections but also for business, as it’s an effective tool for marketing and promoting products." ⭐️3. How do you feel when you spend a lot of time on social media? "To be honest, when I spend too much time on social media, I often feel drained and unproductive. Although it can be entertaining, it sometimes leaves me feeling like I’ve wasted valuable time. On the other hand, when I use it moderately, it can be quite enjoyable and informative, but excessive use definitely has a negative impact on my mood and energy." ⭐️4. Do you think social media has changed the way people communicate? In what way? "Absolutely. Social media has completely transformed the way people communicate. In the past, people relied on phone calls, emails, or even letters to stay in touch, but now communication is instantaneous and global. You can easily send a message, share a photo, or video chat with someone on the other side of the world in a matter of seconds. It’s made interactions much faster and more frequent, but I think it has also led to more superficial conversations at times." ⭐️5. What age do you think is appropriate for children to start using social media? "I believe children should be at least 13 or 14 before they start using social media, as this is the age when they’re more likely to understand the risks associated with it, such as privacy concerns and online safety. Younger children may not have the maturity to handle the pressures of social media, like peer comparison or cyberbullying. It’s important for parents to guide them and set boundaries when they first start using these platforms."

Describe the impact of social media on society today. "Social media is very popular. In my country, a lot of people use Facebook and Instagram. They like to share pictures and talk to friends. It changed how we live because people are always online now. They check their phones a lot, and they don’t talk to people face-to-face. Social media can be good because it helps people talk to each other. But it can also be bad because people spend too much time on their phones. Some people feel sad when they see other people’s pictures. I think social media has more bad things than good things." ⭐️ Band 3: The response is very basic, with limited vocabulary and grammar. The ideas are simple, and there are no complex structures or clear explanations. The speech is hesitant and lacks fluency.

➡️Describe the impact of social media on society today. "Social media is very important these days. In my country, Instagram is the most used platform, and people use it to share photos and videos. It has really changed people’s lives because they spend more time online and less time talking in person. Now, people post everything about their lives, like what they eat or where they go. On one hand, social media is good because it lets people stay connected and share information. On the other hand, it is also bad because some people become addicted to it, and they spend too much time on their phones. Some people feel jealous when they see others having a good time. I think social media has both good and bad sides. ⭐️Band 5: The response is more coherent and organized, with a wider range of vocabulary and sentence structures, but still quite simple. The speaker shows some ability to explain ideas but lacks depth and complexity. There may also be noticeable grammar and fluency errors.

Part 3: Discussion Questions (Band 8 Sample Answers) ➡️ 1. How has social media influenced the way people communicate with each other compared to the past? "Social media has completely revolutionized the way we communicate. In the past, communication was often limited to face-to-face interactions, phone calls, or written letters. Now, it’s much more instantaneous, and people can connect with others all over the world at any time. Social media has also made communication more informal, with people using emojis, memes, and short messages to express themselves. However, while it has made staying in touch easier, I think it has also reduced the depth of some conversations. People are often multitasking or distracted, which can make communication feel less meaningful." ➡️ 2. What are some of the positive effects of social media on society? "One of the most positive effects is that it has made it easier for people to stay connected, regardless of distance. Friends and family members who live far apart can communicate daily, sharing photos, videos, and updates. Additionally, social media has become a platform for learning and raising awareness about important global issues, such as environmental causes or social justice movements. It can also be a powerful tool for businesses to grow by reaching a larger audience online. For many, it offers opportunities for networking and finding jobs." ➡️ 3. What are some of the negative effects of social media? "Despite its advantages, social media has some serious drawbacks. One major issue is that it can be highly addictive, with people spending hours scrolling through their feeds. This can lead to a decrease in productivity and, in some cases, mental health issues like anxiety or depression, especially when people compare themselves to the idealized versions of others’ lives. Additionally, social media can contribute to the spread of misinformation, which is a growing concern. Cyberbullying is another negative effect, particularly among teenagers, which can have long-lasting emotional impacts." ➡️ 4. Do you think social media has done more harm or good to society? "This is a tough question because I believe social media has both helped and harmed society. On one hand, it has brought people closer together, provided educational content, and even fostered social change. On the other hand, it has contributed to many problems, such as mental health issues, online harassment, and the rapid spread of false information. Ultimately, I think the harm it causes might outweigh the benefits, but it largely depends on how responsibly people and companies use these platforms." ⭐️These band 8 responses showcase the ability to discuss topics in depth, use advanced vocabulary and grammar, and provide clear, well-organized answers. They maintain a balance between both sides of the argument and express nuanced views.

Describe the impact of social media on society today. Band 8 Sample Answer: "Social media has undoubtedly had a profound impact on society today, affecting the way we communicate, work, and even think. In my country, the most popular social media platform is Instagram, particularly among younger generations. Its focus on visuals, like photos and short videos, makes it appealing for personal use and for businesses looking to promote products or services. Social media has significantly changed people’s behavior. For instance, it has made us more connected, but at the same time, more dependent on virtual communication. People are constantly sharing updates about their lives, opinions, and experiences, which has led to a culture of instant gratification. Likes, comments, and shares have become a form of social validation, and many people spend a lot of time curating their online presence to appear more attractive or successful. On the positive side, social media offers a wealth of information and opportunities for learning. It allows people to keep in touch with friends and family, even if they live far away, and can help build professional networks. It also plays a role in social movements, raising awareness about important issues such as climate change or human rights. However, there are also significant downsides. Many people experience anxiety or low self-esteem from comparing themselves to others on social media. It can lead to an unhealthy obsession with image or popularity. Additionally, misinformation can spread rapidly, and people often find themselves in echo chambers, where their views are reinforced rather than challenged. Overall, while social media offers many benefits, I believe it has more drawbacks, particularly in terms of mental health and the spread of false information. People need to be mindful of how they use these platforms and learn to strike a balance between their online and offline lives."

1. How has social media influenced the way people communicate with each other compared to the past? "Social media has changed the way people talk. In the past, people talked more in person or called each other on the phone. Now, people just send messages or pictures on social media. It’s much faster now, but I think it’s less personal. People don’t really connect in the same way as before." 2. What are some of the positive effects of social media on society? "Social media helps people stay in touch with their family and friends. It’s easy to send messages, pictures, or videos. It’s also good for learning new things. People can find out about the news or learn about different cultures. It’s helpful for businesses too, to show their products." 3. What are some of the negative effects of social media? "There are some bad effects of social media too. A lot of people spend too much time on their phones, and this is not good for their health. Some people feel lonely or sad because they compare their lives to others. Also, there is fake news that can confuse people, and it can be dangerous." 4. Do you think social media has done more harm or good to society? "I think social media has done both good and bad things. It’s good because it helps people talk to each other and learn new things. But it also has problems, like making people feel bad about themselves and spreading fake news. So, I think it’s a mix of both." ⭐️The responses are more coherent and organized but still use basic language and ideas. The speaker shows some ability to explain concepts but lacks depth, and there are frequent grammar mistakes or awkward phrasing. The answers are more developed than Band 3 but remain limited in complexity.