You should spend about 40 minutes on IELTS writing task 2.
Some people believe that mobile phone conversations should be banned in crowded and social places. Others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. You should write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer
Following the cell phone revolution, almost every Tom, Dick, and Harry owns a mobile phone. It has reshaped the way we communicate and has occupied an indispensable part of our lives. But some people think that we should avoid using mobile phones in public places. Others feel that it is much ado about nothing. I agree with the former view. In the forthcoming paragraphs, I shall discuss both ideas and explain which is beneficial to society.
Primarily, cell phones are devices that emit electromagnetic radiation. According to the traffic laws, these devices could cause an explosion of fire in petrol bunks if not switched off. Secondly, they are chief sources of distraction. There have been many accidents reported due to talking over mobile phones while driving. If used by doctors or nurses in hospitals, it may cost the patient’s life. In public places like libraries, cell phone tunes disturb the people reading books. In places of religious worship, people talking over cell phones in loud voices are a hindrance to people praying sincerely. People who talk or listen to music on cell phones while walking on roads are more prone to accidents.
On the other hand, defendants of mobile phone use in public places argue that mobile phones are the best way to convey an emergency message. For instance, an ailing mother could contact her son, driving a car and asking him to admit her to a hospital. In tourist spots, smartphones come handy to capture pictures and videos. Moreover, they have electronic mailing facilities, which are helpful in many ways. For example, an office-goer who is on his way to the office and suddenly gets a message that his wife is admitted into the hospital can email his boss about his leave.
To recapitulate, there are both merits and demerits in using cell phones in public places. Though cell phones are useful in conveying information, there are an increasing number of road accidents reported due to the use of cell phones in public areas. So it is without a doubt that they should be banned in public places.
Structure of the essay
You were given a discussion essay for which you had to give an opinion. Choose a side. State your opinion on it.
Introduction:
Question Paraphrased – Following the cell phone revolution, almost every Tom, Dick, and Harry owns a mobile phone. It has reshaped the way we communicate and has occupied an indispensable part of our lives. But some people think that we should avoid using mobile phones in public places. Others feel that it is much ado about nothing.
Opinion – I agree with the former view.
A thesis statement – In the forthcoming paragraphs, I shall discuss both ideas and explain which is beneficial to society.
Body Paragraph 1: Why is it harmful to use cell phones in public places?
Supporting points:
- Causes fire explosion in petrol bunks
- Talking while driving causes accidents
- Use in hospitals may cost the patient’s life
- Talking over phone while walking on the road causes accidents
Body Paragraph 2: Merits of cell phones
Supporting points:
- Useful in conveying emergency information
- Comes handy in capturing images
- Has emailing features which are useful
Conclusion: Reiterated the dangers of using cell phones in public places and supported the side taken in introduction.