If you’re preparing for IELTS General Training Writing Task 2, understanding the difference between a Band 7 and Band 8 response can be the game-changer you need. Today, we’ll analyze a popular essay topic about technology’s impact on relationships, showing you exactly how to elevate your writing from good to excellent.
Understanding the Essay Prompt
Before diving into sample responses, let’s break down what this question is really asking:
Topic: Technology’s impact on personal relationships Task: Discuss both views (improved vs. damaged relationships) + give your opinion Type: Discussion essay with opinion Key requirement: Provide reasons and examples from your experience
This is a classic IELTS question that tests your ability to present balanced arguments while maintaining a clear personal stance.
Band 7 Sample Response #1
The Balanced Approach
In today’s digital age, the role of technology in shaping personal relationships has become a topic of considerable debate. While some people argue that modern technology has enhanced our ability to maintain connections, others believe it has led to a decline in meaningful face-to-face interactions. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
On one hand, technology has undoubtedly made communication more accessible and convenient. Social media platforms, messaging applications, and video calling services allow people to stay in touch with friends and family regardless of geographical distance. For instance, I regularly use video calls to communicate with my cousin who lives in Australia, which would have been impossible or extremely expensive just two decades ago. Furthermore, technology enables people to reconnect with old friends through social networking sites, thereby reviving relationships that might have otherwise been lost.
On the other hand, critics argue that excessive reliance on digital communication has reduced the quality of personal interactions. Many people spend more time on their devices than engaging in face-to-face conversations, even when they are physically together. This phenomenon, often seen in restaurants where families sit together but focus on their phones, suggests that technology may be creating emotional distance. Additionally, online communication lacks the warmth and depth of in-person interactions, as it cannot fully convey body language, tone, and other non-verbal cues that are essential for genuine human connection.
In my opinion, technology is simply a tool, and its impact on relationships depends entirely on how we use it. While it has the potential to enhance connections, particularly over long distances, it should complement rather than replace face-to-face interactions. The key lies in maintaining a healthy balance and being mindful of our digital habits.
In conclusion, although technology offers numerous benefits for maintaining relationships, it can also pose challenges if not used wisely. By leveraging technology’s advantages while preserving the value of personal interactions, we can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Why is this Band 7?
Strengths:
- Clear structure with proper paragraphing
- Addresses all parts of the task
- Good range of vocabulary (“considerable debate,” “enhanced,” “reviving”)
- Some complex sentences
- Relevant personal example
- Coherent flow with linking devices
Limitations:
- Vocabulary is good but not sophisticated enough
- Ideas could be developed more deeply
- Some generic expressions (“In today’s digital age”)
- Less precise expression in places
- Could use more varied grammatical structures
Band 7 Sample Response #2
The Example-Rich Approach
The impact of technology on personal relationships is a subject that generates strong opinions on both sides. Some individuals believe that digital tools have strengthened our connections, while others feel that they have weakened the quality of our relationships. Both viewpoints have merit and deserve careful consideration.
Supporters of technology highlight its ability to bridge geographical gaps and facilitate constant communication. Modern applications like WhatsApp, Zoom, and Facebook have made it possible for people to maintain relationships despite being separated by thousands of miles. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many families relied on video conferencing to celebrate birthdays and holidays together, which provided comfort during difficult times. Moreover, technology allows for instant communication, meaning that people can share important moments immediately, creating a sense of shared experience even when apart.
However, opponents argue that digital communication has led to superficial relationships and reduced empathy. When people interact primarily through screens, they miss out on the subtle emotional cues that come from face-to-face conversation. Young people, in particular, may struggle to develop strong interpersonal skills if they spend most of their time communicating through text messages rather than in-person discussions. Studies have shown that excessive social media use can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression, suggesting that online connections cannot fully replace real-world relationships.
From my perspective, technology has more positive than negative effects on relationships, provided it is used responsibly. While nothing can truly replace the value of spending time with loved ones in person, technology serves as an excellent supplement, especially in our increasingly globalized world where families and friends often live far apart.
To sum up, technology presents both opportunities and challenges for personal relationships. The wisest approach is to embrace its benefits while remaining conscious of the need for genuine, face-to-face human interaction.
Why is this Band 7?
Strengths:
- Well-organized with clear topic sentences
- Good use of examples (COVID-19 pandemic)
- Addresses the question fully
- Reasonable vocabulary range
- Clear opinion stated
- Good cohesion between ideas
Limitations:
- Could demonstrate more sophisticated language use
- Arguments could be more nuanced
- Some ideas need deeper elaboration
- Transitions could be more sophisticated
- Conclusion is somewhat simple
Band 8 Enhanced Version
The Sophisticated Analysis
The digital revolution has fundamentally transformed the landscape of human relationships, sparking intense debate about whether this transformation represents progress or decline. While proponents celebrate technology’s capacity to transcend physical barriers and foster connectivity, critics lament the erosion of authentic, face-to-face engagement. A nuanced examination of both perspectives reveals that the reality is far more complex than either camp acknowledges.
Advocates of digital communication make a compelling case for technology’s democratizing effect on relationships. Modern platforms have effectively dismantled the constraints of distance and time, enabling unprecedented levels of connectivity. My own experience illustrates this vividly: maintaining a meaningful relationship with my grandmother, who resides in a remote village with limited transportation infrastructure, would have been nearly impossible a generation ago. Now, weekly video calls allow us to share daily experiences and maintain emotional intimacy despite the geographical divide. Furthermore, technology facilitates the formation of communities based on shared interests rather than mere proximity, allowing individuals to forge connections with like-minded people across continents—something particularly valuable for those in minority groups or niche communities who might otherwise feel isolated.
Conversely, the counterargument merits serious consideration, as mounting evidence suggests that digital communication may be cultivating what sociologist Sherry Turkle calls “alone together” syndrome. The paradox of being constantly connected yet increasingly lonely reflects a fundamental shift in how we engage with one another. Rather than enhancing relationships, technology may be facilitating a kind of performative interaction that substitutes depth for breadth. When families gather for dinner only to remain absorbed in their respective screens, or when friends prioritize documenting experiences for social media over actually experiencing them together, we witness technology not merely supplementing but actively displacing genuine human connection. Moreover, the asynchronous nature of digital communication, while convenient, can diminish the spontaneity and emotional immediacy that characterize our most meaningful interactions.
In my considered view, technology itself is ethically neutral; rather, the critical determinant is the intentionality with which we deploy it. The most successful relationships in the digital age are those that leverage technology strategically—using it to maintain connections that geographical or temporal constraints would otherwise render impossible—while jealously guarding spaces for unmediated human interaction. The solution lies not in rejecting technology wholesale, which would be both impractical and unnecessary, but in cultivating what might be termed “digital mindfulness”: a conscious awareness of when virtual communication enhances our relationships and when it diminishes them.
In conclusion, the dichotomy between technology as relationship enhancer or destroyer represents a false choice. The more pertinent question concerns how we can harness technology’s connective power while mitigating its tendency to atomize and superficialize our interactions. Ultimately, technology amplifies existing relational patterns—strengthening bonds when used with intention and awareness, but exacerbating disconnection when employed mindlessly. Our challenge is to remain the masters, not the servants, of our digital tools.
Why is this Band 8?
Key Improvements:
1. Sophisticated Vocabulary & Collocations:
- “democratizing effect,” “dismantled the constraints,” “performative interaction”
- “ethically neutral,” “jealously guarding,” “digital mindfulness”
- Natural academic phrases that show advanced command
2. Complex Grammatical Structures:
- Varied sentence structures including conditional, relative clauses, and participial phrases
- Sophisticated punctuation (em dashes, semicolons)
- Complex noun phrases (“mounting evidence suggests that…”)
3. Deeper Idea Development:
- References to academic concepts (Sherry Turkle, “alone together”)
- More nuanced arguments that acknowledge complexity
- Sophisticated analysis rather than surface-level discussion
4. Superior Cohesion:
- Seamless flow between paragraphs
- Sophisticated transitional phrases (“Conversely,” “In my considered view”)
- Ideas build upon each other logically
5. Precise and Nuanced Expression:
- Avoids clichés and generic phrases
- More specific vocabulary choices
- Subtle distinctions in meaning
Your Strategy for Band 8: A Humanized Approach
Let me share what I’ve learned from years of helping students bridge that gap from Band 7 to Band 8. It’s not about memorizing fancy words—it’s about developing a more sophisticated way of thinking and expressing yourself.
1. Develop Your Ideas More Deeply
Band 7 thinking: “Technology helps long-distance relationships.”
Band 8 thinking: “Technology democratizes relationships by removing geographical constraints, yet this accessibility comes at the potential cost of depth, as the convenience of digital communication may encourage quantity over quality in our interactions.”
How to practice: After writing each paragraph, ask yourself: “So what? Why does this matter? What are the deeper implications?” Add another 2-3 sentences that explore the nuances.
2. Embrace Complexity and Contradiction
Band 8 essays don’t just present two sides—they acknowledge that reality is messy and complex. Use phrases like:
- “While this perspective has merit, it overlooks…”
- “The reality is far more nuanced than…”
- “This phenomenon reflects a deeper tension between…”
- “Paradoxically…”
These signal sophisticated thinking to the examiner.
3. Upgrade Your Vocabulary Strategically
Don’t just learn random “difficult” words. Focus on:
Academic collocations:
- “Foster connectivity” instead of “help people connect”
- “Erode authentic engagement” instead of “reduce real interaction”
- “Cultivate relationships” instead of “make relationships better”
Verb precision:
- “Transcend” instead of “go beyond”
- “Facilitate” instead of “help”
- “Mitigate” instead of “reduce”
Tip: Read quality newspapers like The Guardian, The Economist, or The Atlantic. Notice how they express common ideas more precisely.
4. Vary Your Sentence Structure Deliberately
Band 8 writers mix:
- Simple sentences (for impact)
- Compound sentences (for balance)
- Complex sentences (for sophistication)
- Sentences with embedded clauses
Practice drill: Take a Band 7 paragraph and rewrite three sentences using different structures. Your writing should feel rhythmic, not monotonous.
5. Use Examples More Strategically
Band 7: Personal examples that illustrate a point
Band 8: Examples that serve multiple purposes:
- Illustrate your point
- Add specificity and credibility
- Transition to your next idea
- Reference broader social trends or research
Notice how the Band 8 example about the grandmother not only illustrates connectivity but also mentions “remote village with limited transportation infrastructure”—adding richness and context.
6. Master Academic Referencing
You don’t need to memorize actual studies, but referencing concepts shows intellectual engagement:
- “According to sociologists…”
- “Research suggests that…”
- “Contemporary psychologists have identified…”
- “What [expert name] calls ‘_____ syndrome'”
Even if you don’t remember exact sources, phrases like “studies indicate” or “research has shown” (when used honestly) demonstrate awareness of broader discourse.
7. Craft a Memorable Introduction and Conclusion
Band 7 intro: States the topic and your intention to discuss both sides
Band 8 intro:
- Opens with a compelling observation
- Frames the debate in interesting terms
- Signals your sophisticated approach
Band 7 conclusion: Summarizes main points
Band 8 conclusion:
- Synthesizes the discussion
- Offers a fresh insight or perspective
- Leaves the reader thinking
8. Edit Ruthlessly
Band 8 candidates eliminate:
- Clichés (“In today’s modern world,” “Last but not least”)
- Repetition of the same vocabulary
- Vague language (“very,” “really,” “a lot”)
- Awkward phrasing
Time management strategy: Plan (5 min) → Write (30 min) → Edit (5 min)
Use those final five minutes to hunt for weak vocabulary and replace it.
9. Develop Your Critical Thinking
This is the secret sauce. Band 8 essays demonstrate that you can:
- See multiple perspectives simultaneously
- Recognize contradictions and paradoxes
- Think beyond surface-level observations
- Synthesize different ideas into a coherent position
Practice: When reading about any topic, force yourself to think: “What’s the counterargument? What are the hidden assumptions? What’s a more nuanced way to frame this?”
10. Write Naturally, Not Artificially
Here’s something crucial: Band 8 writing sounds natural and confident, not like someone showing off vocabulary they just learned. The goal is controlled sophistication—you’re demonstrating range while remaining clear and readable.
The golden rule: If you wouldn’t say it in an intelligent conversation with a professor, don’t force it into your essay.
Your 8-Week Band 8 Roadmap
Weeks 1-2: Vocabulary building
- Learn 10 academic collocations daily
- Read one quality article daily, noting sophisticated expressions
- Rewrite simple sentences using academic language
Weeks 3-4: Structural sophistication
- Practice writing complex sentences
- Work on paragraph development (150+ words per body paragraph)
- Study high-scoring sample essays, analyzing their structure
Weeks 5-6: Critical thinking development
- Practice seeing multiple perspectives on issues
- Write outlines that show nuanced thinking
- Discuss topics with study partners, defending multiple viewpoints
Weeks 7-8: Full essay practice
- Write 2-3 complete essays per week
- Time yourself strictly (40 minutes)
- Self-edit using a Band 8 checklist
- Get feedback from teachers or study groups
Common Mistakes That Keep You at Band 7
- Memorizing essays: Examiners spot this instantly. Your ideas must be relevant to the specific question.
- Over-complicating: Band 8 is sophisticated, not convoluted. Clarity still matters.
- Neglecting task response: Fancy vocabulary won’t save you if you don’t fully address the prompt.
- Inconsistent register: Mixing informal and formal language damages coherence.
- Ignoring word count: You need 250+ words, but quality matters more than quantity. Aim for 280-320 words of substantial content.
Final Thoughts: The Mindset Shift
Moving from Band 7 to Band 8 isn’t just about learning techniques—it’s about shifting how you think about writing. You’re not just answering a question; you’re engaging in intellectual discourse. You’re not just providing examples; you’re building a persuasive argument. You’re not just writing an essay; you’re demonstrating that you can think and communicate at an advanced academic level.
The difference between Band 7 and Band 8 often comes down to confidence and authenticity. Band 8 writers trust their voice and their ideas. They write with authority because they’ve developed their critical thinking alongside their language skills.
Remember: every Band 8 writer was once a Band 7 writer who refused to settle. With deliberate practice, strategic improvement, and genuine engagement with ideas, you can make that leap too.
The technology and relationships essay is just one example—but the principles apply to any IELTS Writing Task 2 topic. Master these strategies, and you’ll be well-equipped to tackle whatever the exam throws at you.
