This is a practice question for IELTS Writing Task 2.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:#
In the digital age, many people willingly share personal information online through social media and other platforms. Some argue that this trend is harmless and enhances connectivity, while others believe it poses significant risks to individual privacy and security.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer Outline:#
Introduction
You can briefly introduce the topic of online information sharing and state that there are differing opinions on its impact.
Provide a thesis statement outlining your position.
Main Body Paragraph 1:
You might discuss the view that sharing personal information online is harmless and beneficial.
Provide examples of how it enhances connectivity and social interactions.
Main Body Paragraph 2:
You may present the opposing view that online sharing poses risks to privacy and security.
Offer examples of potential dangers and consequences
Main Body Paragraph 3 (Optional):
You can discuss potential ways to balance the benefits of online sharing with privacy protection.
Conclusion:
Summarize the main points and restate your opinion on the issue.
Model answer (Band 8 style)
Write your own answer first, then compare structure and vocabulary. Task 2 · 260 words.
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Sharing photos, locations and personal opinions online has become a normal part of everyday life. While some people regard this as harmless and beneficial for staying connected, others warn that it seriously threatens privacy and security. In my view, online sharing offers genuine benefits, but the risks are often underestimated.
Those who see no harm in sharing personal information emphasise its social value. Social media allows people to stay in touch with friends and relatives across the world, find communities with shared interests, and promote their work or businesses. For many young people, an online presence is also part of building a professional network. From this perspective, the convenience and connection outweigh any theoretical danger.
However, the risks are real and growing. Information posted publicly can be collected by companies and used for targeted advertising, often without users understanding how their data is processed. More seriously, details such as birthdays, addresses or holiday plans can help criminals commit identity theft or burglary. Content shared casually can also resurface years later and damage someone’s reputation or job prospects, because once something is online, it is extremely difficult to delete completely.
I therefore believe the solution lies in awareness rather than avoidance. People should check privacy settings, think carefully before posting sensitive details, and teach children to do the same. At the same time, governments should require technology companies to be transparent about data collection.
In conclusion, sharing information online can strengthen connections, but because the consequences can be serious and long-lasting, individuals and governments must take privacy far more seriously.
Task Response
Balanced discussion of both views with concrete risks and benefits; the opinion (benefits real, risks underestimated) is clear and consistent.
Coherence & Cohesion
Paragraph topic sentences guide the reader; “From this perspective”, “More seriously” and “I therefore believe” build the argument.
Lexical Resource
Digital vocabulary: online presence, targeted advertising, identity theft, privacy settings, data collection.
Grammatical Range
Complex sentences with reduced relative clauses (“Content shared casually”), passives and cause-effect clauses.
Want your own writing scored? Paste it into the Worddemy App and get a band score with feedback on all four criteria.
Evaluation Criteria:#
Coherence and Cohesion
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
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