Advantages and disadvantages of social media
This is a model answer written to show what a Band 7 response looks like against the marking criteria. It is a worked example, not a graded submission. To see your own band, paste your writing into the free checker.
The prompt
Social media platforms have become part of daily life for billions of people. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this development?
Band 7 model answer (268 words)
Social media is now woven into the daily routine of billions of users, from teenagers sharing photos to grandparents following family news. This essay will examine the main benefits of these platforms and then consider their most serious drawbacks.
The greatest advantage of social media is the connection it offers across distance. Families separated by migration can share moments in real time, and people with unusual interests or rare medical conditions can find communities that simply do not exist in their own towns. These platforms have also opened doors for small businesses, which can now reach customers around the world without paying for expensive advertising, something only large companies could afford in the past.
On the other hand, the disadvantages are becoming harder to ignore. The most damaging is the effect on mental health, particularly among young users, who constantly compare their ordinary lives with the polished highlights other people choose to post. Misinformation is a second serious problem, because false stories spread faster than corrections, and many users never see the facts. Finally, the endless scroll is deliberately designed to hold attention, so hours that could be spent on sleep, study or real conversation quietly disappear.
In my view, these harms do not cancel out the benefits, but they do demand more careful habits, such as limiting screen time and checking sources before sharing.
In conclusion, social media connects people and creates opportunity on a scale never seen before, yet it also damages wellbeing and spreads falsehood. Users who understand both sides are far better placed to enjoy the advantages while avoiding the worst of the harm.
Why this reaches Band 7
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Task Response
Both sides of the question are covered with developed points rather than a list: each advantage and disadvantage gets an explanation or consequence, such as why misinformation spreads ("false stories spread faster than corrections").
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Coherence and Cohesion
One paragraph per side, a short evaluative paragraph, then a conclusion. Linking such as "On the other hand" and "Finally" guides the reader without feeling forced.
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Lexical Resource
Less common phrasing like "woven into the daily routine", "polished highlights" and "the endless scroll" is used naturally and precisely, which is exactly what Band 7 rewards.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Relative clauses, comparatives and concessive structures ("yet it also damages wellbeing") are handled with very few errors.
The one fix to reach Band 7
A Band 6 answer to this question usually names three advantages and three disadvantages in single sentences. The change that reaches Band 7 is to cut the list down and develop each remaining point with a reason or consequence, so every idea earns its place.
Now check your own answer.
Paste your own attempt at this prompt and Examinerly names the single criterion keeping you below your target band, and shows the sentence-level fix. We never inflate your band.
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