This is a model IELTS essay on the decline in communication between younger and older people. It's a causes/reasons and solutions type essay.
This means you are presented with a problem and you then have to say why it is happening and suggest measures to resolve the situation. This is the question:
Nowadays in many countries young people don’t communicate with older people as much as they used to.
Why is this happening?
How could this situation be improved?
Your body paragraphs should obviously cover:
You then need to brainstorm some answers to these questions and think about what evidence (such as examples) you will use to support it.
In an essay where you have to offer solutions, it's common to use modal verbs.
You can use these to explain your solutions. For example:
Younger people should...
Governments have to...
Parents must...
Social media companies could...
Now let's look at a model answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Nowadays in many countries young people don’t communicate with older people as much as they used to.
Why is this happening?
How could this situation be improved?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.
In recent years, it has become increasingly common for younger generations to avoid communication with older individuals in many countries. In this essay, I will explore some of the reasons behind this phenomenon and suggest some practical measures to address it.
There are various factors contributing to this trend. The first is the rise of technology and social media, which has led to a shift in communication patterns. Younger individuals tend to prefer communicating through social media platforms and messaging apps rather than face-to-face interaction. As a result, they may not feel comfortable or confident engaging in personal conversations with older individuals. Another factor is a growing generation gap between young and old people in many countries, which can be attributed to differences in values, attitudes, and lifestyles. Young people may feel that they have little in common with older generations and therefore do not see the need for interaction.
To address this issue, there are several steps that can be taken. Firstly, families must play a crucial role in promoting communication across the generations. Parents should encourage their children to interact with older relatives and emphasise the value of learning from their experiences. Another possible solution is that social media companies are encouraged to develop platforms that foster intergenerational communication by, for instance, creating groups that bring together people of different ages who share common interests. Schools and universities could also introduce programs that promote intergenerational interaction, such as organising regular events where younger and older individuals can interact in a comfortable and relaxed setting.
In conclusion, the decline in intergenerational communication is a worrying trend in many countries. Only through the measures discussed can we hope to bridge the generation gap and build a more connected and cohesive society.
291 Words
The essay answers the question directly - the first body paragraph explaining the causes and the second one giving solutions. Ideas are supported and explained fully.
It's well-organised, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each body paragraph has a main idea (1. causes 2. solutions).
The essay also has a good range of lexis and grammatical structures and appropriate types of language, such as modals, have been used to make suggestions for how to resolve the problem.
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