IELTS Speaking Part 1 in 2019 with Band 9 Answers – Topic: Social Networking

Topic: Social Networking

1. How often do you use social networking applications?
2. Why do you use social networking applications?
3. What are the disadvantages of social networking applications?
4. Do you think it is good to make friends online?

1. (How often do you use social networking applications?)
(Answer) On a daily basis.
(Give a reason for your answer) Browsing on social networking applications is part of my routine. However, I’m trying to resist the temptation to use these applications too frequently, because it takes up quite a large amount of my time.

2. (Why do you use social networking applications?)
(Answer) For several reasons.
(Give a reason for your answer) I find Facebook particularly useful because it provides a community space to make announcements and share with others. I also dip in and out of Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram – usually in response to notification alerts. Generally, social networking applications help people establish better relationships with their family and friends.

3. (What are the disadvantages of social networking applications?)
(Answer) Obviously, sharing too much information on social platforms can sometimes put you in trouble and there are privacy concerns also. Social media can also lead to cyber bullying and lead to serious stress, anxiety and depression in heavy users, especially youngsters. Excessive reliance on the Virtual world could diminish a person’s ability to have a face to face
conversation.

4. (Do you think it is good to make friends online?)
(Answer) Well, it depends.
(Give a reason for your answer) While most people feel the need to cement their friendships based on real social interactions, I’m comfortable with talking to people I’ve met online as long as there’s a mutual exchange of ideas. However, I would caution those who seek friends online only because they are socially insecure or lonely. Using online platforms as an avenue for
friendship does not solve your problems and it might just make it worse.

Vocabulary:

on a daily basis [expression]: everyday
Eg: Jim goes to school on a daily basis.

temptation [n]: the wish to do or have something that you know you should not do or have
Eg: As a young actress, she resisted the temptation to move to Hollywood.

particularly [adv]: especially, or more than usual
Eg: We’re particularly interested to hear from people who speak two or more European languages.

in response to [expression]: to reply sth
Eg: The subject has to select the correct word among four alternatives in response to a question.

establish [v]: to start having a relationship with, or communicating with another person, company, country, or organization
Eg: There is a strong need to establish effective communication links between staff, parents, pupils, and external bodies.

cyber bullying [expression]: cyber bullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets
Eg: 68% of teens agree that cyber bullying is a serious problem.

excessive [adj]: too much
Eg: Excessive exercise can sometimes cause health problems.

diminish [v]: to reduce or be reduced in size, importance, or value
Eg: Investors can diversify their holdings in order to diminish risk.

mutual [adj]: feeling the same emotion, or doing the same thing to or for each other
Eg: Theirs was a partnership based on mutual respect, trust and understanding.

avenue [n]: a method or way of doing something
Eg: China and the United States are exploring avenues of military cooperation.