GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 248
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that computer games are bad for children, while others believe that they are useful.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of computer games for children 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.
Model Answer:
Computer games have become the most desired playtime activity of modern children. When playing computer games is widely considered as a useful leisure activity, it has some negative impacts on children as well. This essay outlines some specific benefits and drawbacks of playing electronic games.
Computer games bring decisive advantages to children. These games sharpen their sense of engagement and responsibilities. When children, for instance, play a racing game, they use their minds to drive their cars without getting involved in any accidents and without violating traffic signals. The more safely they drive, the more chances they have to make points and win the race. Apart from that, many digital games require two or more players. Playing together these games boosts sportsman spirits, trustful companionship, and a friendly atmosphere, thereby encouraging good teamwork and communication. Last but not least, digital games increase children’s focus and attention as well. Put simply, these games need a certain amount of competence and memory so as to clear the stages of the game, and as children keep playing the game, their concentration and focus will not only improve in the game but also in doing daily tasks in their lives.
Computer games, however, have severe demerits, especially when children play them excessively. Spending an excessive amount of time playing electronic games will lead to various health-related issues among children. Put simply, these games are full of adventures, thrill, and action. Consequently, children usually do not move from the seat and stare at the screen till the end of the game no matter how long it takes. This, in turn, will cause several problems such as joint pain, back pain, and short-sightedness. Besides, violent games can negatively impact children’s behaviour. This is because children actively govern the narrative, make decisions and choices to win the games. Recent research, for instance, shed light on the fact that when children spend a great deal of time playing violent games, their tender minds are likely to adopt a quarrelsome attitude.
In conclusion, computer games confer both advantages and disadvantages to children. It is difficult to avoid technology in this tech-savvy epoch, and therefore, parents should select those games which provide children with education and fun together, rather than those which drive them to the road to destruction.