This Band 6.5 IELTS essay addresses issues related to digital distractions in schools, highlighting limited idea development and vocabulary use. By analyzing problems and offering solutions, the essay reveals significant insights for improvement.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Question
Problem/ Solution · Student Behaviour · 40 min
In many schools, students are increasingly distracted by digital devices during lessons, which affects their concentration and classroom engagement.
What problems does this cause, and what solutions can be implemented to address them?
Write at least 250 words.
Score Breakdown
IELTS Writing Band Scores (1–9)
Summary: The essay addresses the task by discussing problems and solutions related to digital distractions in schools, with a word count of 299 meeting the minimum requirement. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited, and lexical variety and grammatical accuracy need improvement. The response is coherent but could benefit from more sophisticated linking and deeper analysis.
Now write your own — and see how your verdict holds up.
Submit your Student Behaviour essay and receive AI scores across Task Response, Coherence, Lexical Resource, and Grammar — plus a Band 9 model answer for your exact question.
In most schools, electronic devices cause children to be distracted, and this results in lower attention and engagement during lessons. Because of this, students find it harder to grasp concepts. Additionally, this limits their knowledge retention as well as performance. As a solution, mobile phones should be banned from schools. Other devices, like smart watches, should also be exempt from the classroom.
When children are not focused on the lesson, they struggle to understand difficult topics, and they do not retain most of the information. Even if they lose concentration for a short time, they would miss key points being discussed in the classroom, and then they are unable to catch up to the next topic of discussion. Most assume that activities like scrolling social media do not affect their ability to listen. Several studies contradict this assumption. playing on the phone during a discussion and is called upon to answer a question, they will not be able" title="Correction: If a student is playing on the phone during a discussion and is called upon to answer a question, they will not be able">If a student is playing on the phone during a discussion and they are called upon to answer a question, they would not be able to remember the details of the discussion precisely.
Educational institutes should take action to address this issue. In my opinion, mobile phones should be completely banned during school hours. Children can be provided with designated lockers to put their devices, and they can only take them at the end of the day or during recess. This would eliminate the distraction at the source. In fact, most schools in countries like Sri Lanka do not allow any electronics in schools. This results in improved performance from learners.
In conclusion, distractions caused by digital devices cause difficulty in understanding subject content, limited retention of information, and an overall decrease in performance in students. To address this issue, electronics like mobile phones and smart watches should not be allowed in the classroom. This will improve learner concentration and engagement.
AI Feedback Report Details
Spelling · Grammar · Vocabulary · Criteria Analysis
Grammatical Mistakes
3 errors| Mistake | Correction | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| exempt from the classroom | excluded from the classroom | Word choice: 'Exempt' means freed from an obligation, while 'excluded' means kept out. The intended meaning is to keep the devices out. |
| Even if they lose concentration for a short time, they would miss | Even if they lose concentration for a short time, they will miss | Conditional tense: The 'if' clause sets a real condition (present simple 'lose'), so the result should be in the future simple ('will miss'), not conditional ('would miss'). |
| If a student is playing on the phone during a discussion and they are called upon to answer a question, they would not be able | If a student is playing on the phone during a discussion and is called upon to answer a question, they will not be able | Conditional tense and parallelism: For a real condition in the present ('is playing'), the result should be future ('will not be able'). Also, the second verb can share the subject ('a student') for conciseness. |
Vocabulary Improvements
4 suggestions| Original Word/Phrase | Improved Word/Phrase | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| grasp | understand | Style: While not incorrect, 'grasp' is slightly informal in this academic context. 'Understand' or 'comprehend' are more neutral and standard. |
| playing on the phone | using their phone | Informal/Vague: 'Playing on the phone' is conversational. 'Using their phone' or 'engaging with their phone' is more formal and encompasses various non-educational activities. |
| Educational institutes | Educational institutions | Word Choice: 'Institution' is the more common and formal term for an established organization like a school. |
| take them | retrieve them | Precision: 'Retrieve' is more precise than the vague 'take' in the context of getting something from storage. |
Ready to practise? Get instant AI feedback on your verdict.
Submit your Student Behaviour essay and receive AI scores across all four IELTS criteria — with specific feedback on whether your solutions are specific, realistic, and matched to your problems.
Detailed Criteria Feedback
AI-powered analysis for each scoring criterion
Task Response6.5
Evaluation
The essay covers both problems and solutions as required, but the ideas are not fully extended. Problems are stated without much elaboration, and solutions are primarily focused on banning devices, lacking broader alternatives.
Examples
Problems include difficulty grasping concepts and limited retention; solutions propose banning mobile phones and smart watches with lockers for storage, citing Sri Lanka as an example.
How to Improve
Expand on problems by discussing impacts on peer interaction, teacher-student dynamics, or long-term learning. Offer varied solutions like integrating technology responsibly, teaching digital discipline, or using device-free zones.
Coherence & Cohesion6.5
Evaluation
The essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Paragraphing is logical, but transitions between ideas are sometimes abrupt, and cohesive devices are used minimally.
Examples
Uses phrases like 'Additionally,' 'Because of this,' 'In my opinion,' and 'In conclusion' to connect ideas. Paragraphs separate problems and solutions clearly.
How to Improve
Use more linking words (e.g., 'furthermore,' 'consequently,' 'on the other hand') to improve flow. Ensure each paragraph starts with a topic sentence and logically progresses to supporting details.
Lexical Resource6
Evaluation
Vocabulary is adequate for the task but repetitive and lacks precision. Some words are used multiple times without variation, and there is limited use of topic-specific terms.
Examples
Repeated use of 'distracted,' 'devices,' 'performance.' Correct but basic terms like 'engagement,' 'retention,' and 'lockers' are employed.
How to Improve
Incorporate synonyms (e.g., 'diverted' for 'distracted,' 'academic achievement' for 'performance') and more advanced vocabulary related to education and technology, such as 'cognitive load,' 'digital literacy,' or 'proactive measures.'
Grammatical Range & Accuracy6
Evaluation
Grammar is generally accurate with a mix of simple and complex sentences, but there are minor errors and awkward phrasing that affect clarity.
Examples
Incorrect use of 'exempt' instead of 'excluded' in 'should also be exempt from the classroom.' Phrasing like 'scrolling social media' should be 'scrolling through social media.'
How to Improve
Practice forming complex sentences with subordinate clauses. Review prepositions and article usage. Proofread to correct errors like subject-verb agreement and word choice.
Tip: Review the Band 9 model answer to see how a high-scoring essay structures arguments, uses advanced vocabulary, and maintains coherence throughout.
RELATED ESSAYS
01
Student behaviour is a serious issue in many schools around the world. What do you think are the causes of this? What solutions can you suggest? Write at least 250 words.
There is an old line in the Philippines where a person can be judge with their character at home based on the behavior they display publicly. It is fundamental ...
02
Drug abuse has become a growing concern in many societies. What are the factors that contribute to the increasing problem of drug abuse in our society, and how can we address them? Write at least 250 words.
In recent years, many countries have been facing a variety of social and economic challenges. Among these, the issue mentioned in the statement has become a ma...
03
Drug abuse has become a growing concern in many societies. What are the factors that contribute to the increasing problem of drug abuse in our society, and how can we address them? Write at least 250 words.
Nowadays, people with illnesses are increasing rapidly due to the contamination in the environment and unhealthy diets. Becoming a reason to use medicine to mai...
04
Drug abuse has become a growing concern in many societies. What are the factors that contribute to the increasing problem of drug abuse in our society, and how can we address them? Write at least 250 words.
In this century, the topic of incresing of drug abuses has become a subject of great importance and frequently discussed by the people all over the world. Some ...
05
Academic pressure is causing mental health issues among teenagers, including anxiety, depression, and burnout.This growing problem is affecting students’ well-being and long-term development.What are the causes of this issue, and what solutions can be suggested?Write at least 250 words.
"Knowledge is power", is a well-known quote amongst many people. The world has advanced technologically and academically to exceedingly high levels. With such d...