PTE essay: Social media has made people more connected but less sociable

The essay prompt

Social media has made people more connected but less sociable. Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with this statement.

You have 20 minutes to write 200–300 words.

Essay type: Opinion (agree or disagree). Take one clear position in the introduction. Use two body paragraphs to support it (or one for, one acknowledging the other side), and repeat your view in the conclusion.

A 3-minute plan

1. Introduction: paraphrase the topic and give your position in one sentence.
2. Body paragraph 1: your strongest reason, with an example.
3. Body paragraph 2: a second reason, or the other side and why you still hold your view.
4. Conclusion: restate your position in new words.

Model essay (228 words)

Social media now links billions of people, allowing them to share news and photos instantly. However, it is often claimed that these platforms have made us less sociable. I largely agree with this view, although social media can also support real friendships when it is used wisely.

On the one hand, social media has clearly increased connection. Migrants can stay in daily contact with family overseas, and people with rare interests or health conditions can find supportive communities online. For example, many new arrivals in Australia use local community groups to find housing, jobs and friends.

On the other hand, constant online contact often replaces face-to-face interaction rather than adding to it. Many people scroll through their phones during meals or social events, which reduces the quality of conversation. Furthermore, research has linked heavy social media use to loneliness, particularly among teenagers, because online interactions tend to be brief and focused on appearances rather than genuine conversation.

Nevertheless, the problem lies mainly in how the technology is used. When people use social media to organise meetings, join clubs or keep in touch between visits, it can strengthen relationships.

In conclusion, while social media has made it easier to stay connected, it has generally reduced the depth of our social lives. Using it to arrange real-world contact, rather than to replace it, is the key to gaining its benefits.

Why this essay scores well

• Content: it answers the exact question and keeps to one clear position.
• Form: 228 words, inside the 200–300 range.
• Development, structure and coherence: 5 paragraphs, each with one main idea, linked with clear connectors.
• Grammar and vocabulary: a mix of simple and complex sentences, with topic vocabulary used accurately.
• Spelling: one consistent spelling style (Australian/British).

Now write your own

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