IELTS Academic2024

Some people believe that students should not be allowed to use smartphones in school. Others think that smartphones are useful learning tools. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Write at least 250 words.

- Word count: at least 250 words. Going under loses points; going moderately over is fine. - Use less common vocabulary and natural collocations to lift Lexical Resource toward Band 7-8. - Avoid memorised template phrases — Cambridge 2026 penalises them. - The Power column upgrades word choice without changing meaning or grammar structure.

Smartphones in school — discussion essay

The boring draft

Score: Band 6.0

The use of smartphones in schools is a hot topic. While some think that these gadgets should be banned, others see them as useful educational tools. This essay will look at both sides before giving my own view.

On one hand, those who want a smartphone ban make several good concerns. Phones can easily take away students' attention from lessons, making to lower grades. Social media notifications, in particular, are designed to be hard to ignore. Furthermore, the misuse of phones can make cyberbullying and other bad behaviours, which schools find hard to control.

On the other hand, supporters of smartphone use in classrooms give their big educational benefits. With internet access, students can quickly look up information, watch educational videos, and use translation apps in language classes. Learning platforms such as Quizlet and Duolingo can also make dull memorisation tasks into fun games.

In my opinion, the answer lies in sensible regulation rather than an outright ban. Schools should make clear rules about when phones are allowed and teach students to use them well. Hard bans only stop young people from learning the digital habits they will need as adults. Schools that teach responsible use today are preparing students for a workplace where digital tools are needed.

In conclusion, while smartphones bring real risks in the classroom, their learning value is too big to ignore. Schools and families should work together to set clear boundaries that keep focus during lessons while still giving students access to the many resources their phones make possible. Thoughtful use, not prohibition, is the best path forward. Schools that make teachers with proper training and clear classroom policies tend to get the best outcomes — neither distraction nor outright denial of access.

The power upgrade

Score: Band 8.0

The use of smartphones in schools is a widely debated topic. While some maintain that these devices should be prohibited, others regard them as invaluable educational tools. This essay will examine both sides before presenting my own view.

On one hand, those who advocate a smartphone ban raise several compelling concerns. Phones can easily divert students' attention from lessons, leading to lower academic performance. Social media notifications, in particular, are designed to be difficult to ignore. Furthermore, the misuse of phones can fuel cyberbullying and other harmful behaviours, which schools struggle to control.

On the other hand, supporters of smartphone use in classrooms highlight their substantial educational advantages. With internet access, students can instantly access information, view educational videos, and leverage translation apps in language classes. Learning platforms such as Quizlet and Duolingo can also transform dull memorisation tasks into engaging games.

In my opinion, the solution lies in responsible regulation rather than an outright ban. Schools should establish clear rules about when phones are allowed and train students to use them productively. Blanket bans only prevent young people from developing the digital habits they will require as adults. Schools that cultivate responsible use today are preparing students for a workplace where digital tools are indispensable.

In conclusion, while smartphones pose real risks in the classroom, their educational value is too significant to ignore. Schools and families should collaborate to set coherent boundaries that preserve focus during lessons while still granting students access to the wealth of resources their phones make possible. Thoughtful integration, not prohibition, is the wisest path forward. Schools that equip teachers with proper training and clear classroom policies tend to achieve the best outcomes — neither distraction nor outright denial of access.