Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5

Outline:

• 1. Introduction:
     • Paraphrase: In today’s digital era, many people spend significant time engrossed in screens, raising concerns about its impact on health and well-being.
     • Main opinion/idea: Excessive screen time can have adverse effects on individuals’ physical and mental health.
  2. Body (Detail 1):
     • Support sentence: Excessive screen time contributes to a sedentary lifestyle, leading to feelings of lethargy and reduced physical fitness.
  3. Body (Detail 2):
     • Support sentence: Frequent and prolonged screen exposure strains the eyes, causing discomfort and visual disturbances.
  4. Conclusion:
     • Summarize: Excessive screen time can lead to sedentary behavior, eye strain, and disrupted sleep patterns, impacting overall health and well-being.
     • Restate main opinion/idea: By adopting mindful screen use and setting healthy boundaries, individuals can strike a balance between screen time and overall well-being, promoting better health and a healthier relationship with screens.

Essay:

In today’s digital era, a considerable number of individuals devote extensive hours to screens, encompassing smartphones, computers, and televisions. This growing dependence on screens has raised concerns regarding its potential consequences on both physical and mental health. Excessive screen time can lead to various adverse effects, including sedentary behavior, eye strain, and disrupted sleep patterns. However, implementing mindful practices and setting healthy boundaries can help maintain a balance between screen use and overall well-being.

One of the primary effects of excessive screen time is its contribution to a sedentary lifestyle. As a working professional, I often find myself spending prolonged periods in front of a computer. This has led to a decline in physical activity, causing feelings of lethargy and reduced overall fitness.

Additionally, frequent and extended screen exposure can strain the eyes, resulting in discomfort and visual disturbances. As someone who extensively uses both a computer and a smartphone, I have experienced eye strain and digital eye fatigue. To mitigate these effects, I have learned to take regular breaks and follow the 20-20-20 rule, which involves looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

Moreover, excessive screen time, especially before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns and negatively impact mental well-being. I have encountered difficulties falling asleep after spending late hours on my smartphone, as the blue light emitted by screens can interfere with melatonin production. Implementing a screen-free zone before bedtime and engaging in relaxation techniques can significantly improve sleep quality.

To maintain a healthy balance between screen use and overall well-being, several measures can be employed. Firstly, setting screen time limits for both work and leisure activities can help reduce the negative effects of excessive use. Secondly, incorporating regular physical activity and outdoor time into daily routines can counterbalance sedentary screen time and promote overall health.

In conclusion, excessive screen time can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health, leading to sedentary behavior, eye strain, and disrupted sleep patterns. However, by adopting mindful screen use and setting healthy boundaries, individuals can strike a balance between screen time and overall well-being. Taking breaks, limiting screen use before bedtime, and engaging in physical activity are essential steps in fostering a healthier relationship with screens, ultimately promoting better health and overall well-being.