IELTS Essay # 86 - Nowadays children prefer electronic games to other games and toys. Why is it happening? Is it a positive or a negative development?

Essay # 86

Nowadays children prefer electronic games to other games and toys. Why is it happening? Is it a positive or a negative development?

N.B.: A very common question asked in the IELTS writing exam; we have already published a similar sample response, click here to read that.

You will also find, how in various ways the same question gets paraphrased and asked to you.

Here is another sample response, written a bit differently.

Electronic games like touchscreens and consoles have become very addictive for children, because of which they prefer less of outdoor activities and other toys. There are various reasons for this appeal of video games that shall be further elaborated in this essay, followed by the kind of impact video games have – good or bad.

One reason is that in a video game, the child is in control. Whether they're driving a race car, mastering mad guitar licks, or leading an army raid on the enemy kingdom, these games give the children a sense of power. It also helps that the graphics of the new-age video games are very realistic and convincing. Most games have ascending skill levels, which sucks the player into the game and gives him a sense of accomplishment, making it hard to stop playing. Touchscreens beat toys that have been around for decades, such as dolls and action figures, arts and crafts, and construction-based toys, because it requires mechanical work and creative imagination to play with and enjoy, whereas in video games, players are readily provided with imaginative scenarios.

Providing a child with an immersive world to play with removes the need for them to come up with one on their own which is why electronic games are looked upon as being uninventive and monotonous. A child has a proactive and blooming mind that can flourish when a child uses imagination in his day to day life. When playing with dolls for instance, children make up scenarios where they develop language skills, caring and nurturing feelings, and also both cognitive and fine-motor skills. Multi player board games also help children create wining strategies and socialize with other kids of their age by playing together.

Summing up, I feel addiction of electronic games is a negative development. It would be much better if children give equal preference, if not more, to other games and toys as well.

(319 words)