Social media is one of the most common Multilevel part 3 topics, because everyone has their own experience of it. The main mistake is talking only about the harm. A C1 answer weighs both sides and arrives at a subtler position, such as "it depends on how we use it".
The task
Statement: Social media does more harm than good.
| For | Against |
|---|---|
| It spreads false information quickly | It keeps families in touch across countries |
| It is addictive and wastes time | Small businesses find customers |
| It hurts teenagers' self-esteem | It gives everyone a voice |
You need to present both sides and argue your own position: one minute to prepare, two minutes to speak. This is a practice task in the exam's format.
Model answer (about 2 minutes)
Social media does more harm than good.
Social media has become part of almost everyone's daily life, so whether it does more harm than good is a question that affects all of us. There are convincing arguments on both sides.
On the one hand, it clearly causes real damage. False information spreads much faster than corrections, and many people believe whatever they see in a Telegram channel without checking it. It's also designed to be addictive: it's very easy to open Instagram for five minutes and look up an hour later. For teenagers in particular, constantly comparing themselves with perfect-looking strangers can seriously hurt their self-esteem.
On the other hand, it would be unfair to ignore the benefits. Many Uzbek families have relatives working in Russia, Korea or Turkey, and social media lets them see each other every day, which was impossible twenty years ago. It has also created opportunities: a lot of small businesses, from bakers to tailors, now find most of their customers on Instagram.
Taking everything into account, I don't believe social media itself does more harm than good. The harm comes mostly from how we use it. If schools taught young people to check their sources and manage their screen time, I think the benefits would clearly outweigh the problems.
Useful words and phrases
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| convincing arguments | convincing arguments |
| false information | false information |
| designed to be addictive | designed to be addictive |
| self-esteem | self-esteem |
| it would be unfair to ignore | it would be unfair to ignore |
| relatives working abroad | relatives working abroad |
| screen time | screen time |
| outweigh | outweigh |
How to answer
- Restate the topic in your own words in the opening; do not read out the table.
- Add a local example to each point: Telegram channels, relatives abroad, small businesses on Instagram.
- A balanced conclusion such as "the harm comes mostly from how we use it" shows C1.
- Offer a solution with a conditional: "If schools taught..., the benefits would...".
Practise this topic now
The AI examiner asks you these questions, listens to your answers and shows your mistakes.
The answer shape and C1 phrases: the part 3 guide. The overall format: Multilevel Speaking.
Practise this topic now
The AI examiner asks you these questions, listens to your answers and shows your mistakes.
