Screen Time: Too Much?

Primary SchoolAdvancedDiscursive Writing

The Prompt

Hello young writers! Today we're going to explore a topic that's all around us: screens! From tablets to TVs, computers to phones, screens are a big part of our lives, whether we're playing games, watching videos, or learning new things.

Your task is to write a 'discussion' about screen time. This means you need to look at both the good things (the 'benefits') and the not-so-good things (the 'drawbacks') about spending time on screens.

Think about the good stuff first:

  • How can screens help us learn? (Think about educational apps, online research for homework).
  • How do screens help us connect with friends or family who live far away? (Video calls, messaging).
  • What fun things can we do on screens? (Games, watching films, creative apps).

Now, think about the not-so-good stuff:

  • Could too much screen time affect our sleep? Why?
  • What about our eyes? Could they get tired or strained?
  • Does spending lots of time on screens mean we're doing less physical activity, like playing outside or sports?

Your writing should explore these different ideas. Imagine you're a balanced judge, looking at all the evidence for and against screen time. What do you think? Is there such a thing as 'too much' screen time?

💡 Writing Tips

  • •

    Think of two 'teams': Team Good Screen Time and Team Bad Screen Time. What would each team say?

  • •

    Use examples from your own life or things you know. (e.g., 'My sister uses an app to learn French.')

  • •

    Start with an introduction that tells the reader what you're writing about. End with a conclusion that sums up your ideas.

  • •

    Use words like 'On the one hand...' and 'However...' to show you're talking about different ideas.

📝 Sample Answer

Screen time is a big part of growing up today, and it feels like everyone has an opinion on whether it's good or bad. On the one hand, screens offer amazing ways to learn and connect. I use an app to practice my maths, which makes homework much more fun, and my friend uses a tablet to learn about different animals. It's also brilliant for staying in touch with my cousins who live far away; we have video calls where we can see each other's faces. However, too much screen time can also have its drawbacks. Sometimes, if I've been on my tablet too long, my eyes feel tired and scratchy. My mum also says that if I spend all evening on games, I'm not getting enough fresh air or running around outside with my friends. It can also make it harder to fall asleep if I've been watching a bright screen just before bed.

Did You Know?

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Screen Time: Too Much? - Discursive Writing Writing Prompt | atoply