essay about playing computer games

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Computer Games Essay

This page analyzes a  computer games essay  and also notes how you can make good use of the question to plan and organize your essay.

You have to be careful with this essay as although you have to discuss the pros and cons of the issue, there is a second part to the question that is not about this.

Take a look at the IELTS task 2 question:

Nowadays many people have access to computers on a wide basis and a large number of children play computer games. 

What are the positive and negative impacts of playing computer games and what can be done to minimize the bad effects?

The Topic and the Task

Remember to always analyze the question carefully. The topic should be fairly clear:

• Computer games

Remember to also look carefully to see if the topic is being narrowed down to a particular aspect of the topic. In this case it is:

Now you need to check what the task is. How many things do you have to write about?

Hopefully you realized there are three things that you can easily turn into brainstorming questions:

• What are the positive impacts of computer games on children?
• What are the negative impacts of computer games on children?
• How can the negative impacts be minimized?

Your answers to these questions will form your computer games essay.

You do not have much time and you have three things to answer, so one or two ideas for each is enough, as remember you will need to explain your ideas and give examples.

Now, take a look at the model answer.

Computer Games Essay Question:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Nowadays many people have access to computers on a wide basis and a large number of children play computer games.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

Write at least 250 words.

Computer Games Essay Model Answer:

Access to computers has increased significantly over recent decades, and the number of children playing games on computers has increased too. This essay will consider the positive and negative impacts of this and discuss ways to avoid the potential negative effects.

With regards to the positive effects, playing computer games can develop children’s cognitive skills. Many popular games require abstract and high level thinking skills in order to win, skills that may not be taught at school. For example, children need to follow instructions, solve complex problems and use logic in many of the games that are currently popular. Such experience will be beneficial to a child’s progression into an adult.

However, concerns have been raised about the prolific use of computer games by children, much of this related to the violence they contain. The problem is that in many of the games children are rewarded for being more violent, and this violence is repeated again and again. For instance, many games involve children helping their character to kill, kick, stab and shoot. This may lead to increased aggressive feelings, thoughts, and behaviours.  

In order to minimize these negative impacts, parents need to take certain steps. Firstly, some video games are rated according to their content, so parents must check this and ensure their children are not allowed to have access to games that are unsuitable. Parents can also set limits on the length of time games are played. Finally, parents should also take an active interest in the games their children are playing so they can find out how they feel about what they are observing. 

To sum up, there are benefits of computer games, but there are disadvantages too. However, if parents take adequate precautions, the severity of these negative impacts can be avoided.

( 295 Words )

This computer games essay is well-organized and it directly answers the question, with each paragraph addressing one of the tasks.

Note how the topic sentences match the tasks (which have been taken from the prompt):

• What are the positive impacts of computer games on children ?

With regards to the positive effects, playing computers games can develop children’s cognitive skills.

• What are the negative impacts of computer games on children ?

However, concerns have been raised about the prolific use of computer games by children, much of this related to the violence they contain.

• How can the negative impacts be minimized ?

In order to minimize these negative impacts, parents need to take certain steps.

This is why analyzing the question is so important. This provides you with the basic building blocks with which to write your essay.

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Essay on Computer Games

Students are often asked to write an essay on Computer Games in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Computer Games

What are computer games.

Computer games are interactive activities played using a computer. They are created by game developers who use different types of software. These games can be played alone or with others online. They come in many styles, like puzzles, adventures, or sports games.

Types of Computer Games

There are many types of computer games. Some are educational, helping you learn new things. Others are just for fun. Action games, strategy games, and simulation games are some types. Each game has its own unique story and challenges.

Benefits of Computer Games

Playing computer games can have benefits. They can improve hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. Some games also help to learn new languages or facts. They can even help to make new friends when played online.

Drawbacks of Computer Games

Too much time playing games can be harmful. It can lead to less time for homework or physical activity. It’s important to balance game time with other activities. Parents should monitor their children’s gaming habits.

In conclusion, computer games can be fun and educational. They can help to develop skills and make learning enjoyable. But, they should be enjoyed responsibly. Too much gaming can lead to problems. It’s all about balance.

Also check:

• Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer Games
• Paragraph on Computer Games

250 Words Essay on Computer Games

Computer games are fun activities played on a computer. They are a popular form of entertainment that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. These games come in many different types, like action, adventure, puzzle, and sports games.

How do Computer Games Work?

A computer game works by following instructions given by the player through a keyboard, mouse, or game controller. The game responds to these instructions by showing changes on the computer screen. This could be a character moving, a puzzle being solved, or a ball being kicked.

Benefits of Playing Computer Games

Playing computer games can have many benefits. They can help improve skills like problem-solving and hand-eye coordination. Some games can also help in learning new things, like history or science. They can even help in making new friends when played online with others.

While computer games can be fun and beneficial, playing them too much can cause problems. Spending too much time playing games can lead to less time for studies, physical activities, and socializing. It’s important to balance game time with other activities.

Computer games are a fun and popular form of entertainment. They can help improve skills and can be a source of learning. But, it’s also important to remember not to spend too much time playing them and to balance game time with other activities.

500 Words Essay on Computer Games

Computer games are interactive entertainment where you control what happens on the screen. You can play them on many devices, like computers, consoles, or smartphones. They are designed to challenge and entertain you. You can play them alone or with friends.

There are many types of computer games. Some are called action games because they need fast reactions. Adventure games take you on a journey, and you must solve puzzles to move forward. There are also sports games where you can play football, basketball, or other sports. Strategy games make you think and plan your moves carefully. In simulation games, you can create your own world or drive a car or plane.

The Good Side of Computer Games

Computer games can be fun and exciting. They can help you relax after a hard day at school. They can also help you learn new things. For example, some games teach you about history or science. Others can help you improve your problem-solving skills or reaction time.

Playing games can also help you make friends. Many games let you play with people from all over the world. You can work together to win the game or compete against each other for fun.

The Bad Side of Computer Games

While computer games can be fun, they can also cause problems if you play too much. Spending too much time playing games can make you forget about other important things like homework, sports, or spending time with family and friends.

Also, some games can make you feel angry or upset if you lose. It’s important to remember that it’s just a game, and losing is part of playing.

How to Enjoy Computer Games Safely

To enjoy computer games safely, you should set a limit on how much time you spend playing. You should also take breaks to rest your eyes and stretch your body.

It’s also important to play games that are suitable for your age. Some games have violent or scary content that is not good for young players.

Remember, computer games are meant to be fun. If a game is making you feel upset or angry, it’s a good idea to stop playing and do something else for a while.

In conclusion, computer games can be a fun way to relax and learn new things. But it’s important to play them safely and not let them take over your life.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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Essays About Video Games: Top 12 Examples and Prompts

Video games have revolutionized the way we have fun today. If you are writing essays about video games, check out our guide to inspire your writing.  

Few can contest the fact that video games have taken over the world. From the basic, almost “primitive” games of the 1970s like Pong to the mind-bending virtual reality games of the 2020s, they have been a source of entertainment for all. Moreover, they have proven quite profitable; countries like Japan and the United States have made tens of billions of dollars solely from the video game market.

Despite their popularity, much has been debated over the potentially harmful side effects that video games may have, particularly on children. One side argues that playing certain video games can lead to people exhibiting violence in the future, while others believe that video games teach players essential life skills. Regardless, they will continue to be a part of our lives for the foreseeable future. 

For engaging essays about video games, read the essay examples featured below for inspiration.

1. What electronic games can teach us by Kendall Powell

2. designers are imagining video games without guns by keith stuart, 3. playing video games all summer won’t make you feel worse by nicole wetsman, 4.  violent video games bad by andrea newman.

• 5. ​​The health effects of too much gaming by Peter Grinspoon

Writing Prompts For Essays About Video Games

1. video games: good or bad, 2. the benefits of video games, 3. what is your favorite video game, 4. do video games cause people to become violent, 5. video games in your life, 6. video games vs. traditional games, 7. is the video game rating system enough.

“In other studies, researchers found that gamers who trained on Tetris were better at mentally rotating two-dimensional shapes than those who played a control game. Students who played two hours of All You Can E.T., an educational game designed to enhance the executive function of switching between tasks, improved their focus-shifting skills compared with students who played a word search game.”

Powell explains a few possibilities of applying video games to education. As it turns out, certain video games can improve players’ skills, depending on the mechanics. Researchers are inspired by this and hope to take advantage of the competitive, motivational nature of gaming to encourage children to learn. New games are designed to help kids improve their focus, coordination, and resilience, and game designers hope they will succeed. 

“Imagine a game where you’re a war reporter seeking to capture the most iconic, representative images in a battle environment: You’d still get the sense of peril that audiences expect from action adventures, but your relationship with the environment would be more profound. It would be Call of Duty from the perspective of a creative participant rather than a violent interloper.”

The graphic nature of some video games is said to make kids violent, so it is only natural that some creators try to change this. Stuart writes that it is possible to maintain the fun that shooter-type games induce without using guns. He gives examples of games where you do not kill your enemy, simply stunning or capturing them instead. He also suggests photography as an alternative to killing in a “shooting” game. Finally, he suggests basing video games around helping others, making friends, and doing more peaceful, creative tasks.

“Any role video games play in skewing well-being that did pop up in the study was too small to have a real-world impact on how people feel, the authors said. People would have to play games for 10 more hours per day than their baseline to notice changes in their well-being, the study found.”

Wetsman counters the widespread belief that video games “destroy your brain.” Research done with a sample of 39,000 players over six weeks has shown that whether one plays video games for long or short periods, their mental health is not impacted much. There are some exceptions; however, there are not enough to conclude that video games are, in fact, harmful.

“Some people believe that the connection between violent games, and real violence is also fairly intuitive. In playing the games kids are likely to become desensitized to gory images;which could make them less disturbing, and perhaps easier to deal with in real life. While video games aren’t about violence their capacity to teach can be a good thing.”

In her essay, Newman writes about the supposed promotion of violence in some video games. However, she believes this violence does not cause people to be more aggressive later. Instead, she believes these games expose children to certain atrocities so they will not be traumatized if they see them in real life. In addition, these games supposedly promote connections and friendships. Finally, Newman believes that these “harmful” can make you a better person.

5. ​​ The health effects of too much gaming by Peter Grinspoon

“Gamers need to be educated on how to protect their thumbs, wrists, and elbows, their waistlines, their emotional state, their sleep, and their eyes. Simple education around taking breaks, stretching, eating healthy snacks, and resting and icing your thumb, wrist, or elbow when it starts hurting can address injuries early, before they become significant. For the eyes, gamers can try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, try to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.”

Grinspoon discusses both the benefits and the health risks of gaming. Video games allow people to interact with each other remotely and bond over specific missions or tasks, and some research shows that they have cognitive benefits. However, some gamers may develop vision problems and hand and wrist injuries. Gaming and “staring in front of a screen the whole day” is also associated with obesity. Overall, Grinspoon believes that gaming is best done in moderation.

Looking for more? Check out these essays about hobbies .

Many parents believe that their children’s “bad behavior” is because of video games. Based on your experience and others, decide: are video games good or bad for you? Make sure to read viewpoints from both sides and write an essay based on your position. Would you encourage others to play video games? Discuss these pros and cons for an interesting argumentative essay.

Like anything else, video games have both positive and negative aspects. Explain the good that video games can do for you: the skills they can equip you with, the lessons they can teach, and anything else. Also, include whether you believe their benefits outweigh the disadvantages they may pose. 

For your essay, write about your favorite video game and why you chose it. What is its meaning to you, and how has it affected your life? Describe the gameplay mechanics, characters, storyline, and general impact on the gaming community or society. You can write about any game you want, even if you have not played it; just ensure the content is sufficient.

Many claim that playing violent video games can make you violent in the future. Research this phenomenon and conclude whether it is true or not. Is the evidence sufficient? There are many resources on this topic; support your argument by citing credible sources, such as news articles, statistics, and scientific research.

Video games have been a part of almost all our lives. Recall a treasured experience with video games and explain why it is significant. How old were you? Why do you remember it fondly? How did this experience make you feel? Answer these questions in your own words for an exciting essay.

There are stark differences between video and traditional games, such as board games and card games. For an engaging essay, compare and contrast them and write about which is more entertaining, in your opinion. Be creative; this should be based on your own opinions and ideas.

The video game content rating system is used to classify video games based on their appropriateness for specific ages. However, parents complain that they are not strict enough and allow the display of violent content to children. Explore the criteria behind the rating system, decide whether it needs to be changed or not, and give examples to support your argument.

If you are interested in learning more, check out our essay writing tips !

Tip: If writing an essay sounds like a lot of work, simplify it. Write a simple 5 paragraph essay instead.

Martin is an avid writer specializing in editing and proofreading. He also enjoys literary analysis and writing about food and travel.

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Home — Essay Samples — Entertainment — Video Games — The Benefits Of Video Games

Video Games and Its Positive Effects

• Categories: Advantages of Technology Impact of Technology Video Games

About this sample

Words: 1248 |

Published: Jun 20, 2019

Words: 1248 | Pages: 2 | 7 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, positive effects of video games, works cited.

• Ferguson, C. J. (2015). Do angry birds make for angry children? A meta-analysis of video game influences on children's and adolescents' aggression, mental health, prosocial behavior, and academic performance. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10(5), 646-666.
• Granic, I., Lobel, A., & Engels, R. C. (2014). The benefits of playing video games. American Psychologist, 69(1), 66-78.
• Green, C. S., & Bavelier, D. (2012). Learning, attentional control, and action video games. Current Biology, 22(18), R197-R206.
• Kühn, S., & Gallinat, J. (2014). Amount of lifetime video gaming is positively associated with entorhinal, hippocampal and occipital volume. Molecular Psychiatry, 19(7), 842-847.
• McGonigal, J. (2011). Reality is broken: Why games make us better and how they can change the world. Penguin.
• Russoniello, C. V., Fish, M., & O'Brien, K. (2013). The efficacy of casual video game play in reducing clinical depression: A randomized controlled study. Games for Health Journal, 2(6), 341-346.
• Subrahmanyam, K., & Greenfield, P. (1998). Effect of video game practice on spatial skills in girls and boys. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 19(3), 463-472.
• Van Rooij, A. J., Ferguson, C. J., Colder Carras, M., Kardefelt-Winther, D., Shi, J., Aarseth, E., ... & Saunders, J. (2018). A weak scientific basis for gaming disorder: Let us err on the side of caution. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 7(1), 1-9.
• Wang, H. Y., & Peng, W. (2017). The benefits of playing video games. In Media Exposure and Risk (pp. 197-210). Springer.
• Yee, N., & Bailenson, J. (2007). The Proteus effect: The effect of transformed self-representation on behavior. Human Communication Research, 33(3), 271-290.

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7 Reasons to Play Computer Games

Playing computer games can be good for you in a number of ways..

Posted March 21, 2016 | Reviewed by Matt Huston

Be honest, you want to be smarter. There’s nothing wrong with that. Studies consistently demonstrate that intelligence is among the most desirable qualities a person has. Whether it's trying to survive an intensive college schedule, appreciate the finer points of Machiavellianism , or impress friends with an accomplished understanding of string theory, we all have our reasons.

A lot of people agree with the idea that learning should be fun. It’s a bit surprising, but in some ways, computer games can teach valuable lessons and may even help improve your mental faculties. Here's what you should consider.

1. Failure is key to success.

Ask pretty much anyone who has ever had any success in anything if they have ever failed. You will invariably get a resounding “Yes!” because everyone has failed at something. Most people probably know about Thomas Edison and his spectacular failure rate (or his successful ruling out of thousands of possible solutions, if you’re a glass-half-full kind of person), but here are a few other examples:

• J.K. Rowling was rejected by 12 publishers
• Einstein didn’t speak until he was 4 and didn’t read until he was 7
• Van Gogh only sold 1 painting in his lifetime
• Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team.

Failure is important.

In many video games, you start out with more than one ‘life’. Straight away this tells you that failure is OK. A lot of the play consists of failing to reach a goal. This encourages persistence and grit: the ability to stick with a problem and see it through without getting demoralized and giving up. This is a really important life skill.

2. Computer games may increase your problem-solving skills.

Consider some advice from Jane McGonigal (designer of alternate reality games, Ph.D. in performance studies): she suggests that if you want to have fun and stimulate your mind, playing about three times a week for just 20 minutes each time should do it.

Just about all of the most popular video games have some requirement for problem-solving and/or critical thinking. This promotes adaptability and cognitive flexibility. These are really important skills to have in any kind of problem-solving task.

3. Gaming keeps your mind active.

It’s unfortunate but inevitable: as we go through life we succumb to both physical and mental decline. Going to the gym or having frequent sex will help to prevent (or at least slow down) the physical losses. To stave off mental decay one must maintain an active brain. Doing crosswords, Sudoku, playing brain games or video games (as long as they’re not entirely mindless) might all help to curb the loss.

While there is no definitive study involving video games and aging, research suggests that seniors who stay mentally active are about 2.6 times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s or dementia . Additionally, a number of studies have suggested that playing video games can help to improve memory (and mood). Clearly the message here is to give both your grandparents and great grandparents Xboxes this Christmas.

4. Gamers are better at visual tasks.

Studies have indicated that compared to non-gamers, experienced gamers are better at: tracking objects; keeping track of several objects simultaneously; filtering out irrelevant information; switching from task to task; detecting changes in visual layouts; and 3D mental rotation.

A recent study conducted by researchers at Brown University found that video game practice was associated with improved visual learning. At least one experiment has found evidence that playing video games can improve the mental rotation abilities of non-gamers.

5. Gaming may increase processing speed.

Being able to process information rapidly is critical in many situations. Motorists, for example, are presented with a lot of information (some of it constantly changing) and asked to make rapid and accurate decisions that can have dramatic implications. In decision making , however, speed is typically sacrificed for accuracy or vice versa. To put it simply, fast decisions often lead to mistakes.

Computer games often require rapid processing of sensory information and prompt action. Indecision or delays in response are penalized. Players are therefore highly motivated to reduce their reaction time (RT).

A few studies have found that gamers have better RTs than non-gamers. This is hardly surprising, but what may be is that this speed generalizes to various tasks (not just the specific game), and that the increased speed does not lead to a decline in accuracy. So basically, gamers process and respond faster, but they don’t lose any accuracy when doing so. Some of these studies have indicated causality by showing that RTs can be trained by game-play!

6. Gamers may have enhanced memory.

A team of neurobiologists from the University of California has found evidence that playing 3D computer games can boost memory power.

They got a group of people to play 2D games half an hour a day for two weeks, and another group to play 3D games half an hour a day for two weeks. Everyone was given a memory test before and after the two weeks. The 2D group didn’t really improve at all, but the 3D group improved by 12%.

7. Playing computer games may improve your ability to multitask.

There is significant evidence that, as Daphne Bevelier (a professor of brain and cognitive sciences who has conducted 20+ studies on playing action video games) put it, “action video games are far from mindless." Her studies suggest that gamers have improved skills in attention , cognition , vision, and multitasking.

In non-gamers, reaction times increased by about 30% when they switched from a single task to more than one task. Gamers still had an increase, but it was only by about 10%.

A study appearing in Nature in 2013 found that just playing a basic 3D racing game for a total of 12 hours over a period of four weeks appeared to improve multitasking performance for up to six months. Improvements were seen in 20-70 year-olds but surprisingly, the trained 60+ year-olds outperformed 20-year-olds who hadn’t played the game. Various other cognitive abilities (sustained attention, working memory, etc.) also improved among older subjects.

To sum this article up in a single phrase: play 3D video games (in moderation), especially if you are over 50.

Ryan Anderson, Ph.D., is a psychologist currently working as a Teaching Associate at Monash University.

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Effects of Video Games Essay

Introduction, school performance, effects on social relationships.

The society has been immensely influenced by the technological changes, which are reshaping some of the activities. The emerging technologies in one way or another have affected every member of society, irrespective of age.

Video Games have had the greatest influence on the lives of children. Children no longer appreciate the outdoor games as was before, as most of their time is spend indoors playing video games.

Although this trend may have a positive impact on the lives of the concerned children as far as their knowledge of computer is concerned, there are various negative impacts.

Various educationists have confirmed that outdoor plays are very important to the development and growth of children.

It helps them develop socially as they meet with their friends and learn to share discussions, get involved in physical activities and develop physically through such games. The paper talks about some of the negative effects of computer games (Finkel, 1995).

It is established through research that computer games do not help children grow academically. In fact, computer games contribute to inactivity of body cells, which might lead to oversight hence causing diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.

Moreover, indoor games contribute to poor academic performance among students because most of the time is spend on useless games that do not offer any academic lessons.

Lastly, computer games lead to the development of antisocial behavior whereby a student is not interested in interacting with his or her peers.

Available literature shows that more children are growing obese owing to the fact that they spend little time exercising and engage frequently with the computer.

Research shows that children who take part in physical exercises are more healthy, intelligent, and active in class. The study conducted by American Heart Association proved that children are contracting heart diseases mainly because of lack of physical activity.

The research indicated that the number of obese children increased by four percent in 1974. Those affected were children aged six to eleven years.

However, the percentage increase could not be compared with the study conducted in 2006 whereby the increase rate was seventeen percent. As from 1971 to 2006, the number of adolescents thought to be obese increased from 6.1 percent to 17.6 percent.

The percentage increase was shocking. Furthermore, the increase was attributed to lack of physical activity and video games (Wiegman, & van Schie, 1998).

Overweight is a costly condition that leads to a number of illnesses among school going children. According to experts at the University of Michigan, obese children have higher risks of contracting diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases, and high blood pressure.

Other illnesses associated with overweight include high cholesterol levels in the body, hyperlipidemia, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, gastrointestinal malfunctions, early adolescence, and finally mental problems.

Studies show that obese children tend to have a low sense of worth and despair.

As AHA records show, obese children are likely to be obese when they attain the adulthood age. This would even cause more problems because they would be exposed to a number of diseases.

A study conducted by Media Literacy Clearinghouse indicated that children had developed a habit towards computer games. Video games had gained relevance among children aged eight and eighteen years to an extent that the rate at which children played computer games rose from an average of 26 minutes in 1999 to 73 minutes in 2009.

Generally, the rate at which children interacted with the computer daily rose from six hours in 1999 to seven hours in 2009. A report compiled in 2004 at the University Hospital of Zurich revealed that a strong link between obesity and video games exist.

It can be concluded that video games do not help children in any way but instead it affects their health. Video games interfere with the children’s eating habits because such children would tend to consume food with high calories.

In this regard, parents need to monitor the behavior of their children as regards to physical fitness.

In the United States, a study conducted to ascertain the effects of computer games on the performance of students proved that PlayStations and other video games such as Xbox Video affects the concentration of children in class.

Furthermore, the study revealed that children who are like using playing video games could not compete favorably with those who prefer physical games. One of the researchers was quoted saying that the performance of students who engage in physical exercises will always improve with time.

Boys are affected more by the new trend since they would rarely improve in class. Their performance would always remain stagnant for a period.

Moreover, boys cannot develop skills that would help them to read and write well in case they are allowed to interact with the computer frequently (Sakurai, 1984).

It should be noted that video games might not necessarily cause poor performance among school going children but the time spent in watching the games or playing them would consume the time that a student would be expected to read, do some homework, and write a good composition.

Definitely, a student would register a poor grade in case he or she does not engage in a serious research. Video games have a tendency of instilling negative reading attitudes to students. This is because a student would find reading a storybook or solving a mathematics problem boring.

Video games are very fast and demand a higher concentration unlike other academic activities that need time for conceptualization. In a joint study conducted in Australia, researchers concluded that video games affect the performance of students in many ways.

Students who spend time playing video games would always perform dismally in class. In fact, the study revealed that computer games do not help children perform well in any of the subjects. This is because students who spend time watching and playing computer games would always score low in each subject.

This research contradicts some of the assumptions that computer games help children to perform well in some subjects. The Australian study revealed that there is no single positive correlation between academic performance and computer games.

Video games are known to influence the cognitive and educational dexterities of children. Moreover, the games can as well as define the children’s social relationships. In a traditional setting, the relationship between the child and the parent or other senior members of society is clearly defined.

The video games have changed meaning that social relations are no longer the same. Studies indicate that video games, especially those that are violent, reshape the behavior of children. Moreover, video games could contain some sort of competition and aggression, which affect the reasoning of children.

In the current society, the rate at which conflicts occur in society has increased. Youths are currently violent because of the new games. The main objective of video games, according to Nintendo and Sega Genesis Center, is violence.

Any game played by children via the computer does not have anything new other than violent content. The companies specializing in selling computer games would convince parents that the games are non-violent but in the real sense, they are not.

A study conducted in 1998 confirmed that many children, over 80%, were familiar to a violent game referred to as Duke Nukem. Unfortunately, only 5% of parents were aware of the game meaning that children are access even those games that are supposed to be accessed by only the adults.

This trend affects the social life of children. In 1999, students at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado engaged in a destructive demonstration mainly because of the influence of computer games.

Students shot at their fellow teens and other people because they experienced it through video games. Such kind of behavior is destructive because it could lead to social anomy (Griffith, 1999).

Studies across the world indicate that violent video games increase an individual’s hostility and aggression. Aggressive games would lead to a habit whereby students prefer to play the games rather than engage in physical exercises.

This is even related to overweight. Children who are used to video games tend to be indifferent and unresponsive to the sufferings of other children. They would easily bully their fellow students without mercy.

Finkel, S. (1995). Causal analysis with panel data. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage

Griffith, M. (1999). Violent video games and aggression: A review of the literature. Aggression and Violent Behavior , 4(2), 203-212.

Sakurai, S. (1984). Construction of the Social Desirability Scale for Children. Japanese Journal of Educational Psychology , 32(2), 310-314.

Wiegman, O., & van Schie, E. (1998). Video game playing and its relations with aggressive and pro-social behavior. British Journal of Social Psychology , 37(2), 367- 378.

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IvyPanda. (2019, December 8). Effects of Video Games. https://ivypanda.com/essays/effects-of-video-games/

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Bibliography

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Task 2 Essay # Children and computer games

Ielts task 2 essay.

Nowadays many people have access to computers on a regular basis and a large number of children play computer games. What are the positive and negative impacts of playing computer games and what can be done to minimize the bad effects?   Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

Sample Answer

Technology and its reach in human life have significantly increased over the past few years. This has had a lot of implications, including a dramatic increase in the number of children playing computer games. This essay will examine various impacts of this change and discuss possibilities to avoid any negative effects.

Talking about the positive aspects, playing computer games has numerous benefits. These can range from helping children develop cognitive skills to increase their logical reasoning. Games have developed into a whole industry. These have allowed children to test their abstract and logical thinking skills. Many of these games require children to follow various commands and try to solve complex problems with the use of logic. Such games are surely advantageous for a child’s mental progress.

On the other hand, people are raising concerns over the prolific use of violence and sanguinary elements that these games contain. These may be highly addictive, in the sense that they reward the players for being more violent, thereby setting a wrong example. Apart from being addictive, they contribute to arresting a child’s social development and lead to the inculcation of aggressive feelings of anger and hate in their thoughts and habits.

However, there are many steps that can be taken to minimize negative impacts. Firstly, video games are rated for different ages and parents can choose them for the children in order to avoid unsuitable content. Secondly, parents can limit the duration of playing games for the children to keep addiction at bay. Finally, parents should take an active interest in the children’s activities and encourage them to play outdoor games.

To sum it up, video games have a lot of advantages along with an array of disadvantages. Parents should supervise their children and take precautions to avoid any negative effects these might have on children.

(320 Words)

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Ielts essay # 1222 - negative impacts of children playing computer games, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, nowadays many people have access to computers on a wide basis and a large number of children play computer games., what are the negative impacts of children playing computer games what can be done to minimize the bad effects of children playing computer games.

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IELTS essay sample | Are computer games bad for children?

by Manjusha Nambiar · May 11, 2016

Essay topic

Some people say that computer games are bad for children by all means; others believe that these games contribute to children’s development. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Sample essay

Children who spend a great deal of time playing computer games are not doing themselves a service. This, however, does not mean that computer games are totally bad. They help the development of children in many ways. They also do some harm.

There are several benefits to playing computer games. Computer games help children think quickly and maintain higher levels of concentration for longer periods. Children who play games tend to enjoy better hand-eye coordination. Some studies have shown that children suffering from dyslexia can improve their reading skills by playing action-packed computer games that require intense focus. Contrary to popular belief, computer games can promote physical activity among children. Children who play video games that involve tennis, cricket, football or basketball are more likely to play these games outdoors. Computer games may also improve memory and other cognitive skills. Puzzle games, for example, may improve brain function in children.

On the flip side, computer games have their fair share of disadvantages. If children play games on their computer for hours on end, their eyesight may suffer. Their brains may find it difficult to process rapidly moving visuals. Worse still, computer games promote a sedentary lifestyle. Playing a game using a handheld device does not require the child to be physically active. Physical activity is essential for the overall development of children. If they spend hours in front of a computer playing games, their physical and emotional development will suffer. Violent games may also promote violence among children.

To conclude, there are several advantages and disadvantages to playing computer games; therefore, I don’t agree with the argument that computer games are bad by all means. Children should be allowed to play video games for an hour or so every other day. Parents should help them choose the right games and ensure that they are not spending their entire day in front of the computer.

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Hi, I'm Manjusha. This is my blog where I give IELTS preparation tips.

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Persuasive Essay: Video Games

Teenagers today often spend a great deal of time playing video games. These games are fun and engaging and young people often feel like playing games is a great thing to do in their spare time. However, you shouldn’t spend too much time gaming and there are a number of reasons for this: it’s unhealthy, you should spend more time studying, and you need to socialize more.

The primary reason to cut down on gaming time has to be that youths that spend a long time on computers and games consoles are often not getting enough exercise. With high obesity rates, it’s very important for young people to spend as much time being active as possible, especially since studies show that people who are overweight during childhood and adolescence are far more likely to become overweight adults than those of a healthy weight when they’re young. There is just as much, if not more, fun to be had in getting out and about and being active. This doesn’t have to mean going for long runs if that’s not your thing; team sports are both fun and great exercise. Dance or fitness classes are also a good option for those not into sports.

Secondly, getting a good education is that best thing that you can do for your future. If every teenager cut down on their gaming time by 30 minutes per day and used this time to study, the whole of that generation would achieve better results and be more likely to have the career that they want. With education, you get out what you put in, so it’s really up to you to put in the additional effort. If you want to go to a good college, extra study in your own time will be completely vital, but gaming can reduce your concentration span and make this more difficult.

The third main reason that playing video games too often is that it’s no good for your social skills. Some teenagers may argue that because they can now play their games online with friends, they are socializing in their own way. However, you can’t beat face-to-face contact, and if you want to succeed in interviews and build good relationships in later life, you need to develop some proper communication skills. This shouldn’t be a chore, or difficult, because hanging out with friends is far more fun than sitting indoors playing on games all day anyway!

In conclusion, there can be no doubt that spending too much time gaming isn’t good for you. You don’t have to stop all together, but it’s all about moderation. Cut down and allocate your additional free time to doing things that are good for you, and you definitely won’t regret it in later life.

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IELTS WRITING TASK 2: Computer games

May 26, 2021 | IELTS , IELTS Test , IELTS Vocabulary , IELTS Writing

Below is a model answer for a Task 2 double question type essay. With this type of question, you need to take care to answer the question asked – and ensure that if the question includes a plural, you answer in the plural.

This model essay follows the following template:

  Introduction : with the position

1st Body Paragraph : the reasons gaming is popular

2nd Body Paragraph : why this is a good thing

Conclusion : repeating the position and main ideas 

The Question

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Many people spend a large amount of their free time playing computer games.

What might be the reasons for this?

Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Video games, both those played on consoles at home and those on mobile devices on the go, are, for many, a welcome diversion from the pressures of daily life. Video games can give enthusiasts an outlet for creativity, a social environment in which to meet new people, and a platform on which to develop new skills. This is, therefore, often time well spent.

It is unsurprising that more people are spending their leisure time playing games; after all, the events of 2020 have kept most of the world’s population confined to their homes. Console, tablet and phone gaming are some of the few pastimes left available to us, keeping many people occupied during undeniably tough times. This is a continuation of a trend that began long before the pandemic; games console sales have been on the rise for years, with Sony’s PlayStation consistently among the most popular. 

Research suggests that this is good since playing video games – particularly certain types – may play a significant role in cognitive development. Outdated studies which linked gaming with decreased physical activity and other pejorative outcomes failed to make an important distinction: that between different genres. A first-person shooter, for example, may not deliver noticeable benefits to the player – although, for some, such games may improve their reaction times. Games centred around puzzles and problem solving, however, can substantially improve mental dexterity and acuity. 

To conclude, the trend towards spending more time playing video games is a positive development, giving otherwise unoccupied and isolated players a way to think laterally, make friends and devote energy to learning new things. These are positive outcomes, showing that the increasing amount of time people spend playing video games is undoubtedly a good thing. 

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• Entertainment

Narrative Essay about Playing Video Games

Life is like a video game, everyone has a different storyline. Mine is my life long addiction to video games. When I play, I am almost always better than anyone against me. Playing video games makes me feel free, as if I am inside the video game controlling each line of code. Every time I take damage, I can feel my heart hammering inside my chest as I figure out what to do next. Every time I do damage, I feel the adrenaline rushing through me, and every time I win, I feel a sense of accomplishment. Every time my parents yell, “Dinner!” I become cold as reality comes crashing down upon me.

Ever since I was a kid, I have played video games. It has been the center of my life. When I was six, I got a Nintendo Wii and I played Mario Kart against other people globally. Even though I was just six, I was among the top 200 best players globally.  When I was nine, I got a Nintendo 3DS. I started playing a newer version of Mario Kart against my friends, and I crushed them. One day while I was playing a game, my character managed to glitch into the map and got stuck. The only way to get unstuck was to leave the game, which would have caused me to lose placement points. This moment sparked my interest in video game designing and coding.

Since then, I have taken various coding programs from colleges and online programs including one from Harvard University during the summer of 2020. While I was taking this online course, I quickly learned that designing and coding video games is a lot harder than I thought. One typo can create hundreds of errors, which can quickly overwhelm the user. It also taught me the sheer complexity of even a very simple video game. When working on my final project (which was a ball rolling down a hill), I had to use Blender, a free graphic designing software, to make a red ball. Blender is one of the most complex animating and modeling softwares that takes years to master, and all I wanted to use it for was to make a simple red ball. After I spent around four to five weeks making the ball and then another two weeks coloring it, I found out that there was a button that automatically makes a ball. All I had to do was specify the color, diameter, and texture. Four weeks of learning just to find out that there was a button that could solve my problem in four minutes. 

Unfortunately, not everything has a simple button. When I had to code using C# to make the ball roll, I quickly realized that I needed to know more than just the basics of this language. I had to learn almost half of C# in just two weeks. Through dedication and perseverance, I learned what I needed to know to make the ball roll down the hill. This wouldn't have happened without my love for video games.

Not only do I love getting better at video games, but I also love to improve myself. During my sophomore year, I was falling behind on one of my classes. This class had a test coming up in just a few days, and after realizing just how much this test would affected my GPA, I started asking more questions and began completing more practice problems. I was the only one who stayed after school to make sure that I had the answers to my questions. When test time came around, I got one of the highest scores in my class.

That year I learned to not underestimate myself. As I began to find confidence in myself, I gradually became better at doing what I love doing, and always try to improve on myself as much as possible.

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Computer Games

Introduction

Computer invention and the innovations that have been brought through its continuous use are considered to the greatest thing in the recent past. Electronic games have been widely used in the west as leisure and playing tools for more than seven decades, but recent exploits in computer technology have brought more intricate games that have replaced most of the electronic games. Using different themes, programmers are able to achieve more realistic features in the games that have made them attractive even to the grownups. Theorists argue that continuous playing improves on the precision of the user e.g. car racing games have been attributed with improved driving skills. Use of video games as a learning tool however has not been popular with many institutions. Although, games are considered as a tool for passing on intelligence, many critical still believes that games are efficient time wasters. This research paper will seek to establish the important aspects that can be brought by use of games in learning institutions. The research paper shall explore existing literature on the use of games and their importance in learning.

Computer games provided a world in a box. The player is provided with an almost ideal world situation that they possible could not experience in real life. In the game crucial decisions are prompted and which have consequences in the subsequent levels of the game. Total concentration from the player is paramount because the score/results from the player are ultimately determined by how keen the player was with every move they made. With the correct simulation, games provide users with experiences that only demand for minimum adjustment before they can be applied in real life. Games, unlike lectures provide the student with options that they can try out and test the outcomes. While the lecturer might explicitly explore the subject in question, a game gives the option of trying out which is not possible in a lecture. When different people with varying capabilities engage one another in a game (online environment) they are likely to explore the depths of their intelligence and consequently learn from each other. Simulation is vital in creation of random but fair challenges to different individuals simultaneously and thus eliminating the possibilities of unfairness.

Experience in Virtual World

Different people want to experience the world like it’s in a ball, meaning people who want to learn will actually take new identity.  For example if one feel s/he want to be the greatest boxer s/he need to really put him/herself in that world and learn the necessary skills to become the greatest in their virtual world.

Games provide people with an opportunity to experience what other professionals go through. An ideal example is playing America’s Army game; you will be in a position to know what kind of experience the military go through while on the job. Another interesting part of playing games is that they give you a chance to reminisce on your past experiences for instance what you read in a book and a magazine is brought to the fore of your memory when you interact with different levels of the game.  Through experimentation of maneuvers in the game you can relive the memories of a story in a book/magazine.

Another good thing about playing game is that it increases the game community where the players have to explore and get recourses and materials needed for the game as well as communicate together. Through use of multiplayer, different aspects of the community can be tried and implemented. At the same time the groups’ harmony is imparted through common pursuits in the game. One of the nice things noted in games is that there is mix of skills, knowledge and experience from various key players which forms a virtual umbrella like a group of worriers teamed up going for a war. Members in the umbrella have to share ideas on what to do or what tact is needed to win the war. The different on massive multiplayer game is that when one player does something in that world it changes the environment completely. When students are prompted to work on a common project, in a game, they will use their creativity to come up with an absolute product that will enhance their next level of the game. This makes games a vital uniting tool that teaches students to work harmoniously for a common good.

Game player often influences Language and motion. When players engage themselves for long time durations in a particular game, they tend to be familiar with the contents and cues that are around them at large. This is why most of the people tend to learn foreign language faster in other countries than they can learn in their own country sitting in their classrooms. It has been observed that many young children are now getting vocabularies from these games and using them in their classes which actually help them gain extra knowledge and understanding from the games.

Games influences the performance of students in particular subjects. Tricks and maneuvers made in the games helps the kids learn new ways of approaching their classes; this has particularly created subject biases with subjects such as physics gaining popularity amongst young boys. At the same time it has been noted that the best way of learning is through application; through use of words students hear in the games, student get prompt responses to actions borrowed from the games. It would be more interesting and important if students would allow designing software rather than writing of papers. This would greatly benefit business world with many more kids expected to utilize the chance to explore their creativity. Kids and students think more critically in terms of developing systems that will move data across the planet, and how to change sales. Designs based on the acquired knowledge, would not only benefit the individual students but it would also benefit our world at large.

Culture Differences

Davis says, “it’ s time the government should help us to find a way to embrace and integrating technology to our academic system the government plus its people should work together to do this”. The government should drive the way so as they will produce the necessary market and the technology to make it easy for learning. By embracing technology, the government should provide learning institution with enough funds in order to start and accomplish their projects that will intern stimulate the growth in the educational technology sectors. The government should encourage the application of cultural diversity in technological innovations. There is no better chance for bringing equity and harmony amongst different cultures than by making games that merge the diversities. This can be an opportunity to also burry the ugly era that was marked with hatred amongst different communities.

Video games can produce diverse results in kids and students. The designs are made through individual innovation and thus the results are range from brilliant to perverted ideas. The government and other stakeholders are charged with the responsibility of ensuring that only the suitable video games find their way to learning institutions.  Recent trends in technological development prompt a change in teaching methods. It’s high time that learning institutions responded to the calls and made video games a basic teaching tool.

You may find it interesting:

  lack of good education   inclusive student centered learning environment.

Gaming vs. reading: Do they benefit teenagers with cognition or school performance?

Children have an increasing attraction towards electronic media in their play. With video games, phones and the internet in abundance, this article in Educational Psychology examines if such leisure activity is impacting children's cognition or academic performance or whether it would be more beneficial to read.

After a busy day children do need downtime to rest and relax. Increasingly kids leisure time is spent gaming, but does it detract from homework or would kids be better off reading a book? Historical research shows in some cases that interactive gaming can have positive effects for cognition by promoting memory, attention and reasoning. Other speed oriented games have been shown to improve perception and motor skills, so should gaming for relaxation be encouraged? Lieury et al investigate whether type of leisure activity produces a 'transfer effect' influencing learning processes thus improving student performance at school. With an emphasis on gaming and reading they linked patterns of leisure activity with performance in phonology, reading and comprehension, maths, long term memory and reasoning. Fascinatingly gaming previously thought to improve fluid intelligence showed little or no positive correlations to performance whilst reading did, particularly in memory and comprehension. It seems then despite lack of a causal link that reading may be more likely to enhance academic performance.

Should we assume that time spent gaming and away from homework is harmful to students? A further comparison of reading and gaming to most frequent leisure activities showed no negative patterns but interestingly resting had a favourable effect on performance as well as reading. So frequent leisure activity is not necessarily harmful to progress, or always at the expense of homework but can be enriching. The authors conclude "we think that video games are mainly recreational activities and the cognitive stimulation provided is very different from school learning. On the contrary, the results of this survey fully justify the educational role of parents and teachers in promoting reading."

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Materials provided by Taylor & Francis . Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference :

• Alain Lieury, Sonia Lorant, Bruno Trosseille, Françoise Champault, Ronan Vourc’h. Video games vs. reading and school/cognitive performances: a study on 27000 middle school teenagers . Educational Psychology , 2014; 1 DOI: 10.1080/01443410.2014.923556

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