Social media’s impact on mental health is a highly relevant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends, this subject has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular theme. Let’s examine a common question format related to this issue:
Some people believe that social media has a negative impact on people’s mental health and well-being, while others argue it can be beneficial. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the negative impacts of social media on mental health
- Explore the potential benefits of social media for well-being
- Present and justify their personal opinion on the matter
Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, followed by detailed analyses.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In today’s digital age, the influence of social media on mental health has become a topic of intense debate. While some argue that these platforms negatively affect our psychological well-being, others contend that they offer significant benefits. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
On the one hand, social media can indeed have detrimental effects on mental health. The constant exposure to carefully curated images of others’ lives can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Moreover, the addictive nature of these platforms often results in decreased productivity and increased stress levels. The phenomenon of “FOMO” (fear of missing out) can also contribute to anxiety and depression, as users constantly compare their experiences to those of their peers.
Conversely, proponents argue that social media can positively impact mental well-being. These platforms provide opportunities for connection and support, particularly for individuals who may feel isolated in their offline lives. Social media can also serve as a valuable tool for raising awareness about mental health issues and reducing stigma. Furthermore, many users find that sharing their experiences and receiving supportive feedback from their online communities can be therapeutic and empowering.
In my opinion, while social media does present certain risks to mental health, its overall impact depends largely on how it is used. When approached mindfully and in moderation, these platforms can offer significant benefits for psychological well-being. However, it is crucial for users to be aware of the potential pitfalls and to cultivate healthy online habits. This might include setting boundaries for social media use, curating one’s feed to promote positive content, and maintaining a balance between online and offline interactions.
In conclusion, social media’s effect on mental health is complex and multifaceted. While it can contribute to issues such as anxiety and low self-esteem, it also has the potential to foster connection and support. Ultimately, the key lies in developing a balanced and conscious approach to these powerful digital tools.
(Word count: 309)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic, warranting a high band score:
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both negative and positive views and clearly presenting a personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices. Ideas flow logically from one paragraph to the next.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is sophisticated and precise (e.g., “curated images,” “detrimental effects,” “phenomenon of FOMO”). There is good use of topic-specific language related to mental health and social media.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of complex structures used accurately. There is a good mix of simple and complex sentences, with no noticeable errors.
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations. The conclusion effectively summarizes the main arguments and restates the writer’s opinion.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Nowadays, social media has become a big part of our lives. Some people think it’s bad for our mental health, while others say it can be good. In this essay, I will talk about both sides and give my opinion.
First, social media can have negative effects on mental health. Many people compare their lives to what they see online, which can make them feel bad about themselves. Also, spending too much time on social media can be addictive and cause stress. Some people might feel left out when they see their friends doing things without them.
On the other hand, social media can also be helpful for mental health. It allows people to connect with others, especially if they feel lonely. Many people use social media to share their problems and get support from others. It can also be a good way to learn about mental health issues and find help.
In my opinion, social media can be both good and bad for mental health. It depends on how people use it. If someone uses social media too much or only looks at negative things, it can be harmful. But if they use it to connect with friends and find support, it can be helpful.
To conclude, social media has both positive and negative effects on mental health. I think it’s important for people to be aware of how they use social media and try to use it in a healthy way. This means not spending too much time on it and focusing on positive interactions.
(Word count: 252)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and presenting a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with appropriate paragraphing. Some cohesive devices are used, but they are less sophisticated than in the higher band essay.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but less varied and precise compared to the Band 8-9 essay. There are some attempts at more advanced vocabulary (e.g., “addictive,” “negative effects”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good accuracy. However, the range of structures is more limited than in the higher band essay.
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Development of Ideas: Main points are supported with relevant ideas, but the explanations and examples are less detailed and nuanced compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Mental well-being (noun): The state of mental health and emotional balance.
Pronunciation: /ˈmen.təl wel-ˈbiː.ɪŋ/ -
Detrimental (adjective): Causing harm or damage.
Pronunciation: /ˌde.trɪˈmen.təl/ -
Curated (adjective): Carefully chosen and presented.
Pronunciation: /kjʊəˈreɪ.tɪd/ -
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) (noun): Anxiety that an exciting event may be happening elsewhere.
Pronunciation: /ˈfəʊ.məʊ/ -
Stigma (noun): A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance or quality.
Pronunciation: /ˈstɪɡ.mə/ -
Multifaceted (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
Pronunciation: /ˌmʌl.tiˈfæs.ɪ.tɪd/ -
Mindfully (adverb): In a conscious or aware manner.
Pronunciation: /ˈmaɪnd.fəl.i/ -
Therapeutic (adjective): Having a good effect on the body or mind; contributing to a sense of well-being.
Pronunciation: /ˌθer.əˈpjuː.tɪk/
In conclusion, the impact of social media on mental health remains a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future exam questions might explore related themes such as:
- The role of social media in shaping personal relationships
- The impact of social media on youth development and education
- Social media’s influence on body image and self-esteem
To further improve your writing skills, try composing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you apply the strategies and vocabulary discussed in this article, enhancing your preparation for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
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