Master IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Social Media’s Impact on Body Image

Social media’s influence on body image issues is a highly relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. This theme has appeared in recent exams and is likely to continue featuring prominently due to its growing societal importance. Let’s examine a related question that has been reported in actual IELTS tests:

Some people believe that social media has a negative impact on people’s body image and self-esteem. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to express their opinion on the relationship between social media and body image/self-esteem. Key points to consider:

1. The main topic is social media’s impact on body image and self-esteem
2. The question asks for your level of agreement
3. You should discuss both body image and self-esteem
4. Provide reasons and examples to support your position

Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In today’s digital age, social media platforms have become an integral part of our lives, significantly influencing how we perceive ourselves and others. I strongly agree that social media often negatively impacts people’s body image and self-esteem, although the extent of this effect can vary among individuals.

Firstly, social media is flooded with carefully curated and often manipulated images of “ideal” bodies, creating unrealistic standards of beauty. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are rife with filtered photos and videos showcasing seemingly perfect physiques, which can lead users to develop negative feelings about their own appearances. This constant exposure to idealized body types can foster a sense of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with one’s own body, potentially leading to body dysmorphia or eating disorders.

Moreover, the culture of comparison fostered by social media can be detrimental to self-esteem. Users often measure their worth against the highlight reels of others’ lives, which rarely reflect reality. This can result in feelings of inferiority and a distorted self-perception. The prevalence of likes, comments, and follower counts as measures of social validation can further exacerbate these issues, tying one’s self-worth to arbitrary digital metrics.

However, it’s important to note that social media’s impact is not universally negative. Some platforms have begun promoting body positivity and diverse representations of beauty, which can have a positive effect on users’ self-image. Additionally, individuals with strong self-esteem and media literacy skills may be better equipped to navigate social media without significant negative impacts.

In conclusion, while the negative effects of social media on body image and self-esteem are substantial, they are not inevitable for all users. To mitigate these issues, it is crucial to promote digital literacy, encourage diverse representations in media, and foster a healthier relationship with social platforms.

The impact of social media on body image and mental health is a complex issue that requires ongoing attention and research.

Social media's impact on body image and self-esteem

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Social media has become very popular in recent years, and many people think it affects how we see ourselves. I agree that social media can have a bad effect on body image and self-esteem for several reasons.

First, social media shows many perfect-looking people. Users see lots of photos of models and celebrities with ideal bodies. This can make normal people feel bad about how they look. They might think they need to look like these images to be attractive or successful.

Also, people often compare themselves to others on social media. They see friends posting happy photos and getting many likes. This can make them feel less good about their own lives. They might think everyone else is doing better than them, which hurts their self-esteem.

However, social media is not always bad. Some accounts promote body positivity and show different types of beauty. This can help people feel better about themselves. Also, some people use social media to connect with friends and family, which can be good for their mental health.

In conclusion, I think social media often has a negative impact on body image and self-esteem, but not always. It’s important for people to be aware of these effects and use social media carefully. Maybe schools should teach students how to use social media in a healthy way.

How social media is affecting mental health is an important topic that deserves more attention in our digital age.

Explaining the Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:

1. Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a clear position and well-developed ideas.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Logically organized with a clear progression of ideas and effective use of cohesive devices.
3. Lexical Resource: Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy.

Band 6-7 Essay:

This essay shows a competent handling of the task with some limitations:

1. Task Response: Addresses the task, although some aspects are more fully covered than others.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Generally well-organized, but with some lapses in cohesion.
3. Lexical Resource: Uses an adequate range of vocabulary, with some errors in word choice and collocation.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors that do not impede communication.

Comparing social media's impact on body image

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. body image (noun) – /ˈbɒdi ˈɪmɪdʒ/ – one’s perception of their physical self
2. self-esteem (noun) – /ˌself ɪˈstiːm/ – confidence in one’s own worth or abilities
3. curated (adjective) – /kjʊəˈreɪtɪd/ – carefully chosen and presented
4. unrealistic standards (noun phrase) – /ˌʌnrɪəˈlɪstɪk ˈstændədz/ – expectations that are not achievable or reasonable
5. body dysmorphia (noun) – /ˈbɒdi dɪsˈmɔːfɪə/ – a mental health condition involving obsessive focus on perceived flaws in appearance
6. highlight reel (noun phrase) – /ˈhaɪlaɪt riːl/ – a collection of the best or most impressive moments
7. digital literacy (noun phrase) – /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈlɪtərəsi/ – the ability to use and understand digital technologies
8. body positivity (noun phrase) – /ˈbɒdi ˌpɒzəˈtɪvəti/ – the acceptance and appreciation of all body types
9. self-perception (noun) – /ˌself pəˈsepʃn/ – how one views oneself
10. media literacy (noun phrase) – /ˈmiːdiə ˈlɪtərəsi/ – the ability to critically analyze and evaluate media messages

Conclusion

The impact of social media on body image and self-esteem is a crucial topic in today’s digital world. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, consider practicing with similar topics such as:

• The role of social media in shaping beauty standards
• The impact of digital technology on mental health
• The responsibility of social media companies in promoting positive self-image

The impact of social media on teenage self-esteem is another related topic that could appear in future IELTS exams. Remember to structure your essay clearly, use relevant examples, and demonstrate a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.

We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.