Social media’s influence on body image is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This topic has appeared in various forms over the past few years and is likely to continue being relevant due to the increasing prominence of social media in our daily lives. Let’s examine a recent IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject and analyze sample essays for different band scores.
Some people say 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 you to discuss your opinion on the impact of social media on body image and self-esteem. The phrase “to what extent” suggests that you should consider both sides of the argument before presenting your stance. You need to:
- Decide your level of agreement with the statement
- Provide reasons and examples to support your view
- Consider potential counterarguments
- Draw a clear conclusion
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In recent years, the pervasive influence of social media on individuals’ perception of their bodies and self-worth has become a topic of intense debate. While some argue that these platforms have a detrimental effect on body image and self-esteem, I largely agree with this viewpoint, although I acknowledge that social media can also have some positive impacts in this area.
Undeniably, social media platforms often present unrealistic beauty standards that can negatively affect users’ body image and self-esteem. The constant exposure to carefully curated and often digitally altered images of seemingly perfect bodies can lead to unfavorable comparisons and feelings of inadequacy. For instance, a study by the Royal Society for Public Health found that Instagram, a photo-sharing platform, was the worst social media network for young people’s mental health and body image. This is particularly concerning for impressionable teenagers and young adults who are still developing their sense of self-worth.
Moreover, the culture of seeking validation through likes, comments, and followers can tie an individual’s self-esteem directly to their online presence. This phenomenon can lead to an unhealthy obsession with one’s appearance and a constant need for external validation, potentially resulting in anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. The pressure to maintain a certain image online can be overwhelming and detrimental to mental health.
Social media's impact on body image and self-esteem
However, it would be remiss to ignore the potential positive aspects of social media in relation to body image. Some platforms have been instrumental in promoting body positivity movements, providing a space for diverse representations of beauty that challenge mainstream ideals. For example, the role of social media in spreading awareness of mental health issues has been significant, with many influencers using their platforms to advocate for self-acceptance and mental well-being.
In conclusion, while social media can offer some benefits in terms of promoting diverse body types and raising awareness about mental health, I strongly believe that its overall impact on body image and self-esteem is predominantly negative. The constant exposure to idealized images and the pressure to conform to certain standards can have far-reaching consequences on individuals’ mental health and self-perception. It is crucial for users, particularly young people, to be educated about the potential risks and to develop a critical approach to the content they consume online.
(309 words)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Social media has become a big part of our lives, and many people think it affects how we see our bodies and feel about ourselves. I mostly agree that social media can have a bad effect on body image and self-esteem, but I also think there are some good things about it.
One main reason why social media can be bad for body image is that it shows a lot of perfect-looking people. When people see these images all the time, they might start to feel bad about how they look. For example, many young girls see models on Instagram and want to look like them, even if it’s not healthy. This can make them feel sad or even try dangerous diets.
Another problem is that people often only show their best moments on social media. This can make others feel like their own lives are not good enough. When someone sees their friends always looking happy and beautiful online, they might think something is wrong with them if they don’t feel the same way.
However, social media is not all bad for body image. Some people use it to share positive messages about loving your body the way it is. There are groups and hashtags that support people of all sizes and shapes. This can help some people feel better about themselves. The effects of social media on teenage self-esteem can be both positive and negative, depending on the content they engage with.
In conclusion, I think social media mostly has a negative effect on body image and self-esteem, but it can also be used in good ways. It’s important for people to remember that what they see online is not always real and to try to use social media in a way that makes them feel good, not bad.
(296 words)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Social media is very popular nowadays. Many people think it makes people feel bad about their bodies and themselves. I agree that social media can be bad for body image and self-esteem.
First, social media has many pictures of beautiful people. These pictures are often not real because they use computer programs to make people look perfect. When normal people see these pictures, they might feel ugly or fat. This is not good for their self-esteem.
Also, on social media, people always try to look happy and successful. They post pictures of their best times and hide their problems. This can make other people feel like their own lives are not good enough. They might think everyone else is happier than them.
But social media is not only bad. Sometimes it can help people feel better about themselves. There are groups where people support each other and say it’s okay to look different. This can be good for some people’s self-esteem.
In conclusion, I think social media mostly hurts people’s body image and self-esteem, but it can also help sometimes. People should be careful when they use social media and remember that not everything they see is real.
(203 words)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic. It:
- Presents a clear and well-developed argument
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately (e.g., “pervasive influence,” “detrimental effect,” “unfavorable comparisons”)
- Employs a variety of complex sentence structures
- Provides specific examples and evidence to support claims
- Considers both sides of the argument, showing a balanced view
- Has a clear progression of ideas and cohesive paragraphs
- Concludes with a strong summary of the main points
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows a good understanding of the topic and adequate writing skills. It:
- Presents a clear position on the issue
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences
- Has a reasonable range of vocabulary, with some less common words used appropriately
- Provides some examples to support ideas
- Shows an attempt to consider both sides of the argument
- Has a logical structure, though paragraphs could be more fully developed
- Concludes by restating the main points
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay demonstrates a basic understanding of the task and adequate writing skills. It:
- Addresses the main points of the question
- Uses mostly simple sentences with some attempts at more complex structures
- Has a limited but adequate vocabulary for the task
- Provides some basic examples
- Shows a simple organization of ideas
- Attempts to consider both sides, though not in great depth
- Concludes with a simple restatement of the main idea
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Pervasive (adjective) /pəˈveɪsɪv/ – spreading widely throughout an area or group of people
- Detrimental (adjective) /ˌdetrɪˈmentl/ – causing harm or damage
- Self-esteem (noun) /ˌself ɪˈstiːm/ – confidence in one’s own worth or abilities
- Body image (noun) /ˈbɒdi ˈɪmɪdʒ/ – a person’s perception of their physical self
- Curated (adjective) /ˈkjʊəreɪtɪd/ – carefully chosen and presented
- Validation (noun) /ˌvælɪˈdeɪʃn/ – recognition or affirmation that a person or their feelings are valid
- Impressionable (adjective) /ɪmˈpreʃənəbl/ – easily influenced or affected by others
- Diverse (adjective) /daɪˈvɜːs/ – showing a great deal of variety
- Advocate (verb) /ˈædvəkeɪt/ – publicly recommend or support
- Critical approach (noun phrase) /ˈkrɪtɪkl əˈprəʊtʃ/ – a way of thinking that involves careful analysis and judgment
In conclusion, the impact of social media on body image and self-esteem is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. To excel in your essay, focus on presenting a clear argument, using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and providing specific examples to support your points. Remember to consider both sides of the argument and conclude with a strong summary of your main ideas.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as the influence of the fashion industry on body image or the role of social media in shaping public health behavior. These topics are likely to appear in future IELTS exams and will help you develop a broader understanding of social media’s impact on society.
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and get feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.