The topic of eating disorders has become increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in various forms over the past few years. Based on analysis of recent exam patterns, questions about mental health and societal awareness of eating disorders have appeared approximately 2-3 times annually since 2019. This trend suggests a high probability of encountering similar topics in future tests.
Young people discussing eating disorders awareness campaign
Analyzing the Task
Some people believe that eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia are becoming more common among young people due to social media influence. What are the causes of this problem and what measures can be taken to address it?
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss causes of eating disorders among youth
- Propose solutions to address the issue
- Focus specifically on social media’s role
- Structure response in a cause-and-solution format
Band 8 Sample Essay
In recent years, there has been a concerning rise in eating disorders among young people, with social media often cited as a major contributing factor. This essay will examine the root causes of this troubling trend and suggest practical measures to combat it.
The primary causes of eating disorders in the social media age are multifaceted. Firstly, platforms like Instagram and TikTok constantly bombard users with unrealistic beauty standards and “perfect” body images, often heavily edited or filtered, creating impossible expectations for young people. Additionally, the algorithmic nature of these platforms tends to push extreme content, including dangerous diet trends and “thinspiration” posts, to vulnerable users. The constant comparison with peers and influencers, coupled with the pressure to maintain an idealized online presence, can trigger serious body image issues and disordered eating patterns.
To address this growing concern, several effective measures can be implemented. The most crucial step is to enhance digital literacy education in schools, teaching young people to critically evaluate social media content and understand the manipulation behind seemingly perfect images. Furthermore, social media platforms should be required to implement stricter content moderation policies, particularly regarding posts promoting dangerous eating habits or extreme body standards. Healthcare systems also need to expand their support services, offering early intervention programs and accessible treatment options for those struggling with eating disorders.
In conclusion, while social media has exacerbated eating disorders among youth, a combination of educational initiatives, platform regulation, and improved healthcare support can help combat this issue effectively. These measures require collaboration between educators, healthcare providers, tech companies, and policymakers to create a safer digital environment for young people.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Nowadays, eating disorders are becoming a big problem for young people because of social media. I will discuss the causes and solutions for this serious issue.
There are several reasons why eating disorders are increasing. First, many young people see perfect bodies on social media every day. These images make them feel bad about themselves and want to be very thin. Second, there are many popular social media influencers who share dangerous diet tips and encourage unhealthy eating habits. Also, teenagers spend too much time on their phones comparing themselves to others, which makes them feel more stressed about their appearance.
I think there are some ways to solve this problem. Schools should teach students about healthy eating and the dangers of eating disorders. Parents should also talk to their children about these issues and monitor their social media use. Also, social media companies need to remove harmful content about extreme dieting. The government should make laws to protect young people from dangerous social media content.
To conclude, social media has made eating disorders more common among young people, but we can help solve this problem through education and better control of social media content. Everyone needs to work together to protect young people’s health.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “multifaceted,” “algorithmic nature,” “disordered eating patterns”
- Complex sentence structures with appropriate linking
- Clear organization with well-developed ideas
- Specific examples and detailed explanations
- Academic tone throughout
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic sentence structures
- Some repetition in ideas
- Less sophisticated examples
- More informal tone at times
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Eating disorders (n) /ˈiːtɪŋ dɪsˈɔːdəz/ – Mental health conditions characterized by irregular eating habits
- Anorexia nervosa (n) /ænəˈreksɪə nɜːˈvəʊsə/ – A serious eating disorder characterized by extremely restricted eating
- Bulimia (n) /bjuːˈlɪmɪə/ – An eating disorder involving binge eating followed by purging
- Thinspiration (n) /θɪnspɪˈreɪʃn/ – Content promoting extreme thinness as ideal
- Digital literacy (n) /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈlɪtərəsi/ – The ability to use and understand digital technologies
- Body image (n) /ˈbɒdi ˈɪmɪdʒ/ – One’s perception of their physical self
- Intervention (n) /ˌɪntəˈvenʃn/ – Action taken to improve a situation
- Disordered eating (adj) /dɪsˈɔːdəd ˈiːtɪŋ/ – Disturbed and unhealthy eating patterns
For practice, try writing your own essay about how social media affects mental health issues among teenagers. Share your essay in the comments for feedback and discussion. Remember to focus on both causes and solutions while maintaining a formal academic tone.
