IELTS Writing Task 2: Mastering Essays on Social Media’s Impact on Teen Self-Esteem (Band 7-8 Samples)

Social media’s influence on teenage self-esteem has become a prominent topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This theme has appeared frequently in recent years, reflecting its relevance in today’s digital age. Given its significance, it’s highly likely to continue featuring in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a real IELTS question that addresses this issue:

Some people believe that social media has a negative impact on the self-esteem of teenagers. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to express their opinion on the relationship between social media and teenage self-esteem. The phrase “to what extent” invites a nuanced response, allowing for a discussion of both positive and negative aspects. Key points to consider include:

1. The nature of social media’s impact on teenagers
2. Factors contributing to self-esteem in adolescents
3. Potential positive and negative effects of social media use
4. The degree of agreement with the statement

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

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8)

Social media has become an integral part of modern life, particularly for teenagers who have grown up in the digital age. While some argue that these platforms negatively affect adolescents’ self-esteem, I believe that the impact is more nuanced and depends on various factors.

Undoubtedly, social media can have detrimental effects on teenage self-esteem. The constant exposure to curated, idealized images of peers and celebrities can create unrealistic standards of beauty and success. This may lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth among impressionable young users. Moreover, the quantification of popularity through likes, shares, and followers can turn self-esteem into a numbers game, potentially damaging teenagers’ sense of self-value if they fail to achieve desired levels of online engagement.

However, it would be overly simplistic to claim that social media universally harms self-esteem. These platforms also offer opportunities for self-expression, community building, and personal growth. Teenagers can find supportive online communities that validate their identities and interests, boosting their confidence. Additionally, social media can be a powerful tool for raising awareness about mental health issues, potentially promoting mental health awareness and encouraging teens to seek help when needed.

The impact of social media on self-esteem largely depends on how it is used. Mindful and balanced usage, coupled with digital literacy education, can mitigate negative effects and enhance positive outcomes. Parents and educators play a crucial role in guiding teenagers to develop a healthy relationship with social media, teaching them to critically evaluate online content and maintain a sense of self-worth independent of virtual validation.

In conclusion, while social media can indeed pose risks to teenage self-esteem, its effects are not uniformly negative. The key lies in fostering responsible usage and developing resilience in young users. By acknowledging both the potential pitfalls and benefits of social media, we can work towards harnessing its power for positive self-development among teenagers.

(Word count: 309)

Social media's impact on teenage self-esteem illustrated

Essay Analysis (Band 8)

This essay demonstrates excellent language use and coherent argumentation, warranting a Band 8 score:

1. Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a well-developed response.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including less common lexical items (e.g., “curated,” “idealized,” “impressionable”).
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Complex sentence structures are used consistently and accurately. There is a good mix of simple and complex sentences, enhancing readability.

The essay presents a balanced view, acknowledging both negative and positive aspects of social media’s impact on self-esteem. It also offers solutions and considers the role of education and parental guidance, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to the topic.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5-7)

In recent years, social media has become a big part of teenagers’ lives. Many people think it hurts their self-esteem, and I partly agree with this idea.

There are several ways social media can negatively affect teenagers’ self-esteem. Firstly, seeing perfect photos of friends and celebrities can make teens feel bad about themselves. They might think their own lives or looks aren’t good enough. Also, getting few likes or followers can make some teenagers feel unpopular or unimportant. This can lead to low self-esteem and even depression in some cases.

However, social media isn’t all bad for self-esteem. It can also help teenagers in some ways. For example, they can connect with others who have similar interests or problems. This can make them feel less alone and more confident. Social media can also be a place for teens to express themselves creatively, which can boost their self-esteem.

I think the effect of social media on self-esteem depends on how it’s used. If teenagers spend too much time comparing themselves to others online, it can be harmful. But if they use it to learn new things, make friends, and share their ideas, it can be good for their confidence. Parents and teachers should help teens understand how social media affects their self-identity and teach them to use it in a healthy way.

In conclusion, while social media can have negative effects on teenage self-esteem, it’s not entirely bad. The key is to use it wisely and balance online life with real-world activities and relationships.

(Word count: 275)

Essay Analysis (Band 6.5-7)

This essay demonstrates good language use and coherent structure, suitable for a Band 6.5-7 score:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position, though the response could be more fully developed.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are organized logically, with clear progression. Paragraphing is appropriate, though linking could be more sophisticated.
3. Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used appropriately, with some attempts at less common lexical items (e.g., “depression,” “creatively”).
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence structures is used, generally with good control. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.

The essay presents a balanced view and considers both positive and negative aspects of social media’s impact on self-esteem. However, the ideas could be explored in more depth, and the language could be more sophisticated to achieve a higher band score.

Teenagers using social media on smartphones

Key Vocabulary

1. Self-esteem (noun) – /ˌsɛlf əˈstiːm/ – confidence in one’s own worth or abilities
2. Integral (adjective) – /ˈɪntɪɡrəl/ – necessary to make a whole complete
3. Curated (adjective) – /ˈkjʊəreɪtɪd/ – carefully chosen and presented
4. Idealized (adjective) – /aɪˈdɪəlaɪzd/ – regarded or represented as perfect or better than in reality
5. Impressionable (adjective) – /ɪmˈprɛʃənəbəl/ – easily influenced
6. Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – make less severe, serious, or painful
7. Resilience (noun) – /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – the ability to recover quickly from difficulties
8. Digital literacy (noun phrase) – /ˈdɪdʒɪtəl ˈlɪtərəsi/ – the ability to use information and communication technologies effectively

These vocabulary items are crucial for discussing the effects of social media on teenage self-esteem in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Understanding and using them correctly can significantly enhance the lexical resource component of your essay.

Conclusion

The topic of social media’s impact on teenage self-esteem is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might explore related themes such as:

• The role of social media in shaping body image among adolescents
• The impact of cyberbullying on teenage mental health
• The influence of social media influencers on youth culture and self-perception

To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on these topics, focusing on developing balanced arguments and using appropriate vocabulary. Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of sentence structures, and provide specific examples to support your points.

We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the given topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.