Peer pressure and its impact on adolescent decision-making is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared in various forms over the years, highlighting its relevance to contemporary social issues. Based on past trends, it’s likely to continue appearing in future IELTS exams, making it a crucial area for candidates to explore.
Let’s examine a relevant question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that teenagers are influenced more by their friends than their parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks you to consider the relative influence of peers versus parents on teenagers. Key points to address include:
- The extent of agreement or disagreement with the statement
- Reasons why friends might have more influence than parents
- Situations where parental influence might be stronger
- Potential consequences of peer influence on teenagers
- The balance between peer and parental influence in adolescent development
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
In today’s interconnected world, the influence of peer groups on teenagers has undeniably grown stronger. While I acknowledge the significant role that parents play in shaping their children’s values and decisions, I largely agree that friends often exert a more immediate and powerful influence on adolescents’ choices and behaviors.
The teenage years are characterized by a strong desire for independence and acceptance among peers. This developmental stage naturally leads adolescents to seek validation from their friend groups, often prioritizing their opinions over those of their parents. For instance, choices regarding fashion, music preferences, and social activities are heavily swayed by peer trends rather than parental advice. Moreover, teenagers spend a significant portion of their day at school and in extracurricular activities, environments where peer influence is constant and parental guidance is limited.
However, it would be an oversimplification to suggest that parental influence is completely overshadowed. In matters of long-term importance, such as educational choices, career aspirations, and core values, parental input often remains crucial. Many teenagers still turn to their parents for guidance on significant life decisions, recognizing the wisdom that comes from their parents’ life experiences.
The digital age has further amplified peer influence through social media platforms, where teenagers are constantly exposed to their friends’ opinions, lifestyles, and choices. This continuous connectivity can sometimes lead to negative outcomes, such as engaging in risky behaviors or making poor decisions due to peer pressure. However, it’s important to note that peer influence isn’t inherently negative; positive peer relationships can encourage academic achievement, healthy habits, and social responsibility.
In conclusion, while parental influence remains an important factor in teenage development, the pervasive nature of peer interactions in both physical and digital spaces often results in friends having a more immediate impact on teenagers’ day-to-day decisions. The challenge for parents and educators lies in guiding adolescents to balance these influences, helping them develop critical thinking skills to make informed choices amidst the complex social dynamics of their teenage years.
Peer pressure influencing adolescent decision-making
Band 6-7 Essay
I mostly agree that teenagers are more influenced by their friends than their parents. This is because teenagers spend a lot of time with their friends at school and in social situations.
One reason why friends have a big influence is that teenagers want to fit in with their peer group. They might change their behavior or make choices based on what their friends think is cool or acceptable. For example, a teenager might start smoking or drinking because their friends are doing it, even if their parents disapprove.
However, parents still have some influence on important decisions. When it comes to big choices like which university to attend or what career to pursue, many teenagers will listen to their parents’ advice. Parents often have more life experience and can offer valuable guidance.
Social media has made peer influence even stronger. Teenagers are always connected to their friends online and can see what they’re doing and thinking all the time. This constant connection can make peer pressure more intense.
On the other hand, some teenagers have a strong relationship with their parents and value their opinions highly. In these cases, parental influence might be just as strong as peer influence.
In conclusion, while parents do play a role in shaping teenagers’ decisions, I believe that friends generally have a stronger influence on day-to-day choices and behaviors. It’s important for teenagers to learn how to balance these different influences and make their own decisions.
Band 5-6 Essay
I agree that teenagers are more influenced by their friends than their parents. Friends are very important to teenagers and they spend a lot of time together.
Firstly, teenagers want to be popular and fit in with their friends. They might copy their friends’ style or do things their friends think are cool. For example, if their friends like a certain type of music, the teenager might start listening to it too.
Also, teenagers see their friends every day at school. They talk about many things and share opinions. This can have a big effect on what teenagers think and do.
However, parents are still important. They teach their children important values from a young age. Some teenagers still listen to their parents about big decisions like education.
Social media makes friend influence stronger because teenagers can always see what their friends are doing online. This can make them want to do the same things.
In conclusion, I think friends have more influence on teenagers than parents do. This is because teenagers spend so much time with their friends and care a lot about what they think.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates:
- Clear position with nuanced arguments
- Sophisticated vocabulary (e.g., “pervasive nature”, “amplified peer influence”)
- Complex sentence structures
- Cohesive paragraphs with clear topic sentences
- Relevant examples and well-developed ideas
- Balanced view acknowledging both sides of the argument
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows:
- Clear overall position
- Some good vocabulary usage, but less sophisticated than the Band 8-9 essay
- Mix of simple and complex sentences
- Basic paragraph structure with some development of ideas
- Relevant examples, but less detailed
- Some attempt at balanced argument, but less nuanced
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay displays:
- Basic position stated
- Simple vocabulary and sentence structures
- Limited paragraph development
- Basic examples with minimal elaboration
- Some irrelevance and repetition
- Limited range of ideas and less cohesive overall structure
IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Score Comparison
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Peer pressure (noun) – /pɪər ˈpreʃər/ – Influence from members of one’s peer group
- Adolescent (noun/adjective) – /ˌædəˈlesənt/ – A young person in the process of developing from a child into an adult
- Influence (noun/verb) – /ˈɪnfluəns/ – The capacity to have an effect on someone’s character, development, or behavior
- Validation (noun) – /ˌvælɪˈdeɪʃən/ – Recognition or affirmation that a person or their feelings or opinions are valid or worthwhile
- Overshadowed (verb) – /ˌəʊvəˈʃædəʊd/ – To make something seem less important or impressive in comparison with something else
- Pervasive (adjective) – /pəˈveɪsɪv/ – Spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people
- Critical thinking (noun) – /ˈkrɪtɪkəl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ – The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment
- Social dynamics (noun) – /ˈsəʊʃəl daɪˈnæmɪks/ – The behavior of groups and the interactions between individuals within those groups
In conclusion, the topic of peer pressure and its influence on adolescent decision-making is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of social media in shaping teenage behavior
- The balance between independence and parental guidance in adolescence
- The impact of peer groups on academic performance
- Strategies for developing resilience against negative peer pressure
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the given topic and share it in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
