Social media’s influence on teenage mental health is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared in various forms over the past few years and is likely to continue being relevant due to its increasing importance in society. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see questions related to this subject in future IELTS exams. Let’s examine a real IELTS question that addresses this issue:

Some people believe that social media has a negative impact on the mental health 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 mental health. The key aspects to consider are:

1. The statement presents a negative view of social media’s impact.
2. Candidates must decide to what extent they agree or disagree.
3. The focus is specifically on teenagers’ mental health, not general users.
4. A well-balanced response should consider both positive and negative effects.

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 adolescents’ psychological well-being has become a subject of intense debate. While some argue that these platforms have detrimental effects on teenage mental health, I believe that the impact is more nuanced and depends largely on how social media is used.

Undoubtedly, excessive use of social media can negatively affect teenagers’ mental state. Constant exposure to curated, idealized versions of peers’ lives can foster feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Moreover, the pressure to maintain an online presence and garner likes and followers can lead to anxiety and depression. Cyberbullying, which is rampant on these platforms, can have severe psychological consequences, sometimes even leading to self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

However, it would be oversimplistic to paint social media as entirely harmful. When used judiciously, these platforms can have positive effects on teenage mental health. Social media can provide valuable support networks, especially for teenagers who feel isolated or marginalized in their offline lives. It can facilitate connections with like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and community. Furthermore, many mental health awareness campaigns and resources are disseminated through social media, potentially improving access to information and support for teenagers struggling with mental health issues.

The key lies in promoting responsible and balanced use of social media. Education about digital literacy and online safety should be prioritized in schools and homes. Parents and educators should guide teenagers in developing healthy online habits and critical thinking skills to navigate the digital landscape. Additionally, social media companies should be held accountable for implementing robust measures to protect young users from harmful content and cyberbullying.

In conclusion, while social media can indeed have negative impacts on teenage mental health, it also has the potential to be a positive force when used wisely. The solution lies not in demonizing these platforms but in teaching teenagers to use them responsibly and creating safeguards to mitigate potential harm.

(Word count: 309)

Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)

This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic, warranting a high band score of 8-9. Here’s why:

1. Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a nuanced view of the issue. It discusses both negative and positive aspects of social media’s impact on teenage mental health.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a central theme, and ideas are logically connected using appropriate cohesive devices.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is sophisticated and precise. Phrases like “pervasive influence,” “psychological well-being,” and “digital literacy” demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary relevant to the topic.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures accurately. It demonstrates good control of grammar and punctuation with minimal errors.

5. Critical Thinking: The essay shows depth of critical thinking by considering multiple perspectives and suggesting solutions, going beyond a simple agree/disagree stance.

The impact of social media on teenagers’ mental health is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of both positive and negative aspects, as demonstrated in this high-scoring essay.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Social media has become a big part of teenagers’ lives, and many people think it’s bad for their mental health. I partly agree with this statement because social media can have both good and bad effects on teenagers.

On the negative side, social media can make teenagers feel bad about themselves. They often see perfect pictures of their friends or celebrities and feel like their own lives are not as good. This can lead to low self-esteem and even depression. Also, some teenagers spend too much time on social media and don’t get enough sleep or exercise, which is bad for their mental health. Cyberbullying is another big problem on social media that can really hurt teenagers emotionally.

However, social media isn’t all bad for teenage mental health. It can help teenagers connect with friends and family, which is important for feeling happy and supported. Some teenagers use social media to find people with similar interests or problems, which can make them feel less alone. Social media can also be a place where teenagers learn about mental health and find resources to help them if they’re struggling.

I think the key is to use social media in a balanced way. Parents and schools should teach teenagers how to use social media safely and not spend too much time on it. Social media companies should also do more to protect young users from harmful content and bullying.

In conclusion, while social media can have negative effects on teenage mental health, it can also be positive if used correctly. It’s important to find a balance and use social media wisely to avoid its negative impacts.

(Word count: 269)

Balanced social media usage for teens

Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)

This essay demonstrates good writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay, placing it in the Band 6-7 range. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position. However, the ideas could be more fully developed and supported with specific examples.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Ideas are generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the higher band essay.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate and relevant to the topic, but it lacks the range and precision of the Band 8-9 essay. There’s some good use of topic-specific vocabulary, but it’s more limited.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control. There are no major errors that impede communication, but the range of structures is less varied than in the higher band essay.

5. Critical Thinking: The essay shows some critical thinking by considering both positive and negative aspects of social media. However, the analysis is less in-depth compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

This essay demonstrates a good understanding of social media and teen self-esteem, but could benefit from more specific examples and deeper analysis to achieve a higher band score.

Key Vocabulary

1. Pervasive (adjective) – /pəˈveɪsɪv/ – spreading widely throughout an area or group of people
2. Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
3. Cyberbullying (noun) – /ˈsaɪbəˌbʊliɪŋ/ – the use of electronic communication to bully a person
4. Marginalized (adjective) – /ˈmɑːdʒɪnəlaɪzd/ – treated as insignificant or peripheral
5. Digital literacy (noun) – /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈlɪtərəsi/ – the ability to use information and communication technologies
6. Self-esteem (noun) – /ˌself əˈstiːm/ – confidence in one’s own worth or abilities
7. Curated (adjective) – /kjʊəˈreɪtɪd/ – selected, organized, and presented using professional or expert knowledge
8. Disseminated (verb) – /dɪˈsemɪneɪtɪd/ – spread or dispersed widely

These vocabulary items are crucial for discussing the impact of digital technology on interpersonal communication and its effects on mental health, especially among teenagers.

Conclusion

The topic of social media’s impact on teenage mental health is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays that consider both positive and negative aspects of social media use. Some potential future questions might include:

• Discuss the role of parents in managing teenagers’ social media use.
• Compare the effects of social media on teenagers’ mental health with those of traditional media.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current measures to protect young people’s mental health on social media platforms.

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with specific examples. Practice writing your own essays on this topic and share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare for the exam.