The IELTS Reading section assesses your ability to understand and interpret texts from various sources. Topics can range from scientific studies to social issues. In recent years, the influence of social media on teenagers’ mental health has become a widely discussed topic. According to research, teenagers are spending increasing amounts of time on social media, potentially impacting their mental health. Given this trend, it’s highly likely that a similar subject may appear in future IELTS exams.
Reading Passage
Read the following passage and then answer the questions that follow.
Influence of Social Media on Teenagers’ Mental Health
Social media has become an integral part of contemporary life, especially for teenagers. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat have revolutionized how young people interact with each other. However, the rising usage of social media has raised concerns about its potential impact on teenagers’ mental health.
The Positive Aspects
For many teenagers, social media provides a sense of community and belonging. It allows them to maintain relationships, share experiences, and find support for challenges they face. Online communities can offer emotional support and foster a sense of inclusivity, which can be particularly beneficial for those who feel isolated in their offline lives.
The Negative Aspects
Despite the benefits, social media can also have negative effects. One major concern is the comparison culture it fosters. Teenagers often compare themselves to highly curated and unrealistic portrayals of others’ lives, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Moreover, cyberbullying and online harassment are significant issues that can contribute to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
Recent studies indicate a strong correlation between heavy social media use and poor mental health outcomes. Teens who spend more than three hours a day on social platforms are more likely to report mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Additionally, disrupted sleep patterns due to late-night social media use can exacerbate these problems.
The Role of Parents and Educators
Parents and educators play a crucial role in mitigating the negative impacts of social media. Open communication about online behavior and setting reasonable limits can help teenagers use social media more mindfully. Teaching digital literacy skills also enables young people to navigate the online world more safely and responsibly.
Teenager Using Social Media
Questions
Task 1: True/False/Not Given
- Social media platforms give teenagers a sense of community and belonging.
- Teenagers often feel superior when comparing themselves to others on social media.
- Spending over three hours a day on social media is associated with better mental health outcomes in teenagers.
- Cyberbullying can lead to severe mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
- Educators have the least impact on how teenagers use social media.
Task 2: Matching Information
Match the following statements with the correct paragraph (A, B, C, D).
- This paragraph discusses the benefits of social media.
- This paragraph talks about the risks and negative impacts of social media.
- This paragraph mentions the involvement of parents and educators.
- This paragraph provides statistical findings about social media usage.
Task 3: Multiple Choice
- Which of the following is NOT a positive aspect of social media for teenagers?
- A. Feelings of inclusivity
- B. Emotional support
- C. Cyberbullying
- D. Maintaining relationships
Answers
True/False/Not Given
- True
- Explanation: The passage explicitly states that social media provides a sense of community and belonging for many teenagers.
- False
- Explanation: The passage mentions that teenagers often compare themselves unfavorably to others, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
- False
- Explanation: The passage indicates that spending more than three hours a day on social media is associated with poor mental health outcomes.
- True
- Explanation: The passage specifically mentions that cyberbullying can lead to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
- False
- Explanation: The passage states that parents and educators play a crucial role, implying they have a significant impact.
Matching Information
- A
- Explanation: The paragraph discusses the positive aspects of social media.
- B
- Explanation: This paragraph highlights the negative aspects and risks associated with social media.
- D
- Explanation: This paragraph talks about the role of parents and educators.
- C
- Explanation: This paragraph provides statistical findings about social media usage.
Multiple Choice
- C. Cyberbullying
- Explanation: Cyberbullying is listed as a negative aspect, not a positive one.
Common Mistakes
- Misinterpreting Comparison Culture: Many students incorrectly assume that teens feel superior, rather than inadequate, when comparing themselves to others.
- Overlooking Statistical Details: Not paying attention to specific statistics mentioned in the passage can lead to incorrect answers.
- Ignoring Role of Parents and Educators: Underestimating the involvement of adults in managing teenagers’ social media use.
Vocabulary
- Integral (adj.) /ˈɪntɪɡrəl/: Necessary for completeness; essential.
- Curated (adj.) /kjʊˈreɪtɪd/: Carefully selected and presented.
- Emotional Support (n.) /ɪˈməʊʃənl səˈpɔː(r)t/: Assistance given through empathy and understanding.
Grammar Focus
- Correlative conjunctions: “either… or,” “neither… nor.”
- Example: Either parents or educators can guide teenagers effectively.
- Comparative structures: “adjective + -er than,” “more + adjective.”
- Example: Teens who spend more than three hours a day on social media are more likely to report mental health issues.
Tips for IELTS Reading Success
- Skim the passage first to get an overview.
- Underline keywords in the questions.
- Find synonyms in the passage that match the keywords in the questions.
- Practice regularly with various IELTS reading materials to improve your speed and accuracy.
By focusing on these strategies and refining your language skills, you can increase your chances of achieving a high score in the IELTS Reading section.