Social media’s impact on public health has become an increasingly popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends and the growing significance of this issue, it’s highly likely that questions related to social media and public health will continue to appear in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in past tests and analyze how to approach it effectively.
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that social media has a positive influence on people’s health and lifestyle. Others believe it has a negative impact. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the positive influences of social media on health and lifestyle
- Discuss the negative impacts of social media on health and lifestyle
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
Let’s examine two sample essays addressing this topic – one aiming for a Band 8-9 score and another for a Band 6-7 score.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Social media has become an integral part of modern life, and its influence on public health and lifestyle is a topic of heated debate. While some argue that these platforms positively impact people’s well-being, others contend that they have detrimental effects. In my opinion, while social media offers some benefits, its overall impact on public health is predominantly negative.
Proponents of social media argue that it can positively influence health and lifestyle in several ways. Firstly, these platforms provide access to a wealth of health information, enabling users to learn about various medical conditions, treatments, and preventive measures. Additionally, social media facilitates the formation of support groups for individuals with specific health concerns, fostering a sense of community and emotional support. Moreover, fitness influencers and health-conscious content creators can inspire and motivate people to adopt healthier lifestyles through their posts and videos.
However, the negative impacts of social media on public health cannot be overlooked. One significant concern is the spread of misinformation and pseudoscience, which can lead to dangerous health practices and vaccine hesitancy. Furthermore, excessive use of social media has been linked to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, particularly among younger users who may compare themselves unfavorably to the curated lives of others online. The sedentary nature of scrolling through social media feeds for extended periods can also contribute to physical health problems, including obesity and poor posture.
In my view, while social media has the potential to be a valuable tool for health education and community building, its current implementation and usage patterns are more harmful than beneficial to public health. The addictive nature of these platforms, combined with the prevalence of unrealistic body standards and the ease of spreading unverified health claims, outweigh the potential benefits. To mitigate these negative effects, it is crucial for individuals to develop critical thinking skills, limit their social media usage, and seek information from reputable health sources.
In conclusion, social media’s influence on public health is a complex issue with both positive and negative aspects. However, the current landscape suggests that the detrimental effects are more pronounced. Moving forward, it is essential for both users and platform developers to work towards creating a healthier social media environment that prioritizes accurate information and mental well-being.
(Word count: 394)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Social media has become very popular in recent years, and people have different opinions about how it affects health and lifestyle. Some think it’s good, while others believe it’s bad. I will discuss both sides and give my own thoughts.
On the positive side, social media can help people learn about health. Many doctors and health experts share useful information on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This can teach people about diseases and how to stay healthy. Also, social media lets people join groups where they can talk to others with similar health problems. This can make them feel less alone and get support. Lastly, some social media users post about their fitness routines, which can motivate others to exercise more.
However, there are also negative effects of social media on health. One big problem is fake news about health. People might see wrong information and believe it, which can be dangerous. Another issue is that spending too much time on social media can make people feel sad or anxious, especially teenagers. They might compare their lives to others and feel bad about themselves. Also, using social media for many hours means sitting for a long time, which isn’t good for physical health.
In my opinion, social media has both good and bad effects on health, but I think the bad effects are stronger. While it’s nice to have health information easily available, the risks of misinformation and mental health problems are serious. I believe people should be careful about how much time they spend on social media and always check health information with real doctors.
To conclude, social media influences health in different ways. It can help spread good information and support, but it can also cause problems with wrong information and mental health. People need to use social media wisely to avoid the negative effects on their health and lifestyle.
(Word count: 309)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing positive and negative aspects, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced thesis statement.
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Language: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language. Both are correct, but the higher band score demonstrates greater linguistic flexibility.
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Arguments: The Band 8-9 essay provides more specific examples and deeper analysis, while the Band 6-7 essay offers more general points. Both cover the main ideas, but the higher band score shows more critical thinking.
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Personal Opinion: Both essays clearly state the writer’s opinion, but the Band 8-9 essay integrates it more smoothly throughout the text and provides more justification for the stance taken.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay uses a wider range of linking words and phrases, creating a more fluid argument. The Band 6-7 essay is still coherent but relies on simpler connectors.
Vocabulary to Remember
- Integral (adjective) /ɪnˈteɡrəl/ – necessary and important as a part of a whole
- Contentious (adjective) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause disagreement
- Detrimental (adjective) /ˌdetrɪˈmentl/ – causing harm or damage
- Misinformation (noun) /ˌmɪsɪnfərˈmeɪʃn/ – false or inaccurate information
- Pseudoscience (noun) /ˌsuːdəʊˈsaɪəns/ – a collection of beliefs or practices mistakenly regarded as being based on scientific method
- Sedentary (adjective) /ˈsed(ə)nt(ə)ri/ – characterized by much sitting and little physical activity
- Curated (adjective) /ˈkjʊəreɪtɪd/ – selected, organized, and presented using professional or expert knowledge
- Prevalence (noun) /ˈprevələns/ – the fact or condition of being widespread or common
Conclusion
The topic of social media’s influence on public health is complex and multifaceted, making it an excellent subject for IELTS Writing Task 2. When approaching this or similar topics, remember to discuss both sides of the argument, use specific examples, and clearly state your own opinion. Practice writing essays on related subjects, such as:
- The role of social media in spreading health awareness during pandemics
- The impact of social media on body image and eating disorders
- How social media affects sleep patterns and overall well-being
- The potential of social media as a tool for public health campaigns
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.