The topic of social media influencers and role models has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations, particularly between 2020-2023. Based on analysis of past papers and current trends, this theme appears in approximately 15% of all social media-related questions, making it a crucial area for IELTS candidates to master.
Recent research on impact of influencer culture on young adults shows this topic’s growing relevance in academic discourse, making it highly likely to appear in future IELTS examinations.
Task Analysis and Sample Question
Some people think that social media influencers have become the new role models for young people, replacing traditional role models such as parents, teachers, and community leaders. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Question Analysis
- Topic: Role of social media influencers vs traditional role models
- Task type: Opinion (Agree/Disagree)
- Key points to address:
- Influence of social media personalities
- Comparison with traditional role models
- Impact on young people
The growing influence of social media personalities on youth
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.0)
The unprecedented rise of social media platforms has undoubtedly transformed the landscape of influence, with digital content creators increasingly capturing young people’s attention. While I partially agree that social media influencers have gained significant prominence, I believe they complement rather than replace traditional role models.
Social media influencers have indeed become powerful figures in shaping young people’s perspectives and behaviors. Their constant presence and relatability through platforms like Instagram and TikTok create a sense of intimate connection with their followers. The effects of social media on body image demonstrate how these influencers can significantly impact young people’s self-perception and lifestyle choices. Moreover, their ability to communicate trends and ideas in an engaging, accessible manner often resonates more effectively with youth than conventional authority figures.
However, traditional role models maintain their fundamental importance in young people’s development. Parents provide essential emotional support and core values that cannot be replicated through digital interactions. Teachers offer direct guidance and mentorship in academic and personal growth, while community leaders demonstrate local leadership and civic responsibility. These face-to-face relationships foster deeper, more meaningful connections that virtual influencers cannot match.
Furthermore, the role of social media influencers in shaping youth culture should be viewed as complementary rather than competitive. While influencers may inspire creativity and digital literacy, traditional role models provide the fundamental life skills and moral compass necessary for balanced development. The optimal scenario involves young people learning from both sources – drawing on the innovation and contemporary relevance of social media personalities while grounding themselves in the timeless wisdom and personal guidance of traditional mentors.
In conclusion, while social media influencers have emerged as significant figures in young people’s lives, they serve as additional rather than replacement role models. The key lies in leveraging the benefits of both modern and traditional sources of influence to support young people’s holistic development.
The enduring importance of traditional role models in contemporary society
Essay Analysis (Band 8.0)
- Task Response (8): Clear position with sophisticated development
- Coherence and Cohesion (8): Seamless paragraph transitions, effective use of referencing
- Lexical Resource (8): Advanced vocabulary appropriately used
- Grammar (8): Complex structures with high accuracy
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Social media has changed how young people choose their role models. While some believe that social media influencers have taken over from traditional role models, I partly agree with this idea because both types of role models are important today.
Firstly, social media influencers have become very popular with young people. They share their daily lives online and give advice about fashion, lifestyle, and personal development. Many teenagers follow these influencers because they seem more modern and interesting than parents or teachers. The effects of advertising on teenage self-esteem show that young people are easily influenced by what they see online.
However, traditional role models are still very important. Parents teach their children important values and help them make good decisions. Teachers help students learn and develop important skills for their future. These role models provide real-life guidance that social media influencers cannot give.
Sometimes, both types of role models can work together. For example, when a teacher uses social media to teach, or when parents learn about new trends from influencers to understand their children better. This shows that both traditional and new role models have their own importance.
In conclusion, while social media influencers have become new role models, they haven’t completely replaced traditional ones. Young people can benefit from both types of role models in different ways.
Essay Analysis (Band 6.5)
- Task Response (6): Clear position but simpler development
- Coherence and Cohesion (7): Clear progression but less sophisticated linking
- Lexical Resource (6): Adequate but less precise vocabulary
- Grammar (7): Mix of simple and complex structures
Key Vocabulary
- unprecedented (adj) /ʌnˈpres.ɪ.den.tɪd/ – never having happened or existed before
- complementary (adj) /ˌkɒm.plɪˈmen.tər.i/ – combining well with something else
- resonates (v) /ˈrez.ə.neɪt/ – to have particular meaning or importance for someone
- holistic (adj) /həʊˈlɪs.tɪk/ – dealing with or treating the whole of something
- civic responsibility (n) /ˈsɪv.ɪk rɪˌspɒn.sɪˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ – duties and obligations to one’s community
Conclusion
The topic of social media influencers versus traditional role models remains highly relevant for IELTS candidates. Practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The impact of social media celebrities on children’s career choices
- The role of digital influence in education
- Balancing online and offline role models in modern society
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and improvement suggestions.
