IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays: Social Media’s Effect on Teen Self-Esteem (Band 6-9)

Social media’s impact on teenage self-esteem has become an increasingly prevalent topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This theme reflects growing concerns about the psychological effects of digital platforms on young people. Based on recent trends and the relevance of this issue, it’s highly likely that questions related to social media and teen mental health will continue to appear in future IELTS exams.

Let’s examine a realistic IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject and explore sample essays for different band scores.

Analyzing the Question

Some people believe that social media has a negative impact on teenagers’ self-esteem. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

This question requires you to discuss your views on the relationship between social media use and teenage self-esteem. You need to:

1. Clearly state your position (agree, disagree, or partially agree)
2. Provide reasons and examples to support your argument
3. Consider potential counterarguments
4. Conclude by summarizing your main points

Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.

Teenager using social media on smartphone

Sample Essay (Band 8-9)

Social media has become an integral part of modern life, particularly for teenagers. While some argue that these platforms negatively impact young people’s self-esteem, I partially agree with this view. Although social media can indeed have detrimental effects, its impact largely depends on how it is used and the individual’s personal circumstances.

There are several ways in which social media can potentially harm teenagers’ self-esteem. Firstly, the constant exposure to curated, idealized versions of others’ lives can lead to unhealthy comparisons. Teens may feel inadequate when they see peers posting about their achievements, physical appearance, or social lives, failing to recognize that these posts often represent a highly selective and edited reality. Moreover, the quantification of popularity through likes, followers, and comments can create a sense of social hierarchy, potentially making those with fewer interactions feel less valued or accepted.

However, it would be overly simplistic to claim that social media is universally detrimental to self-esteem. When used mindfully, these platforms can also have positive effects. They provide opportunities for self-expression, community building, and the development of digital literacy skills. For instance, teenagers with niche interests can find like-minded peers online, fostering a sense of belonging that may be lacking in their immediate environment. Additionally, social media can be a platform for activism and self-empowerment, allowing teens to engage with important issues and feel that their voices matter.

The impact of social media on self-esteem also depends significantly on individual factors. Teenagers with a strong support system, well-developed critical thinking skills, and a healthy self-image may be more resilient to the potential negative effects of social media. Conversely, those who are already struggling with mental health issues or have a predisposition to low self-esteem may be more vulnerable to its harmful aspects.

In conclusion, while social media can indeed pose risks to teenage self-esteem, its effects are not uniformly negative. The key lies in promoting digital literacy, encouraging critical engagement with online content, and fostering real-world connections and self-worth. By doing so, we can help teenagers navigate the digital landscape in a way that supports, rather than undermines, their self-esteem.

(Word count: 345)

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:

1. Clear position: The writer partially agrees with the statement, providing a nuanced view.
2. Coherent structure: The essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs exploring different aspects, and a conclusion.
3. Well-developed arguments: Each point is thoroughly explained with examples.
4. Balanced perspective: The essay considers both negative and positive aspects of social media’s impact.
5. Sophisticated vocabulary: The writer uses a range of advanced words and phrases accurately (e.g., “curated,” “detrimental,” “quantification of popularity”).
6. Complex sentences: The essay includes a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences with multiple clauses.
7. Cohesive devices: Transitions like “Firstly,” “Moreover,” “However,” and “Conversely” are used effectively.
8. Addressing the task: The essay fully responds to the question, discussing the extent of agreement and providing a well-reasoned argument.

Sample Essay (Band 6-7)

In today’s digital age, social media has become a big part of teenagers’ lives. Many people think it negatively affects their self-esteem, and I mostly agree with this opinion. However, I also believe that social media can have some positive effects if used properly.

One main reason why social media can harm teenagers’ self-esteem is because of comparisons. When teens see their friends posting perfect pictures and having fun all the time, they might feel bad about their own lives. They might think everyone else is happier or more successful than them. This can make them feel less confident. Also, getting likes and comments on posts can become very important to teens. If they don’t get many likes, they might feel unpopular or not good enough.

However, social media isn’t all bad for self-esteem. It can help teenagers connect with others who have similar interests, which can make them feel good about themselves. For example, a teen who likes a specific hobby can find online groups where they feel accepted. Social media can also let teens express themselves creatively through posts, which can boost their confidence.

The effect of social media on self-esteem often depends on how it’s used. If teenagers spend too much time on it or take it too seriously, it’s more likely to hurt their self-esteem. But if they use it in moderation and remember that what they see online isn’t always real, it might not be as harmful.

In conclusion, while I mostly agree that social media can negatively impact teenagers’ self-esteem, I think it’s important to recognize that it can have both good and bad effects. The key is to teach teenagers how to use social media responsibly and to help them build their self-esteem in real life, not just online.

(Word count: 296)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:

1. Clear position: The writer mostly agrees with the statement but acknowledges some positive aspects.
2. Coherent structure: The essay has an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
3. Developed arguments: The main points are explained with some examples, though not as thoroughly as in the Band 8-9 essay.
4. Some balance: The essay considers both negative and positive aspects, though with less depth.
5. Adequate vocabulary: The writer uses a range of vocabulary appropriate to the task, though less sophisticated than the Band 8-9 essay.
6. Sentence variety: There is some variation in sentence structure, though less complex than the higher band essay.
7. Basic cohesive devices: Simple transitions like “However” and “Also” are used.
8. Addressing the task: The essay responds to the question, though with less nuance than the higher band essay.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. self-esteem (noun) /ˌself əˈstiːm/: confidence in one’s own worth or abilities
2. curated (adjective) /ˈkjʊəreɪtɪd/: carefully chosen and presented
3. detrimental (adjective) /ˌdetrɪˈmentl/: tending to cause harm
4. resilient (adjective) /rɪˈzɪliənt/: able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions
5. vulnerable (adjective) /ˈvʌlnərəbl/: susceptible to physical or emotional harm
6. digital literacy (noun phrase) /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈlɪtərəsi/: the ability to use information and communication technologies effectively
7. mindfully (adverb) /ˈmaɪndfəli/: in a conscious or aware manner
8. quantification (noun) /ˌkwɒntɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/: the action of expressing or measuring something in numbers
9. predisposition (noun) /ˌpriːdɪspəˈzɪʃn/: a liability or tendency to suffer from a particular condition
10. niche (adjective) /niːʃ/: denoting products, services, or interests that appeal to a small, specialized section of the population

Conclusion

The topic of social media’s effect on teen self-esteem is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The impact of social media on face-to-face communication skills
• The role of parents in monitoring teenagers’ social media use
• The potential benefits and drawbacks of social media for education

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and consider sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the IELTS exam.