Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays and Analysis on Social Media’s Impact on Teen Self-Esteem

The effects of social media on teenage self-esteem is a highly relevant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends and past exam questions, this subject has a high probability of appearing in future tests. Let’s examine a related question that has been featured in previous IELTS exams:

Some people believe that social media has a negative impact on the self-esteem 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 self-esteem. Key points to consider:

1. The main topic is the impact of social media on teenagers’ self-esteem.
2. The question asks for your level of agreement or disagreement.
3. You should provide reasons and examples to support your stance.
4. Consider both positive and negative effects of social media on self-esteem.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In the digital age, social media has become an integral part of teenagers’ lives, leading to heated debates about its impact on their self-esteem. While some argue that these platforms have a detrimental effect on young people’s self-worth, I believe that the relationship between social media and teenage self-esteem is more nuanced and can have both positive and negative consequences.

On one hand, social media can indeed negatively affect teenagers’ self-esteem in several ways. The constant exposure to carefully curated and often unrealistic images of peers and celebrities can lead to unhealthy comparisons and feelings of inadequacy. Moreover, the pressure to gain likes, comments, and followers can create a validation-seeking behavior that ties self-worth to online popularity. This digital approval-seeking can be particularly harmful when a teenager’s posts fail to garner the desired attention, potentially leading to feelings of rejection and low self-esteem.

However, it would be overly simplistic to claim that social media only has negative effects on teenage self-esteem. When used mindfully, these platforms can actually boost self-confidence and provide valuable support networks. For instance, social media allows teenagers to connect with like-minded individuals, join supportive communities, and express themselves creatively. This can be especially beneficial for those who feel isolated or misunderstood in their offline lives. Furthermore, social media can be a platform for self-expression and identity exploration, allowing teenagers to develop and showcase their talents and interests, which can contribute positively to their sense of self-worth.

The key to mitigating the negative impacts of social media on teenage self-esteem lies in education and balanced usage. Parents, educators, and mental health professionals should work together to teach young people how to navigate social media responsibly. This includes developing critical thinking skills to discern between authentic and manipulated content, setting healthy boundaries for social media use, and fostering self-worth that is not dependent on online validation. Additionally, encouraging teenagers to engage in offline activities and maintain real-world relationships can help create a more balanced perspective on self-esteem.

In conclusion, while social media can pose risks to teenage self-esteem, its impact is not inherently negative. By promoting digital literacy, encouraging mindful usage, and providing support systems both online and offline, we can help teenagers harness the positive aspects of social media while minimizing its potential harm to their self-esteem. Ultimately, the goal should be to empower young people to use these platforms as tools for growth and connection, rather than sources of anxiety and self-doubt.

Social media's impact on teenage self-esteem

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Social media has become a big part of teenagers’ lives today, and many people think it hurts their self-esteem. I partly agree with this statement because social media can have both good and bad effects on how teenagers feel about themselves.

One reason why social media can be bad for self-esteem is that teenagers often compare themselves to others online. They see perfect pictures of their friends or celebrities and feel like they’re not good enough. This can make them feel sad or worried about how they look. Also, getting likes and comments on posts can make teenagers feel good, but if they don’t get many, it might make them feel unpopular or unimportant.

However, social media isn’t all bad for self-esteem. It can help teenagers find friends who like the same things they do. This can make them feel less alone and more confident. Social media also lets teenagers show their talents, like art or music, which can make them feel proud of themselves. Some teenagers even use social media to learn new skills or get inspired by positive role models.

I think the most important thing is for teenagers to use social media in a healthy way. Parents and teachers should teach them how to use it safely and not spend too much time online. Teenagers should also remember that what they see on social media isn’t always real life, and they shouldn’t compare themselves too much to others.

In conclusion, while social media can sometimes hurt teenage self-esteem, it can also have good effects if used properly. The key is to find a balance and use social media in a way that makes teenagers feel good about themselves, not worse.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Nowadays, many teenagers use social media a lot. Some people think it’s bad for their self-esteem. I agree that social media can be harmful to teenagers’ self-esteem.

First, social media shows many perfect pictures. Teenagers see these and feel bad about themselves. They think they should look like the pictures, but it’s not real. This makes them sad and lowers their self-esteem.

Second, teenagers want to get many likes on their posts. If they don’t get likes, they feel unpopular. This is bad for their confidence. They start to think they are not good enough.

Also, cyberbullying is a big problem on social media. Some people say mean things to others online. This can really hurt teenagers and make them feel very bad about themselves.

But social media can sometimes be good too. Teenagers can find friends and share their hobbies. This can make them feel happy and confident. They can also learn new things from social media.

In conclusion, I think social media is mostly bad for teenage self-esteem. It’s important for teenagers to be careful when using social media and not believe everything they see.

Explanation of Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

• Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic
• Presents a balanced view with well-developed arguments
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures
• Organizes ideas coherently with clear progression throughout
• Shows excellent use of examples and personal insight

Band 6-7 Essay:

• Shows a good understanding of the topic
• Presents a clear position with some development of ideas
• Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common items
• Organizes information logically but with less sophistication
• Includes relevant examples but may lack depth in analysis

Band 5-6 Essay:

• Addresses the task but may be simplistic or repetitive
• Presents a basic position with limited development
• Uses simple vocabulary and sentence structures
• Shows some organization but may lack overall coherence
• Includes basic examples but lacks detailed explanations

IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Scores

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. self-esteem (noun) – /ˌself əˈstiːm/ – confidence in one’s own worth or abilities
2. detrimental (adjective) – /ˌdetrɪˈmentl/ – tending to cause harm
3. nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning
4. curated (adjective) – /kjʊəˈreɪtɪd/ – selected, organized, and presented using professional or expert knowledge
5. inadequacy (noun) – /ɪnˈædɪkwəsi/ – the state or quality of being inadequate; lack of the quantity or quality required
6. validation-seeking (adjective) – /ˌvælɪˈdeɪʃn ˈsiːkɪŋ/ – the act of constantly looking for approval or acceptance from others
7. mindfully (adverb) – /ˈmaɪndfəli/ – in a conscious or aware manner
8. mitigating (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪtɪŋ/ – making less severe, serious, or painful
9. discern (verb) – /dɪˈsɜːn/ – to recognize or find out
10. cyberbullying (noun) – /ˈsaɪbəˌbʊliɪŋ/ – the use of electronic communication to bully a person

In conclusion, the topic of social media’s impact on teenage self-esteem is highly relevant for IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The influence of social media influencers on young people’s behavior
• The role of parents in monitoring teenagers’ social media use
• The benefits and drawbacks of social media for education
• The impact of digital technology on face-to-face communication skills

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.