Social media’s impact on mental health awareness has become an increasingly relevant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject reflects the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping public discourse and health education. Based on recent trends, we can expect this theme to appear more frequently in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a sample question that aligns closely with past exam topics:
Some people believe that social media platforms play a crucial role in raising awareness about mental health issues. Others argue that these platforms can have negative effects on mental well-being. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the positive role of social media in mental health awareness
- Explore potential negative impacts of social media on mental health
- Provide a balanced perspective and personal opinion
Let’s examine three sample essays addressing this topic, each targeting different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In recent years, social media has emerged as a powerful tool for disseminating information about mental health, sparking debates about its overall impact on psychological well-being. While some argue that these platforms significantly contribute to raising awareness, others contend that they may exacerbate mental health issues. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of social media’s positive role in mental health advocacy highlight its unparalleled reach and accessibility. Platforms like Instagram and Twitter enable mental health professionals and organizations to share valuable information, coping strategies, and resources with a vast audience. Furthermore, social media facilitates the creation of supportive online communities where individuals can share experiences and find solidarity, reducing feelings of isolation often associated with mental health challenges. This democratization of mental health discourse has undoubtedly contributed to destigmatizing conditions such as depression and anxiety, encouraging more people to seek help.
However, critics argue that social media’s impact on mental health is not uniformly positive. The constant exposure to curated, idealized versions of others’ lives can fuel feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, particularly among young users. Additionally, the addictive nature of these platforms can lead to excessive screen time, sleep disturbances, and reduced face-to-face interactions, all of which can negatively affect mental well-being. Moreover, the spread of misinformation about mental health on social media can lead to self-diagnosis and potentially harmful self-treatment.
In my opinion, while social media presents certain risks to mental health, its potential as a tool for awareness and support outweighs these drawbacks. The key lies in promoting digital literacy and responsible usage. By educating users about the potential pitfalls of social media and encouraging critical consumption of online content, we can harness the positive aspects of these platforms while mitigating their negative effects.
In conclusion, social media’s role in mental health awareness is complex and multifaceted. While it has undeniably increased accessibility to information and support, it also poses risks to mental well-being. Moving forward, a balanced approach that leverages social media’s strengths while addressing its shortcomings will be crucial in promoting mental health in the digital age.
(Word count: 345)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
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Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Examples include “destigmatizing,” “curated,” and “digital literacy.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex structures used accurately. For instance, “While it has undeniably increased accessibility to information and support, it also poses risks to mental well-being.”
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Critical Thinking: The essay demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the topic, acknowledging both positive and negative aspects of social media’s role in mental health awareness.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Social media has become an important part of our lives, and it affects how we think about mental health. Some people believe it helps to raise awareness about mental health issues, while others think it can be harmful. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On the positive side, social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow people to share information about mental health easily. Many organizations use these platforms to educate people about different mental health conditions and how to get help. This can be especially helpful for young people who spend a lot of time online. Also, social media lets people with mental health problems connect with others who have similar experiences, which can make them feel less alone.
However, there are also negative aspects to consider. Spending too much time on social media can make people feel anxious or depressed, especially when they compare their lives to others. The constant stream of information can be overwhelming, and people might see disturbing content that affects their mental health. Additionally, cyberbullying is a serious problem on social media that can have severe mental health consequences.
In my opinion, social media can be both helpful and harmful when it comes to mental health. I think the key is to use it responsibly and in moderation. People should be aware of how social media affects them and take breaks when needed. It’s also important for social media companies to do more to protect users’ mental health, such as providing resources and removing harmful content.
To conclude, social media plays a significant role in mental health awareness, but it’s not all positive. While it can help spread information and connect people, it can also have negative effects. We need to find a balance in how we use social media to maximize its benefits for mental health while minimizing its risks.
(Word count: 309)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good competence in several areas:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though the discussion could be more developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear progression of ideas. However, the use of cohesive devices could be more sophisticated.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with some attempts at less common words. However, there’s room for more precise and varied language.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control. Some more complex structures could enhance the score.
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Critical Thinking: The essay shows a clear understanding of the topic, but the analysis could be deeper and more nuanced.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowadays, social media is very popular and many people use it every day. Some people think it is good for mental health awareness, but others think it is bad. I will talk about both sides in this essay.
First, social media can help people learn about mental health. Many doctors and experts share information on Facebook or Twitter about depression, anxiety, and other problems. This is good because people can learn easily. Also, people with mental health problems can talk to others online and feel better.
But social media can also be bad for mental health. Some people feel sad when they see their friends having fun on Instagram. They think their life is not good enough. Also, cyberbullying is a big problem on social media and it can hurt people’s feelings a lot.
I think social media has both good and bad effects on mental health. It’s important to use it carefully. People should not believe everything they see on social media and should talk to real doctors if they have problems.
In conclusion, social media can help with mental health awareness, but it can also cause problems. We need to be careful how we use it and remember that real life is more important than what we see online.
(Word count: 204)
Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates adequate but limited competence:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the task, but the content is limited and lacks depth.
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Coherence and Cohesion: There’s a clear structure, but paragraphs are short and transitions are basic.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, with few attempts at less common words.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Sentences are mostly simple with limited use of complex structures. There are some errors, but they don’t impede communication.
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Critical Thinking: The essay shows a basic understanding of the topic, but lacks detailed analysis or examples.
Key Vocabulary
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Mental health awareness (noun phrase) – /ˈmentl helθ əˈwernəs/ – The knowledge and understanding of mental health issues in society.
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Destigmatize (verb) – /diːˈstɪɡmətaɪz/ – To remove the negative associations or stigma attached to something.
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Curated (adjective) – /ˈkjʊəreɪtɪd/ – Carefully chosen and presented.
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Digital literacy (noun phrase) – /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈlɪtərəsi/ – The ability to use digital technology and the internet effectively and critically.
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Cyberbullying (noun) – /ˈsaɪbəbʊliɪŋ/ – The use of electronic communication to bully a person.
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Misinformation (noun) – /ˌmɪsɪnfəˈmeɪʃn/ – False or inaccurate information, especially that which is deliberately intended to deceive.
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Self-diagnosis (noun) – /ˌselfˌdaɪəɡˈnəʊsɪs/ – The process of diagnosing oneself with a condition or disease.
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Democratization (noun) – /dɪˌmɒkrətaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – The action of making something accessible to everyone.
The effects of social media on public awareness of global issues are closely related to its impact on mental health awareness. Both topics explore how digital platforms shape public discourse and understanding of important societal issues.
Conclusion
The role of social media in spreading awareness about mental health is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. As demonstrated in the sample essays, this subject allows for discussion of both positive and negative aspects, providing ample opportunity for candidates to showcase their analytical and language skills.
For further practice, consider exploring related topics such as:
- The impact of social media on teenagers’ self-esteem
- The role of technology in providing mental health services
- The responsibility of social media companies in protecting users’ mental health
The impact of social media on public opinion formation is another related topic that could be explored in this context, as it touches on how digital platforms influence our perceptions and beliefs.
We encourage readers to practice writing their own essays on this topic and share them in the comments section. This active engagement will help reinforce your understanding and improve your IELTS Writing skills.
Should celebrities be held accountable for their influence on public behavior is another interesting angle to consider when discussing the broader impact of social media on mental health and public awareness.