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IELTS Writing Task 2 · Two-part question · media

Many young people look up to celebrities such as film stars and social media personalities. Why do celebrities have so much influence on young people? Is this a positive or negative situation?

Write at least 250 words · 40 minutes

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Ideas to get you started

  • Constant media exposure and an attractive lifestyle
  • Some celebrities promote charity and healthy habits
  • Unrealistic standards of appearance and wealth

A plan for this question

  1. Introduction: paraphrase the situation and answer both questions in one sentence each: influence comes from constant exposure and an attractive lifestyle; overall it is more negative than positive.
  2. Body 1 (why): celebrities appear on young people’s phones all day and share their private lives, so fans feel a personal connection; they seem to have money, beauty and freedom.
  3. Body 2 (positive or negative): admit the positives (charity, mental health, healthy habits), then explain why the negatives are stronger: edited images and paid promotions.
  4. Conclusion: repeat both answers briefly.

Model essay

288 words

Film stars and social media personalities are admired by huge numbers of young people today. This essay will argue that their influence comes mainly from constant media exposure and the attractive lives they appear to lead, and that, despite some benefits, this situation is more negative than positive.

There are two main reasons why celebrities have such power over young people. First, they are almost impossible to avoid. A teenager may see the same personality dozens of times a day on a phone, in advertisements and in conversations with friends, so the celebrity starts to feel like part of their daily life. Social media strengthens this effect, because stars share photos of their homes, meals and holidays, which creates a sense of personal connection. Second, celebrities seem to have everything a young person might want: money, beauty, fame and freedom. It is natural for teenagers, who are still forming their identity, to look up to people who appear so successful.

This influence can sometimes be positive. Some celebrities use their fame to raise money for charity, speak openly about mental health, or encourage their fans to exercise and study. However, I believe the overall effect is negative. The images that celebrities post are usually carefully edited, so young people compare their own ordinary lives and bodies with an unrealistic ideal and may feel inadequate. In addition, many personalities are paid to promote expensive products, which encourages young fans to value wealth and appearance above effort and character.

In conclusion, celebrities influence young people because they are constantly visible and seem to live perfect lives. Although a few set a good example, the pressure they create to look and live in unrealistic ways makes this a largely negative development.

Written by Acedmi to show what a high-band essay looks like. It is not an official IELTS sample, and your own ideas can be different.

Useful vocabulary

look up to
Admire and respect someone.
“Many teenagers look up to sports stars.”
role model
A person whom others try to copy.
“A good role model shows that success takes effort.”
media exposure
How often someone appears in the media.
“Constant media exposure makes celebrities feel familiar.”
influencer
A person who affects other people’s choices, especially online.
“Influencers are paid to recommend products to their followers.”
unrealistic standards
Expectations that are impossible for ordinary people to meet.
“Edited photos create unrealistic standards of beauty.”
self-esteem
How much you value yourself.
“Comparing yourself with celebrities can damage self-esteem.”
endorse
Publicly support a product, often for payment.
“The singer endorses a range of expensive trainers.”
identity
Who a person feels they are.
“Teenagers are still forming their identity.”

Common mistakes

  • Answering only the second question. Both questions carry equal weight, so give each a full paragraph.
  • Saying it is "both positive and negative" without deciding. The second question asks which it is, so choose, even if you mention both sides.
  • Naming many celebrities. One short example is enough; a list of names does not show your ideas.

What the examiner marks

Four criteria, equally weighted: Task Response (answer every part of the question with a clear position), Coherence and Cohesion (logical paragraphs and linking), Lexical Resource (range and accuracy of vocabulary) and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. An essay under 250 words loses marks for Task Response.