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IELTSbiz
All Task 2 topics
2 graded answers · band 5.5–8

Some people think that celebrities are good role models for young people, while others believe they set a harmful example. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

2 IELTSbiz learners have answered this Task 2 question and had it marked on the four official criteria; bands ranged from 5.5 to 8, with a median of Band 7. Compare the answers below to see exactly what the higher bands did differently.

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These are learner answers, not model answers — including the ones that scored well. Read them for what the criteria reward and punish, not as text to copy. A memorised essay attached to a slightly different question scores worse than an honest attempt, and examiners recognise recited material quickly.

Band 8 answer

381 words
  • Task Response8
  • Lexical Resource8
  • Grammatical Range & Accuracy8
  • Coherence & Cohesion8

Celebrities play a significant role in modern society, particularly among young people who often admire and imitate them. While some people believe that celebrities serve as positive role models, others argue that they frequently set a harmful example. This essay will discuss both viewpoints before explaining why I believe that celebrities can be beneficial role models when they use their influence responsibly.   On the one hand, many celebrities can inspire young people to work hard and pursue their ambitions. Successful athletes, musicians and entrepreneurs often achieve their goals through years of dedication, perseverance and self-discipline. By sharing their experiences, they can motivate young people to overcome challenges and strive for success. Furthermore, many public figures use their fame to support charitable causes and raise awareness of important social issues. For example, numerous athletes have established foundations that provide educational opportunities for disadvantaged children. Such actions encourage young people to contribute positively to society and develop a sense of social responsibility.   On the other hand, some celebrities may exert a negative influence on young audiences. Due to their popularity, their behaviour is frequently copied by impressionable teenagers. When celebrities engage in irresponsible actions, become involved in public scandals or promote unhealthy lifestyles, they may encourage young people to adopt similar behaviours. In addition, social media often portrays glamorous lifestyles filled with luxury and success, which can create unrealistic expectations about life. As a result, some young individuals may become overly focused on wealth, appearance and social status rather than personal development and meaningful achievements.   In my opinion, celebrities are neither inherently good nor bad role models. Their influence depends largely on how they choose to use their public platform. While there are certainly examples of famous individuals who set a poor example, many others demonstrate admirable qualities such as determination, generosity and resilience. Young people can learn valuable life lessons from such individuals, provided they are encouraged to think critically rather than imitate celebrities blindly.   In conclusion, some people view celebrities as positive role models because they inspire ambition and support worthwhile causes, whereas others believe they promote harmful values and unrealistic lifestyles. I believe that celebrities can have a positive impact on young people, but only when their influence is accompanied by responsible behaviour and thoughtful guidance from parents and educators.

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  • Task Response6
  • Lexical Resource5
  • Grammatical Range & Accuracy5
  • Coherence & Cohesion6

In modern society, the influence by the famous celebrities for young people is widely debated issue. While others believe that popular artist is ideal model for the youth, while others argue that they have negative impact on the minors. Both perspectives will be examined, and I will explain why I am strongly agree with the former view. On the one hand, the supporters of detrimental aspect by the notable personalities argue that they can influence the youngster in negative way that results in changing the behavior of the youth on how to interact with other people in their community or school. For instance, these are commons to some vloggers in social media with huge following that have unethical way of creating a content that has no moral values to get by the minors such as doing an unwholesome prank and talking trash or bad-mouthing while they are filming. On the other hand, the proponents of positive impact by the popular celebrities to the young individuals believe that they have a greater contribution to the improvement of overall well-being of the minor people particularly on the educational aspects and ambition. For instance, young ones finding inspiration to their respected idol for achieving their goals in life because they are manifesting that their dreams are not impossible to acquire if their favorite celebrities have the same ambition as them. In conclusion, while some people argue that celebrities can negatively influence young people by promoting unhealthy behaviors and unrealistic lifestyles, others believe they can inspire success, hard work, and positive social values. In my opinion, celebrities can be good role models when they use their influence responsibly, although young people should still be encouraged to think critically and choose their role models carefully.

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About this question

What band do answers to this IELTS question usually get?

Across 2 graded answers on IELTSbiz, bands ranged from 5.5 to 8, with a median of Band 7. Each was marked on Task Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range & Accuracy.

What separates the Band 8 answer from the Band 5.5 answer?

The largest difference is Lexical Resource: 8 in the Band 8 answer against 5 in the Band 5.5 answer. Open each answer to read the examiner's reason for every criterion.

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