IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1499 - Both men and women spend a lot of money on beauty care
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Nowadays both men and women spend a lot of money on beauty care than ever before.
What may be the primary reason for this?
Is this is positive or negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1:
Both men and women, these days, are investing significantly in beauty care, a trend driven by various social and economic factors. The rise of social media and evolving beauty standards have primarily contributed to this phenomenon. While some view this development as a positive shift, I would like to argue that it is a negative trend as it promotes unrealistic beauty standards and unnecessary consumerism.
One of the primary reasons for the increasing expenditure on beauty care is the pervasive influence of social media and advertising. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok constantly showcase meticulously curated images of celebrities and influencers, setting high beauty standards. This has created pressure for individuals to invest in skincare, cosmetics, and other fashion items to conform to these ideals. Furthermore, aggressive marketing strategies by beauty brands, often using celebrity endorsements, fuel consumer desire by associating physical appearance with success and social acceptance. For example, the global skincare industry has seen exponential growth due to the popularity of "flawless skin" trends promoted by influencers.
This trend has mostly negative implications. The excessive focus on physical appearance can create unrealistic expectations, leading to body image issues and financial strain. Many individuals spend beyond their means to purchase expensive beauty products or undergo cosmetic procedures, sometimes with detrimental effects on their self-worth. For instance, the rise of cosmetic surgeries and expensive skincare treatments has led many young people to take out loans or rely on credit cards to afford those expensive products and procedures. Moreover, excessive exposure to airbrushed images on social media platforms has been linked to increased cases of body dysmorphia, particularly among teenagers and young adults.
In conclusion, the rise in beauty care expenditure is primarily driven by social media influence and aggressive marketing. While it may boost self-confidence and personal well-being, it fosters unrealistic beauty standards and financial burdens which is damaging for individuals and society as a whole.
Model Answer 2:
In contemporary society, there is an unprecedented surge in the expenditure on beauty care by both men and women. This phenomenon can be attributed to various factors, and its implications on individuals and society at large are subject to diverse interpretations.
The primary reason behind the escalating spending on beauty care is the increasing emphasis on personal appearance in today's image-conscious world. Social media, celebrity culture, and the pervasive influence of advertising contribute to the creation of unrealistic beauty standards. As a result, individuals feel compelled to invest in beauty products, treatments, and cosmetic procedures to conform to these ideals and enhance their physical appearance.
Whether this trend is a positive or negative development is subjective and hinges on individual perspectives. On the positive side, a heightened focus on beauty care can contribute to improved self-esteem and confidence for those who feel empowered by enhancing their appearance. It can also stimulate economic growth by fueling the beauty and cosmetics industry, creating job opportunities, and driving innovation in beauty-related technologies.
Conversely, the excessive pursuit of beauty can have negative consequences. It may foster a culture of comparison and unrealistic expectations, leading to mental health issues such as body dysmorphia and low self-esteem. Moreover, the financial burden of continuous beauty-related expenditures may contribute to economic disparities, with individuals facing pressure to allocate substantial resources to meet societal beauty standards.
In conclusion, the surge in spending on beauty care is primarily driven by societal influences and changing beauty standards. While there are positive aspects, such as enhanced self-confidence and economic growth, the negative consequences, including mental health issues and economic disparities, highlight the need for a balanced and nuanced perspective on this evolving trend.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay Question:
Nowadays both men and women spend a lot of money on beauty care than ever before.
What may be the primary reason for this?
Is this a positive or negative development?
Essay Type: Double Question Essay (Reason & Positive/Negative Development)
The main question of this IELTS Essay:
A) What are the primary reasons both men and women these days spend more money on beauty care?
B) Is this trend a positive or negative development?
Reasons for Increased Spending on Beauty Care:
Influence of social media and celebrity culture:
Social media platforms and celebrities constantly promote beauty trends, encouraging people to invest in skincare, makeup, and cosmetic procedures. The pressure to look flawless, driven by influencers and filtered images, motivates individuals to spend excessively on beauty care. For example, beauty influencers on Instagram and TikTok often endorse high-end products, making them desirable and increasing consumer spending.
Greater awareness of self-care and personal grooming:
In modern society, personal appearance is closely linked to self-confidence and social acceptance. Many people view beauty care as a way to maintain their self-image and boost their mental well-being. For instance, an increasing number of men are now investing in skincare and grooming products, which were previously marketed primarily to women.
Competitive job market and professional expectations:
Many industries prioritise a well-groomed appearance, leading employees to spend more on beauty care to enhance their professional image. Good grooming is often associated with confidence and success in corporate settings. For example, individuals working in customer-facing roles, such as sales and marketing, often invest in cosmetic treatments to maintain a youthful and polished look.
Increased availability of beauty products and treatments:
The beauty industry has expanded significantly, offering a wide range of products and treatments that cater to different skin types and preferences. This accessibility has made it easier for people to invest in beauty care. For example, cosmetic procedures such as laser treatments and dermal fillers, once exclusive to celebrities, are now widely available and affordable for the general public.
Psychological satisfaction and peer influence:
Many individuals experience a sense of happiness and fulfilment when investing in beauty products and treatments. Additionally, peer pressure and societal norms contribute to the growing demand for beauty care. For instance, people often feel the need to conform to beauty standards set by their social circles, leading to higher spending on personal grooming.
Is This a Positive or Negative Development?
Positive: Boosts self-confidence and mental well-being:
Taking care of one's appearance can enhance self-esteem and mental health, helping individuals feel more comfortable in their own skin. Beauty care routines can also serve as a form of self-care and relaxation. For example, many people find skincare routines therapeutic, reducing stress and promoting a sense of well-being.
Positive: Growth of the beauty and wellness industry:
The rising demand for beauty products and treatments has led to economic growth and job creation in the beauty industry. This has opened up opportunities for entrepreneurs and professionals in cosmetics, skincare, and wellness sectors. For instance, beauty brands and salons have seen a significant increase in revenue due to consumer interest in personal grooming.
Negative: Unrealistic beauty standards and social pressure:
The emphasis on physical appearance can create unattainable beauty ideals, leading to body image issues and self-doubt. People may feel pressured to conform to unrealistic standards promoted by media and society. For example, many individuals develop insecurities due to airbrushed and edited images they see on social media.
Negative: Financial burden and excessive spending:
Many people spend beyond their financial capacity to afford expensive beauty products and treatments. This can lead to debt and financial stress, especially among young individuals influenced by beauty trends. For instance, some individuals take out loans for cosmetic surgeries, putting themselves under unnecessary financial strain.
Negative: Potential health risks associated with beauty treatments:
Some cosmetic procedures and skincare products contain harmful chemicals or involve risky procedures that may cause long-term damage. Overuse of certain beauty treatments can have negative side effects. For example, excessive use of skin-lightening creams containing steroids can lead to severe skin conditions and permanent damage.
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