IELTS HUB
Causes, effects and solutions SocietyMoney Essay #38
Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:

In today's world, people spend a lot of money on appearance because they want to look younger.

Why does this happen? Do you think this is a 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.

Use the plan, then compare with Band 9.
303 words · 4 paragraphs
Introduction

Paraphrase the topic about people spending money to look younger. State that the essay will discuss the reasons and whether it is positive or negative.

The contemporary era is witnessing an escalating trend of individuals investing heavily in their physical appearance, primarily with the objective of appearing youthful. This essay aims to delve into the reasons behind this phenomenon and to evaluate whether this development is beneficial or detrimental.

Body 1 · Reasons

Topic sentence: Reasons are driven by societal pressure and fear of aging. Point 1: Society's pressure/media influence promoting young looks. Point 2: Fear of aging and associated health problems, linking looking young to avoiding these issues (e.g., anti-aging treatments seen as preventative).

The first reason for this trend is the societal pressure to conform to the ideal standards of beauty, which often equate youthfulness with attractiveness. This pressure is amplified by the media, which incessantly showcases and glorifies youthful looks, thereby compelling individuals to strive for the same. Secondly, the fear of aging and the associated health issues often drive people to invest in maintaining a youthful appearance. For instance, many resort to anti-aging treatments and products in a bid to delay the onset of wrinkles and other signs of aging, viewing it as a preventive measure against potential health concerns.

Body 2 · Positive negative

Topic sentence: The trend has both positive and negative implications. Positive: Can encourage physical health care (skincare, healthy lifestyle). Negative: Can lead to low self-esteem and mental health issues due to unrealistic beauty standards and comparison (e.g., body dissatisfaction, body dysmorphic disorder).

Transitioning to the second question, it is imperative to evaluate the implications of this trend. On one hand, this development can be seen as positive as it encourages individuals to take care of their physical health and well-being. Regular skincare routines and healthy lifestyle choices, often adopted to maintain a youthful appearance, can inadvertently lead to improved overall health. On the contrary, this obsession with youthfulness can lead to negative outcomes such as low self-esteem and mental health issues, particularly when individuals are unable to achieve their desired results. For example, the constant comparison with unrealistic beauty standards can lead to body dissatisfaction and disorders such as body dysmorphic disorder.

Conclusion

Summarize the main points: The trend is driven by societal standards and fear of aging. Restate that while it can benefit physical health, it can harm mental health, making it a double-edged sword.

In conclusion, the desire to look younger is fueled by societal beauty standards and the fear of aging, often leading individuals to invest significantly in their appearance. While this trend can promote physical well-being, it also has the potential to negatively impact mental health, thereby making it a double-edged sword.

Go further with the books

Writing Task 2

100 Essential IELTS Essays

Band 9 Sample Answers for the Real Exam

₹199$6.99CAD 8.99AUD 9.99£4.99NZD 10.99€5.99AED 24SGD 8.99

Free preview

Writing Task 2

Break the Band 6.5 Ceiling

Find the gaps and raise your Task 2 score

₹399$13.99CAD 18.99AUD 20.99£9.99NZD 22.99€11.99AED 49SGD 17.99

Free preview

Kit · 3 books + 1 marked essay

Writing 7 Kit

The strategy to break the 6.5 ceiling, the mistakes that cost marks, the vocabulary that lifts Lexical Resource, then one essay marked to check you are there.

₹799$26.99CAD 37.99AUD 39.99£20.99NZD 45.99€23.99AED 99SGD 34.99 ₹1,296$43.96CAD 60.96AUD 65.96£33.96NZD 73.96€38.96AED 166SGD 56.96

Next question: Some people think that paying taxes is their only responsibility towards society while others feel that everyone should do more. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.