IELTS Writing Task 2: Fame (Advantages Disadvantages) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers
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The Prompt
Paraphrased Prompt:
Many people desire fame, whether through social media, entertainment, or other means. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of fame. Give relevant examples and your opinion.
Original Prompt Source:
Cambridge Assessment English IELTS Writing Task 2 (2026)
Model Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
Sample Answer:
Fame has both good and bad sides. First, famous people can make more money and have better opportunities. For example, celebrities can advertise products and earn a lot. However, fame also has disadvantages. Famous people often face stress and lose privacy. Paparazzi follow them everywhere, making their life difficult. In my opinion, fame is not always good because the bad things can be worse than the good things.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development and some irrelevant points.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Ideas are logically organized but with some unclear referencing.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses some less common vocabulary but with some errors and limited range.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with frequent errors.
Band 7.0 Answer
Sample Answer:
The pursuit of fame has become increasingly prevalent in today's society. On one hand, fame brings numerous benefits. For instance, famous individuals often have access to better resources and can influence public opinion. Moreover, they can use their platform to raise awareness about important issues. On the other hand, fame also comes with significant drawbacks. The constant scrutiny from the media can lead to mental health issues, and the pressure to maintain a certain image can be overwhelming. In my view, while fame can be advantageous, the negative aspects often outweigh the positives.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some less precise referencing.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items but some errors.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors.
Band 8.0 Answer
Sample Answer:
The phenomenon of fame, driven by the digital age and mass media, has become a double-edged sword. Proponents argue that fame offers unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth. For example, influential figures can leverage their status to advocate for social causes and inspire change. Additionally, fame often translates into financial success and access to exclusive networks. Conversely, the downside of fame is well-documented. The relentless invasion of privacy, coupled with the pressure to maintain a flawless public image, can lead to severe psychological distress. Furthermore, the transient nature of fame can result in a perpetual cycle of anxiety and insecurity. In my opinion, while fame can be a powerful tool for positive impact, the personal costs often outweigh the benefits.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with fully extended and supported ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with clear progression and referencing.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items and few errors.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a variety of complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences.
Band 9.0 Answer
Sample Answer:
The ubiquitous quest for fame, fueled by the proliferation of social media and celebrity culture, has become a contentious issue. Proponents of fame contend that it provides a platform for individuals to amplify their voices and effect meaningful change. For instance, activists like Malala Yousafzai have utilized their fame to champion global education reform. Moreover, fame can catalyze economic opportunities and foster professional collaborations. However, the darker side of fame is equally compelling. The incessant media scrutiny and the erosion of personal boundaries can lead to profound psychological turmoil. The case of Britney Spears' public breakdown serves as a stark reminder of the toll fame can exact. Additionally, the ephemeral nature of fame can engender a sense of existential crisis. In my view, while fame can be a potent force for good, the personal and psychological toll often renders it a pyrrhic victory.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with fully extended, supported, and detailed ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with clear progression and referencing.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with full flexibility and precision.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a variety of complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Ubiquitous: Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
- Example: The ubiquitous quest for fame is driven by social media.
- Proliferation: Rapid increase in the number or amount of something.
- Example: The proliferation of social media has fueled the quest for fame.
- Contentious: Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.
- Example: The issue of fame has become contentious.
- Amplify: Increase the volume or intensity of something.
- Example: Fame provides a platform to amplify one's voice.
- Catalyze: Cause or accelerate a reaction or event.
- Example: Fame can catalyze economic opportunities.
- Scrutiny: Close examination or inspection.
- Example: The incessant media scrutiny can lead to psychological turmoil.
- Erosion: The gradual destruction or diminution of something.
- Example: The erosion of personal boundaries is a downside of fame.
- Turmoil: A state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.
- Example: The psychological turmoil caused by fame can be profound.
- Ephemeral: Lasting for a very short time.
- Example: The ephemeral nature of fame can engender a sense of crisis.
- Existential: Relating to existence.
- Example: The ephemeral nature of fame can engender an existential crisis.
- Pyrrhic Victory: A victory that is not worth winning because it is offset by heavy losses.
- Example: The personal toll of fame often renders it a pyrrhic victory.
- Champion: Support or defend the cause of someone or something.
- Example: Malala Yousafzai championed global education reform.
- Relentless: Continuing without pause or surcease.
- Example: The relentless media scrutiny can lead to psychological distress.
- Transient: Lasting only for a short time; impermanent.
- Example: The transient nature of fame can result in anxiety.
- Perpetual: Never ending or changing.
- Example: The perpetual cycle of anxiety and insecurity can be overwhelming.
- Incessant: Continuing without pause or interruption.
- Example: The incessant media scrutiny can lead to psychological turmoil.
- Profound: Deeply felt or experienced.
- Example: The profound psychological turmoil caused by fame.
- Engender: Cause or give rise to something.
- Example: The ephemeral nature of fame can engender a sense of crisis.
- Stark: Harsh or uncompromising in nature or appearance.
- Example: The stark reminder of the toll fame can exact.
- Toll: A heavy or severe loss or burden.
- Example: The toll fame can exact on an individual.
Common Mistakes
- Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position on the topic, resulting in a lower Task Response score.
- Overgeneralization: Students often make broad statements without providing specific examples or details.
- Poor Vocabulary Choices: Using overly simplistic or repetitive vocabulary can limit the Lexical Resource score.
- Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical mistakes can significantly impact the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.
- Inadequate Coherence: Poorly structured paragraphs or unclear transitions can affect the Coherence and Cohesion score.
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