IELTS Writing Task 2: Fame (Discussion) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Discuss the following statement. Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

Fame is often associated with success, but it can also bring negative consequences. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Fame is good and bad. Many people want to be famous because they think it means success. But fame can cause problems too. I agree with this statement.

First, fame can be good because it can make people rich. For example, celebrities like actors and singers earn a lot of money. They can buy nice houses and cars. Also, famous people can influence others. They can promote good causes and help society. For instance, some celebrities support charities and raise awareness about important issues.

However, fame can also be bad. Famous people often face stress and pressure. They are always in the spotlight, and people judge them. This can affect their mental health. Additionally, fame can make it hard to have normal relationships. Celebrities might have trouble trusting people because they never know if someone likes them for who they are or for their fame. For example, some famous people have said they feel lonely and isolated.

In conclusion, fame has both positive and negative aspects. While it can bring success and opportunities, it can also lead to stress and problems in personal life.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position but lacks development and depth. (Band 6)
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition and lack of clear progression. (Band 6)
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a mix of appropriate and limited vocabulary with some errors. (Band 6)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses simple sentence structures with frequent errors. (Band 6)

Band 7.0 Answer

The notion that fame is intrinsically linked to success is widely accepted, yet it is not without its drawbacks. I strongly agree that fame can have negative consequences despite its apparent benefits.

On the one hand, fame can bring numerous advantages. Financially, famous individuals often earn substantial incomes. For example, athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi earn millions through endorsements and salaries. Additionally, fame can provide a platform for influence. Celebrities can use their status to advocate for social causes. For instance, Malala Yousafzai has used her fame to campaign for girls' education globally.

On the other hand, fame can have detrimental effects. The constant scrutiny from the media and public can lead to mental health issues. For example, many celebrities have spoken about their struggles with anxiety and depression due to the pressure of fame. Furthermore, fame can strain personal relationships. The trust issues that arise from fame can make it difficult to maintain genuine connections. For instance, some celebrities have mentioned feeling isolated despite being surrounded by people.

In conclusion, while fame can bring success and opportunities, it also comes with significant challenges. The negative consequences often outweigh the benefits, making fame a double-edged sword.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas. (Band 7)
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and cohesive devices. (Band 7)
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items and occasional errors. (Band 7)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with some errors. (Band 7)

Band 8.0 Answer

The pursuit of fame is often equated with success, but the accompanying negative consequences cannot be ignored. I firmly believe that the drawbacks of fame often overshadow its benefits.

Undoubtedly, fame can bring about significant advantages. Financially, celebrities often enjoy lucrative careers. For example, actors like Dwayne Johnson and musicians like Taylor Swift have amassed considerable wealth through their fame. Moreover, fame can provide a powerful platform for influence. Celebrities can leverage their status to advocate for important causes. For instance, Leonardo DiCaprio has used his fame to raise awareness about environmental issues.

However, the negative aspects of fame are equally compelling. The relentless media attention and public scrutiny can take a toll on mental health. Many celebrities have openly discussed their battles with anxiety and depression. Additionally, fame can complicate personal relationships. The trust issues that arise from fame can make it challenging to maintain authentic connections. For example, some celebrities have mentioned feeling lonely and isolated despite their fame.

In conclusion, while fame can bring success and opportunities, the negative consequences are often more profound and long-lasting. The pressures and challenges associated with fame make it a double-edged sword.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas with clear position and development. (Band 8)
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and cohesive devices. (Band 8)
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a range of vocabulary with less common lexical items and some sophisticated vocabulary. (Band 8)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with some errors. (Band 8)

Band 9.0 Answer

The allure of fame is often synonymous with success, but the accompanying negative consequences are frequently underestimated. I strongly contend that the detriments of fame far outweigh its benefits.

Admittedly, fame can confer numerous advantages. Financially, celebrities often enjoy substantial wealth. For example, entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and athletes like Serena Williams have amassed considerable fortunes through their fame. Additionally, fame can provide a powerful platform for influence. Celebrities can use their status to advocate for significant causes. For instance, Angelina Jolie has leveraged her fame to raise awareness about humanitarian issues globally.

Nevertheless, the negative aspects of fame are equally compelling. The incessant media attention and public scrutiny can lead to severe mental health issues. Many celebrities have spoken about their struggles with anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Furthermore, fame can strain personal relationships. The trust issues that arise from fame can make it difficult to maintain genuine connections. For example, some celebrities have mentioned feeling isolated and disconnected despite their fame.

In conclusion, while fame can bring success and opportunities, the negative consequences are often more profound and long-lasting. The pressures and challenges associated with fame make it a double-edged sword, with the negative aspects frequently overshadowing the benefits.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas with clear position and development. (Band 9)
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and cohesive devices. (Band 9)
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a range of vocabulary with less common lexical items and some sophisticated vocabulary. (Band 9)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with some errors. (Band 9)

Key Vocabulary

1. Intrinsically - inherently or fundamentally

• Example: The notion that fame is intrinsically linked to success is widely accepted.

1. Drawbacks - disadvantages or negative aspects

• Example: The drawbacks of fame often overshadow its benefits.

1. Detrimental - harmful or damaging

• Example: The detrimental effects of fame can lead to mental health issues.

1. Scrutiny - close examination or inspection

• Example: The constant scrutiny from the media and public can lead to mental health issues.

1. Lucrative - producing a great deal of profit

• Example: Celebrities often enjoy lucrative careers.

1. Leverage - use (something) to maximum advantage

• Example: Celebrities can leverage their status to advocate for important causes.

1. Relentless - ceaseless or unending

• Example: The relentless media attention can take a toll on mental health.

1. Amass - gather or accumulate

• Example: Entrepreneurs like Elon Musk have amassed considerable fortunes.

1. Incessant - continuing without pause or interruption

• Example: The incessant media attention can lead to severe mental health issues.

1. Humanitarian - relating to the saving of lives or alleviating suffering

• Example: Angelina Jolie has leveraged her fame to raise awareness about humanitarian issues.

1. Allure - the quality of being powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating

• Example: The allure of fame is often synonymous with success.

1. Synonymous - (of a word or phrase) having the same or nearly the same meaning as another in the language of a particular group

• Example: The allure of fame is often synonymous with success.

1. Profound - having or showing great knowledge or insight

• Example: The profound negative consequences of fame often outweigh its benefits.

1. Complicate - make (something) more complicated

• Example: Fame can complicate personal relationships.

1. Authentic - of undisputed origin; genuine

• Example: The trust issues that arise from fame can make it challenging to maintain authentic connections.

1. Isolated - far away from other places, buildings, or people; remote

• Example: Some celebrities have mentioned feeling isolated and disconnected despite their fame.

1. Double-edged sword - a situation, decision, or course of action that has both positive and negative aspects

• Example: Fame is a double-edged sword, with both benefits and drawbacks.

1. Platform - a place, time, or set of circumstances in which something can be done

• Example: Fame can provide a powerful platform for influence.

1. Advocate - publicly recommend or support

• Example: Celebrities can use their status to advocate for significant causes.

1. Amassed - gathered or accumulated

• Example: Entrepreneurs like Elon Musk have amassed considerable fortunes.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position on the topic, leading to a lower score in Task Response.

1. Repetition: Repeating the same ideas or phrases can make the essay seem less coherent and reduce the score in Coherence and Cohesion.

1. Limited Vocabulary: Using a limited range of vocabulary can lower the score in Lexical Resource. Students should aim to use a variety of words and phrases.

1. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can significantly impact the score in Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Students should proofread their essays for errors.

1. Lack of Examples: Not providing relevant examples can make the essay seem less convincing and reduce the score in Task Response. Students should include specific examples to support their arguments.

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