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?

Same questionCompare 2 different answers (Band 8–8.5)

Sample Response

1

In contemporary society, there is an unprecedented surge in spending on beauty caresurge in the expenditure on beauty care by both men and women. This phenomenon can be attributed to various factors, and its implications foron individuals and society at large are interpreted in different wayssubject to diverse interpretations.

2

The primary reason for the increasing spendingreason 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 help createcontribute 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.

3

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 improve self-esteemcontribute 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 industrythe beauty and cosmetics industry, creating job opportunities, and driving innovation in beauty-related technologies.

4

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 ongoing spending on beauty carecontinuous beauty-related expenditures may contribute to economic disparities, with individuals facing pressure to spend substantial amounts to meetallocate substantial resources to meet societal beauty standards.

5

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.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 8.0

The response clearly explains the main cause of increased beauty spending and develops both beneficial and harmful consequences with strong organization and precise language. Its principal limitation is that the final evaluation remains deliberately balanced rather than stating clearly whether the development is positive or negative overall. The highest-priority improvement is to weigh the two sides explicitly and deliver an unambiguous overall judgment in the conclusion.

Band score breakdown

IELTS Writing Criteria Scores

TR

Task Response

7.0
Scoring rule

The primary reason is clearly identified and both positive and negative implications are well developed, but the requested overall evaluation remains somewhat inconclusive.

Next step

State whether the negative effects outweigh the benefits, or vice versa, and support that judgment with a brief comparison.

CC

Coherence and Cohesion

8.0
Scoring rule

The essay is logically structured, with each paragraph serving a distinct purpose and cohesive links guiding the reader smoothly.

Next step

Make the progression even more decisive by using the conclusion to resolve, rather than simply summarize, the two-sided discussion.

LR

Lexical Resource

8.0
Scoring rule

Vocabulary is varied, precise, and well suited to the topic, with effective expressions concerning social pressure, mental health, and economic effects.

Next step

Reduce minor repetition of ‘beauty care’ and ‘beauty standards’ through selective referencing or more varied phrasing.

GRA

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

8.0
Scoring rule

A wide range of complex sentences is used with strong control and only rare, non-impeding awkwardness.

Next step

Refine occasional preposition choices, such as the implications ‘for’ individuals, to make an already accurate response fully idiomatic.

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IELTS Writing Task 2

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?

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