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Academic Discussion prompt

Do social media influencers have a positive or negative impact on society? Share your perspective.

Every scored sample answer Reach120 publishes for this prompt, banded so you can see the range rather than one version of "good".

1 sample answerTechnology

The prompt

As it appears in practice

Social media influencers have become powerful voices in marketing and public opinion. While some view influencers as authentic voices connecting with audiences in new ways, others criticize influencer culture for promoting materialism, unrealistic lifestyles, and superficial values. The impact on young people is particularly debated.

Sample answers, by band

1 published

Reach120 practice band estimate — not an official ETS score How we estimate

Middle response

Band 4.53.5/5 rubric
Social media influencers can have a positive impact on public opinion when they use their platforms responsibly. In many ways, influencers can raise awareness about important human and social issues. They also represent a valuable opportunity to educate younger generations about sensitive topics such as mental health, family relationships, work-life balance, environmental protection, and social justice. I understand Mark’s concerns, and his point of view is logical and understandable. For instance, many influencers promote unrealistic beauty standards and excessive consumerism. As a result, young followers often feel inadequate when comparing their lives to the carefully curated perfection they see online. However, if governments introduced stricter age regulations for social media use, such as limiting access for children younger than 16, many of these risks could be reduced. This would help protect younger users who may not yet have enough self-awareness or critical thinking skills to distinguish harmful content from healthy examples. In conclusion, better regulation of social media use among younger people is necessary because it can be more harmful than beneficial. Nevertheless, I believe that, overall, influencers can share inspirational and educational content that is widely helpful.

What worked

  • Clear position
  • Engagement with opposing views
  • Logical structure

What cost points

  • Lack of specific examples
  • Minor grammatical errors
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