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Peer Pressure and Young People Essay

This peer pressure and young people essay tackles the issue of whether the influence of one's peers is negative or positive.

Take a look at the essay question.

Young people are often influenced in their behaviours by others in the same age group. Some argue that peer pressure is important while others feel it has distinct disadvantages.

Do the disadvantages of peer pressure outweigh the advantages?

Understanding the question

Though this is clearly a question asking about the advantages and disadvantages of one's peers, it's important to note that you can't just list the pros and cons without giving your opinion.

The question specifically says:

  • Do the disadvantages of peer pressure outweigh the advantages?

This is saying: "Are the disadvantages greater than the advantages?" So you must answer that question. You can do so within the body paragraphs or just at the end in the conclusion.

You could of course say they are equal and balance each other out, as long as you make it clear that that is your opinion.

Either way, you must also discuss disadvantages and advantages. Whatever your opinion is, the question is clearly implying there are both - just that there may be more of one than the other. If you don't discuss both, the examiner may take the view that you have not fully answered the question which could limit you to a band 5 for task response.

Peer Pressure EssayIs peer pressure negative or positive?

Peer Pressure and Young People Essay Sample

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Young people are often influenced in their behaviours by others in the same age group. Some argue that peer pressure is important while others feel it has distinct disadvantages.

Do the disadvantages of peer pressure outweigh the advantages?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer

Peer pressure is a pervasive phenomenon that significantly influences the behaviours of young individuals. While some argue that it plays a crucial role in positively shaping the lives of the youth, others contend that the disadvantages of peer pressure are very detrimental. 

Peer pressure, when harnessed positively, can have several advantages. Firstly, it can foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among individuals within the same age group. Young people often seek acceptance and affirmation from their peers, and this can contribute to their emotional well-being and self-esteem. A further benefit is that positive peer pressure can encourage healthy behaviours, such as exercising or avoiding risky activities. For instance, a teenager might be motivated to quit smoking if their friends promote a smoke-free lifestyle.

However, peer pressure can also have distinct disadvantages. The most pressing concern is the potential for negative influences on impressionable minds. Young people may succumb to the pressure of engaging in harmful behaviours, such as substance abuse, criminal activities, or reckless behaviours like driving without a seatbelt, due to peer pressure, which can lead to long-lasting negative consequences and jeopardise their future.

Moreover, excessive pressure from peers can stifle individuality and creativity as young people may conform to the norms of their peer group instead of pursuing their own aspirations and dreams. This conformity may limit their personal growth and hinder their ability to think independently.

In conclusion, I would argue that peer pressure has more disadvantages as although it can foster a sense of belonging and promote healthy behaviours, it also carries the risk of leading young people astray and stifling their individuality. It is imperative for parents, educators, and society at large to guide young people in making informed choices and navigating the complexities of peer influence.

293 Words

Comments

This peer pressure and young people essay would score highly for IELTS.

Regarding task response, it fully answers the question, discussing both the pros and cons of peer pressure and setting out a clear opinion on the topic - in this case that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. Ideas are clearly stated and extended.

Coherence and cohesion is very good, with ideas sequenced logically and clearly and paragraphing used sufficiently and appropriately.

There is a wide range of lexis (vocabulary) used fluently and flexibly. For instance, in the first two paragraphs:

  • pervasive phenomenon
  • positively shaping
  • harnessed positively
  • foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie
  • seek acceptance and affirmation
  • emotional well-being and self-esteem

As for grammatical range and accuracy, there is a wide range of structures, with a high level of accuracy. An example of several complex structures used can be seen for instance here:

  • Young people may succumb to the pressure of engaging in harmful behaviours, such as substance abuse, criminal activities, or reckless behaviours like driving without a seatbelt, due to peer pressure, which can lead to long-lasting negative consequences and jeopardise their future.

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