plastic surgery ielts essay

IELTS Writing Task 2 - Cosmetic Surgery (Two-part Question)

Updated: Mar 15

An increasing number of people are choosing cosmetic surgery / plastic surgery.

Why do people have operations to change the way they look? Do you think this is a positive or negative development? (25/02/2023)

SAMPLE ESSAY:

In recent years, more and more individuals are in favor of cosmetic surgery as a way to enhance their physical appearance and overall health. Personally, I believe that this is a negative phenomenon and will provide my perspective in the essay below.

There are many rationales behind the inclination towards plastic surgery among the public. Firstly, a large number of them, especially the numerous artists working in the fashion industry and show business, decided to alter their appearance for career progression purposes. For instance, many globally famous singers have rapidly climbed the career ladder ever since their successful plastic surgeries. Secondly, some kinds of cosmetic surgery could significantly promote one’s overall health. To illustrate, weight loss surgery can help seriously obese patients avoid major illnesses such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases , contributing to their physical and mental well-being.

Despite a considerable rise in the number of cosmetic surgeries over the past few years, I believe that it is an adverse development with various consequences. One of them is the detrimental effects on one’s health if a surgery is not properly conducted. Specifically, these operations often involve several potential risks of complications such as infections or scarring , which may exacerbate people’s health conditions or even threaten their life. In addition, a surge in cosmetic surgery has seemingly fueled the masses’ desire for this form of appearance alteration, possibly leading to addiction and further related dangers. For example, some have reportedly experienced major anxiety or even depression due to their obsession with flawless beauty. This, in turn, has hindered them from maintaining many personal relationships and engaging in normal daily activities.

To recapitulate briefly, the trend towards cosmetic surgery can spring from the desire for an aesthetically beautiful appearance and improved health. However, it is my firm conviction that these operations are an adverse development in our current life due to their wide range of potential health risks, the possibility of harmful addiction as well as the resultant issues with real-life relationships and everyday activities.

cosmetic / plastic surgery (n) = phẫu thuật thẩm mỹ

enhance one’s physical appearance (phrase) = cải thiện vẻ bề ngoài của ai đó

inclination (n) = khuynh hướng

career progression (phrase) = sự thăng tiến nghề nghiệp

climb the career ladder (phrase) = tiến lên nấc thang mới trong sự nghiệp

diabetes (n) = bệnh tiểu đường

cardiovascular disease (n) = bệnh về tim mạch

detrimental (adj) = gây tổn hại

potential risks of complications (phrase) = những nguy cơ biến chứng tiềm tàng

infection (n) = sự nhiễm trùng

scarring (n) = sự hình thành sẹo

exacerbate (v) = làm trở nặng

spring from sth (phrasal verb) = bắt nguồn từ

aesthetically beautiful appearance (phrase) = ngoại hình đẹp

BRAINSTORMING

Personal opinion: The trend towards cosmetic / plastic surgery is a negative development

The reasons why people are increasingly choosing cosmetic / plastic surgery

Many people have these operations to advance their careers - for example, many artists in the fashion and show business industries have found success after changing their appearance through cosmetic / plastic surgery

Cosmetic / plastic surgery can also promote overall health, such as weight loss surgery that helps obese patients avoid major diseases and improves their physical and mental well-being

The reasons why cosmetic / plastic surgery is a negative development

Improperly conducted surgeries can cause dangerous complications, such as infections or scarring, which may worsen people's health or even threaten their life

The rise in cosmetic / plastic surgery has led to more people becoming addicted to it → further dangers such as anxiety or depression that disrupts their life

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People choose to have cosmetic surgery in order to improve their appearance....(Band 9 Sample Essay)

Updated: Mar 12

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

An increasing number of people choose to have cosmetic surgery in order to improve their appearance.

Why do people want to change the way they look?

Is it a positive or negative development?

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

You should write at least 250 words.

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Sample Essay 1

In recent times, the allure of cosmetic surgery has captivated a growing multitude, as individuals fervently seek to enhance their aesthetic appeal. This phenomenon is rooted in the desire to align one’s external image with internal self-perception or societal standards of beauty. This essay posits that while the pursuit of cosmetic enhancements stems from a variety of motivations, its implications can be both positive and negative, depending on the context and outcomes.

Primarily, the drive towards cosmetic surgery is fueled by an intrinsic desire for self-improvement and confidence building. In a society where physical appearance significantly influences social interactions and professional opportunities, individuals may view cosmetic surgery as a gateway to enhanced self-esteem and societal acceptance. For instance, reconstructive surgery after accidents or for congenital anomalies can offer profound psychological relief and a sense of normalcy. Moreover, the advent of social media has exacerbated the pressure to conform to idealized beauty standards, prompting many to seek surgical alterations as a means to mirror these often-unattainable benchmarks.

However, the inclination towards cosmetic surgery is not devoid of its drawbacks. It perpetuates a superficial societal value system, where worth and success are disproportionately attributed to physical appearance, thus undermining the importance of inner qualities and diversity. Furthermore, the industry's commercialization risks trivializing the serious medical interventions involved, potentially leading to unrealistic expectations and dissatisfaction. The psychological dependency on cosmetic procedures for self-worth can also cultivate a negative body image and detract from the development of healthier self-esteem building strategies.

In conclusion, cosmetic surgery is complex, driven by self-improvement desires and societal pressures. It has benefits for overcoming physical issues but risks reinforcing shallow norms and unhealthy dependencies. Caution and thoughtful consideration of motivations are crucial to ensure it serves personal development positively.

Sample Essay 2

In contemporary society, the popularity of cosmetic surgery is increasing as more and more people seek to enhance their physical appearance. While some argue that this trend is problematic, I believe that cosmetic surgery can positively impact an individual's quality of life. By boosting self-confidence and self-esteem, individuals can experience a more positive outlook on life.

The motivations for seeking cosmetic surgery are diverse. One reason is the societal pressure to conform to unrealistic and unattainable beauty standards. The media often presents an idealized image of beauty, which can make individuals feel compelled to try to look like these images to gain acceptance from society. Another reason is to address physical features that individuals may feel self-conscious about, such as a crooked nose or sagging skin.

Cosmetic surgery can have a profound impact on an individual's self-esteem and confidence. When people feel good about their physical appearance, they are more likely to feel good about themselves and their abilities. For instance, a person who undergoes liposuction to remove excess fat may feel more confident in their body, leading them to pursue activities they previously avoided. Additionally, cosmetic surgery can improve mental health by reducing anxiety and depression related to one's appearance.

Although there are potential risks associated with cosmetic surgery, such as complications during the procedure and unrealistic expectations, these risks can be mitigated by selecting a qualified and experienced surgeon and having realistic expectations about the outcome. It is important to recognize that cosmetic surgery is not a cure for deeper emotional issues and should not be pursued as such. Instead, it should be seen as a tool to help individuals feel more confident and happier with their physical appearance.

In conclusion, cosmetic surgery can have a positive impact on an individual's quality of life by boosting self-esteem and confidence. While the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is a personal one, it is important to approach it with a realistic mindset and to select a reputable surgeon. By doing so, individuals can enhance their physical appearance and experience a more positive outlook on life.

Sample Essay 3

In today's society, there is a growing trend of individuals opting for cosmetic surgery to enhance their physical appearance. While some may argue that this is a negative development, I believe that cosmetic surgery can have a positive impact on a person's quality of life. By improving their physical appearance, individuals can boost their self-confidence and self-esteem, leading to a more positive outlook on life.

People have various reasons for wanting to change their appearance. One reason is the societal pressure to conform to beauty standards that are often unrealistic and unattainable. The media portrays images of what is considered beautiful, and people often feel compelled to try to look like these images to be accepted by society. Another reason is to address physical imperfections that cause individuals to feel self-conscious and unhappy with their appearance. For instance, a person with a crooked nose may choose to undergo rhinoplasty to correct the issue and feel more confident in their appearance.

Cosmetic surgery can have a positive impact on an individual's quality of life by boosting their self-esteem and confidence. When a person feels good about their appearance, they are more likely to feel good about themselves and their abilities. For example, a person who undergoes breast augmentation may feel more confident in their body, leading them to pursue activities they previously avoided due to a lack of confidence. Additionally, cosmetic surgery can improve an individual's mental health by reducing anxiety and depression related to their appearance.

While there are potential risks associated with cosmetic surgery, such as complications during the procedure and unrealistic expectations, these risks can be minimized by choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon and being realistic about the outcome. Moreover, it is crucial to recognize that cosmetic surgery is not a solution for deeper emotional issues and should not be pursued as such.

In conclusion, while some may view cosmetic surgery as a negative development, I believe that it can have a positive impact on an individual's quality of life by boosting their confidence and self-esteem. As with any medical procedure, it is essential to be informed and make an informed decision. Ultimately, the choice to undergo cosmetic surgery should be a personal one, made after careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks.

Sample Essay 4

Recently, more people have expressed a desire for cosmetic surgery because they wish to improve their appearance. In my view, it is a benefit to their quality of life since cosmetic surgery enhances one's appearance, which ultimately can increase one's confidence.

Most people have cosmetic surgery to improve their look in order to boost their confidence. In reality, it is not uncommon for people to worry about how others may see them; these external assessments can harm a person's mental health and sense of self. For instance, whether they are young children at school or older professionals in their workplace, if someone is bullied or ignored because of their appearance, it negatively affects their other elements of life. As a result, people are choosing cosmetic surgery more frequently in an effort to improve their looks and hence, their quality of life.

People who have undergone cosmetic surgery are more at ease with their outward appearance since it enhances their feeling of newly found self-worth and helps them lead confident lives. With a more positive outlook, kids may focus more on other positive aspects of their lives rather than wallowing in sadness brought on by bullies and unkind remarks. They may live their lives to the fullest and talk about how they overcame obstacles by having surgery. Therefore, cosmetic surgery is a ground-breaking invention that may transform people's perceived low self-esteem into an increased sense of confidence.

To sum up, I think cosmetic surgery is unquestionably a good thing since it may help people maintain their dignity by boosting their self-esteem via a better look.

Sample Essay 5

In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of individuals opting for cosmetic surgery as a means of enhancing their physical appearance. While some argue that this is a positive development, others claim that it is a negative trend. This essay will examine the underlying reasons behind this phenomenon and explore whether it has a beneficial or detrimental impact on society.

The desire to change one's physical appearance stems from various factors. Firstly, social pressure to conform to societal beauty standards has led many individuals to believe that they must attain a certain look to be deemed attractive and successful. Secondly, some people may choose cosmetic surgery to address physical imperfections that cause them to feel self-conscious or unhappy with their appearance. Finally, the media's emphasis on physical beauty has significantly contributed to the trend, with many people aspiring to resemble the images they see in magazines and on social media.

While some may view cosmetic surgery as a positive development, it is important to consider the potential negative impacts of this trend. Firstly, it perpetuates the notion that physical appearance is the most crucial aspect of an individual's worth, which can lead to further insecurity and unhealthy body image issues. Additionally, cosmetic surgery is often costly and can be physically and emotionally taxing on the individual undergoing the procedure. Furthermore, it reinforces the idea that conformity to societal beauty standards is necessary for success, which can be a damaging message to promote.

In conclusion, while the desire to change one's physical appearance is understandable, it is essential to recognize the potential negative effects of this trend. Society should shift its focus towards promoting self-love and acceptance rather than perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards. While cosmetic surgery may have some positive effects, such as boosting an individual's self-esteem, it is important to consider the potential negative impacts on individuals and society as a whole.

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IELTS WRITING: COSMETIC SURGERY

Ielts writing task 2: .

Most people nowadays like to have cosmetic surgery to improve their appearance. Why are people choosing this? Is this a positive or negative development?    

SAMPLE ESSAY

In recent years, some people have decided to undergo body enhancement through surgery in order to make their appearance more appealing. In my opinion, there are different reasons why they have made a decision to get cosmetic surgery and I believe this trend is favorable but sometimes problematic.    

LEXICAL RESOURCE

Undergo [verb] – go through; undertake

Appealing [adj.] – attractive; interesting

To begin with, there are people who choose to make body enhancements with the help of cosmetic or plastic surgeons because they are deemed necessary. For example, patients who are victims of incidents like acid attacks or car accidents that badly affect their physical appearance resort to cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. These kinds of people are left with no choice but to undertake surgery. They need the help of surgeons to recover their normal appearance or make it look pleasing. In this case, cosmetic or plastic surgery is extremely beneficial as it rebuilds the patients’ self-esteem and helps them live normally as other people do.   

Deem [verb] – regard or consider in a specified manner 

Cosmetic surgery [noun] – The procedures, techniques, and principles of cosmetic surgery are entirely focused on enhancing a patient’s appearance.

Plastic surgery [noun] – is defined as a surgical specialty dedicated to the reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, and disease.  Source: Cosmetic Surgery vs. Plastic Surgery  

However, there are some who decide to get surgery to make their looks more attractive because they simply want to fit in or want to be validated by people who set beauty standards. In other words, these people are pressured by what they see on social media or on advertisements about the beauty of cosmetic surgery. They think that the way to be recognized and valued by society is to improve their appearance through surgery. Also, they believe that doing so will make them more confident about themselves and successfully fulfill the definition of beauty as perceived by society. Although it is their right to enhance their looks, the fact that their decision is influenced by societal pressures is psychologically damaging which is unacceptable.   

Validate [verb] – to check that something is acceptable 

Psychologically [adv.] – refers to the mental and emotional state of a person

Damaging [adj.] – having a detrimental effect on someone

In conclusion, people differ in their reasons for undergoing enhancements of their appearance and I think that this practice can be both favorable and unfavorable depending on what influences their decision.   

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An increasing number of people choosing to have cosmetic surgery in order to improve their appearance. Why do people have operations to change the way they look? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

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Some people think that having a set retirement age (e.g. 65 years) for everybody, regardless of occupation, is unfair. They believe that certain workes deserve to retire and receive a pension at an earlier age. Do you agree or disagree? Which types of workers do you think should benefit from early retirement?

Question:everybody should be allowed admission to university study program regardless of their level of academic activity.to what extent do you agree or disagree.give reason for your answer including relevant example from your own knowledge or experience, you want to start your own small business. write a letter to a bank requesting information about obtaining a business loan to finance your new company. in your letter, include the following information: 1) what kind of business you want to start 2) how much money you need 3)the length of time over which you would expect to repay the money. write at least 150 words. you do not need to write any addresses, some people believe that nowadays we have too many choices. to what extent do u agree or disagree with this statement., the average standard of people's health is likely to be lower in the future than it is now. to what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement.

Band 8+: Nowadays people have cosmetic surgery to improve life. Why do many more people choose these operations? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

In today life, people tend to improve their appearance by having plastic surgery. This essay will first outline the underlying reasons behind it before presenting the perspective that this is a negative development.

There are a few factors behind this trend. To begin with, this is an optimized solution to enhance appearance for aesthetic reasons, such as improving body’s contour and shape, smoothing wrinkles, and eliminating balding areas. Moreover, in some cases, people who suffer from congenital disabilities or trauma, this strategy can boost their confidence and self-esteem. Regarding body fat percentage, hospitals with cutting-edge technologies and skillful surgeons can help people get instant results instead of working out, therefore citizens would prefer to use this remedy.

Despite this need of residents, I am convinced that it comes with more drawbacks. The primary concern is that it fosters a cosmetic surgery abuse problem. In some cases, a cohort of people obsess with beauty and have some unrealistic demands. For instance, in the UK, a man decided to pursue the looks of a Barbie character. After undergoing hundreds of surgeries, the total cost of all his interventions took into account for north of 200,000 dollars. Notwithstanding these investments, he becomes unrecognizable. Furthermore, health insurance rarely covers the cost of cosmetic procedures, thereby the price for each surgery can be exorbitantly expensive. Worse still, it is not always clear that doctors have enough training and a good skill set to perform certain procedures, therefore it is very risky due to the fact that infection may occur.

To sum up, the growing trend of having plastic surgery to enhance aesthetic looks is driven by factors such as boosting confidence and self-esteem, solutions to avoid workouts, and improving beauty. Notwithstanding these certain benefits, this trend should be seen as a negative, with all the problems of expensive cost, the risk of disfigurements, the obsession with cosmetic surgery, and leading to negative social consequences.

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