Cosmetic surgery has become increasingly prevalent in modern society, making it a frequent topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exam questions from 2019-2023, this theme appears approximately once every 4-5 months, particularly in questions about healthcare, social trends, and advertising regulations.
The growing influence of cosmetic surgery in modern society showing diverse procedures and patient demographics
Analysis of a Recent IELTS Task 2 Question
Some people believe that cosmetic surgery has become too common and should be restricted to those who need it for medical reasons only. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question requires candidates to express their opinion on limiting cosmetic surgery access while considering both elective and medical procedures. Similar to should there be stricter regulations on cosmetic surgery advertising, this topic explores healthcare regulation and personal choice.
Sample Essays with Band Score Analysis
Band 9 Sample Essay (290 words)
The prevalence of cosmetic surgery in modern society has sparked debate about whether these procedures should be limited to medical necessities. While concerns about its widespread use are valid, I strongly disagree that cosmetic surgery should be restricted solely to medical cases.
Firstly, cosmetic surgery serves legitimate psychological and emotional needs beyond medical necessity. Many individuals suffer from low self-esteem or social anxiety due to physical features they consider problematic. For these people, elective cosmetic procedures can significantly improve their mental well-being and quality of life, similar to how Should public health services be free and universal? addresses essential healthcare needs.
Moreover, restricting cosmetic surgery to medical cases would create a problematic grey area in defining “medical necessity.” Many procedures serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. For instance, rhinoplasty might improve both breathing and appearance, making it difficult to categorize procedures strictly as either medical or cosmetic.
However, rather than imposing blanket restrictions, a more effective approach would be to strengthen regulatory frameworks and ethical guidelines. This could include mandatory psychological assessments, cooling-off periods, and comprehensive counseling about risks and alternatives. These measures would help ensure that decisions to undergo cosmetic surgery are well-informed and psychologically sound, while still respecting individual autonomy.
In conclusion, while the increasing popularity of cosmetic surgery warrants careful consideration, outright restriction to medical cases would be both impractical and potentially harmful. The focus should instead be on developing robust frameworks to ensure safe, ethical practice while preserving individual choice.
The dual benefits of cosmetic surgery showing both medical and psychological improvements
Key Vocabulary:
- prevalence (n) /ˈprev.əl.əns/ – widespread existence
- legitimate (adj) /ləˈdʒɪt.ə.mət/ – reasonable and acceptable
- rhinoplasty (n) /ˈraɪ.nə.plæs.ti/ – surgical procedure to reshape the nose
- blanket restrictions (n) /ˈblæŋ.kɪt rɪˈstrɪk.ʃən/ – complete, covering everything
- autonomy (n) /ɔːˈtɒn.ə.mi/ – freedom to make own decisions
Notable Sentence Structures:
- Complex sentence with concession: “While concerns about its widespread use are valid, I strongly disagree…”
- Parallel structure: “…strengthen regulatory frameworks and ethical guidelines.”
- Complex-compound sentence: “For these people, elective cosmetic procedures can significantly improve their mental well-being and quality of life…”
Feel free to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments below. Focus on clear structure, balanced arguments, and appropriate use of academic vocabulary.
