Young People Are Often Influenced By Their Peers - Essay Samples

IELTS, or the International English Language Test System, assesses the candidate's ability to read, write, speak and listen in English. The test comprises four sections: listening, reading, writing and speaking. 

Below is an example on the topic, ‘Describe how young people are often influenced by their peers’ for the speaking and writing test. For a well-versed answer, students need to answer to the following questions in their essay:

• What is peer influence?
• How does it affect the behavior of young people?
• What are the pros and cons of this peer influence?
• What is the implication of such influences in young people's lives?

Describe how young people are often influenced by their peers: Sample 1

Man is a social being and seeks external validation constantly. It might sound like a surprise, but humans unconsciously try to blend into their surroundings to achieve group acceptance. The want and desire to belong are etched into our DNA configuration that we most often cannot undo.

It is this need to belong that is believed to lead youngsters to be influenced by their peers negatively. However, this may not be the case every time. 

Although peer influence significantly affects our decision-making process, assuming that such influence only has terrible influence is untrue. Peer pressure sometimes compels us to cultivate crucial social skills and practical group norms, which is necessary.

As a shy kid in 3rd grade, I was often told that I must socialize more with my classmates and try to blend in. This led to me mimicking what my peers did- from what they talked about, reading the books they read, joining them in team sports, etc.

Looking back now, I can tell that I was under constant peer pressure. However, be it that way, it resulted in me getting over my shyness.

Word Count: 185 

Tentative Band Score: 6

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Young People Are Often Influenced By Their Peers

Have you ever taken a decision under the influence of your peers: Sample 2

As we grow older, peer influence only ever increases in our day-to-day life. Everything, from how we dress, walk, talk and even the music we listen to, is all impacted by the keenness of this informal group.

Being a student, I wasn't left untouched by the influence of my peer group. Growing up, I was an introverted child. So, when I had to transfer to a different school owing to my father's occupation, I was determined to change this.

Hence, I decided to come out of my bubble and socialize with my classmate to become a part of their group. Participating in games and conversations with my friends seemed fun and so I began putting in the effort to blend in. 

By this token, I tried to imitate my friends' habits and behavior consciously to avoid being excluded from their activities. Soon, my school organized its annual field trip to Kerala. I recall being very excited to participate in the trip. 

However, unfortunately, I decided to skip it because my friends weren't participating in the trip. Even though I wanted to go on the trip, I decided against my will owing to peer influence. Perhaps I was worried that I might have been excluded from the group if I had gone on that trip.

That being said, I believe peers can exert both good and bad influences. My desire to make friends made me work on my social skills, which wouldn't have been possible without peer influence. 

In the same vein, deciding to not go on the trip despite wanting can be taken as a negative peer influence. Reminiscing on these incidents, I can say that these enriching experience has allowed me to develop my sense of individualism and grow as a person. Living in a society we will never be free of such influences.

Word Count: 305

Tentative Band Score: 6.5

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