IELTS Band 9 Essay About Nowadays weddings are getting bigger and expensive
Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “Nowadays weddings are getting bigger and expensive”. This sample then will be further analyzed for its vocabulary, grammar and format, so we see how it has qualified for such band score. We also suggest over 100 band 9 IELTS sample released in 2024.
Brief Explanation about Nowadays weddings are getting bigger and expensive
Weddings today have become grander and more extravagant, often involving substantial financial investments. Several factors contribute to this trend. Social media plays a crucial role by showcasing lavish celebrations, influencing couples to replicate these standards. Moreover, societal expectations and cultural traditions often encourage families to host elaborate events. Economic factors, such as increased disposable incomes and the rise of the wedding industry, further amplify the scale of weddings. While these developments can create unforgettable experiences, they also impose financial burdens, leading to potential debt. Thus, this phenomenon has both positive and negative implications depending on the perspective.
Sample Band 9 Response
Nowadays weddings are getting bigger and expensive.
What are the reasons for this?
Is it positive or negative development?
In recent years, weddings have evolved into increasingly opulent and cost-intensive events. This trend can be attributed to a combination of social, cultural, and economic factors. The proliferation of social media has amplified the pressure to host visually stunning and memorable ceremonies. Platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest expose couples to highly curated images of weddings, fostering an aspirational culture. Moreover, societal expectations, coupled with cultural traditions, often encourage families to celebrate milestones in an extravagant manner, perceiving such events as a reflection of social status.
Economically, rising disposable incomes and the flourishing wedding industry have facilitated this transformation. Wedding planners, luxury venues, and bespoke services cater to the demand for unique, tailor-made experiences, further escalating costs. Additionally, competitive marketing strategies by the wedding industry emphasize the importance of grandeur, persuading couples to invest in elaborate decorations, multi-day celebrations, and premium services.
While this trend has certain merits, it also carries notable drawbacks. On the positive side, grand weddings can create cherished memories and strengthen familial bonds. They often serve as platforms to celebrate cultural heritage, promoting traditions and rituals. Furthermore, the wedding industry contributes significantly to economic growth, generating employment in various sectors, including hospitality, event management, and fashion.
Conversely, the financial burden associated with extravagant weddings can lead to long-term debt, placing undue stress on couples and their families. Such expenditures may divert resources from more sustainable investments, such as homeownership or education. Additionally, the focus on materialistic displays may overshadow the emotional and symbolic significance of the union itself.
In conclusion, the trend toward larger, costlier weddings is a double-edged sword. While it reflects economic progress and cultural pride, it also highlights the risks of financial strain and societal pressures. Couples should strive to balance their aspirations with practicality, ensuring that their celebrations align with personal values rather than external expectations.
Selected Academic Words in the sample for Nowadays weddings are getting bigger and expensive
- Opulent /ˈɒpjələnt/
Sentence: The opulent decor of the banquet hall left everyone in awe. - Proliferation /prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃn/
Sentence: The proliferation of technology has revolutionized the way we communicate. - Aspirational /ˌæspəˈreɪʃənl/
Sentence: Her aspirational goals motivated her to work harder every day. - Cost-intensive /kɒst ɪnˈtensɪv/
Sentence: Launching a new product is often a cost-intensive endeavor. - Bespoke /bɪˈspoʊk/
Sentence: The bespoke wedding gown was tailored to fit her perfectly.
Advanced Grammar Structures Used
- Complex Sentences
Example: “While this trend has certain merits, it also carries notable drawbacks.”
Impact: This structure adds depth to the argument, showcasing the writer’s ability to balance contrasting ideas. - Passive Voice
Example: “The focus on materialistic displays may overshadow the emotional and symbolic significance of the union itself.”
Impact: Passive voice emphasizes the issue rather than the doer, creating a formal tone. - Nominalization
Example: “The proliferation of social media has amplified the pressure to host visually stunning and memorable ceremonies.”
Impact: Nominalization enhances the academic tone by converting verbs into nouns. - Conditional Clauses
Example: “Couples should strive to balance their aspirations with practicality, ensuring that their celebrations align with personal values rather than external expectations.”
Impact: This structure shows hypothetical scenarios, demonstrating nuanced reasoning. - Parallel Structures
Example: “They often serve as platforms to celebrate cultural heritage, promoting traditions and rituals.”
Impact: Parallelism improves readability and emphasizes the relationship between ideas.
Writing Format and Key Features for Band 9
- Clear Structure: The essay is divided into four cohesive paragraphs: introduction, reasons, positive and negative effects, and conclusion. Each paragraph transitions logically.
- Balanced Argumentation: Both positive and negative aspects are explored with equal depth, reflecting critical thinking.
- Advanced Vocabulary: The use of precise and academic words demonstrates a high level of lexical resource.
- Grammar Range: Complex sentence structures, nominalization, and conditional clauses highlight grammatical versatility.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas flow seamlessly, aided by cohesive devices like “while,” “moreover,” and “furthermore.”
This structured and sophisticated approach is essential to achieving a Band 9 in IELTS Writing Task 2.
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