Introduction In the modern era of social media and mass entertainment, fame has become more accessible than ever before. While some celebrities are recognized for genuine talent and hard work, others gain attention...
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-09-06
This guide will deconstruct the essay topic, "Celebrities today are more famous for glamour and wealth than achievements. To what extent do you agree or disagree?", showing you how to move beyond simple opinions to build a nuanced, high-scoring argumentative text. We will analyze a sample essay and provide the tools you need to elevate your own writing.
This type of "To what extent do you agree or disagree?" question is a staple of the English subject exam, both for short-answer tasks and longer essays. It is designed to test your ability to do more than simply state an opinion. Examiners want to see if you can construct a coherent argument, support it with relevant evidence, and demonstrate critical thinking by considering multiple perspectives. This specific topic on celebrity culture is highly relevant, as it taps into contemporary issues like social media, consumerism, and the values our society promotes. Mastering this question format demonstrates your proficiency in argumentation, analysis, and cultural awareness—all key competencies in the English subject curriculum (LK20).
Below is a well-structured essay that addresses the prompt. It serves as a solid foundation, likely to achieve a good grade. Our annotations and the sections that follow will show you how to build upon this foundation to aim for the highest marks by adding more depth, specific examples, and analytical nuance.
In the modern era of social media and mass entertainment, fame has become more accessible than ever before. While some celebrities are recognized for genuine talent and hard work, others gain attention mainly for their appearance, lifestyle, or controversies. Many people argue that today’s fame is increasingly based on glamour and wealth rather than meaningful accomplishments. I strongly agree with this view, although there are still notable exceptions who achieve recognition through real skill and contribution.
Didactic commentary: This introduction is effective. It clearly introduces the topic, states the main argument ("I strongly agree"), and acknowledges a counter-perspective ("although there are still notable exceptions"). This immediately signals a structured and balanced approach to the examiner.
The digital age has transformed the nature of celebrity culture. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube allow individuals to gain millions of followers through looks, luxury, and self-promotion rather than professional achievement. Influencers often become famous for displaying expensive clothes, vacations, and personal drama rather than for contributing artistic or intellectual value. For instance, reality TV stars and social media influencers frequently gain fame through exposure rather than expertise. This trend reflects society’s obsession with image and materialism, where success is often equated with visibility and wealth rather than talent or effort. As a result, fame has become more superficial and short-lived.
Didactic commentary: A strong topic sentence clearly outlines the paragraph's focus. The mention of specific platforms (Instagram, TikTok) makes the argument concrete. To elevate this, one could name a specific influencer and critically analyze a specific piece of their content as evidence. The link between this trend and broader societal values ("obsession with image and materialism") shows good analytical thinking.
The rise of fame based on glamour and wealth can have harmful effects, particularly on young audiences. Many teenagers idolize celebrities for their appearance and lifestyle, believing that success can be achieved without hard work or education. This unrealistic portrayal of fame promotes consumerism and vanity, leading people to value status symbols over genuine self-development. Moreover, such fame often lacks substance and stability—individuals who achieve popularity through image rather than skill can lose relevance quickly when public interest fades. In contrast, those who earn fame through talent, such as musicians, athletes, and scientists, leave a lasting legacy based on real achievement.
Didactic commentary: This paragraph successfully explores the consequences of the phenomenon, adding another layer to the argument. The contrast between ephemeral, image-based fame and lasting, achievement-based fame is powerful. A top-tier response might connect this to the psychological concept of parasocial relationships, where followers feel a one-sided connection to a celebrity, making these portrayals even more impactful. The increasing use of advertising as a form of hidden manipulation in influencer content could also be a fruitful point of analysis.
Despite the dominance of superficial celebrity culture, there are still many public figures who become famous through dedication and achievement. Innovators like Elon Musk, athletes like Lionel Messi, and artists like Adele are admired for their talent, discipline, and impact. These individuals remind us that authentic success is built on hard work and creativity, not just visibility. However, such figures often receive less media attention than those who generate controversy or flaunt wealth. This imbalance reflects society’s shifting priorities rather than the absence of genuine role models.
Didactic commentary: This is a crucial paragraph for demonstrating nuance. By presenting counter-examples, the writer avoids a simplistic, one-sided argument. The examples provided (Musk, Messi, Adele) are strong and recognizable. A more advanced analysis could deconstruct these examples further—for instance, arguing that figures like Elon Musk are complex hybrids, famous for both groundbreaking achievements (SpaceX, Tesla) *and* for generating controversy and glamour through their immense wealth and social media presence.
The media plays a significant role in shaping who becomes famous and why. Sensationalism attracts attention, and news outlets often prioritize entertainment over substance because it generates profit. Yet, society is equally responsible for rewarding such behavior. If audiences valued depth and accomplishment over glamour, media outlets would promote different kinds of celebrities. Therefore, the current culture of fame says more about collective values than about the individuals themselves.
Didactic commentary: This paragraph effectively broadens the scope of the argument, assigning responsibility not just to the celebrities or media, but to the audience as well. This shows a sophisticated understanding of the cultural ecosystem of fame. It correctly identifies the supply-and-demand dynamic at play. One could strengthen this by connecting it to the idea that individuals and larger systems share responsibility for societal trends, just as with environmental issues.
In conclusion, while there are still many celebrities who achieve recognition through talent and hard work, modern fame is increasingly built on glamour, image, and wealth. The influence of social media and the entertainment industry has blurred the line between genuine achievement and superficial popularity. To restore the true meaning of success, society must learn to celebrate creativity, integrity, and contribution rather than appearance and luxury. Ultimately, fame without substance is temporary, but achievement leaves a lasting mark.
Didactic commentary: The conclusion successfully summarizes the main points without merely repeating them. It ends with a powerful, thought-provoking statement that reinforces the essay's central thesis. The forward-looking call to action ("society must learn to celebrate...") gives the conclusion weight and purpose.
Using precise terminology will elevate your analysis from a simple opinion to an academic argument. Here are key concepts you should know and use: …