Part 3 (Discussion) Fame & Influence

Celebrity Responsibility as Role Models

Question

Do you think famous people have a responsibility to be good role models?

Model Answer

This is a thought-provoking question, and I believe the answer is nuanced. From my perspective, famous people — whether they are athletes, musicians, or actors — do have a certain degree of responsibility because of the enormous influence they wield, particularly over young people. When a celebrity promotes a healthy lifestyle or speaks out against injustice, the impact can be incredibly powerful and far-reaching. On the other hand, I also think it is somewhat unfair to expect every public figure to be a moral authority. Many celebrities achieved fame through their talent, not because they volunteered to be scrutinised as ethical role models. Having said that, with great influence comes heightened visibility, and their actions inevitably shape public attitudes whether they intend to or not. I think the real issue is that society places too much emphasis on celebrity culture in the first place. Rather than relying on famous individuals to set standards, we should encourage young people to find role models closer to home — teachers, parents, and community leaders who demonstrate integrity on a daily basis.

Key Vocabulary

influential
Having great power to affect or change people's opinions or behaviour
scrutiny
Close, critical observation or examination
moral authority
The quality of being trusted to make ethical judgements or set standards
integrity
The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles
heightened
Increased or intensified beyond normal levels
far-reaching
Having a wide range of effects or influence

Pronunciation Guide

responsibility /rɪˌspɒnsɪˈbɪləti/
Stress on the fourth syllable: rih-spon-sih-BIL-ih-tee. It has six syllables — practise saying it slowly.
influential /ˌɪnfluˈenʃəl/
Stress on the third syllable: in-flu-EN-shul. The 'flu' sounds like 'flew', not 'floo'.
scrutiny /ˈskruːtɪni/
Stress on the first syllable: SKROO-tih-nee. The 'scr' cluster needs to be smooth — practise 'screw' first.

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Speaking Tips

When you are asked whether you agree or disagree, acknowledge the complexity of the issue before stating your position. Saying 'This is a nuanced question' or 'It depends on the context' shows maturity. Then give your opinion clearly with supporting reasons rather than sitting on the fence entirely.

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