IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.

IELTS Essay # 1224 - Shopping is the favourite free time activity for many young people

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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Shopping is the favourite free time activity for many young people today.

Why do you think this has happened?
Should young people be encouraged to do different activities in their free time rather than shopping?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.


Model Answer 1:

Young people’s approach toward hobbies is changing dramatically, and it is often influenced by technology and the modern world. At present, shopping as a favourite pastime activity is becoming extremely popular, especially among youngsters. Admittedly, shopping outlets' services, lucrative offers, rapid changes in technology, and digital advertisements are playing key roles in making this trend popular. However, unnecessary shopping is a waste of time and money, which, I believe, could be better utilised by youths.

The modern world we live in has many new technologies, gadgets, and fashion items, and they change so frequently that it is almost impossible to remain fashionable, trendy and updated without shopping regularly. Many people, especially youngsters, go shopping regularly because they feel those items are necessary for them. Since brands release new items quite often, the young generation goes shopping frequently. Digital advertisements by big and small brands also reach millions of youngsters and constantly lure them to get fashionable items to look and feel good, and sometimes their offers and discounts are quite good to be missed! For instance, renowned brands like Nike or some small brands often give up to 50% discount which drags many youngsters to their outlets.

Youths can use their leisure time in more productive activities and hobbies like going out and doing exercise, socialising with others, getting involved in charity works and taking part in different outdoor sports. These activities will keep them mentally and physically fit and make a far more healthy young generation without chronic diseases and obesity. Besides, they can invest time in reading, which will broaden their imagination and enhance their knowledge. For example, it is evident that students who like to read a lot do much better in exams and end up having a better career than those who hardly read books outside of their academic syllabus.

To conclude, I believe that shopping is important when it is restricted to buying necessary items. But if it becomes an obsession for young people, it is a problem. They should better spend the money and time doing things that would benefit them in the long run.

[Written by Ahmed] [Band score 7.5 - 8.0 Essay Sample]


 

Model Answer 2:

Shopping has become a highly preferred, if not the most preferred, leisure activity for many young people today. This essay will examine the reasons for this trend and argue that young people should be encouraged to participate in a variety of other activities during their free time.

The rise of mega shopping malls with different amenities and the abundance of affordable fashion brands have made it easier and more convenient for young people to indulge in shopping as a pastime. Moreover, the internet has created a platform for fashion and beauty influencers to showcase their lifestyles and market products to impressionable young people, making shopping seem like an aspirational activity. Finally, the pressure to fit in and conform to social norms fuels the desire to keep up with fashion trends and maintain a certain image, which encourages more shopping.

However, young people should be motivated to explore a variety of activities that can improve their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Engaging in sports, volunteering for charitable organisations, or learning a new skill are just a few examples of fulfilling activities that can provide young people with a sense of purpose and personal growth. These activities can promote physical health, build self-confidence, and foster meaningful relationships with others. For instance, youths who get involved in developing skills in their leisure time, perform better academically and have better preparation for their future career.

In conclusion, while shopping may be a popular leisure activity among young people, they need to engage in diverse activities that can contribute to their personal development and well-being. Therefore, young people should be encouraged to explore a range of activities that can bring them joy and enrich their lives.

Rating 4.20 (33 Votes)
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Anas
I don't think this essay deserves 7.5-8 for two reasons. The first one is the number of words, the writer of this answer wrote around 350 words, which is above the required limit (250-300). Secondly, this essay gives a lot of examples without explaining them comprehensively . Stating one or two main points and fully explaining them is better than including lots of points that lack essential elaboration.
Nandita Sen
I believe you are a bit misinformed about the word limit for IELTS. The minimum word limit for writing task 2 is 250 words; however, there is no upper limit as you mentioned. Nonetheless, I too felt that the arguments were not well-form in this case, and the key points were not elaborated sufficiently.
Ziad A El-badry
Topic:
Shopping is the favourite free time activity for many young people today. Why do you think this has happened? Should young people be encouraged to do different activities in their free time rather than shopping?

Sample Essay Answer:
Young people have a lot of free time and what they do with it is important. Shopping is considered a common free time activity among young people. However, many people believe that the youth should engage in other activities, and I completely agree with this. In this essay, I will discuss why shopping has become such a famous activity among youngsters, and why the youth must get involved in other useful activities in their free time.

Shopping has changed a lot since the start of the 21st century. To illustrate, shopping is not just about getting groceries for the house but about having fun and spending time with friends and family - thanks to places like luxurious malls. People can have lunch, watch movies, and buy what they need all in the same place. Therefore, they have become great places to meet with friends. Also, the act of shopping itself is very fun because of all the choices and the constant moving between different stores. However, shopping is not the most rewarding or beneficial activity for young people.

Although shopping can be a good time killer and is extremely fun with friends, it does nothing to help nurture the talents and passions of children and teens. It is an activity that is only good for instant gratification. Young people should realize the importance of the time that they have, and what they can do with it. They ought to do more meaningful activities which can improve their personal growth like reading, exercising, and practising their hobbies. After all, they have so many opportunities, and if they use them well, they can change the world for the better.

To conclude, shopping is a good way for young people to spend time with friends and family, but other better alternatives can boost their personal growth and provide them with many opportunities in the future.