In many countries, younger people are spending their leisure time in shopping centers instead of doing organised activities such as sports and music. Do you believe that this is a positive or negative development? | Real exam ielts writing task 2 |

🎯 IELTS Writing Task 2 Question:

In many countries, younger people are spending their leisure time in shopping centers instead of doing organised activities such as sports and music. Do you believe that this is a positive or negative development?

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📝 Sample Answer (Band 8):

In today’s modern world, it has become increasingly common for young people to spend their free time wandering around shopping malls rather than engaging in organised activities like sports, music, or art. In my opinion, this trend is largely a negative development because it promotes materialism and discourages healthy physical and social habits among the youth.

To begin with, spending leisure time in shopping centers often leads to the promotion of consumer culture. Youngsters are constantly exposed to advertisements and peer pressure to buy trendy clothes or gadgets. This habit not only affects their financial discipline but also shifts their focus from productive activities to material possessions. For instance, instead of developing a new skill or talent, many teenagers nowadays are more concerned about keeping up with fashion trends, which adds little value to their personal growth.

Furthermore, avoiding organised activities such as sports, music, or volunteering can have adverse effects on both mental and physical health. Participating in group activities helps in building teamwork, discipline, and emotional well-being. Sports, for example, improve physical fitness and teach resilience, while music and art provide creative outlets for stress relief. Without these activities, young people may become socially isolated or physically inactive, leading to long-term health issues and reduced social interaction.

However, it can be argued that shopping centers provide a safe and convenient place for youngsters to meet friends and relax, especially in urban areas. While this might be true to some extent, the excessive time spent there rarely contributes to skill development or overall growth.

In conclusion, although visiting shopping malls occasionally can be harmless, the growing tendency of young people to spend most of their leisure time there is a negative trend. Encouraging participation in organised activities like sports and music would create a more balanced, healthy, and socially active generation.

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💡 Useful Vocabulary:

1. Consumer culture

2. Material possessions

3. Peer pressure

4. Financial discipline

5. Personal growth

6. Productive activities

7. Physical and mental well-being

8. Creative outlets

9. Social isolation

10. Long-term consequences

11. Emotional stability

12. Leisure patterns

13. Time management

14. Societal development

15. Healthy lifestyle

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⚙️ Collocations:

1. Spend leisure time

2. Engage in organised activities

3. Promote consumerism

4. Develop a skill or talent

5. Maintain physical fitness

6. Build teamwork and discipline

7. Provide a creative outlet

8. Influence young minds

9. Encourage healthy habits

10. Suffer from social isolation

11. Lead a sedentary lifestyle

12. Shape personality traits

13. Foster personal development

14. Balance relaxation and productivity

15. Cultivate positive social values

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