Some people prefer to listen to music while studying or working. Is it a good idea or a bad idea? Give reasons and examples from your own experience. | Real exam ielts writing task 2 |

📝 Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay

Question:
Some people prefer to listen to music while studying or working. Is it a good idea or a bad idea? Give reasons and examples from your own experience.

It is often debated whether listening to music during study or work sessions is beneficial or counterproductive. While some argue that it enhances concentration and creativity, others believe it can be a distraction. In my opinion, the impact of music largely depends on the individual and the nature of the task, though I personally find it to be a useful tool for maintaining focus and reducing stress.

One of the major advantages of listening to music while studying or working is its ability to improve cognitive performance. For example, soft instrumental tracks or classical music can help individuals enter a state of deep concentration. From my own experience, listening to calm background music during long study sessions significantly reduces mental fatigue and enhances productivity. Moreover, music can elevate workplace morale by reducing stress and creating a more positive environment, particularly in monotonous or repetitive tasks.

On the other hand, music can sometimes be a hindrance rather than a help. Tasks that require critical thinking or complex problem-solving may suffer when background music contains lyrics, as it can interfere with information retention. For instance, I once attempted to prepare for an important exam while listening to upbeat pop songs, but I found it difficult to memorize key facts, as the words of the songs competed with the study material. This shows that the effectiveness of music depends on both the type of music and the cognitive demand of the task.

In conclusion, listening to music while studying or working can be either advantageous or detrimental, depending on the situation. While calm and non-distracting music can enhance focus and job satisfaction, lyrical or loud tracks may reduce concentration and information processing. Therefore, individuals should carefully choose the type of music and consider the nature of the task before incorporating it into their routine.

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✅ Lexical Resource Highlight (used in essay)

• Cognitive performance – mental ability to process and learn.

• Deep concentration – strong, uninterrupted focus.

• Mental fatigue – tiredness of the brain after prolonged work.

• Productivity – efficiency in completing tasks.

• Workplace morale – overall positivity and satisfaction at work.

• Critical thinking – ability to analyze and evaluate.

• Information retention – ability to remember and recall.

• Cognitive demand – level of mental effort required.

• Job satisfaction – fulfillment and happiness at work.

• Information processing – ability to absorb and understand information.

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