IELTS Writing Task 2 – Which Do You Prefer Planning or Not Planning For Leisure Time?

As we navigate the delicate balance between planning and not planning our leisure time, the question arises: Which approach holds the key to a truly fulfilling and well-rounded life? This two-part essay explores the benefits of both planning and spontaneity in the realm of leisure, aiming to shed light on the nuances of these contrasting philosophies and perhaps discover a harmonious middle ground.

IELTS Writing Task 2 requires test-takers to compose a coherent essay in response to a given prompt. In this case, “Which Do You Prefer Planning or Not Planning For Leisure Time?”. In opinion essays, candidates express their stance on a statement and support it with relevant arguments. Graded on a scale of 1 to 9, achieving a Band 7, 8, or 9 indicates varying levels of proficiency.

Question

Structural Breakdown

Type: Two Part Essay

Here are some invaluable tips for Two Part Essay.

Band 7 Sample Answer

Planning free-time activities offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides structure and ensures that one makes the most of their leisure time. This organization can lead to increased productivity and a sense of accomplishment. For instance, scheduling a workout or a creative session allows individuals to cultivate healthy habits and pursue personal interests consistently.

Additionally, planning helps in avoiding boredom or indecision during free time. When activities are prearranged, there is less time wasted on deciding what to do, allowing for a smoother transition into enjoyable experiences. This premeditation minimizes the risk of spending leisure time passively, ensuring that individuals engage in fulfilling and stimulating activities.

On the other hand, there are merits to not making plans for free time. It fosters spontaneity and flexibility, allowing individuals to follow their instincts and explore new opportunities as they arise. This approach promotes relaxation and a break from the constraints of a structured routine, offering mental rejuvenation.

In conclusion, both planning and not planning for leisure time have their advantages. It boils down to personal preference and the balance one seeks between structure and spontaneity in their life.

Vocabulary

• Transition

Meaning: the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another.
Example: Students in transition from one program to another.

• Productivity

Meaning: The state or quality of being productive, especially in the utilization of resources.
Example: Planning enhances productivity by ensuring that time is utilized efficiently.

• Cultivate 

Meaning: To foster the growth or development of something.
Example: Scheduling regular reading sessions helps cultivate a love for literature.

• Indecision

Meaning: The inability to make a decision quickly.
Example: Not having plans can lead to indecision and wasted time during free hours.

• Passively

Meaning: Without active participation or engagement.
Example: Spending leisure time passively can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction.

• Spontaneity

Meaning: The quality of being spontaneous; acting on impulse.
Example: Embracing spontaneity in travel plans can lead to unexpected and delightful experiences.

• Rejuvenation

Meaning: The action of making someone or something look or feel better, younger, or more vital.
Example: Not planning allows for mental rejuvenation and a break from routine stressors.

• Constraints

Meaning: Limitations or restrictions.
Example: The lack of plans provides a welcome break from the constraints of a tightly scheduled life.

• Balanced

Meaning: Having a harmonious arrangement or proportions of parts.
Example: Striking a balanced approach to leisure time involves a mix of planned and unplanned activities.

• Boils down to:

Meaning: To be summarized or simplified.
Example: The decision between planning and not planning often boils down to individual preferences and lifestyle choices.

Band 8 Sample Answer

Careful planning of leisure activities yields multifaceted benefits. Foremost, it instills a sense of purpose and direction, ensuring that individuals allocate their free time judiciously. This proactive approach can lead to skill development and personal growth, as exemplified by those who meticulously plan language-learning sessions or skill-building workshops during their leisure hours.

Moreover, planning facilitates the coordination of social activities. By organizing events in advance, individuals can synchronize their schedules with friends and family, fostering stronger social bonds. This cohesion is particularly evident when planning group outings, where everyone’s preferences and availability are taken into account.

Conversely, the spontaneous approach to free time has its own set of advantages. It allows for a break from routine, injecting an element of excitement and unpredictability into one’s life. Unplanned leisure time encourages individuals to explore new interests on a whim, promoting creativity and a sense of adventure.

In conclusion, the choice between planning and not planning for leisure time depends on individual priorities and preferences. Striking a balance between structured activities and spontaneous moments can contribute to a fulfilling and enriching lifestyle.

Vocabulary

• Judiciously:

Meaning: With good judgment or sense.
Example: Planning leisure activities judiciously ensures that time is spent wisely.

• Proactive 

Meaning: Taking initiative and anticipating events.
Example: A proactive approach to leisure time involves planning for personal development and growth.

• Meticulously

Meaning: Very carefully and precisely.
Example: Some people meticulously plan their vacations to make the most of every moment.

• Coordination

Meaning: The organization and integration of activities or processes.
Example: Planning allows for the coordination of social activities, making them more enjoyable for everyone involved.

• Synchronize

Meaning: To cause to occur or operate at the same time or rate.
Example: Planning events in advance helps synchronize schedules and avoids conflicts.

• Cohesion

Meaning: The action or fact of forming a united whole.
Example: Planning fosters cohesion in social relationships by ensuring everyone is on the same page.

• Evident

Meaning: Clearly seen or understood; obvious.
Example: The benefits of planning group outings are evident in the strengthened social bonds.

• Spontaneous

Meaning: Arising naturally; not planned or engineered in advance.
Example: Spontaneous leisure activities bring an element of excitement to everyday life.

• Unpredictability

Meaning: The state of being unpredictable; not able to be foretold.
Example: Unplanned leisure time adds a sense of unpredictability, making life more interesting.

• Enriching

Meaning: Making something more meaningful, substantial, or rewarding.
Example: Striking a balance between planned and unplanned activities can lead to a more enriching lifestyle.

Band 9 Sample Answer

The meticulous planning of free-time activities offers a myriad of benefits that contribute to a well-rounded and fulfilling life. Firstly, it engenders a sense of purpose and direction, ensuring that individuals invest their leisure time in activities aligned with their goals and values. This intentional approach often leads to continuous personal development and the acquisition of new skills. For example, someone passionate about fitness may plan regular workout sessions, fostering not just physical well-being but also discipline and perseverance.

Beyond personal development, the strategic planning of leisure time enhances social connections. By coordinating activities with friends and family, individuals create opportunities for shared experiences, deepening relationships, and creating lasting memories. The collaborative planning of events or trips, where everyone’s preferences are considered, strengthens the sense of community and shared enjoyment.

Conversely, an unstructured approach to leisure time, while promoting spontaneity, may inadvertently lead to wasted opportunities. Without a clear plan, individuals might find themselves drifting aimlessly, missing out on valuable experiences. The ad hoc nature of unplanned activities can hinder the cultivation of long-term interests and goals.

In conclusion, while spontaneity has its merits, the deliberate planning of free-time activities stands as a pillar for personal growth, meaningful connections, and a purpose-driven life.

Vocabulary

• Myriad 

Meaning: A countless or extremely great number.
Example: Meticulous planning opens up a myriad of possibilities for personal and professional development.

• Engender

Meaning: To cause or give rise to.
Example: Planning leisure activities with purpose can engender a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.

• Discipline

Meaning: The practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior.
Example: Regular planning and engaging in activities requires discipline and commitment.

• Perseverance 

Meaning: Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
Example: Planning promotes perseverance, especially when working towards long-term goals.

• Strategic

Meaning: Carefully designed or planned to serve a particular purpose.
Example: The strategic planning of leisure time ensures that activities align with one’s overall life goals.

• Deepening 

Meaning: Making or becoming deeper.
Example: Coordinating activities with loved ones contributes to deepening relationships and shared bonds.

• Collaborative

Meaning: Involving the efforts of multiple people or groups.
Example: The collaborative planning of events enhances the sense of community and shared enjoyment.

• Ad Hoc

Meaning: Created or done for a particular purpose as necessary.
Example: Unplanned activities are often ad hoc and may lack the depth of purpose found in carefully planned pursuits.

• Cultivation

Meaning: The process of trying to acquire or develop a skill or quality.
Example: Planning supports the cultivation of long-term interests and personal growth.

• Pillar

Meaning: A fundamental part or aspect of something.
Example: Deliberate planning stands as a pillar for a purpose-driven life, providing a foundation for meaningful experiences.

Check 9 Tips for IELTS Writing Task 2 2023.

Effective Connectors That’ll Improve Your Writing Task 2 Score Significantly

Connectors play a crucial role in enhancing the coherence and flow of an essay. Here’s a list of common connectors used across different band levels in the provided answers:

• Firstly
• Moreover
• Additionally
• Secondly
• Furthermore
• On the other hand
• In conclusion
• Conversely
• For instance
• This leads to
• Consequently
• As exemplified by
• Therefore
• As a result
• On the other hand
• In contrast
• Similarly
• Likewise
• In comparison
• Similarly to
• In a similar vein
• As an illustration
• To illustrate
• In conclusion
• To sum up
• In summary
• In other words
• Put differently
• To rephrase

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