IELTS Writing Task 2: Popular Hobbies and Interests Change Over Time
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Many IELTS candidates struggle with the Essay Writing section of the IELTS Writing Module. Therefore, it is essential to improve your essay writing skills before taking the IELTS.
The IELTS Writing Task 2 is a component of the IELTS General Training and Academic tests that evaluates your ability to craft a well-structured and cohesive essay in response to a provided topic.
This task presents you with an Agree Disagree essay that requires you to give your opinion, whether you agree or disagree on the particular sentence that is given. To improve your IELTS writing skills, practice with the many IELTS writing task 2 practice tests at IELTSMaterial.com.
Question
Popular hobbies and interests change over time and are more a reflection of trends and fashions than an indication of what individuals really want to do in their spare time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Structure Breakdown
Essay
Introduction
Body paragraph 1
Body paragraph 2
Conclusion
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Band 7 Sample Answer
Introduction:
People’s leisure activities are often influenced by fads and trends rather than their genuine interests. However, I agree that trends and fashions can influence popular hobbies and interests, and I also believe that some hobbies are enduring and reflect people’s true preferences. This essay will explore the influence of trends on hobbies, the impact of changing lifestyles, and the importance of distinguishing between passing fads and lasting interests.
Body Paragraph 1:
One reason why trends influence hobbies is because people are constantly exposed to new information and stimuli through media and social platforms. The fear of missing out (FOMO) often leads people to try new hobbies that they see online. A good example of this is the surge in popularity of photography and blogging due to social media. Many people feel pressured to do these activities so that they can present themselves as interesting and engaged online.
Body Paragraph 2:
Furthermore, people’s changing priorities and lifestyles can influence how their hobbies evolve over time. For example, young people may be drawn to active hobbies like sports and outdoor activities, while adults with more responsibilities may prefer more sedentary hobbies like reading or playing video games. However, it is important to distinguish between fleeting trends and enduring hobbies that people truly enjoy. Thinking about my own life, my hobbies have changed over time. When I was younger, I liked sports and outdoor activities. But as I got older, I became more interested in music, art, and writing. I think these activities are a better reflection of who I am and what I enjoy.
Conclusion:
To sum up, while popular hobbies can be influenced by trends, it is important to tell the difference between passing fads and lasting interests that truly align with your own desires. Finding hobbies that are meaningful to you will make your leisure time more fulfilling and authentic.
Band 7 Vocabulary
- Enduring:
Meaning: Lasting over a long period; lasting.
Example: Some hobbies are enduring and reflect people’s true preferences.
- Reflect:
Meaning: To show or express something; to be a sign of.
Example: Hobbies can reflect individuals’ true desires and interests.
- Passing:
Meaning: Lasting for only a short time; transient.
Example: It’s crucial to distinguish between passing fads and lasting interests in hobbies.
- Stimuli:
Meaning: Things that cause a response or activity, especially in the brain.
Example: Constant exposure to stimuli through media and social platforms influences hobbies.
- FOMO:
Meaning: Fear of Missing Out; the anxiety that one might be missing out on social events or experiences.
Example: FOMO often leads people to try new hobbies they see online.
- Sedentary:
Meaning: Involving much sitting and little physical activity.
Example: Adults with more responsibilities may prefer more sedentary hobbies like reading or playing video games.
- Self-expression:
Meaning: The expression of one’s feelings, thoughts, or identity.
Example: Enduring hobbies like sports, music, and art offer opportunities for self-expression.
- Fulfilling:
Meaning: Making someone satisfied or happy because of fully developing their abilities or character.
Example: Finding meaningful hobbies makes leisure time more fulfilling.
- Authentic:
Meaning: Genuine; true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character.
Example: Distinguishing between passing fads and lasting interests ensures an authentic leisure experience.
- Blogging:
Meaning: Creating and maintaining an online journal or informational website with regular entries.
Example: Sarah began blogging about her travels, sharing stories and photos of her adventures around the world.
Band 8 Sample Answer
Introduction:
It is accurate that people’s hobbies and interests shift along with current fads and trends, often driven by a desire for popularity rather than personal enjoyment. While I agree with this perspective to some degree, there are individuals who adopt new hobbies because they genuinely find joy in the activity.
Body Paragraph 1:
On one hand, many people embrace popular activities to showcase their awareness of current trends, even if their motivation is lacking. For example, in Indonesia, mountain biking has gained popularity, with some participating for the genuine enjoyment of the activity, while others do it merely to signal their alignment with the latest trends and showcase the most recent bicycle model.
Body Paragraph 2:
On the other hand, there are individuals who genuinely change their interests because they derive pleasure from these new activities. While these pastimes might be the latest craze, these individuals consistently switch their interests due to their strong enthusiasm for these pursuits. Additionally, some of these hobbies may be entirely new inventions, adding to the diversity of interests.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, it is undeniable that people’s hobbies and interests can undergo changes. However, I believe that the choice of hobbies is, to a large extent, a matter of personal preference. Instead of blindly following what is fashionable, we should prioritize activities that genuinely bring us joy.
Band 8 Vocabulary
- Fluctuate:
Meaning: Vary irregularly; change.
Example: People’s hobbies often fluctuate with the shifting trends in society.
- Assertions:
Meaning: Positive statements or declarations, often in agreement with a particular viewpoint.
Example: I agree with the assertions that people adopt hobbies for popularity rather than personal enjoyment.
- Enthusiasm:
Meaning: Intense and eager enjoyment or interest.
Example: Despite changing trends, some individuals consistently switch hobbies due to their strong enthusiasm for various pursuits.
- Alignment:
Meaning: Agreement or cooperation with someone or something.
Example: Some people engage in activities to showcase their alignment with current trends.
- Craze:
Meaning: A sudden and widespread enthusiasm for something.
Example: Mountain biking has become the latest craze in Indonesia.
- Signal:
Meaning: Indicate or communicate something.
Example: Some individuals participate in activities to signal their awareness of the most recent trends.
- Diversity:
Meaning: The state of being diverse; variety.
Example: The diversity of interests is evident in the wide range of hobbies people pursue.
- Prioritize:
Meaning: Arrange or deal with in order of importance.
Example: Instead of blindly following trends, we should prioritize activities that bring us genuine joy.
- Genuine:
Meaning: Truly what something is said to be; authentic.
Example: Some individuals adopt new hobbies because they genuinely find joy in the activity.
- Pursuit:
Meaning: The act of following or striving for a particular goal, aim, or activity.
Example: His lifelong pursuit of knowledge led him to explore various fields of study and acquire a diverse set of skills.
Practice & Prepare with IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Questions and Answers
Band 9 Sample Answer
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Introduction:
The popularity of hobbies and interests changes over time, seemingly influenced by trends rather than reflecting individuals’ genuine desires. I believe that personal preferences play a larger role than societal trends in shaping people’s leisure choices. In the following essay, I will explore this dynamic interaction between trends and individual desires.
Body Paragraph 1:
Some people believe that hobbies are mostly influenced by external factors, such as popular trends. For example, the recent increase in popularity of fitness activities is due to society’s focus on health and wellness. However, it is important to remember that these trends often emerge from people’s changing needs and wants. The rise of fitness activities may also be a collective response to growing awareness of health issues, showing that people genuinely want to live healthier lives.
Body Paragraph 2:
However, on the other hand, hobbies can also be a true reflection of people’s inner interests and preferences. Think about how popular classic hobbies like reading and painting have been for generations. These activities are still popular today, which suggests that they have a timeless appeal that goes beyond passing trends. Additionally, people may use hobbies as a way to express themselves by choosing activities that align with their values and personal interests. For example, someone who is passionate about environmental conservation might choose to spend their free time doing outdoor activities, not just because they are trendy, but because they align with their values.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, popular hobbies may be influenced by trends and fashions to some extent, but they also reflect people’s true interests and goals. The relationship between societal influences and personal choices is complex and ever-changing. Therefore, we need to consider both external trends and people’s intrinsic desires to get a complete understanding of what shapes their leisure activities.
Band 9 Vocabulary
- Popularity:
Meaning: The state of being liked, admired, or enjoyed by a large number of people.
Example: The popularity of online streaming services has grown significantly in recent years.
- Seemingly:
Meaning: Appearing to be true or the case, especially without being necessarily so.
Example: The task seemed daunting at first, but it turned out to be easier than expected.
- Influence:
Meaning: The capacity or power to produce effects on the actions, behavior, or opinions of others.
Example: Her positive attitude influenced everyone around her to be more optimistic.
- Societal Trends:
Meaning: General direction in which society is moving, reflecting collective preferences and attitudes.
Example: The rise of eco-friendly products is a societal trend driven by environmental awareness.
- Dynamic:
Meaning: Characterized by constant change, activity, or progress.
Example: The business environment is dynamic, constantly changing and evolving.
- Collective:
Meaning: Done by people acting as a group.
Example: The team made a collective decision to pursue the new project.
- Intrinsic:
Meaning: Belonging naturally; essential.
Example: Her intrinsic motivation led her to achieve personal goals without external rewards.
- Nuanced:
Meaning: Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.
Example: The politician’s stance on the issue was nuanced, considering various perspectives.
- Alignment:
Meaning: The state of being in agreement or cooperation with someone or something.
Example: The company’s values were in alignment with the principles of sustainable business practices.
- Ever-changing:
Meaning: Constantly evolving or fluctuating over time.
Example: Technology is an ever-changing field, with new innovations emerging regularly.
Connectors Used in the Above Sample Answers
Connectors, also known as connectives or transition words, are words or phrases that link ideas or parts of a sentence or paragraph together. Here are some of the connectors used in the above sample answers:
- But
- Furthermore
- However
- Therefore
- To sum up
- In addition
- For example
- Specifically
- In conclusion
- On the other hand
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