IELTS Essay: Salary

by Dave | Oct 13, 2020 | Real Past Tests

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of whether or not executives in companies should receive a high salary.

Thank you for reading my essays and if you want to support my work, please consider signing up for my Patreon here where you will get exclusive access to my IELTS Ebooks and essay!

Dave

IELTS Essay: Salary

Some feel executives in large companies should receive high salaries while others think they are paid too much compared to ordinary workers.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Many believe that high-ranking executive positions deserve their exorbitant salaries, while others feel they earn disproportionately compared to normal workers. In my opinion, outsized compensation is unreasonable in a vacuum but makes sense given market dictates.

Detractors often argue the ratios defy justification. Recent publications have quoted figures showing executive positions, and CEOs in particular, makes hundreds of times what the average worker does. This includes their various remuneration packages and bonuses. It is hard to claim this money is deserved. Many CEOs work longer hours and graduated from top schools but their tangible impact can be marginal relative to the key driving forces behind product development and the many hard-working employees required for a business to thrive. Even the most ardent supporters of these practices would not claim their output is hundreds of times higher than a normal employee.

Nonetheless, this practice follows basic principles of supply and demand. The simple fact is that there is a nearly endless supply of average individuals to staff entry-level positions but capable executives are rarer. These high-ranking jobs require an extraordinary commitment in terms of hours that most are unwilling to invest and exceptional character qualities ranging from leadership skills to raw intelligence. Since the top positions in a company are hard to fill and the company has the finances to pay premium wages, it is logical that executive salaries outrage many workers and their bonuses that appear unjust. In fact, these payments have little relationship with justice and more to do with the economic realities of capitalism.

In conclusion, though their salaries seem outlandish, executives are more difficult to replace and deserve higher pay. This is an uncomfortable, but crucial, truth for the average person to accept.

Analysis

1. Many believe that high-ranking executive positions deserve their exorbitant salaries, while others feel they earn disproportionately compared to normal workers. 2. In my opinion, outsized compensation is unreasonable in a vacuum but makes sense given market dictates.

1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
2. Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.

1. Detractors often argue the ratios defy justification. 2. Recent publications have quoted figures showing executive positions, and CEOs in particular, makes hundreds of times what the average worker does. 3. This includes their various remuneration packages and bonuses. 4. It is hard to claim this money is deserved. 5. Many CEOs work longer hours and graduated from top schools but their tangible impact can be marginal relative to the key driving forces behind product development and the many hard-working employees required for a business to thrive. 6. Even the most ardent supporters of these practices would not claim their output is hundreds of times higher than a normal employee.

1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
2. Explain your main idea.
3. Begin to develop it.
4. Vary long and short sentences.
5. Use more specific details for support.
6. Conclude with a strong statement.

1. Nonetheless, this practice follows basic principles of supply and demand. 2. The simple fact is that there is a nearly endless supply of average individuals to staff entry-level positions but capable executives are rarer. 3. These high-ranking jobs require an extraordinary commitment in terms of hours that most are unwilling to invest and exceptional character qualities ranging from leadership skills to raw intelligence. 4. Since the top positions in a company are hard to fill and the company has the finances to pay premium wages, it is logical that executive salaries outrage many workers and their bonuses that appear unjust. 5. In fact, these payments have little relationship with justice and more to do with the economic realities of capitalism.

1. Write another topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
2. Explain the new main idea.
3. Develop it clearly.
4. Keep developing it. You can use a specific example or just argue logically.
5. Summarise your argument.

1. In conclusion, though their salaries seem outlandish, executives are more difficult to replace and deserve higher pay. 2. This is an uncomfortable, but crucial, truth for the average person to accept.

1. Summarise your main ideas and repeat your opinion.
2. Add a final thought. Learn more about conclusions here.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

Many believe that high-ranking executive positions deserve their exorbitant salaries, while others feel they earn disproportionately compared to normal workers. In my opinion, outsized compensation is unreasonable in a vacuum but makes sense given market dictates.

Detractors often argue the ratios defy justification. Recent publications have quoted figures showing executive positions, and CEOs in particular, makes hundreds of times what the average worker does. This includes their various remuneration packages and bonuses. It is hard to claim this money is deserved. Many CEOs work longer hours and graduated from top schools but their tangible impact can be marginal relative to the key driving forces behind product development and the many hard-working employees required for a business to thrive. Even the most ardent supporters of these practices would not claim their output is hundreds of times higher than a normal employee.

Nonetheless, this practice follows basic principles of supply and demand. The simple fact is that there is a nearly endless supply of average individuals to staff entry-level positions but capable executives are rarer. These high-ranking jobs require an extraordinary commitment in terms of hours that most are unwilling to invest and exceptional character qualities ranging from leadership skills to raw intelligence. Since the top positions in a company are hard to fill and the company has the finances to pay premium wages, it is logical that executive salaries outrage many workers and their bonuses that appear unjust. In fact, these payments have little relationship with justice and more to do with the economic realities of capitalism.

In conclusion, though their salaries seem outlandish, executives are more difficult to replace and deserve higher pay. This is an uncomfortable, but crucial, truth for the average person to accept.

Answers

high-ranking executive positions top jobs like CEO, CFO, etc.

exorbitant salaries too high wages

earn disproportionately make too much

compared to relative to

outsized compensation making too much money

unreasonable in a vacuum not logical considered without context

makes sense logical

given considering

market dictates capitalism

detractors critics

ratios defy justification relative amounts can’t be defended

recent publications new studies, reports

quoted figures numbers mentioned

hundreds of times x100s

various remuneration packages different ways of receiving compensation

deserved just

tangible impact clear effect

marginal relative not much impact compared to

key driving forces main reason for

product development making better products

hard-working employees dedicated workers

thrive do really well

ardent supporters those in favour a lot

claim have the opinion

output what is produced

practice development

follows basic principles accords with what is normal

supply and demand relationship between what you have and what is wanted

simple fact basic truth

nearly endless supply almost infinite

entry-level positions starting-out jobs

capable executives good bosses

rarer less common

extraordinary commitment a lot put into

in terms of when it relates to

unwilling to invest will not put in

exceptional character qualities amazin characteristics

ranging from including

leadership skills being able to inspire confidence

raw intelligence mental ability

top positions big jobs

hard to fill difficult to find new employees

finances money

pay premium wages get a high salary

logical rational

outrage anger

appear unjust seem unfair

payments salary

little relationship with justice nothing to do with what is fair

economic realities of capitalism truths inherent to the free market system

seem outlandish appears disproportionate

uncomfortable unhappy

crucial very important

accept reconcile

Pronunciation

ˈhaɪˌræŋkɪŋ ɪgˈzɛkjʊtɪv pəˈzɪʃənz 
ɪgˈzɔːbɪtənt ˈsæləriz
ɜːn ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːʃnɪtli 
kəmˈpeəd tuː 
ˈaʊtsaɪzd ˌkɒmpɛnˈseɪʃən 
ʌnˈriːznəbl ɪn ə ˈvækjʊəm 
meɪks sɛns 
ˈgɪvn 
ˈmɑːkɪt ˈdɪkteɪts.
dɪˈtræktəz 
ˈreɪʃɪəʊz dɪˈfaɪ ˌʤʌstɪfɪˈkeɪʃən
ˈriːsnt ˌpʌblɪˈkeɪʃənz 
ˈkwəʊtɪd ˈfɪgəz 
ˈhʌndrədz ɒv taɪmz 
ˈveərɪəs rɪˌmjuːnəˈreɪʃən ˈpækɪʤɪz 
dɪˈzɜːvd
ˈtænʤəbl ˈɪmpækt 
ˈmɑːʤɪnəl ˈrɛlətɪv 
kiː ˈdraɪvɪŋ ˈfɔːsɪz 
ˈprɒdʌkt dɪˈvɛləpmənt 
ˈhɑːdˌwɜːkɪŋ ˌɛmplɔɪˈiːz 
θraɪv
ˈɑːdənt səˈpɔːtəz 
kleɪm 
ˈaʊtpʊt 
ˈpræktɪs 
ˈfɒləʊz ˈbeɪsɪk ˈprɪnsəplz 
səˈplaɪ ænd dɪˈmɑːnd
ˈsɪmpl fækt 
ˈnɪəli ˈɛndlɪs səˈplaɪ 
ˈɛntri-ˈlɛvl pəˈzɪʃənz 
ˈkeɪpəbl ɪgˈzɛkjʊtɪvz 
ˈreərə
ɪksˈtrɔːdnri kəˈmɪtmənt 
ɪn tɜːmz ɒv 
ʌnˈwɪlɪŋ tuː ɪnˈvɛst 
ɪkˈsɛpʃənl ˈkærɪktə ˈkwɒlɪtiz 
ˈreɪnʤɪŋ frɒm 
ˈliːdəʃɪp skɪlz 
rɔː ɪnˈtɛlɪʤəns
tɒp pəˈzɪʃənz 
hɑːd tuː fɪl 
faɪˈnænsɪz 
peɪ ˈpriːmiəm ˈweɪʤɪz
ˈlɒʤɪkəl 
ˈaʊtreɪʤ 
əˈpɪər ʌnˈʤʌst
ˈpeɪmənts 
ˈlɪtl rɪˈleɪʃənʃɪp wɪð ˈʤʌstɪs 
ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ri(ː)ˈælɪtiz ɒv ˈkæpɪtəlɪzm
siːm aʊtˈlændɪʃ
ʌnˈkʌmfətəbl
ˈkruːʃəl
əkˈsɛpt

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Many believe that h_____________________________s deserve their e____________________________s, while others feel they e____________________________y c________________o normal workers. In my opinion, o____________________n is u_____________________m but m________________e g______n m______________s.

D_____________s often argue the r________________________n. R________________________s have q_________________s showing executive positions, and CEOs in particular, makes h__________________s what the average worker does. This includes their v____________________________s and bonuses. It is hard to claim this money is d___________d. Many CEOs work longer hours and graduated from top schools but their t__________________t can be m__________________e to the k______________________s behind p________________________t and the many h_______________________s required for a business to t__________e. Even the most a_____________________s of these practices would not c______m their o_______t is hundreds of times higher than a normal employee.

Nonetheless, this p__________e f_________________________s of s_______________________d. The s___________t is that there is a n_______________________y of average individuals to staff e______________________s but c___________________s are r_______r. These high-ranking jobs require an e_____________________________t i_________________f hours that most are u___________________t and e_____________________________s r__________________m l____________________s to r__________________e. Since the t________________s in a company are h_____________l and the company has the f____________s to p___________________s, it is l__________l that executive salaries o_____________e many workers and their bonuses that a_________________t. In fact, these p__________s have l_____________________________e and more to do with the e____________________________m.

In conclusion, though their salaries s__________________h, executives are more difficult to replace and deserve higher pay. This is an u________________e, but c__________l, truth for the average person to a__________t.

Listening Practice

Learn more about this topic and practice listening with these ideas:

Reading Practice

Read more about it as well and use these activities to practice:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-28/how-did-ceo-pay-get-to-500-times-the-wages-of-ordinary-workers/11556394

Speaking Practice

Answer the following questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Talk about a family business that you know. Include

What it is

Where it is located

If you go there

Writing Practice

Write about the related question below and check with my sample answer below:

Many believe that the best way to ensure a happier society is to reduce the difference in income earnings between the rich and poor.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

IELTS Essay: Teenagers

by Dave | Oct 11, 2020 | Real Past Tests

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay related to teenagers and their development compared to young children.

Thank you for reading my essays and if you want to support my work, please consider signing up for my Patreon here where you will get exclusive access to my IELTS Ebooks and essay!

Dave

IELTS Essay: Teenagers

Some people believe that the experiences children have before they go to school will have the greatest effect on their future life. Others argue that experiences gained when they are teenagers have a bigger influence.

Discuss both views and give your own opinions.

Many researchers claim that early childhood experiences are more formative that the later, teenage years. In my opinion, though this may be supported by studies, it makes more sense that adolescence shapes futures the most.

Those who believe in the primacy of the pre-school years can point out the effect of early experiences on neurodevelopment. It has become a common refrain among psychologists that the majority of personality formation is in the first 2 years of life. This stems from the relationship children have with their parents, whether they are shown unconditional love and, conversely, if there is any neglect or abuse present in the household. As the child continues to mature and become aware of their surroundings, societal influences intrude and include gender stereotypes, early friendships, and imitation of one’s parents. By the time a child reaches kindergarten, most of their social and personal identity is, allegedly, fixed.

Despite the valid arguments detailed above, I believe the teenage years are when individuals truly begin to navigate the demands of others against their own personal desires. The key life events that take place in the teenage years include an increase in academic pressure, more nuanced social relationships, increased responsibility at home, and, crucially, the biological changes of puberty. These are the foundation of finding one’s place in the world and managing wants against what is expected of an individual by friends, family, school, and society at large. Some teenagers find a balance early and excel while others struggle for long periods that may last into adulthood. On the whole, these experiences outweigh those accumulated as a young child.

In conclusion, though the childhood years are developmentally important, nothing is a better predictor of the future than the issues that must be resolved as teenagers. It is therefore important that teenagers are given latitude to grow and express themselves.

Analysis

1. Many researchers claim that early childhood experiences are more formative that the later, teenage years. 2. In my opinion, though this may be supported by studies, it makes more sense that adolescence shapes futures the most.

1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
2. Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.

1. Those who believe in the primacy of the pre-school years can point out the effect of early experiences on neurodevelopment. 2. It has become a common refrain among psychologists that the majority of personality formation is in the first 2 years of life. 3. This stems from the relationship children have with their parents, whether they are shown unconditional love and, conversely, if there is any neglect or abuse present in the household. 4. As the child continues to mature and become aware of their surroundings, societal influences intrude and include gender stereotypes, early friendships, and imitation of one’s parents. 5. By the time a child reaches kindergarten, most of their social and personal identity is, allegedly, fixed.

1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
2. Explain your main idea.
3. Develop it.
4. Continue developing it.
5. Conclude the paragraph by relating it back to the overall question.

1. Despite the valid arguments detailed above, I believe the teenage years are when individuals truly begin to navigate the demands of others against their own personal desires. 2. The key life events that take place in the teenage years include an increase in academic pressure, more nuanced social relationships, increased responsibility at home, and, crucially, the biological changes of puberty. 3. These are the foundation of finding one’s place in the world and managing wants against what is expected of an individual by friends, family, school, and society at large. 4. Some teenagers find a balance early and excel while others struggle for long periods that may last into adulthood. 5. On the whole, these experiences outweigh those accumulated as a young child.

1. Write another topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
2. Explain your new main idea.
3. Use specific details and examples as support.
4. Continue to develop it and carry your point into the future.
5. Conclude with a strong statement.

1. In conclusion, though the childhood years are developmentally important, nothing is a better predictor of the future than the issues that must be resolved as teenagers. 2. It is therefore important that teenagers are given latitude to grow and express themselves.

1. Summarise your main ideas and repeat your opinion.
2. Add a final thought/detail. Read more about conclusions here.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

Many researchers claim that early childhood experiences are more formative that the later, teenage years. In my opinion, though this may be supported by studies, it makes more sense that adolescence shapes futures the most.

Those who believe in the primacy of the pre-school years can point out the effect of early experiences on neurodevelopment. It has become a common refrain among psychologists that the majority of personality formation is in the first 2 years of life. This stems from the relationship children have with their parents, whether they are shown unconditional love and, conversely, if there is any neglect or abuse present in the household. As the child continues to mature and become aware of their surroundings, societal influences intrude and include gender stereotypes, early friendships, and imitation of one’s parents. By the time a child reaches kindergarten, most of their social and personal identity is, allegedly, fixed.

Despite the valid arguments detailed above, I believe the teenage years are when individuals truly begin to navigate the demands of others against their own personal desires. The key life events that take place in the teenage years include an increase in academic pressure, more nuanced social relationships, increased responsibility at home, and, crucially, the biological changes of puberty. These are the foundation of finding one’s place in the world and managing wants against what is expected of an individual by friends, family, school, and society at large. Some teenagers find a balance early and excel while others struggle for long periods that may last into adulthood. On the whole, these experiences outweigh those accumulated as a young child.

In conclusion, though the childhood years are developmentally important, nothing is a better predictor of the future than the issues that must be resolved as teenagers. It is therefore important that teenagers are given latitude to grow and express themselves.

Answers

claim argue

early childhood experiences when kids

more formative shape you more

supported by studies research indicates

makes more sense more logical

adolescence teenage years

shapes futures the most influences later life a lot

primacy of the pre-school years key importance of the years before starting school

point out argue about

neurodevelopment how the brain grows/changes

common refrain often said

majority most of

personality formation identity

stems from comes from

shown unconditional love like without any strings/conditions

conversely in contrast

neglect not pay attention to

abuse present in the household being hurt in your home

mature grow up

aware of their surroundings know about what is around them

societal influences intrude people around interfere

include gender stereotypes boy/girl social beliefs

early friendships friends as kids

imitation copy

by the time at the point

social and personal identity how you are in public and to yourself

allegedly supposedly

fixed unchanging

despite the valid arguments detailed above regardless of the good points made before

truly actually

navigate the demands get through the expectations

against their own personal desires in contrast to what you really want

key life events life events

take place happen

academic pressure stress from school

nuanced social relationships complex interrelations with others

increased responsibility at home have to do more at home

crucially very importantly

biological changes of puberty how the body changes as a teenager

foundation of finding one’s place in the world basis of knowing where you want to be in life

managing wants against what is expected of an individual balancing desires against work, family, friends, etc.

society at large friends, work, family, etc.

find a balance early learn early on how to manage

excel get better

struggle fight with

long periods a lot of time

last into adulthood continue as you get older

on the whole generally

outweigh stronger than

accumulated add up

developmentally important important milestones in growing up

better predictor of the future paves the way for later life

resolved as teenagers fixed in adolescence

given latitude allowed freedom

express themselves act freely

Pronunciation

kleɪm 
ˈɜːli ˈʧaɪldhʊd ɪksˈpɪərɪənsɪz 
mɔː ˈfɔːmətɪv 
səˈpɔːtɪd baɪ ˈstʌdiz
meɪks mɔː sɛns 
ˌædəʊˈlɛsns 
ʃeɪps ˈfjuːʧəz ðə məʊst
ˈpraɪməsi ɒv ðə priː-skuːl jɪəz 
pɔɪnt aʊt 
ˈnjʊərəʊˌdɪˈvɛləpmənt
ˈkɒmən rɪˈfreɪn 
məˈʤɒrɪti 
ˌpɜːsəˈnælɪti fɔːˈmeɪʃən 
stɛmz frɒm 
ʃəʊn ˌʌnkənˈdɪʃənl lʌv 
ˈkɒnvɜːsli
nɪˈglɛkt 
əˈbjuːsˈprɛznt ɪn ðə ˈhaʊshəʊld
məˈtjʊə 
əˈweər ɒv ðeə səˈraʊndɪŋz
səˈsaɪətl ˈɪnflʊənsɪz ɪnˈtruːd 
ɪnˈkluːd ˈʤɛndə ˈstɪərɪətaɪps
ˈɜːli ˈfrɛndʃɪps
ˌɪmɪˈteɪʃən 
baɪ ðə taɪm 
ˈsəʊʃəl ænd ˈpɜːsnl aɪˈdɛntɪti 
əˈlɛʤdli
fɪkst
dɪsˈpaɪt ðə ˈvælɪd ˈɑːgjʊmənts ˈdiːteɪld əˈbʌv
ˈtruːli 
ˈnævɪgeɪt ðə dɪˈmɑːndz 
əˈgɛnst ðeər əʊn ˈpɜːsnl dɪˈzaɪəz
kiː laɪf ɪˈvɛnts 
teɪk pleɪs 
ˌækəˈdɛmɪk ˈprɛʃə
nju(ː)ˈɑːnst ˈsəʊʃəl rɪˈleɪʃənʃɪps
ɪnˈkriːst rɪsˌpɒnsəˈbɪlɪti æt həʊm
ˈkruːʃəli
ˌbaɪəʊˈlɒʤɪkəl ˈʧeɪnʤɪz ɒv ˈpjuːbəti
faʊnˈdeɪʃən ɒv ˈfaɪndɪŋ wʌnz pleɪs ɪn ðə wɜːld 
ˈmænɪʤɪŋ wɒnts əˈgɛnst wɒt ɪz ɪksˈpɛktɪd ɒv ən ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəl 
səˈsaɪəti æt lɑːʤ
faɪnd ə ˈbæləns ˈɜːli 
ɪkˈsɛl 
ˈstrʌgl 
lɒŋ ˈpɪərɪədz 
lɑːst ˈɪntuː əˈdʌlthʊd
ɒn ðə həʊl
aʊtˈweɪ 
əˈkjuːmjʊleɪtɪd 
dɪˌvɛləpˈmɛntli ɪmˈpɔːtənt
ˈbɛtə prɪˈdɪktər ɒv ðə ˈfjuːʧə 
rɪˈzɒlvd æz ˈtiːnˌeɪʤəz
ˈgɪvn ˈlætɪtjuːd 
ɪksˈprɛs ðəmˈsɛlvz

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Many researchers c_______m that e____________________________s are m______________________e that the later, teenage years. In my opinion, though this may be s______________________s, it m__________________e that a_______________e s____________________________t.

Those who believe in the p________________________________s can p__________t the effect of early experiences on n____________________t. It has become a c____________________n among psychologists that the m____________y of p__________________________n is in the first 2 years of life. This s___________m the relationship children have with their parents, whether they are s___________________________e and, c______________y, if there is any n__________t or a____________________________d. As the child continues to m__________e and become a_________________________s, s______________________________e and i_______________________s, e__________________________s, and i______________n of one’s parents. B_________________e a child reaches kindergarten, most of their s________________________y is, a______________y, f________d.

D________________________________________e, I believe the teenage years are when individuals t______y begin to n______________________s of others a_____________________________s. The k_______________s that t____________e in the teenage years include an increase in a_________________e, more n_____________________________s, i______________________________e, and, c___________y, the b_____________________________y. These are the f___________________________________________d and m_________________________________________________________l by friends, family, school, and s________________e. Some teenagers f_____________________y and e_______l while others s___________e for l_____________s that may l____________________d. O_______________e, these experiences o____________h those a_______________d as a young child.

In conclusion, though the childhood years are d_________________________t, nothing is a b_____________________________e than the issues that must be r__________________________s. It is therefore important that teenagers are g_____________________e to grow and e____________________s.

Listening Practice

Listen about this topic below and use these ideas to practice:

Reading Practice

Read and practice with the following article using these ideas:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/beyond-the-label/201309/babys-first-year-matters

Speaking Practice

Improve your speaking with these real questions from the IELTS speaking exam:

Teenagers

1. Is the behaviour of teenagers today better than when you were a teenager?
2. When should teenagers start to take on more responsibilities?
3. What kinds of responsibilities?
4. How have attitudes towards teenagers changed in recent years?
5. What can parents do if teenagers are unwilling to take on more responsibility?

Writing Practice

Write about the following related IELTS writing question then check with my sample answer below:

In some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message?

IELTS Essay: Activities for Leisure Time

by Dave | Oct 9, 2020 | Real Past Tests

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay from the general training exam on the topic of planning your activities for your leisure time.

Thank you for reading my essays and if you want to support my work, please consider signing up for my Patreon here where you will get exclusive access to my IELTS Ebooks and essay!

Dave

IELTS Essay: Activities for Leisure Time

Some people think that one should plan in detail activities for their leisure time, while others disagree with this view.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Many feel that it is important to plan out their free time activities, while others opt to live more spontaneously. In my opinion, planning can be useful but over time it will devalue the activities themselves.

Arranging one’s leisure activities ahead of time is a natural impulse to ease tension and ensure their usefulness. Some psychologists have termed humans the ‘planning animal’ because of an inborn tendency arising from a calming need for security. To the person doing the planning, this serves the secondary purpose of ensuring they are not wasting their time. For example, if a motivated individual plans their day they might set out to do some exercise, read a book, finish some work at home, and cook a meal. These are productive tasks that will lead to a feeling of fulfillment at the end of the day.

However, this drive causes undue pressure and hinders enjoyment of a given activity. The human propensity to plan is also an underlying cause of stress and keeps individuals from being fully present in the moment. This can result in a situation where pre-planned activities become joyless. For instance, the person described above who maps out their day might feel they are simply ticking items off a to-do list and not enjoy the activity in itself. Contrast this with a more spontaneous lifestyle that still entails productivity but does not set a purposeful goal for every action. This person will accomplish just as much but enjoy it much more since they can be fully invested in the moment and act.

In conclusion, the useful aspects of planning do not outweigh the worth derived from spontaneous action. Individuals must naturally strike a balance but be mindful they are not subordinating an activity to its utilitarian value.

Analysis

1. Many feel that it is important to plan out their free time activities, while others opt to live more spontaneously. 2. In my opinion, planning can be useful but over time it will devalue the activities themselves.

1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
2. Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.

1. Arranging one’s leisure activities ahead of time is a natural impulse to ease tension and ensure their usefulness. 2. Some psychologists have termed humans the ‘planning animal’ because of an inborn tendency arising from a calming need for security. 3. To the person doing the planning, this serves the secondary purpose of ensuring they are not wasting their time. 4. For example, if a motivated individual plans their day they might set out to do some exercise, read a book, finish some work at home, and cook a meal. 5. These are productive tasks that will lead to a feeling of fulfillment at the end of the day.

1. Write a clear topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
2. Explain your main idea.
3. Continue to develop it.
4. Use a hypothetical or real example.
5. State the results of the example.

1. However, this drive causes undue pressure and hinders enjoyment of a given activity. 2. The human propensity to plan is also an underlying cause of stress and keeps individuals from being fully present in the moment. 3. This can result in a situation where pre-planned activities become joyless. 4. For instance, the person described above who maps out their day might feel they are simply ticking items off a to-do list and not enjoy the activity in itself. 5. Contrast this with a more spontaneous lifestyle that still entails productivity but does not set a purposeful goal for every action. 6. This person will accomplish just as much but enjoy it much more since they can be fully invested in the moment and act.

1. Write another topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
2. Explain it.
3. Continue to develop it.
4. Use an example or counter-example.
5. Contrast your example.
6. State the final results.

1. In conclusion, the useful aspects of planning do not outweigh the worth derived from spontaneous action. 2. Individuals must naturally strike a balance but be mindful they are not subordinating an activity to its utilitarian value.

1. Summarise both main ideas and add a final thought.
2. Include a final thought/detail. Read more about conclusions here.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

Many feel that it is important to plan out their free time activities, while others opt to live more spontaneously. In my opinion, planning can be useful but over time it will devalue the activities themselves.

Arranging one’s leisure activities ahead of time is a natural impulse to ease tension and ensure their usefulness. Some psychologists have termed humans the ‘planning animal’ because of an inborn tendency arising from a calming need for security. To the person doing the planning, this serves the secondary purpose of ensuring they are not wasting their time. For example, if a motivated individual plans their day they might set out to do some exercise, read a book, finish some work at home, and cook a meal. These are productive tasks that will lead to a feeling of fulfillment at the end of the day.

However, this drive causes undue pressure and hinders enjoyment of a given activity. The human propensity to plan is also an underlying cause of stress and keeps individuals from being fully present in the moment. This can result in a situation where pre-planned activities become joyless. For instance, the person described above who maps out their day might feel they are simply ticking items off a to-do list and not enjoy the activity in itself. Contrast this with a more spontaneous lifestyle that still entails productivity but does not set a purposeful goal for every action. This person will accomplish just as much but enjoy it much more since they can be fully invested in the moment and act.

In conclusion, the useful aspects of planning do not outweigh the worth derived from spontaneous action. Individuals must naturally strike a balance but be mindful they are not subordinating an activity to its utilitarian value.

Answers

plan out think about for the future

opt choose

spontaneously without thinking ahead of time

useful has a purpose

over time in the longterm

devalue make unimportant

arranging planning

ahead of time before

natural impulse human instinct

ease tension decrease anxiety

ensure make sure

usefulness has a purpose

psychologists people who study the human brain

termed called

inborn tendency natural impulse

arising comes from

calming need relaxing desire

security safety

serves works to

secondary purpose second reason

ensuring making sure

motivated individual committed person

set out intend to

productive tasks worthwhile activities

lead to result in

feeling of fulfillment feeling of accomplishment

end of the day finally

undue pressure unnecessary stress

hinders enjoyment holds back joy

given activity activity in question

human propensity natural desire

underlying cause fundamental source

fully present in the moment not thinking ahead

result in lead to

pre-planned activities thought of ahead of time

joyless without joy

maps out plans

ticking items off a to-do list crossing off activities to do

in itself not for another purpose

contrast this with compare with

spontaneous lifestyle not planning ahead way of living

entails productivity includes doing it for a reason

set a purposeful goal have a clear aim

accomplish get done

fully invested totally committed

useful aspects utilitarian value

outweigh stronger than

worth derived value from

spontaneous action not planned out

naturally human

strike a balance find a middle ground

mindful careful of

subordinating making less important

utilitarian value use

Pronunciation

plæn aʊt 
ɒpt 
spɒnˈteɪniəsli
ˈjuːsfʊl 
ˈəʊvə taɪm 
ˌdiːˈvæljuː 
əˈreɪnʤɪŋ 
əˈhɛd ɒv taɪm 
ˈnæʧrəl ˈɪmpʌls 
iːz ˈtɛnʃən 
ɪnˈʃʊə 
ˈjuːsfʊlnəs
saɪˈkɒləʤɪsts 
tɜːmd 
ˌɪnˈbɔːn ˈtɛndənsi 
əˈraɪzɪŋ 
ˈkɑːmɪŋ niːd 
sɪˈkjʊərɪti
sɜːvz 
ˈsɛkəndəri ˈpɜːpəs 
ɪnˈʃʊərɪŋ 
ˈməʊtɪveɪtɪd ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəl 
sɛt aʊt 
prəˈdʌktɪv tɑːsks 
liːd tuː 
ˈfiːlɪŋ ɒv fʊlˈfɪlmənt 
ɛnd ɒv ðə deɪ
ʌnˈdjuː ˈprɛʃə 
ˈhaɪndəz ɪnˈʤɔɪmənt 
ˈgɪvn ækˈtɪvɪti
ˈhjuːmən prəˈpɛnsɪti 
ˌʌndəˈlaɪɪŋ kɔːz 
ˈfʊli ˈprɛznt ɪn ðə ˈməʊmənt
rɪˈzʌlt ɪn 
priː-plænd ækˈtɪvɪtiz 
ˈʤɔɪlɪs
mæps aʊt 
ˈtɪkɪŋ ˈaɪtəmz ɒf ə təˈduː lɪst 
ɪn ɪtˈsɛlf
ˈkɒntrɑːst ðɪs wɪð 
spɒnˈteɪniəs ˈlaɪfˌstaɪl 
ɪnˈteɪlz ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvɪti 
sɛt ə ˈpɜːpəsfʊl gəʊl 
əˈkɒmplɪʃ 
ˈfʊli ɪnˈvɛstɪd
ˈjuːsfʊl ˈæspɛkts 
aʊtˈweɪ 
wɜːθ dɪˈraɪvd 
spɒnˈteɪniəs ˈækʃ(ə)n
ˈnæʧrəli 
straɪk ə ˈbæləns 
ˈmaɪndfʊl 
səˈbɔːdɪneɪtɪŋ 
ˌjuːtɪlɪˈteərɪən ˈvæljuː

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Many feel that it is important to p_________t their free time activities, while others o__t to live more s___________________y. In my opinion, planning can be u________l but o___________e it will d________e the activities themselves.

A_____________g one’s leisure activities a_______________e is a n______________e to e_______________n and e________e their u______________s. Some p______________s have t___________d humans the ‘planning animal’ because of an i__________________y a__________g from a c_____________d for s___________y. To the person doing the planning, this s_________s the s________________________e of e___________g they are not wasting their time. For example, if a m_______________________l plans their day they might s__________t to do some exercise, read a book, finish some work at home, and cook a meal. These are p________________s that will l________o a f__________________________t at the e__________________y.

However, this drive causes u__________________e and h_________________t of a g__________________y. The h___________________y to plan is also an u___________________e of stress and keeps individuals from being f______________________________t. This can r____________n a situation where p_________________________s become j___________s. For instance, the person described above who m____________t their day might feel they are simply t_______________________________t and not enjoy the activity i_____________f. C____________________h a more s_________________________e that still e__________________________y but does not s_____________________l for every action. This person will a_____________h just as much but enjoy it much more since they can be f_________________d in the moment and act.

In conclusion, the u________________s of planning do not o____________h the w_______________d from s___________________n. Individuals must n_______________y s_____________________e but be m____________l they are not s____________________g an activity to its u______________________e.

Listening Practice

Learn more about this topic and use these ideas to improve your listening:

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic below and practice with these activities:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/articles/200512/is-the-do-list-doing-you-in

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Taking Breaks

1. Do you take breaks from your work?
2. Do you prefer several short breaks or one long break?
3. Did you take a lot of breaks when you were younger?
4. Is it common for people in your country to take breaks?

Writing Practice

Write about the following topic and then check with my sample answer:

Shopping is now one of the most popular forms of leisure activities in many countries for young adults.

Why is this?

Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?