Academic Writing - Task 2 (Model Answer)

Entertainment or leisure activities should be subsidized by the government. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

People need to relax from their hectic daily lives and to do this they usually have hobbies. On many occasions leisure activities are expensive, for example buying sports equipment, as are entertainment activities such as going to a concert. Currently these expenses are paid by the individual.

If an individual benefits from an activity, it may be a good idea for the government to subsidise this. This will also benefit artists taking part in these events. Visiting an art exhibition, going to concert, watching a performance or play etc. makes people think about important issues, relaxes the audience, and contributes positively towards their spiritual development.

On the other hand, the government has more important issues to tackle such a poverty and unemployment so some might think that partially funding entertainment and free-time activities is wasteful. What people decide to do outside their work is their personal choice and each individual should fund their own entertainment options. What is more, individuals are not likely to appreciate something that is provided for free or cheaply priced. If they know they are going to pay for an entrance ticket, people will go somewhere because they really want to.

I think the government should only sponsor events that are useful for the public, for example a film promoting environmental awareness. Other leisure activities are a matter of personal choice and each individual should pay the full-cost of this themselves and let the government allocate its budget to more pressing matters.

Question taken from Direct to IELTS, Student's book p.51

Academic Writing - Task 2 (Model Answer)

Some people think the latest technology for home entertainment such as sophisticated TVs, high-speed internet connections and tablets are having a negative impact on people's lives, especially young people. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Young people are addicted to modern technology. The modern home is equipped with fast internet connection that supports digital television, tablets and other gadgets. As a result children and teenagers spend most of their time indoors preoccupied with this type of entertainment.

Being glued to a screen for long periods bring about health problems such as bad eye sight, a sore  back and hands. Youngsters do not get enough exercise and fresh air which is unhealthy for them. Their social skills are also affected as they do not interact with others and they do not form groups so their understanding of team spirit is limited. Finally their imagination suffers because they play repetitive games and watch programmes that do not contribute towards their education but merely wastes their time.

Having the latest technology at home means that youngsters are up-to-date with the most recent trends and are familiar with technology which will help them later on in their lives when they enter the job market. They may also be able to improve their language skills as they learn new words effortlessly, interact with others around the globe, think and react fast and gain some knowledge from programmes such as National Geographic.

Generally speaking, however, I believe that home entertainment has little to offer to young people other than entertainment. The negative impact in terms of health and anti-social behaviour is great. Home entertainment is creating a nation of youngsters that are overweight, unimaginative,  lack confidence and like to spend time alone.

Question taken from Direct to IELTS, Student's Book p.51