Many people Nowadays Spend a Large Part of Their Free Time Using a Smartphone - IELTS Writing Task 2

“Many People Nowadays Spend a Large Part of Their Free Time Using a Smartphone” is a common direct-question IELTS Writing Task 2 topic that examines the reasons behind widespread smartphone use and its potential consequences. This essay explores factors such as entertainment habits, social connectivity, and work-related demands that lead people to spend excessive time on their devices. It also discusses possible solutions, including setting usage limits, promoting offline activities, and raising awareness about digital well-being. This blog includes 3 well-structured sample essays along with useful vocabulary to help learners improve idea development, coherence, and achieve a higher band score in the IELTS Writing test.

Question

Outline

Essay Type

Direct Question essay

Introduction

Sentences 1&2 – Smartphones have undoubtedly altered the course of people’s lives and even had a pervasive influence over their leisure time as well. This has sparked conversation, with people debating whether this change has been largely beneficial or adverse in nature.

Sentence 3 – In the following essay, I will examine the reasons behind the rise in smartphone usage during free time and offer my opinion as to whether this is a positive or negative development.

Body Paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – Increased usage of smartphones might be due to people becoming more lonely, needing to seek stimulation and entertainment more than ever before, and lastly, it is an outcome of the consumerist culture which has fuelled people’s preoccupation with their own lives.

Paragraph 2 – Smartphones have had a few favourable effects but their increased usage has largely had negative effects for people’s lives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it can be said that while smartphones have some positive impact on people’s leisure, they have largely adverse consequences and thus, their egregious usage needs to be regulated and cautioned against.

Many people Nowadays Spend a Large Part of Their Free Time Using a Smartphone - Sample Answer 1

Smartphones have indubitably altered the course of people’s lives and even had a pervasive influence over their free time as well. This has sparked conversations, with people debating whether this change has been largely beneficial or adverse in nature. In the following essay, I will examine the reasons behind the rise in smartphone usage during leisure and offer my opinion on whether this is a positive or negative development.

The increased usage of smartphones, becoming a staple part of leisure, has had a number of negative consequences. The reasons behind this are probably due to people feeling lonely and seeking virtual interaction as an alternative to real-life connections. The need for stimulation and entertainment is another reason for people to use their smartphones. Additionally, today’s consumerist culture has fuelled increased self-interest and led people to increasingly use smartphones which keep them wrapped up in their own digital bubble.

Smartphones have had some gainful effects, such as streamlining communication. But some people surmise that smartphones have begun to strain interpersonal relationships due to people prioritising their virtual connections over real-life ones. Moreover, the prolonged usage of smartphones as a recreational activity has also given rise to psychological issues such as nomophobia. Further, extended usage of smartphones during leisure time is also causing people to suffer from attentional problems and become distracted more easily. Lastly, the increased usage of smartphones as a pastime has caused more and more people to embrace a sedentary lifestyle which can cause threatening health conditions such as obesity and diabetes.

In conclusion, it can be said that while smartphones have some positive impact on people’s leisure, they have largely adverse consequences and thus, their egregious usage needs to be regulated and cautioned against.

Many people Nowadays Spend a Large Part of Their Free Time Using a Smartphone - Sample Answer 2

In today’s digital age, smartphones have become an essential part of everyday life. Many people nowadays spend a large part of their free time using a smartphone, which can have both social and personal implications. This essay will examine the main reasons for this habit and suggest practical solutions to reduce excessive usage.

One major reason is the wide range of entertainment options available on smartphones. Social media platforms, games, and video streaming apps make it easy for people to spend hours scrolling or playing, often without realizing how much time has passed. Another factor is social connectivity. Smartphones allow instant communication with friends and family, and many feel compelled to stay constantly updated on messages, notifications, and news. Additionally, work-related demands contribute to extended smartphone use, as emails, professional apps, and online meetings are often accessed during free time.

To tackle this issue, individuals can set strict time limits on app usage and schedule specific periods for offline activities, such as reading, exercising, or spending time with family. Governments and organizations can also raise awareness about the negative effects of excessive smartphone use through campaigns, workshops, and digital wellbeing programs. Encouraging alternative leisure activities can help people achieve a healthier balance between online and offline life.

In conclusion, entertainment, social interaction, and work pressures are the main reasons why many people spend so much time on smartphones. By adopting time management strategies and promoting awareness, this habit can be significantly reduced.

Many people Nowadays Spend a Large Part of Their Free Time Using a Smartphone - Sample Answer 3

Smartphones have become an indispensable tool in modern society, and as a result, many people nowadays spend a large part of their free time using a smartphone. This essay will discuss why this occurs and suggest measures to help individuals reduce overuse.

One key reason is the addictive nature of social media and mobile games. Many people find themselves constantly checking notifications or playing games to pass time, which leads to prolonged smartphone usage. Another reason is the reliance on smartphones for communication and information. With news apps, messaging services, and online forums readily available, individuals often prefer to use their smartphones instead of engaging in offline activities. Moreover, the convenience of mobile entertainment means people are less motivated to pursue hobbies that do not involve technology.

Several solutions can help address this problem. First, individuals should consciously plan their free time and allocate smartphone-free periods each day. Second, educational programs can inform the public about the physical and mental consequences of excessive smartphone use, such as eye strain, sleep problems, and reduced social interaction. Finally, promoting alternative leisure activities, such as sports, reading, or volunteering, can encourage people to spend their free time more meaningfully.

In summary, smartphone addiction, communication needs, and convenience are the main reasons for excessive usage. Through conscious planning, education, and alternative activities, people can better manage their time and reduce dependence on smartphones.

Many people Nowadays Spend a Large Part of Their Free Time Using a Smartphone - Vocabulary

The following are some of the IELTS Vocabulary found in the above writing sample answers. 

• Indubitably

Meaning – Unquestionably or undoubtedly
Example – Spending time with her family indubitably helped Shreya recover from homesickness.

• Pervasive

Meaning – Having a tendency to spread or permeate
Example – The pervasive smell of Christmas cakes enveloped the house.

• Staple

Meaning – Leading or most significant
Example – Olive oil is a staple ingredient in several cuisines originating from the Mediterranean region.

• Surmise

Meaning – Infer or suggest
Example – From the crime scene, Sherlock surmised that the criminal could not have forced his way into the house.

• Nomophobia

Meaning – Feelings of intense emotional distress generated by the lack of one’s smartphone or the fear of losing one’s smartphone
Example – The pandemic only heightened our levels of nomophobia since smartphones had gained added importance.

• Streamline

Meaning – Simplify
Example – By using a flowchart, they were able to streamline the process of creating the model for the upcoming exhibition.

• Egregious 

Meaning – Conspicuously bad or offensive
Example – The teacher warned the students that any egregious behaviour on their part would result in disciplinary action.

• Stimulation 

Meaning – The action of evoking interest, excitement or enthusiasm
Example – These toys are meant to be educational but also provide sufficient stimulation for children.

• Pastime

Meaning – Hobby
Example – Embroidery has long been my mother’s favourite pastime.
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• Embrace

Meaning – Adopt or espouse
Example – Dina embraced a frugal approach to finances in order to save up for her dream house.