Some People Think it is Important to Use Leisure Time- IELTS Writing Task 2

Some people think it is important to use leisure time for activities that improve the mind, such as reading and doing word puzzles. Other people feel that it is important to rest the mind during leisure time. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Outline

Essay Type

Discussion Essay

Introduction

Sentences 1&2 – Paraphrase the topic using synonyms to create an understanding of it.

Sentence 3 – Mention that the essay will discuss both sides of this contentious argument, and then final perspectives will be given.

Body paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – Talk about how reading and doing word puzzles can help improve the mind during leisure time.

Paragraph 2 – Talk about giving rest to the mind can be essential between the work hours.

Conclusion

Restate your views.

Sample Essay

Some individuals assert that spare time should be spent on some healthy indoor activities such as reading and doing scrabble. In contrast, others believe it is essential to rest to recharge the mind without consciously having any thoughts. This essay will discuss both sides of this contentious argument, and then I will give my perspectives.

To start with, leafing through a storybook and playing crossword games are effective ways of reducing stress. No matter how much anxiety we face in daily life, the pressure may slip away when we lose ourselves in a great story of a fiction book or focus on solving the crossword puzzles. Reading helps to distract one from the tension one faces and keeps it in the present moment. Additionally, these activities foster cognitive stimulation. Studies have shown that being mentally active through activities such as reading and doing puzzles preclude one from losing brain power and reduce the progress of dementia. Like any other muscle in our body, brain muscle needs to be exercised to stay active.

On the flipper side, it is claimed that resting the mind helps obtain peacefulness and relaxation. Therefore, people who soothe their brains during leisure time are less likely to fatigue during worktime. To illustrate this, a recent survey by Harvard University found that individuals who take a nap or rest on a balcony enjoying the landscape are happier at work and less stressed. However, developing high levels of relaxation could create laziness among workers and, to prevent this, it is paramount to practice mental flexibility.

In conclusion, I would like to say that constructive activities in our leisure time could immensely benefit us. Moreover, by doing these activities, one can gain plenty of knowledge to assist them in their coming life.

Vocabulary

• Assert

Meaning – state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
Example – It did not assert jurisdiction over any person or any asset outside the court’s territorial jurisdiction.

• Scrabble

Meaning – scratch or grope around with one’s fingers to find, collect, or hold on to something.
Example – I began to scrabble and fumble around on the floor, searching for some kind of weapon.

• Contentious

Meaning – causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.
Example – Solve this mess, or the situation could easily become more contentious.

• Cognitive

Meaning – of, relating to, being, or involving conscious intellectual activity (such as thinking, reasoning, or remembering)
Example – This puzzle is meant to assess your cognitive abilities.

• Stimulation

Meaning – encouragement of something to make it develop or become more active.
Example – In severe cases, which do not respond to these drugs, deep brain stimulation has been found to have moderate success.

• Dementia

Meaning – a chronic or persistent disorder of the mental processes caused by brain disease or injury and marked by memory disorders, personality changes, and impaired reasoning.
Example – Before you start to panic, there is a crucial difference between dementia and general absent-mindedness.

• Leisure

Meaning – time when one is not working or occupied; free time.
Example – Half of the first floor is occupied by an ice cream bar and a leisure area with orange furniture.

• Fatigue

Meaning – extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness.
Example – Alcohol interacts with fatigue and increases its effects.

• Paramount

Meaning – more important than anything else; supreme.
Example – That is why a fast de-escalation of violence is paramount.

• Anxiety

Meaning – a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.
Example – Darryn’s anxiety increased as he watched the ticking clock, wondering where Kara was.