BEST IELTS Writing Task 2, 16th October

Table of Contents

IELTS WRITING TASK 2

The young today spend a large amount of their leisure time in shopping centres. It is feared that this trend can bring negative influences on the youths and the society.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

SAMPLE ANSWER

In recent years, shopping centres have become a popular hangout spot for young people. While some believe this trend has harmful effects on both individuals and society, I partly agree with this view. Although spending time in malls can encourage materialism and wastefulness, it can also provide social and economic benefits.

One major concern is that frequent visits to shopping centres promote a materialistic lifestyle among the youth. Constant exposure to luxury brands and advertisements can make young people value possessions over personal growth. For example, teenagers may feel pressured to buy expensive clothes or gadgets to fit in with their peers. This not only increases financial stress on families but also encourages shallow social values where self-worth is measured by appearance and consumption. Moreover, excessive time in malls may lead to unhealthy habits, such as overspending and neglecting studies or physical activities.

On the other hand, shopping centres can serve as safe and convenient social spaces for young people. Instead of spending time in unsafe public areas, teenagers can meet friends, watch movies, or eat together in a controlled environment. This promotes social interaction and helps develop communication skills. Furthermore, the youth’s spending habits contribute to the economy, providing jobs in retail, food, and entertainment sectors. For instance, weekend crowds in malls often boost local business revenues significantly.

In conclusion, while spending too much leisure time in shopping centres can indeed foster materialism and poor spending habits, it also offers social and economic advantages. Therefore, I believe that the key lies in moderation — young people should balance recreational shopping with other meaningful activities to ensure healthy personal and social development.

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