Writing Task 2

This writing task 2 question is one of IELTS' favourites. The essay below is a good example of a Band 8+ response.

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You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

These days more and more people spend their free time doing dangerous activities.

Why is this happening? Are there more positive or negative effects to this trend?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

Sample Band 8 Essay

Recently, there has been an noticeable increase in interest in extreme sports like skydiving or base jumping. It seems that some of it is arising from personal reasons, and some is caused by the jump in popularity of these activities. Personally, I believe that this is a mostly negative development, since it puts people in unnecessarily dangerous situations.

As more and more people rely on technology to carry out a large portion of routine daily tasks, their lifestyles have become more sedentary. One could also argue that our lives have become safer due to the technological advancements and inventions such as seat belts, airbags, and other safety measures. Unsurprisingly, this combination of lack of physical activity and excitement quickly leads to boredom and makes people want to try out activities that are both physically demanding and thrilling at the same time.

From a personal perspective, the adrenaline rushes that people derive from adventure sports are not worth risking their lives. Even with every safety precaution adhered to, there is still a great possibility of fatalities or life-altering injuries such as head trauma and paralysis in a base jump gone wrong. The consequences of an accident will not only be borne by the participants but their loved ones as well, as it is will be up to them to deal with the aftermath of a death or severe injury.

To sum up, although dangerous activities and extreme sports might seem like a great way to offset a mundane daily routine and achieve a natural high, they are certainly not worth losing a life for.

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