Some people prefer to plan activities for their free time very carefully. Others choose not to make any plans at all for their free time. Compare the benefits of planning free-time activities with the benefits of not making plans. Which do you prefer planning or not planning for leisure time?
Sample Response
Planning leisure activitiesPlanning free-time activities offers several benefitsadvantages. FirstFirstly, it provides structure and helps people make the most of their leisure timeensures that one makes the most of their leisure time. This structureorganization can lead to more productive use of timeincreased productivity and a feelingsense of accomplishment. For instance, scheduling a workout or a creative session allows individuals to cultivate healthy habits and pursue personal interests consistently.
Additionally, planning helps to avoidplanning helps in avoiding boredom or indecision during free time. When activities are prearranged, there is less time wasted on deciding what to do, allowing for a smoother transition into enjoyable experiences. This advance planningThis premeditation reduces the likelihoodminimizes the risk of usingspending leisure time passively, and encourages individuals to engageensuring that individuals engage in fulfilling and stimulating activities.
On the other hand, there are benefits to leaving free time unplannedthere are merits to not making plans for free time. It fosters spontaneity and flexibility, allowing individuals to follow their instincts and explore new opportunities as they arise. This approach promotes relaxation and a break from the constraints of a structured routine, offering mental rejuvenation.
In conclusion, both planning and not planning for leisure time have their advantages. The choice depends onIt boils down to personal preference and the balance one seeks between structure and spontaneity in their life.
Why this response received Band 7.0
The response is clearly organised and uses varied, generally accurate language to explain credible benefits on both sides. Its main limitation is task fulfilment: at 185 words, the discussion is too brief, and the conclusion avoids stating the writer's own preference. The priority is to add a clearly justified personal choice and develop the less-planned approach with a more specific supporting example.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
Both approaches are discussed, but the response is substantially under length and never clearly states which one the writer prefers.
State a definite personal preference and extend the discussion beyond 250 words with fuller support for each side.
Coherence and Cohesion
Ideas progress logically through focused paragraphs, and cohesive devices guide the reader clearly without obscuring relationships.
Make the comparison more explicit by linking the relative benefits of the two approaches before the conclusion.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is varied and precise overall, with effective choices such as 'spontaneity,' 'flexibility,' and 'mental rejuvenation.'
Refine a few slightly unnatural combinations, such as 'helps in avoiding,' to make the wording consistently idiomatic.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A flexible range of complex sentence structures is used with strong control and only minor, non-impeding awkwardness.
Maintain this accuracy while varying sentence openings to make the argument sound less formulaic.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
Some people prefer to plan activities for their free time very carefully. Others choose not to make any plans at all for their free time. Compare the benefits of planning free-time activities with the benefits of not making plans. Which do you prefer planning or not planning for leisure time?
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.