IELTS WRITING TASK - II

In most developed countries shopping is not only about buying the goods you
need, it is also perceived as entertainment. Is it a positive or a negative
development? Give your own opinion and examples based on your experience.
INTRODUCTION:
(Problem Statement)
One of the widely discussed issues nowadays facing the society is all pervasive
consumerism.
(Q. Paraphrase) Now people are beginning to realise that in many developed nations,
consumerism is not only about buying things of daily use but is also seen as a form of
amusement.
(Opinion Statement) Although there are some people who hold the opinion that this
is a positive trend yet there are others who think the other way round. In my personal
opinion, I subscribe to the latter proposition and believe that this is a very negative
development which can lead to certain detrimental effects.
PARA – II (1st argument)
Firstly, it is well known that people buy items they do not really need because of the
influence marketing campaigns have on them.
(Explanation) What is implied here is that the masses are constantly bombarded with
messages telling them that if they buy a certain product they will be happier, more
beautiful or more complete. In many ways, these companies trick us into buying their
products that we barely need and have no real value for us.
For example, people spend lavishly on buying a luxurious bag, a glamorous dress, a
Rolex watch that they seldom use. It is because they expect to look glamorous though
they land themselves in the mire of financial debts up to their ears.

PARA – III (2nd argument)

Secondly, it has lead to a paradigm shift in shopping which in many countries is not
undertaken for fulfilling customer necessity, but for personal pleasure. Purchasing
things that we do not need is a habit that makes us greedy and imprudent.
(Explanation) That is to say if we allow ourselves to practice this, we will surely
deviate from morality and quality life. It is a huge waste of money that does nothing
to develop a person either physically or intellectually.
(Example) For instance, most of the young people who spend their weekends
shopping unwittingly and haphazardly, have nothing else to talk about other than
their purchases. They prove themselves monotonous like stagnant waters, whereas
those who use their activity time more wisely are often much more interesting and
successful people.
CONCLUSION
To conclude, arguments and illustrations cited above reiterate my view that on
account of a pseudo notion developed under the influence of marketing campaigns and
shopping for pleasure, vital economic activity like shopping has been reduced to a
mere entertainment or pleasure activity. The need of the hour is to reverse this
negative trend, therefore, shoppers are recommended to invest their time and money in
a better productive manner.