full-time students only need to study, but it is essential to involve in other activities too.

Practice this IELTS Writing Task 2 question on IELTSX. full-time students only need to study, but it is essential to involve in other activities too.

Full time students only need study essential involve other activities - IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Write at least 250 words.

A student's answer to this task, and the feedback on it

Written by an IELTSX user under exam conditions and published unedited and anonymously. Band 9 · 322 words.

I completely agree that full-time students should engage in activities beyond their academic studies. While learning is their primary responsibility, limiting oneself solely to textbooks is detrimental to long-term development.

Firstly, extracurricular activities build essential life skills that a classroom cannot teach. Team sports foster communication, leadership, and resilience. Student clubs teach project management and financial planning – for instance, organizing a charity event requires budgeting, marketing, and negotiation. These are the exact competencies employers seek, yet they are rarely tested in exams.

Secondly, involvement in other pursuits enhances academic performance, not hinders it. Physical exercise boosts blood flow to the brain, improving concentration and memory. Creative hobbies like music or painting develop neural pathways that aid problem-solving in science and math. A student who takes regular breaks to play an instrument often returns to their studies with renewed focus. Furthermore, volunteering or part-time work provides real-world context to theoretical knowledge, making subjects like economics or sociology more tangible and memorable.

Thirdly, a balanced life is crucial for mental health. The pressure of constant studying can lead to burnout, anxiety, and isolation. Participating in social activities builds a support network of friends, reducing stress. University years are also a time for self-discovery; trying different roles – from debate team member to theatre actor – helps students understand their passions and strengths, guiding future career choices more effectively than grades alone.

Admittedly, students should not overcommit. Time management is key; a student who works 20 hours a week while taking a heavy course load may see their grades suffer. Therefore, the goal is mindful integration, not distraction. Universities should encourage, not mandate, a balanced portfolio.

In conclusion, while academic excellence is vital, it is incomplete without other experiences. Education is not just about filling a mind with facts, but about shaping a whole person capable of thriving in life. Therefore, I strongly advocate for students to actively pursue a rich, varied university life.

Examiner feedback

This is an exceptional essay that meets the Band 9 criteria across all four descriptors. It presents a sophisticated, well-structured argument with a natural command of complex language and precise vocabulary. The inclusion of a concession paragraph regarding time management demonstrates the mature thinking required for the highest band.

Task Response - 9

- The response fully addresses all parts of the task with a highly developed and mature position.- Main ideas are extensively supported with relevant and specific examples such as charity events and physical exercise.- The candidate provides a nuanced view by acknowledging the need for balance and time management.

Coherence & Cohesion - 9

- Information is sequenced with logical precision, ensuring a seamless flow of ideas from skill acquisition to mental health.- Each paragraph possesses a clear, well-defined central topic that supports the overarching thesis.- Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore' and 'Admittedly' are used with sophisticated naturalness.

Lexical Resource - 9

- A very wide range of vocabulary is used with natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.- Precise terminology such as 'neural pathways', 'tangible', and 'competencies' is utilized accurately.- Collocations and word formations are consistently appropriate and native-like throughout.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 9

- The essay demonstrates a wide range of structures used with full flexibility and accuracy.- Complex sentence forms are employed effortlessly to convey nuanced arguments.- Punctuation is flawless, contributing to the overall clarity and professional tone of the writing.

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