The topic of holiday expense budgeting has become increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in various forms over the past few years. Similar to the importance of savings for long-term security, this theme reflects growing global concerns about financial management and responsible spending.
Family planning holiday budget with calculator and documents
Some people believe that it is essential to save money for holiday expenses throughout the year, while others prefer to use credit cards or take loans for their vacations. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss advantages of saving money for holidays
- Examine the perspective of using credit for vacation expenses
- Present and justify their personal viewpoint
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8)
People have different approaches to financing their holidays, with some preferring to save in advance while others opt for credit-based solutions. While both methods have their merits, I strongly believe that saving money throughout the year is the more responsible and beneficial approach.
Those who advocate for using credit cards or loans for vacation expenses often argue that this allows for immediate travel opportunities without waiting to accumulate savings. This flexibility can be particularly valuable when unexpected travel deals arise or when people need immediate breaks from work stress. Furthermore, credit cards often offer travel-related benefits such as airline miles or hotel points, which can reduce overall vacation costs.
However, the practice of saving money specifically for holidays carries several significant advantages. Firstly, it eliminates the burden of post-vacation debt and interest payments, which can significantly inflate the actual cost of the trip. Additionally, the act of saving creates a natural budgeting mechanism, encouraging people to plan their holidays within their means rather than being tempted to overspend. This approach aligns with the importance of long-term savings plans for families, promoting financial stability and responsible spending habits.
In my opinion, while credit options might offer temporary convenience, the benefits of saving for holidays far outweigh the advantages of borrowing. Regular saving not only ensures financial security but also adds to the anticipation and enjoyment of the planned vacation. Moreover, knowing that the holiday is fully funded can lead to a more relaxing experience without the stress of future repayments.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Nowadays, people have different ways to pay for their holidays. Some people think saving money is important, but others like using credit cards or getting loans. I will discuss both ideas and share my thoughts.
Saving money for holidays is good because you don’t have to worry about debt. When people save every month, they can plan better and know exactly how much they can spend. Also, saving money helps people avoid paying extra money in interest charges. This makes holidays cheaper in the long run.
On the other hand, using credit cards or loans has some benefits. People can go on holiday immediately without waiting to save money. This is good when they find cheap holiday deals or need a break from work quickly. Credit cards sometimes give special rewards like air miles, which can help save money on travel.
In my opinion, I think saving money is better than using credit for holidays. When people save money, they don’t have to worry about paying back loans after their holiday. Also, they can enjoy their holiday more because they know they have enough money. However, credit cards can be useful in emergencies during holidays.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “advocates,” “flexibility,” “significant advantages”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear organization and cohesion
- Well-developed arguments
- Appropriate academic tone
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic sentence structures
- Adequate organization
- Some development of ideas
- Less sophisticated expression
Key Vocabulary
- to advocate (v) /ˈædvəkeɪt/ – to publicly support
- anticipation (n) /ænˌtɪsɪˈpeɪʃn/ – looking forward to something
- financial stability (n) /faɪˈnænʃəl stəˈbɪləti/ – steady financial condition
- to inflate (v) /ɪnˈfleɪt/ – to increase
- budgeting mechanism (n) /ˈbʌdʒɪtɪŋ ˈmekənɪzəm/ – system for planning expenses
Consider practicing with similar topics:
- The importance of emergency savings
- Benefits and drawbacks of credit card usage
- Financial planning for major life events
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and improvement suggestions.
