The topic of financial planning for millennials has been gaining traction in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on an analysis of past exam questions and current trends, it is likely to appear more frequently in future tests. This article will provide sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you prepare for this important topic.
Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that young adults should save money for their future, while others think they should enjoy life and spend money as they earn. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question directly addresses the issue of financial planning for millennials. It presents two contrasting viewpoints:
- Young adults should save money for their future
- Young adults should enjoy life and spend money as they earn
The task requires you to discuss both perspectives and provide your own opinion. This is a classic example of an opinion essay in IELTS Writing Task 2.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
In today’s fast-paced world, the debate between saving for the future and living in the moment has become increasingly relevant for young adults. While both approaches have their merits, I believe that a balanced strategy combining prudent saving with moderate enjoyment is the most beneficial course of action.
Those who advocate for saving argue that it provides financial security and peace of mind. By setting aside a portion of their income, young adults can build a safety net for unexpected expenses, invest in their education, or prepare for major life events such as buying a home or starting a family. Moreover, developing good saving habits early in life can lead to long-term financial stability and even early retirement. This approach aligns with the traditional wisdom of planning for the future and can potentially yield significant rewards in later years.
On the other hand, proponents of spending and enjoying life contend that youth is fleeting and should be savored. They argue that experiences gained through travel, social activities, and pursuing passions contribute to personal growth and happiness. Furthermore, spending money can stimulate the economy and support local businesses. This perspective emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and mental well-being, suggesting that excessive focus on saving may lead to missed opportunities and regrets.
In my opinion, the ideal approach lies in striking a balance between these two extremes. Young adults should prioritize saving a reasonable percentage of their income for long-term goals and emergencies while also allocating funds for personal enjoyment and growth. This balanced strategy allows for financial responsibility without sacrificing the quality of life in the present. For instance, one might save 20-30% of their income while using the remainder for living expenses and discretionary spending on experiences or hobbies.
In conclusion, while both saving and spending have their place in a young adult’s financial plan, a thoughtful combination of the two is likely to yield the best results. By cultivating good financial habits early on and still allowing for personal enjoyment, millennials can work towards a secure future without missing out on the joys of the present.
Millennials balancing saving and spending
Band 6-7 Essay
The question of whether young adults should save money for their future or spend it to enjoy life is a topic of much debate. Both sides have valid points, and I will discuss them before giving my own opinion.
Those who believe in saving money for the future have good reasons. Saving helps young people prepare for unexpected events like losing a job or getting sick. It also allows them to plan for big expenses like buying a house or starting a family. By saving early, young adults can take advantage of compound interest and potentially retire earlier. This approach is often seen as responsible and forward-thinking.
On the other hand, those who advocate for spending money and enjoying life also make important points. They argue that youth is a special time that should be cherished. Spending money on travel, hobbies, and socializing can lead to valuable experiences and personal growth. These experiences can even help in future careers. Additionally, enjoying life now can lead to better mental health and work-life balance.
In my opinion, a combination of both saving and spending is the best approach. Young adults should try to save a portion of their income, perhaps 20-30%, for future goals and emergencies. The rest can be used for living expenses and enjoyable activities. This balanced approach allows for financial security while still enjoying the present.
To conclude, while saving for the future is important, it shouldn’t come at the cost of enjoying life in the present. Young adults should strive for a balance between saving for tomorrow and living for today.
Band 5-6 Essay
Nowadays, many people talk about if young adults should save money or spend it. Both ideas have good points.
Saving money is good because it helps for the future. If young people save, they can have money for big things like houses or if they lose their job. It’s smart to think about tomorrow and not just today. Some people say this is the best way to be responsible.
But spending money can be good too. Young people should enjoy their life because they are only young once. They can travel, learn new things, and have fun with friends. These things make people happy and can even help them in their jobs later.
I think the best way is to do both. Young adults should save some money, maybe half of what they earn. But they should also use some money to enjoy life now. This way, they can be happy now and also ready for the future.
In the end, it’s important to think about both saving and spending. Young adults need to find a good balance between planning for tomorrow and living for today.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response. Presents a clear position throughout.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Logically organizes information and ideas with clear progression. Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’.
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Arranges information and ideas coherently and uses a range of cohesive devices, though there may be some under/over-use.
- Lexical Resource: Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some attempt to use less common vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. Makes some errors in grammar and punctuation but they rarely reduce communication.
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses the task only partially. The format may be inappropriate in places.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses only a limited range of structures. Attempts complex sentences but these tend to be less accurate than simple sentences.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Financial planning (noun) – /faɪˈnænʃəl ˈplænɪŋ/ – The process of managing one’s money to achieve personal economic satisfaction.
Prudent (adjective) – /ˈpruːdnt/ – Acting with or showing care and thought for the future.
Safety net (noun) – /ˈseɪfti net/ – A safeguard against possible hardship or adversity.
Work-life balance (noun) – /wɜːk laɪf ˈbæləns/ – The division of one’s time and focus between working and family or leisure activities.
Compound interest (noun) – /ˈkɒmpaʊnd ˈɪntrəst/ – Interest calculated on the initial principal and accumulated interest of previous periods.
Discretionary spending (noun) – /dɪˈskreʃənəri ˈspendɪŋ/ – Money spent on non-essential items or services.
Financial stability (noun) – /faɪˈnænʃəl stəˈbɪləti/ – The condition of having steady income or financial resources.
Long-term goals (noun) – /lɒŋ tɜːm ɡəʊlz/ – Objectives or targets set for the distant future.
Financial planning concept illustration
Conclusion
The topic of financial planning for millennials is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The impact of social media on young adults’ spending habits
- The role of financial education in schools
- The challenges of saving money in a gig economy
Remember to balance your arguments, use appropriate vocabulary, and maintain a clear structure in your essays. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the IELTS exam.