IELTS General Task 2: Saving Money or Enjoying It
IELTS Writing Practice — AI-Powered Feedback
Writing Prompt
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that young adults should save as much of their income as possible for the future. Others believe they should spend their money enjoying life while they are young.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Show Band 8–9 model answer
Many people argue that young adults should prioritise saving, while others claim their earnings are better spent enjoying life. Both perspectives have merit, but I believe a balanced approach is essential.
On the one hand, saving early brings clear long-term benefits. First, financial security gives people more freedom later in life, for example, to buy a home, start a business or cope with unexpected emergencies such as illness or job loss. Young adults who develop the habit of saving a portion of their income are also more likely to avoid debt, especially high-interest credit card debt which can trap people for years. Furthermore, compound interest means that money set aside in one’s twenties can grow significantly by retirement, reducing the burden on the state and on future generations.
On the other hand, there are valid reasons why young people should not focus exclusively on saving. Youth is a unique period for exploration, travel and social experiences that may become difficult later due to family or career responsibilities. Spending money on learning new skills, visiting other countries or simply socialising can contribute to personal growth, mental health and even career opportunities. For instance, internships abroad or adventure trips may not be financially “efficient”, but they can build confidence and networks that pay off in non-monetary ways.
In my view, the key is not choosing between saving and spending, but managing money intelligently. Young adults should ensure they save a consistent proportion of their income for emergencies and long-term goals, while also allocating a reasonable amount to enjoy life and invest in experiences. This approach avoids the regret of both extremes: being financially insecure in middle age or feeling one has missed out on youth.
In conclusion, while saving for the future is vital, completely sacrificing present enjoyment is neither realistic nor desirable. A disciplined yet flexible financial strategy best serves young adults in the long run.
Why this response works
This essay would score highly across the criteria. Task achievement is strong: both views are discussed clearly and a precise, consistent opinion is stated and justified. Coherence and cohesion are evident in the logical four-paragraph structure, clear topic sentences and cohesive devices used naturally rather than mechanically. Lexical resource is strong, with varied and accurate vocabulary (e.g. “compound interest”, “financial security”, “personal growth”, “disciplined yet flexible financial strategy”). Grammatical range and accuracy are also high, with complex sentence structures, accurate tense use and virtually error-free writing.
Your Answer
Keep practising
Build consistency with another Writing practice item.