GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 155
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people believe that hobbies need to be difficult to be enjoyable.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer: [Disagreement]
Hobbies are something people enjoy doing as their leisure pursuit. Some hobbies are comparatively easy, while others prove to be more challenging. That is why, I think both kinds of hobbies can be interesting depending on people’s personal traits and preference, and I, therefore, tend to disagree that hobbies need to be essentially tough to be enjoyable.
To commence with, many people find it more interesting when they spend their spare time engaging in relatively simple activity, like reading, meditating, cooking, and painting for example. The reason why they tend to involve in activities that are not complicated is that they give them an avenue to take their mind off the stresses of a hectic lifestyle. A very good example is the hobbies I enjoy. I spend my free time devoting in painting as it is a way to calm my soul and feel energized for my work the next day. Thus, a hobby can help reduce stress by keeping one engaged in merely simple activities that are not associated with daunting challenges.
Conversely, there are people who enjoy difficult hobbies. This is because they want to push their limit, get off their comfort zone and achieve mastery in taming the mind, emotions, and the challenges of everyday life. Demanding hobby, according to them, is a demonstrative tool for breaking boundaries on a personal and professional front. A case in point is hiking. It is one of the quintessential weekend hobbies for individuals with a passion for long treks and exploring the beauty of nature. A recent study has revealed that hiking has a positive effect on productivity, as it helps people to focus on the present clearing their mind of all worries and increase physical fitness and stamina as well. But these kinds of challenging hobbies come with danger and they are not easy to pursue.
In pithy, simple hobbies can be pleasurable, but difficult hobbies can also be enjoyable. It, in fact, varies from man to man.