Describe a routine activity that typically consumes your time unnecessarily | Sample essay with vocabulary

You should say:

• What it is

• When you usually do it

• Why you do it

• And explain why you think it wastes your time

Sample essay on the topic “Describe an activity you usually do that wastes your time”

This happens all the time. I think I must spend around an hour a day on mindless online browsing. There are a lot of entertaining features on the internet, which quickly grab your attention and you are likely to end up with your eyes glued to the screen. Moreover, it is tempting to have a constant presence on social media. I don’t want to miss anything, I want to stay continually connected with what others are doing.

However, recently, I’ve read an article about FOMO, you know, fear of missing out, specifically about how it can detrimentally affect people’s life. I mean, FOMO is associated with depression and anxiety, and a lowered quality of life. I soon realized that I was suffering from that kind of anxiety and I decided to take some actions to prevent myself from becoming addicted to this crazy virtual world.

I have started to avoid using my phone whenever I have free time so that I won’t be distracted by it. Besides that, I’ve taken up some new sports to keep fit and clear my mind of social media. By doing all of these things, hopefully, I can lead a healthier lifestyle in the future.

Vocabulary related to the topic “Describing an activity you usually do that wastes your time”

• mindless  /ˈmaɪndləs/: không suy nghĩ

Ví dụ: Watching TV is such a mindless task

• presence /ˈprezns/: sự hiện diện

Ví dụ: Her presence during the crisis had a calming effect.

• detrimentally /ˌdetrɪˈmentəli/: có hại

Ví dụ: smoking cigarettes can detrimentally affect our health

• depression /dɪˈpreʃn/: sự trầm cảm

Ví dụ: She was diagnosed as having clinical depression.

• virtual /ˈvɜːrtʃuəl/: thế giới ảo

Ví dụ: You can also take a virtual tour of the museum.

Sample for IELTS Speaking Part 3

How do you manage the balance between your personal life and work?

Well, I think it’s extremely difficult to be simultaneously successful in your job and able to enjoy your life. I cannot and I don’t think anyone can finish all their work within their working hours. So, I don’t strive for the perfect schedule, I try to make it as comfortable as I can. Somedays, I have to put all my effort into work but on other days, I manage to have time to pursue other things.

• simultaneously  /ˌsaɪmlˈteɪniəsli/: đồng thời

Ví dụ: The game will be broadcast simultaneously on TV and radio.

• strive /straɪv/ phấn đấu

Ví dụ: We encourage all members to strive for the highest standards.

Would you persist in doing something even when you recognize it as a time-wasting activity?

No, obviously. If I know something isn’t beneficial for me, I would probably stop doing that. I mean, we have only 24 hours a day so we should make it as productive as possible. But, relaxing hours are also important, sometimes, you need to unwind a bit and let your hair down to recharge your battery.

• productive /prəˈdʌktɪv/: năng suất

Ví dụ: The aim was to maximize the machine’s productive capacity.

•  let your hair down (idiom): thư giãn

Ví dụ: It’s about time you let your hair down and had some fun!

What factors induce feelings of stress in individuals?

Work, that’s all I can think of right now because I’m suffering from a lot of pressure from my work. There are deadlines to meet, projects to complete and so on. Other than that, family is also a big duty. Lots of people have to shoulder the responsibility of raising children or taking care of their parents. I think these things can also be very stressful.

• Duty /ˈdjuːti/: trách nhiệm

Ví dụ: It is my duty to report it to the police.

• shoulder /ˈʃəʊldə(r)/: gánh vác

Ví dụ: He was unwilling to shoulder this responsibility alone.

What are the reasons behind certain individuals' refusal to adhere to regulations?

It could be because they find the rules unjustifiable. There are many rules that put people in an unfair situation, which encourages them to break the rules. Besides that, it can be hard to change people’s habits. Lots of people object to laws that save people’s lives, such as wearing facemasks in public places, because they feel uncomfortable abiding by them.

• Unjustifiable /ˌʌnˈdʒʌstɪfaɪəbl/: không chính đáng

For instance: Contaminating the earth's atmosphere is environmentally and ethically indefensible

• object /əbˈdʒekt/: express opposition

For example: If there are no objections, we will delay the meeting until next week.

Summary