IELTS VocabMaster

Describe an activity you do regularly that you think is a waste of time.

Describe an activity you do regularly that you think is a waste of time. You should say: - what the activity is - when and where you do it - why you do it - and explain why you think it is a waste of time

Part 2 model answer

To be completely honest, the activity I waste the most time on is scrolling through short videos on Facebook Reels and YouTube Shorts. I think a lot of people my age can probably relate to this.

I usually do it at home, mostly at night after I finish my work or studies. I lie down on my bed, telling myself I'll just watch a few videos for five minutes to relax. But somehow, one video leads to another, and before I know it, an hour or even two hours have passed. Sometimes I also do it in the morning right after waking up, which is an even worse habit, because it makes me feel lazy for the rest of the day.

As for why I do it, I think it's mainly because it's so easy and entertaining. The videos are short, funny, and constantly changing, so my brain gets a quick hit of excitement. Also, since I use my phone for everything, including my work, it's really tempting to just open these apps whenever I take a break.

The reason I consider it a waste of time is that I hardly remember anything I watch. It doesn't teach me anything useful, and it actually leaves me feeling more tired rather than relaxed. Worse, it often cuts into my sleep and the time I could spend studying for IELTS or working on my projects. Recently, I've started using a screen-time limit on my phone, and I'm trying to replace that habit with reading or listening to English podcasts. It's not easy, but I've already noticed that I feel more productive when I control it.

Part 3 discussion

What activities do people commonly waste time on?

Nowadays, the most common one is spending too much time on social media and watching short videos. Some people also waste hours playing mobile games, binge-watching TV series, or chatting online about nothing important. Even overthinking and procrastinating can be huge time-wasters.

Why do people find it hard to stop wasting time?

Many apps are deliberately designed to be addictive, with endless scrolling and constant notifications. People also use these activities to escape stress or boredom. Once something becomes a habit, it's really hard to break without strong self-control.

Is relaxing the same as wasting time?

Not necessarily. Relaxing is important for our mental health, and activities like taking a walk, listening to music, or chatting with family can be truly refreshing. It only becomes a waste of time when we overdo it or when it leaves us feeling worse rather than better.

How can people manage their time better?

They can start by setting clear goals and making a daily schedule. Using tools like to-do lists and app timers really helps. It's also useful to identify your biggest distractions and limit them, for example, by turning off unnecessary notifications or keeping the phone away while studying.

Do young people waste more time than older people?

In general, I think so, mainly because young people spend much more time on smartphones and social media. However, older people can also waste time, for example by watching TV for hours. So it's not really about age, but about how disciplined a person is with their time.