You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the following topic:
According to those in the travel business, the nature of the average ‘holiday’ is changing. Rather than seeking a relaxing break in a far-away place, people now want excitement on their holidays and are keen to participate in unusual and challenging activities.
Do you agree or disagree?
Write not less than 250 words.
Model Answer 1:
Holidays are important because they provide a break from our normal daily routine and from the world of work. Traditionally, holidays have been seen as a time for relaxation and as an opportunity to visit another country in order to find out about its geography and customs. Nowadays, however, it seems that other types of holiday are becoming popular.
Some people want their holidays to be adventurous and find this more exciting than going to the beach or visiting museums. On an adventure holiday, you may stay in quite basic accommodation, rather than a luxurious hotel. Activities may involve things such as bush walking or cycling, or may form part of an aid project designed to help communities in remote areas. Holidays such as these are popular with people of all ages and can often help to promote tourism in rural environments.
The increasing popularity of dangerous sports has also boosted the number of adventure holidays; for example, water sports, mountain climbing or paragliding. These holidays are more popular with the younger generation, as they can be both physically and mentally demanding. Participants are often seeking the sort of thrills that they cannot get in ordinary life.
There is now greater awareness of the damaging effects of mass tourism and this may be one reason for the changing nature of holidays. This can only be a good thing. But perhaps people are also discovering that it is just as refreshing to take an active holiday, as it is to lie on a beach – though that is still a question of personal preference.
(Approximately266words)
(This model answer has been prepared by the site developer. However, please note that this is just one example out of many possible answers.)
Answer 2:
Nowadays, people live very hectic lives. They want to break the monotonousness of life. By means of holidays, they get temporary escape from the routine and busy life. Thus, holidays play an important role in everyone`s life. According to those who are in travel business, nature of the holiday is changing. I completely agree with it.
On holidays people prefer to do some unusual activities which they usually don`t do. In past people went to a distinct place with family and friends. They visited places near farm house or hill station for relaxation only. Even they used to visit historical places, at various cuisines. To the previous generation mean of holidays was to go to different places and have rest for body and mind.
Now the era has changed and the idea of holiday activities has also changed. There are so many activities available for refreshments. People go with family and friends for the holidays. They even plan international holidays too for great adventures. People go to beaches, they prefer surfing, boating and swimming. In recent times, various adventurous activities like scuba diving, paragliding, tracking, river rafting are on demand. People want to experience the peak of the excitement. By attempting adventurous activities some people fulfil their dreams also.
In addition, now people want more excitement and different things to do which they usually don’t do in their daily life. With unusual activities, they get not only physical exercise but also get mental refreshment. These types of activities boost up their brains. This activity energise their body and mind and refreshes them for better performance. Apart from that, it also prepares the body and mind to work more efficiently.
In the end, changing are taking places of attitudes of people towards the holidays, they are keen to participate in unusual and challenging activities which I totally support as great ways of refreshment.
(Approximately 310 words)
(Submitted by Dhruvita Bhatt )