Essay 303 – Many people nowadays regard shopping as a hobby

GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 303

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

In the past, shopping was a routine domestic task. Many people nowadays regard it as a hobby.

To what extent do you think this is a positive trend?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer:

For many people, shopping is simply a hobby nowadays rather than domestic routine work as it was in the past. While I accept that this brings some advantages, I strongly believe that it is a negative tendency because it can cause shopping addiction and financial disaster.

Shopping as a hobby sometimes reaps several health benefits – according to many. The most obvious benefit is that it lifts shoppers’ moods. That is to say that shopping brings a sense of achievement, thus causing happiness. In fact, the heightened emotions of happiness produce endorphins, this, in turn, helps people refocus their mind on their body movements, boosting their overall mood. Exercise is another distinct advantage. In simple words, shopping from one store to the next while people carry heavy bags proves to be a good workout for the heart. For instance, a recent study reveals that women who spend substantial amounts of time shopping are less likely to get cardiovascular diseases because of physical activity.

Having said that, this hobby of shopping for fun and not for necessity can lead to addiction. Shopping addiction, also known as compulsive buying disorder, is a behaviour that is related to excessive spending and the purchase of items that are not necessary, and it could have harmful consequences on any individual involved in it. Debt is the most adverse consequence of compulsive shopping disorder. That is to say that non-stop shoppers are likely to be dogged by the problems associated with managing their income and they often end up buying on credit to satisfy their insatiable cravings. Apart from that, people with a shopping addiction may resort to borrowing money from friends and family so as to feed their obsession. In fact, a relationship can be ruined because people with compulsive shopping disorder are prone to continually borrow money even if they are on the verge of losing their ability to repay their debt.

In conclusion, although the shopping hobby reaps some benefits, this is a negative development because it can jeopardize one’s financial management and also damage relationships.