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Spending a Lot on Holding Wedding Parties, Birthday Parties and Other Celebrations Is Just a Waste of Money - IELTS Essay Sample

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.


Write about the following topic:


Some people think that spending a lot on holding wedding parties, birthday parties and other celebrations is just a waste of money.  Others, however, think that these are necessary for individuals and the society. 


Discuss both views and give your opinion.


Spending a Lot on Holding Wedding Parties, Birthday Parties and Other Celebrations Is Just a Waste of Money - IELTS Essay Sample

Spending a Lot on Holding Wedding Parties and Other Celebrations: Band 9 Essay Tips

Before diving into Band 9 sample essays, here’s a quick briefing to set you up for success. If you’d prefer to skip straight to the samples, feel free to scroll down! The essay topic here delves into whether spending a lot on celebrations is just a waste of money or an important part of personal and societal life.


To ace this topic, focus on developing one or two clear, well-explained ideas rather than cramming in several points with minimal depth. IELTS examiners look for quality over quantity, so prioritize clarity and thoroughness. For example, if you believe such expenses are excessive, explain why in detail, perhaps by discussing the financial strain they impose. On the other hand, if you think celebrations foster social bonds, provide strong examples to back your view. Remember, your examples don’t need to be factual—relevant and logical examples, even made-up ones, work just fine. Always align your essay with the four crucial Band Descriptors: Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resources, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.


We also offer a wealth of resources to support your preparation. You can download our comprehensive eBooks in PDF format, packed with detailed tips, step-by-step strategies, and practice questions from recent exams. These guides are tailored to help you achieve your target band score. For personalized feedback, consider our essay correction service. Within just 24 hours, an expert examiner will review your essay, pinpoint mistakes, and provide actionable feedback. Maximize your preparation and writing confidence with our resources today!



Sample Essay 1

Spending significant amounts of money on celebrations like weddings and birthdays sparks diverse opinions. While some believe such expenditures are unnecessary and a waste of resources, others argue that these events hold vital personal and societal importance. This essay will discuss both perspectives and argue that while moderation is key, celebrations can play a meaningful role in fostering relationships and creating cherished memories.


One perspective is that spending a lot on celebrations is just a waste of money. Critics argue that extravagant events often lead to financial strain, diverting resources from more meaningful investments like education or healthcare. For instance, families frequently take on debt to fund lavish weddings, only to struggle with repayments later. Moreover, the transient nature of celebrations makes such expenditures seem unjustifiable, as their impact is short-lived compared to the enduring benefits of prudent financial management. This view emphasizes that fulfillment and happiness can be achieved through simpler, more cost-effective gatherings that focus on personal connections rather than materialistic displays.


On the other hand, supporters believe that celebrations are essential for individuals and society. They argue that these events strengthen social bonds, reinforce cultural traditions, and provide opportunities for people to come together. For example, a wedding is not just a union of two individuals but a gathering that connects families and communities. Similarly, birthday parties celebrate personal milestones and contribute to a sense of belonging. From a societal perspective, celebrations can boost local economies through increased spending on venues, catering, and related services. While excessive spending may not be necessary, allocating a reasonable budget can ensure a balance between creating meaningful experiences and maintaining financial prudence.


In conclusion, while critics see excessive spending on celebrations as wasteful, proponents highlight their social and cultural significance. Ultimately, it is crucial to strike a balance by prioritizing experiences and relationships over extravagant expenses, ensuring celebrations remain joyful yet sensible investments.


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Sample Essay 2

The question of whether spending heavily on celebrations is wasteful or necessary remains contentious. Some argue that allocating substantial funds for events like weddings and birthdays is extravagant and unnecessary, while others see it as a meaningful way to celebrate life and strengthen social connections. This essay will discuss both views, arguing that such expenses are largely unwarranted, especially when their opportunity costs and societal implications are considered.


Critics of overspending on celebrations emphasize its financial imprudence. They argue that large expenditures on fleeting events divert resources from long-term priorities, such as savings, investments, or essential needs. For instance, many couples spend a significant portion of their savings or even take out loans to fund elaborate weddings, only to face financial stress later. Additionally, extravagant celebrations can foster a culture of competition, pressuring others to overspend in an effort to keep up, thereby perpetuating financial instability within communities. While moments of joy are important, they need not come at the cost of financial security or responsible planning, making moderation a more sensible choice.


On the contrary, proponents believe that spending on celebrations is a vital aspect of life, offering intangible benefits that extend beyond the event itself. Ceremonies like weddings and birthday parties serve as milestones that commemorate achievements, build emotional connections, and foster a sense of identity and belonging. For example, a well-planned event can provide lifelong memories, contribute to shared experiences among loved ones, and reinforce traditions that strengthen cultural heritage. Furthermore, celebrations stimulate local economies, providing employment to service providers like caterers, event planners, and entertainers. From this perspective, the value of such expenditures is not solely monetary but also psychological and cultural, making them worthwhile investments.


In conclusion, while some see spending a lot on celebrations as wasteful and potentially harmful, others argue that these events enrich lives and foster social and cultural cohesion. However, given the financial implications and societal pressures associated with such expenses, a balanced approach is essential to ensure that celebrations bring joy without unnecessary burdens.


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