14 March 2026, IELTS Exam, Writing Task 2, Evening Slot, INDIA

14 March 2026, IELTS Exam, Writing Task 2, Evening Slot, INDIA

Q. In more and more countries, people choose to give money on special occasions rather than giving gifts chosen personally.Why might this be the case? Is it a positive or a negative development?

In many countries, it has become increasingly common for people to give money as a present on special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, or graduations instead of offering personally chosen gifts. This trend can be attributed to several practical reasons, including convenience and changing lifestyles. In my opinion, although this practice may reduce the personal touch associated with traditional gift-giving, it is largely a positive development because it allows recipients greater flexibility and prevents unnecessary waste.

One of the main reasons people prefer giving money is practicality. Choosing a suitable gift can be time-consuming and difficult, particularly when the giver is unsure about the recipient’s preferences. In modern societies where people often have busy schedules, giving money is a simple and efficient alternative. Moreover, money allows recipients to purchase something they truly need or desire rather than receiving items that may be unnecessary or unsuitable. For example, young couples who receive money at weddings can use it to cover household expenses or save it for future goals.

Another contributing factor is the increasing awareness of waste and consumerism. Many physical gifts eventually remain unused or are discarded, which contributes to environmental problems. By giving money instead of material items, people can avoid buying products that may not be useful to the recipient. In addition, monetary gifts are particularly helpful for students or young professionals who may prefer financial support rather than decorative or symbolic items.

Despite these advantages, some critics argue that giving money reduces the emotional value of gift-giving because it may appear less thoughtful or personal. Nevertheless, I believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Monetary gifts provide recipients with freedom of choice and ensure that the present is genuinely useful.

In conclusion, the growing trend of giving money instead of personally selected gifts is mainly driven by convenience and practicality. Although it may sometimes lack the emotional sentiment associated with traditional presents, it offers clear benefits such as flexibility and reduced waste. Therefore, this shift can generally be viewed as a positive development in modern society.

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