IELTS Lab

#TASK__2

There is a view that all teenagers should be obliged to complete a certain number of volunteer hours in their community, with the intention of assisting those in need. While this suggestion undeniably offers some benefits, I believe that its drawbacks are more significant.

Admittedly, the introduction of compulsory unpaid work is immensely rewarding for both the doer and the receiver.When youngsters engage in community service, whether it be helping the disabled, feeding the hungry, or accommodating the homeless, they can make a positive change in these people’s lives and contribute to the betterment of society. Without such assistance, the underprivileged members of a community may have no choice but to remain trapped in a cycle of physical, financial, and social hardships. As far as volunteers themselves are concerned, they gain essential practical skills. Being a volunteer, one must cooperate with others, divide their time effectively between personal and volunteering commitments, and in some cases, lead by example. Those experiences ultimately develop qualities like teamwork, time management, and leadership, all of which are highly sought-after in the workplace.

Despite the seemingly convincing arguments, in my view, making unpaid work mandatory should be seen in a negative light. First and foremost, not every young adult is able to allocate enough time to such activities, even if they are voluntary. Given that most teenagers are already juggling multiple responsibilities such as part-time jobs, demanding household chores, and heavy academic workloads, an additional social commitment may lead to constant fatigue, chronic stress, and an overwhelming sense of pressure. This, in turn, results in burnout- a condition that can seriously affect a person’s overall well-being. Take, for example, an undergraduate student who is preparing for upcoming exams while also working part-time as a waiter in a cafe. Requiring him to volunteer at least once a week may have devastating consequences for his academic performance and health.

In conclusion, although I acknowledge the positive effects of compulsory volunteering, for me, they are eclipsed by its disadvantages.