Question 15. Do you believe that the traditional nine-to-five workday is still relevant in the modern world? Provide reasons for your opinion.
Model answer by Lifestyle Training Centre
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the traditional nine-to-five workday has come under scrutiny. While it was once the cornerstone of professional life, the relevance of this rigid schedule has been increasingly questioned in light of technological advancements and changing societal expectations. This essay will explore the reasons why the conventional workday may no longer be suitable for modern work environments.
One primary reason the nine-to-five schedule is losing its relevance is the rise of digital technology, which enables employees to work from virtually anywhere. With tools like email, video conferencing, and cloud-based platforms, the boundary between work and personal life has become increasingly fluid. Many employees are now able to complete tasks outside the traditional office hours, often leading to greater flexibility and improved work-life balance. For example, remote work and flexible hours allow individuals to manage their responsibilities more effectively, potentially increasing productivity and job satisfaction. Consequently, sticking to a strict nine-to-five routine can seem outdated when more adaptable work arrangements are available.
Another compelling reason for reevaluating the traditional workday is the growing emphasis on results-oriented performance rather than fixed hours. Many modern companies are shifting towards measuring output rather than time spent at a desk. For instance, tech firms and startups often prioritize innovation and efficiency over rigid schedules, offering employees the freedom to work when they feel most productive. Research also supports this shift, showing that longer working hours do not necessarily lead to higher productivity. In fact, employees working flexible hours tend to experience lower stress levels and are more likely to remain engaged in their tasks, ultimately benefiting both employers and employees.
In conclusion, while the nine-to-five workday may have been essential in the past, it no longer aligns with the demands of a modern, technology-driven workforce. Flexible working hours, along with a focus on productivity over time spent at the office, seem to be the way forward. As businesses continue to evolve, the traditional workday will likely become a relic of the past, replaced by more adaptable and efficient work arrangements.
List of vocabulary used
- Rapidly evolving – Changing quickly and continuously.
- Traditional nine-to-five workday – The standard working hours (from 9 AM to 5 PM).
- Scrutiny – Close examination or inspection.
- Cornerstone – The fundamental or most important part of something.
- Relevance – The state of being closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand.
- Technological advancements – Progress or improvements in technology.
- Fluid – Not fixed; easily changeable or adaptable.
- Flexibility – The ability to adjust or change according to circumstances.
- Work-life balance – The equilibrium between personal life and work commitments.
- Remote work – Work done from a location outside of the office, often from home.
- Adaptable – Able to adjust to new conditions or changes.
- Outdated – No longer useful, relevant, or in fashion; old-fashioned.
- Results-oriented performance – Focusing on the outcome or output of work rather than the process or time spent.
- Output – The amount of work or results produced.
- Tech firms – Technology companies or businesses.
- Startups – Newly established companies, often with innovative or tech-based models.
- Innovation – The act of introducing new ideas, methods, or products.
- Efficiency – Achieving maximum productivity with minimum effort or waste.
- Freedom – The ability to act or work without restrictions.
- Productive – Producing a lot of work or results.
- Research – The process of investigating or studying a subject in depth.
- Lower stress levels – Reduced feelings of pressure or anxiety.
- Engaged – Actively involved or interested in something.
- Employers – People or organizations that hire and pay employees.
- Technology-driven workforce – A workforce influenced and enabled by modern technological tools.
- Relic – An object or idea that is outdated or no longer relevant.
IELTS Speaking Task Topics
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Names
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Study / Job
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Hometown
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Accomodation
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Weather
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Time
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Television
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Museum
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Holidays
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Films
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Leisure Time
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Sport
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Vegetables and Fruits
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Maths
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Sky
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Clothes&Fashion
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Weekend
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Reading
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Sleep
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Trees&Plants
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Newspaper
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Texting
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Memorising
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Travelling
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Communication
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Letter&Email
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Swimming
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Snacks
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Photography
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Help
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History
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Handwriting
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Music
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Colours
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Teachers
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Being Alone
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Teamwork
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Countryside & City
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Social Media
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Friends
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Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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Climate Change
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Transportation
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Sustainable Transportation
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Space Exploration
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Shopping
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Modern Technology
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Technology
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Sustainable Living
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Globalisation
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Global Warming
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Gender Equality
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Health and Fitness
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Renewable Energy
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Cultural Traditions in Kerala
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Cultural Traditions in Your Country
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Education System
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Traditional Cuisine
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