IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 - Interior Design 2

 

Some people believe that modern designs for schools and offices with more open spaces are necessary. What are the advantages and disadvantages of such spaces? Give your opinion.

 

Modern open work spaces are popular in today’s office blocks and classrooms but are they conducive to productivity? They can be noisy and make concentration difficult but there are many positive points in their favour.

 

Traditional offices are small box-like compartments, giving privacy and allowing their occupants an opportunity to make themselves comfortable and feel at home. For workers who need quiet to think, make confidential phone calls and cabinets to file away paper heavy or confidential work they are ideal.  Having private wall space gives the occupant opportunity to hang calendars and photos, maybe a plant or two. However, unless the office worker has great self discipline, it can also be an opportunity to be overwhelmed by clutter. How many of us have seen a manager in a single office making a long phone call with their feet on the desk, surrounded by a collection of half empty coffee cups? 

 

The large open space, in contrast, is much more public, it has to be regularly reviewed and tidied to remain efficient.  Maybe desks are shared and have less personal property.  This gives the workers more incentive to be efficient and share tasks more evenly with colleagues. The immediate opportunity to discuss issues and problems with colleagues who are in close proximity is conducive to a more even spread of skills and work loads. Bosses are keen for workers to bond and work as a team. This is not easy for those isolated from each other who may become stressed and find it hard to knock on another’s door to discuss problems and workloads. Of course, there are problems with noisy photocopiers and constant ringing of telephones but with modern insulation and good spatial planning these can be reduced to background noise. 

 

In conclusion, in today’s electronic paperlight working environments, open plan work spaces, if thoughtfully planned and managed, can be a more productive and positive working environment. (318 words)

 

Introduction

Modern open work spaces are popular in today’s office blocks and classrooms but are they conducive to productivity? They can be noisy and make concentration difficult but there are many positive points in their favour. (35 words)

 

Body Paragraph 1

Traditional offices are small box-like compartments, giving privacy and allowing their occupants an opportunity to make themselves comfortable and feel at home. For workers who need quiet to think, make confidential phone calls and cabinets to file away paper heavy or confidential work they are ideal.  Having private wall space gives the occupant opportunity to hang calendars and photos, maybe a plant or two. However, unless the office worker has great self discipline, it can also be an opportunity to be overwhelmed by clutter. How many of us have seen a manager in a single office making a long phone call with their feet on the desk, surrounded by a collection of half empty coffee cups? (116 words)

 

Body Paragraph 2

The large open space, in contrast, is much more public, it has to be regularly reviewed and tidied to remain efficient.  Maybe desks are shared and have less personal property.  This gives the workers more incentive to be efficient and share tasks more evenly with colleagues. The immediate opportunity to discuss issues and problems with colleagues who are in close proximity is conducive to a more even spread of skills and work loads. Bosses are keen for workers to bond and work as a team. This is not easy for those isolated from each other who may become stressed and find it hard to knock on another’s door to discuss problems and workloads. Of course, there are problems with noisy photocopiers and constant ringing of telephones but with modern insulation and good spatial planning these can be reduced to background noise. (141 words)

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, in today’s electronic paperlight working environments, open plan work spaces, if thoughtfully planned and managed, can be a more productive and positive working environment. (26 words)