IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 999 - Some people believe that sport has an important role in society
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some people believe that sport has an important role in society. Others, however, feel that it is nothing more than a leisure activity for some people.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
You should write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [Opinion: Sport has an important role in society]
Sports have always been a part of human culture, yet opinions differ regarding their significance. Some argue that sports are merely recreational activities that provide amusement for individuals, while others believe they serve a broader purpose in society by promoting health, unity, and discipline. This essay will examine both perspectives before asserting that sports play a vital role in society beyond mere leisure.
Many believe that sports are simply a source of entertainment rather than an essential societal component. They argue that most people engage in sports for personal enjoyment, stress relief, or fitness, without any wider impact. Moreover, professional sports, despite their global appeal, are primarily driven by commercial interests, focusing on entertainment rather than social development. For instance, major sporting events like the Premier League or NBA generate billions in revenue but do not necessarily contribute to solving societal issues such as poverty or inequality.
On the contrary, sports have undeniable societal benefits. Firstly, they encourage a healthy lifestyle, reducing the risk of obesity, heart disease, and mental health issues. Governments worldwide invest in sports programmes to promote public health and reduce healthcare costs. Secondly, sports unite people across cultures and backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and national pride. Events like the Olympics bring nations together, transcending political and cultural differences. For example, Nelson Mandela used the 1995 Rugby World Cup to unite South Africa, demonstrating the unifying power of sports.
In conclusion, while it is somewhat true that some engage in sports purely for recreation, the broader impact of sports on public health, social unity, and economic benefits cannot be ignored. Therefore, sports should be regarded as an integral part of society rather than merely a leisure activity.
Model Answer 2: [Opinon: Sports are merely a leisure activity for some]
In many cultures, sports are regarded as an essential part of life, with some people believing that they play an influential role in society. On the other hand, others view sports simply as a form of entertainment or leisure activity. In this essay, I will discuss both views and opine that sports serve little more than a recreational persuit, without significant societal impact.
Proponents of the view that sports are important for society argue that they promote social cohesion and national pride. For example, major international events such as the Olympic Games or the FIFA World Cup often bring people together, regardless of their background, fostering unity and shared identity. Furthermore, sports can encourage positive values such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience, which can have a lasting effect on society as a whole. Schools and communities that emphasize sports often create environments where individuals develop these valuable life skills.
However, others feel sports are simply a form of entertainment. Many individuals engage in sports for personal enjoyment without any intention of contributing to societal development. Watching a football match, playing a casual game of tennis, or participating in local tournaments are all activities that people enjoy as leisure pursuits, not as a way to address broader social issues. Additionally, some also argue that the immense focus on professional sports can detract attention from more pressing matters such as education, poverty, or environmental concerns.
Carefully considering both views, I concur with the opinion that sports do not have any significant positive impact on society and they are primarily a form of leisure and entertainment.
In conclusion, while sports may hold some social value for some, for many individuals, they remain little more than a leisure activity, offering entertainment and personal satisfaction rather than contributing to societal progress.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay Question:
Some people believe that sport has an important role in society. Others, however, feel that it is nothing more than a leisure activity for some people.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Essay Type:
Discussion Essay.
View: Sports play an important role in society.
1. Sport promotes physical health and well-being: Regular participation in sports improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and reduces the risk of lifestyle diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Engaging in physical activity also promotes mental well-being by reducing stress and anxiety. For example, government initiatives that encourage sports participation have led to decreased healthcare costs in many countries.
2. Sport builds social cohesion and national unity: Sporting events bring people together, creating a sense of belonging and pride. Large-scale competitions like the Olympics and World Cup foster unity among diverse groups, strengthening national identity. For example, during international tournaments, citizens from various backgrounds unite to support their national teams.
3. Sport develops essential life skills: Sports instil qualities such as discipline, teamwork, leadership, and perseverance, which are valuable in both personal and professional life. Children who engage in sports learn cooperation and goal-setting, which benefit them academically and socially. For example, many companies prefer hiring individuals with a background in sports due to their teamwork and leadership skills.
4. Sport contributes to economic growth: The sports industry generates employment in areas such as coaching, media, tourism, and merchandise sales. Hosting international sporting events boosts tourism and stimulates local economies. For example, cities that host major events like the Olympics witness a surge in economic activity and job creation.
5. Sport provides career opportunities and inspiration for youth: Many young individuals aspire to become professional athletes, and sports provide them with career paths and financial stability. Moreover, successful athletes serve as role models, inspiring others to pursue their dreams. For example, football academies worldwide train underprivileged children, offering them a chance to escape poverty through sports.
View: Sports are merely a leisure activity.
1. Not everyone plays sports competitively: While professional athletes dedicate their lives to sports, the majority of people engage in them casually for relaxation and entertainment. Sports are often seen as a pastime rather than a necessity. For example, many individuals play tennis or go jogging purely for recreation, without any professional ambitions.
2. Limited impact on essential aspects of life: Unlike education, healthcare, and technology, sports are not fundamental to daily survival or societal progress. While they offer enjoyment, their impact is relatively minor. For example, while sports leagues generate entertainment, they do not contribute directly to solving critical global issues like poverty or disease.
3. Short-lived professional careers: A career in sports is often uncertain and short-lived, with many athletes retiring early due to physical limitations or injuries. This makes it an unsustainable path for most individuals. For example, many professional athletes struggle to transition into new careers after retirement.
4. Academics and technology are more important: In today’s competitive world, excelling in science, mathematics, and technology is often more beneficial for long-term success than pursuing a career in sports. For example, students focusing on science and technology fields have higher chances of securing stable and well-paying jobs compared to those aiming to become athletes.
5. Primarily a recreational activity for families: Many families engage in sports not for competition but as a way to bond and relax. Sports serve as a social activity rather than a crucial societal function. For example, families often play football or go cycling together on weekends as a way to spend quality time rather than to develop professional skills.
Sample Answer 3: [Opinion: Sport has an important role in society]
Nowadays, sports are gaining huge popularity, and many view sports as an important tool for an ideal society. However, some people argue that sport is merely a leisure activity and fails to contribute to society in a positive way. In this essay, I will discuss both perspectives and opine that sports and games indeed play essential roles in society.
The group of people who consider sports as just leisure activity base their opinion that sports fail to address any pressing social issue. They keep on arguing that young people take up sports to make a career, and others to spend their free time with friends, family and neighbours. No doubt they enjoy the activity but do not learn to positively contribute to society in the way they would have learned if they took volunteer activities like helping homeless people and cleaning the neighbourhood. This emphasises the shortcomings of sports as a tool to help society.
On the contrary, the proponents of the view that sports have an important role in society claim that sports encourage people to remain active and healthy. A healthy generation reduces the financial burden on the government by lowering healthcare costs. Thus the medical resources and funding could be better utilised to treat the more vulnerable elderly people and medical researces. This, in a way, has a huge positive impact on society. Moreover, sports help young people cultivate good habits. With the increasing accessibility of technology, many young people tend to engage in sedentary activities such as playing computer games and chatting on social media. By participating in different sports, instead of spending time at home playing video games, children can improve their social interactions with peers and learn essential skills like teamwork and time management.
In conclusion, all things considered, although some people believe that sport is simply a leisure activity, I believe that sport plays an important role in society because it brings significant benefits to society.
[ Written by - Rizal ]
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