IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1495 - The best way to teach children to cooperate is through team sports
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people say that the best way to teach children to cooperate is through team sports at school.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [Agreement]
Instructing children in the art of cooperation has long been a topic of discussion, with some advocating that team sports at school serve as the optimal method to instil this skill. I firmly support the notion that team sports offer an exceptional platform for teaching children the value of cooperation, and in this essay, I will explain why.
To begin with, engaging in team sports provides children with firsthand experience in collaboration and teamwork. Through activities like football, basketball, or volleyball, youngsters learn to coordinate their efforts with teammates, understand the importance of communication, and appreciate the significance of working towards a common goal. For instance, when a football team executes a successful strategy resulting in a goal, it reflects the amalgamation of coordinated efforts and collective cooperation. No other school activity like coursework, homework and exams teach children this skill the way team sports do.
Furthermore, team sports instil essential social skills that contribute to effective cooperation. Children learn to empathize, understand different perspectives, and adapt to various personalities within a team setting. This exposure encourages mutual respect, patience, and compromise, fostering an environment conducive to collaboration. For instance, in a cricket team, players from diverse backgrounds work together, learning to respect each other's strengths and limitations.
In conclusion, team sports undoubtedly offer an unparalleled platform for teaching children the virtues of cooperation. The direct involvement in team dynamics, learning to work collectively, and acquiring critical social skills collectively contribute to a holistic understanding of cooperation. Consequently, integrating team sports into school curriculums cultivates vital life skills, preparing children for future success in collaborative endeavours.
Model Answer 2: [Disagreement]
Some people believe that team sports in schools are the most effective method for teaching children cooperation. Personally, I disagree with this notion as I believe that although sports can contribute to teamwork skills, other educational and social activities provide a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to fostering cooperation.
One key reason why team sports are not the best way to teach cooperation is that they primarily focus on physical ability and competition. Many children may not enjoy or excel in sports, leading to frustration or exclusion rather than fostering genuine teamwork. Moreover, competitive environments in sports often emphasize winning over cooperation, which can sometimes encourage aggressive behaviour rather than collaborative problem-solving. For example, in high-stakes school competitions, some students prioritize individual performance over teamwork, undermining the very cooperation that sports are meant to teach. A more effective approach to instilling cooperation is engaging students in group-based academic projects and extracurricular activities such as drama, debate clubs, or community service initiatives. These activities require constant communication, mutual understanding, and shared responsibility, which are fundamental to cooperative behaviour.
Furthermore, cooperation is best developed in real-world social interactions where children learn to resolve conflicts, share responsibilities, and support one another outside the framework of competition. Activities such as peer mentoring programs or volunteering encourage students to collaborate with diverse individuals, promoting inclusivity and empathy. Unlike sports, which often group children based on ability, these initiatives provide an equal platform for all students to develop cooperative skills.
In conclusion, while team sports can contribute to teaching cooperation, they are not the best approach. Alternative methods such as collaborative academic projects, extracurricular activities, and social initiatives offer a more inclusive and effective way to develop teamwork and cooperation among children.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay Question:
Some people say that the best way to teach children to cooperate is through team sports at school.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Essay Type: Opinion Essay (Agree/Disagree)
The main question of this IELTS Essay:
To what extent do you agree or disagree that team sports at school are the best way to teach children to cooperate?
Arguments in Favor of Teaching Cooperation Through Team Sports:
Encourages teamwork and discipline:
Team sports require players to work together to achieve a common goal, fostering discipline and mutual understanding. Children learn to trust their teammates, follow instructions, and coordinate their actions effectively. For example, in football, players must pass the ball strategically and communicate with teammates, which builds cooperation skills.
Teaches leadership and problem-solving:
Playing sports helps children develop leadership skills by taking responsibility for decisions on the field. It also enhances problem-solving abilities as they learn to strategize during matches. For example, basketball players must adjust their tactics mid-game based on their opponent's strengths and weaknesses, promoting collective problem-solving.
Promotes a sense of unity and friendship:
Team sports create strong social bonds among children as they share victories and defeats. This shared experience fosters a sense of belonging and teamwork. For example, students who play volleyball together often form friendships and support each other both on and off the court.
Arguments Against Team Sports as the Best Way to Teach Cooperation:
Excludes children who are not athletically inclined:
Many students struggle with sports or feel uncomfortable in competitive environments, leading to exclusion rather than cooperation. This can lower their confidence and create a divide between athletic and non-athletic students. For example, a child who is not physically strong may feel pressured or left out in a competitive football match, preventing them from fully participating.
Competition often overshadows teamwork:
While sports involve cooperation, the emphasis on winning can sometimes lead to selfish play and conflicts rather than genuine teamwork. For example, in school basketball teams, some players may prioritize scoring points themselves rather than passing to teammates, reducing cooperation.
Alternative activities develop cooperation more effectively:
Group-based academic projects, drama, or community service programs require students to collaborate and share responsibilities, which builds teamwork skills in a real-world context. For example, students working on a science project must delegate tasks and support each other to complete experiments successfully.
Encourages a broader range of social interactions:
Activities such as peer mentoring or volunteering provide opportunities for students to cooperate with different age groups and personalities, teaching inclusivity and teamwork in diverse environments. For example, children helping at a local charity event must coordinate efforts to distribute food or assist people, fostering strong cooperative skills.
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