IELTS Writing Task 2
Sport has an important role in society. Some people believe that it is nothing more than leisure activities.
Discuss both views and give your opinion?
Sample Answer band 8.0+
With athletes attaining celebrity status in recent years, the sports industry is almost always in the spotlight, attracting attention to its merit. While some attach social importance to sport, others think it only serves leisure purposes. The various opinions surrounding the values of sport shall be closely examined within the scope of this essay.
It is understandable why some view sport as nothing but a pastime. As for casual players, while they are probably fond of sports, some may lack certain physical characteristics or gifts to play professionally. In fact, most people do not possess advantageous attributes such as towering height or long limbs or display innate talents in terms of speed or flexibility. Thus, they are unlikely to pursue an athletic career, hence the emphasis on the recreational aspect of the sport. It is also important to acknowledge the increasing focus on entertainment in sport. A notable example is professional wrestling where most matches are scripted in order to amuse spectators.
Beyond entertainment, sport can play a pivotal role in society with regard to health and other important values. Obviously, doing sports has a positive impact on both people’s physical and mental well-being. Regular sports participation is widely known to strengthen bones, improve mobility, prevent cardiovascular disease, and so on. Taking up sports also helps reduce stress and anxiety, leading to an improved state of mind. Furthermore, sport promotes psychological and humanitarian values conducive to the development of society. Thanks to sport, the dedication, and resilience of sportsmen, especially those who are differently-abled, can inspire countless people. Additionally, the Olympic Games, the FIFA World Cup, and many regional competitions provide opportunities to establish peace and cross-border cooperation. For example, in 2008, the President of Armenia invited his Turkish counterpart to watch the World Cup qualifying match between the two countries, which in turn aided reconciliation efforts.
In conclusion, I believe that sport has much more to offer than just relaxation. The aforementioned health benefits and potential contribution to the betterment of society support this claim.
336 words
