Physical education in schools has been a recurring topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on an analysis of past exam questions and current educational trends, it’s highly likely that this subject will continue to appear in future tests. The frequency of this topic underscores its importance in educational debates worldwide. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that physical education should be compulsory for all students in schools. Others believe it should be optional. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for making physical education mandatory
- Explore reasons why it should be optional
- Provide a personal opinion on the issue
The topic is relevant to education policies and student well-being, making it an ideal subject for IELTS Writing Task 2.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Physical education has long been a staple of school curricula worldwide, but debates persist about whether it should be mandatory or optional. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on this contentious issue.
Proponents of compulsory physical education argue that it is essential for students’ overall health and development. Regular physical activity has been proven to combat obesity, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance cognitive function. Moreover, mandatory PE classes ensure that all students, regardless of their background or personal preferences, have access to structured exercise and sports education. This universal approach can help instill lifelong habits of physical fitness and promote a healthier society overall.
On the other hand, those who advocate for optional physical education emphasize the importance of student choice and individual interests. They contend that forcing students to participate in physical activities they dislike can lead to negative associations with exercise and potentially discourage future engagement in sports. Additionally, making PE optional would allow students to devote more time to academic subjects or pursue other extracurricular activities that align more closely with their personal goals and aspirations.
In my opinion, while the arguments for optional PE have merit, the benefits of mandatory physical education outweigh the drawbacks. The alarming rise in childhood obesity rates and sedentary lifestyles among young people necessitates a proactive approach to physical fitness in schools. By making PE compulsory, educational institutions can ensure that all students receive a well-rounded education that nurtures both mind and body. However, I believe that schools should strive to offer a diverse range of physical activities to cater to different interests and abilities, thereby making PE more engaging and enjoyable for all students.
In conclusion, while the debate over mandatory versus optional physical education is complex, the critical importance of physical activity for young people’s health and development makes a strong case for keeping PE as a compulsory subject in schools. By doing so, we can help foster a healthier, more active generation of students better equipped to face the challenges of the future.
(Word count: 329)
Students exercising in school gym during physical education class
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of whether physical education should be compulsory or optional in schools is a topic of much debate. There are good arguments on both sides, and this essay will discuss them before giving my own opinion.
On one hand, many people think PE should be compulsory for all students. They say that regular exercise is important for health and that many children don’t get enough physical activity outside of school. Making PE mandatory ensures that all students get some exercise and learn about different sports. It can also help students develop teamwork skills and build confidence.
On the other hand, some argue that PE should be optional. They believe that students should have the freedom to choose their subjects based on their interests and career goals. Some students might prefer to focus on academic subjects or other activities like music or art. Also, some students might feel uncomfortable or embarrassed in PE classes, especially if they are not good at sports.
In my opinion, I think physical education should be compulsory in schools, but with some changes. Schools should offer a variety of physical activities to suit different interests and abilities. This could include traditional sports, but also activities like yoga, dance, or martial arts. This way, all students can find something they enjoy and benefit from regular exercise.
To conclude, while there are valid arguments for making PE optional, I believe the health benefits of regular physical activity are too important to ignore. By making PE compulsory but more diverse, schools can ensure all students get the exercise they need while still respecting their individual preferences.
(Word count: 273)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Physical education in schools is an important topic. Some people think it should be compulsory, but others say it should be optional. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
People who want PE to be compulsory say it’s good for health. Many kids don’t do enough exercise at home, so they need PE at school. It helps them stay fit and learn about sports. PE can also teach teamwork and make students more confident.
But other people think PE should be optional. They say students should choose their own subjects. Some students might not like sports and prefer other things like studying or music. Also, some kids feel shy or embarrassed in PE class if they’re not good at sports.
I think PE should be compulsory in schools. Exercise is very important for health, and many students don’t get enough of it. But I also think schools should have different types of PE activities. This way, all students can find something they like, not just traditional sports.
In conclusion, I believe PE should be compulsory because it’s good for students’ health. But schools should make PE more interesting for all students by offering different activities.
(Word count: 189)
Diverse physical education activities in school
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the essay
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Ideas are coherently organized with clear progression throughout
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, though the conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, with some inaccuracies
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Information and ideas are arranged coherently and there is a clear overall progression
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but the development is not always clear
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task
- Uses only a limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses
- Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Compulsory (adjective) /kəmˈpʌlsəri/ – required by law or a rule; obligatory
- Optional (adjective) /ˈɒpʃənl/ – available to be chosen but not obligatory
- Curriculum (noun) /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – the subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college
- Sedentary (adjective) /ˈsedntri/ – tending to spend much time seated; somewhat inactive
- Proactive (adjective) /prəʊˈæktɪv/ – creating or controlling a situation rather than just responding to it after it has happened
- Extracurricular (adjective) /ˌekstrəkəˈrɪkjələ(r)/ – (of an activity at a school or college) not falling within the scope of the normal curriculum
- Well-rounded (adjective) /ˌwel ˈraʊndɪd/ – having a personality that is fully developed in all aspects
- Contentious (adjective) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial
- Cognitive (adjective) /ˈkɒɡnətɪv/ – related to the mental processes of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning
- Diverse (adjective) /daɪˈvɜːs/ – showing a great deal of variety; very different
Conclusion
The topic of mandatory physical education in schools is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare, consider practicing with variations of this question, such as:
- Should schools prioritize physical education over academic subjects?
- How can schools balance academic and physical education effectively?
- What are the long-term benefits of mandatory physical education in schools?
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide relevant examples to support your arguments. Practice writing your own essays on this topic and share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
IELTS Writing Task 2 exam preparation
To further enhance your understanding of this topic and improve your IELTS Writing skills, you may want to explore related articles on how education policies address the needs of minority cultures and how education can mitigate cultural conflicts. These resources can provide additional context and perspectives to enrich your essays on educational topics.
