Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: The Influence of Sports Celebrities on Youth Behavior – Sample Essays and Analysis

The Influence Of Sports Celebrities On Youth Behavior is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared in various forms over the years, reflecting its relevance to contemporary society. Based on past exam patterns and current trends, it’s likely to remain a popular subject for future IELTS tests. Let’s examine a real IELTS question that encapsulates this theme:

Some people think that sports celebrities are good role models for young people, while others believe they don’t set a good example. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

This question exemplifies how the topic of sports celebrities’ influence is typically presented in IELTS Writing Task 2. It requires candidates to consider multiple perspectives and form their own opinion, which are key skills assessed in the exam.

Analysis of the Question

The question can be broken down into three main parts:

1. Discuss the view that sports celebrities are good role models for young people.
2. Discuss the view that sports celebrities don’t set a good example.
3. Provide your own opinion on the matter.

To answer this question effectively, candidates need to:

• Explore both positive and negative aspects of sports celebrities’ influence
• Use specific examples to support each viewpoint
• Present a balanced argument before concluding with a personal opinion

Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring response.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

The influence of sports celebrities on young people is a topic of considerable debate. While some argue that these high-profile athletes serve as positive role models, others contend that they often set poor examples. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on the matter.

Those who support sports celebrities as role models point to their dedication, discipline, and achievements. Professional athletes often demonstrate extraordinary commitment to their craft, spending countless hours honing their skills and maintaining peak physical condition. This work ethic can inspire young people to pursue excellence in their own endeavors. Moreover, many sports stars use their platform to promote charitable causes and social issues, encouraging youth to be socially conscious and engaged in their communities.

On the other hand, critics argue that sports celebrities frequently exhibit behavior that is far from exemplary. High-profile scandals involving substance abuse, infidelity, or unsportsmanlike conduct can send negative messages to impressionable young fans. Additionally, the lavish lifestyles and astronomic salaries of top athletes may foster unrealistic expectations among youth, potentially distracting them from more attainable goals and career paths.

In my opinion, the reality lies somewhere between these two extremes. While it’s true that some sports celebrities engage in questionable behavior, many others serve as excellent role models through their perseverance, sportsmanship, and philanthropic efforts. The key lies in how young people are guided to perceive these public figures. Parents, educators, and mentors play a crucial role in helping youth discern between the positive attributes to emulate and the negative behaviors to avoid.

In conclusion, sports celebrities have the potential to be both positive and negative influences on young people. Rather than generalizing all athletes as either good or bad role models, it’s important to recognize the complexity of their influence and guide young people to critically evaluate the actions and values of these public figures.

(Word count: 309)

Explanation of Band Score 8-9

This essay demonstrates the qualities of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly presenting a personal opinion.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.

3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Bold phrases highlight sophisticated language use.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a variety of complex structures with minimal errors.

The influence of famous people on the youth is effectively explored in this essay, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of the topic.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Sports celebrities have a big impact on young people today. Some people think they are good role models, but others say they set bad examples. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.

There are some good things about sports celebrities as role models. They work very hard to be successful in their sports. This can show young people that if they try hard, they can achieve their goals too. Many sports stars also do charity work and help people in need. This teaches young fans to care about others and give back to society.

However, there are also problems with sports celebrities as role models. Sometimes they get into trouble with drugs or alcohol, or they cheat in their relationships. When young people see this, they might think it’s okay to do bad things if they are famous. Also, sports stars make a lot of money and have expensive things. This might make young people want to be rich and famous instead of focusing on education or normal jobs.

In my opinion, sports celebrities can be both good and bad influences. It depends on the individual athlete and how they behave. I think it’s important for young people to learn about both the good and bad sides of sports stars. Parents and teachers should help kids understand that while it’s good to admire an athlete’s skills and hard work, they shouldn’t copy everything about their lifestyle.

To conclude, sports celebrities have both positive and negative effects on youth. Young people should be careful about who they choose as role models and try to learn good things from them while avoiding the bad.

(Word count: 273)

Explanation of Band Score 6-7

This essay demonstrates the qualities of a mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though the development of ideas is less thorough than in the higher-scoring essay.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated.

3. Lexical Resource: Vocabulary is adequate for the task, but lacks the precision and sophistication of higher band scores.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors, but the meaning remains clear.

Sports celebrities influencing youth behavior

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Role model (noun) /rəʊl ˈmɒdl/: A person looked to by others as an example to be imitated.

2. Influence (noun/verb) /ˈɪnfluəns/: The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.

3. Exemplary (adjective) /ɪɡˈzempləri/: Serving as a desirable model; very good.

4. Philanthropic (adjective) /ˌfɪlənˈθrɒpɪk/: Seeking to promote the welfare of others; generous and benevolent.

5. Perseverance (noun) /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/: Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.

6. Sportsmanship (noun) /ˈspɔːtsmənʃɪp/: Fair and generous behavior or treatment of others, especially in a sports contest.

7. Discern (verb) /dɪˈsɜːn/: Perceive or recognize (something).

8. Emulate (verb) /ˈemjuleɪt/: Match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation.

9. Impressionable (adjective) /ɪmˈpreʃənəbl/: Easily influenced or affected.

10. Astronomical (adjective) /ˌæstrəˈnɒmɪkl/: (In this context) Extremely large or expensive.

In conclusion, the influence of sports celebrities on youth behavior remains a relevant and thought-provoking topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. As you prepare for your exam, consider practicing with similar questions that explore the impact of public figures on society. For instance, you might encounter prompts about the influence of social media influencers, politicians, or entertainers on young people’s values and aspirations.

To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will not only help you refine your writing abilities but also engage with other learners in productive discussions about this important social issue.