The topic of athletes’ salaries compared to other professions has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations, appearing approximately 2-3 times annually since 2019. This frequency suggests it remains a relevant discussion point that candidates should be prepared to address.
Analysis of Task 2 Question
Some people think that professional athletes are paid too much money compared to other important professions like doctors, teachers, and social workers. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
This question requires candidates to:
- Express their position on athletes’ compensation
- Compare salaries across different professions
- Support arguments with relevant examples
- Provide a balanced discussion
- Conclude with a clear stance
Band 8.5 Model Answer
Professional athletes’ substantial earnings compared to other essential professions has become a contentious issue in modern society. While some argue that these high salaries are excessive, I firmly believe that elite athletes’ compensation is justified for several compelling reasons.
Firstly, professional athletes’ careers are uniquely challenging and short-lived. Most athletes peak in their late twenties or early thirties, after which their earning potential dramatically decreases. This brief window of opportunity, combined with the constant risk of career-ending injuries, justifies their need to maximize earnings during their prime years. Furthermore, these individuals often sacrifice their education and alternative career paths to pursue their sporting dreams, making it crucial for them to secure their financial future within this limited timeframe.
Secondly, top athletes generate enormous revenue for their sports organizations, sponsors, and the broader economy. Their performances attract millions of viewers, drive merchandise sales, and boost tourism during major sporting events. For instance, football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s social media influence alone generates substantial marketing value for his team and sponsors. It’s therefore logical that athletes receive a fair share of the wealth they help create.
However, I acknowledge that essential professionals like doctors and teachers are often undervalued in comparison. Rather than reducing athletes’ salaries, I believe the solution lies in raising compensation for these crucial professions through better government funding and policy reforms. This would create a more equitable society while maintaining the market-driven nature of professional sports.
In conclusion, while the disparity between athletes’ earnings and other professions may seem stark, their unique circumstances and economic impact justify these high salaries. The focus should be on elevating other professionals’ compensation rather than criticizing athletes’ earnings.
Band 6.5 Model Answer
In today’s world, many people complain about professional athletes getting paid too much money compared to doctors, teachers and social workers. I agree that this difference in salary is too big and unfair.
First, doctors and teachers do more important work for society. They save lives and educate children, which is more valuable than playing sports. For example, during COVID-19, doctors worked very hard to help sick people while sports were stopped. Also, teachers help students learn important skills for their future, but they get small salaries.
Second, becoming a doctor or teacher needs many years of study and hard work. Medical school takes 6-7 years plus more training time. But some athletes become rich and famous when they are very young, sometimes even as teenagers. This seems unfair to other professionals who study longer.
However, we must remember that professional sports make a lot of money from TV, tickets and advertising. Athletes are popular entertainers who many people want to watch. Also, they can only play for a short time before getting too old or injured. But I still think the difference in salary is too big.
In conclusion, I believe professional athletes get too much money compared to more important jobs like doctors and teachers. The government should try to make salaries more equal and give more money to important workers who help society.
Score Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay Strengths:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures
- Clear, logical progression of ideas
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Balanced perspective with counterarguments
- Coherent paragraphing with effective linking devices
Band 6.5 Essay Limitations:
- Simpler vocabulary and sentence structures
- Basic examples without detailed explanation
- Less sophisticated argument development
- Limited use of complex grammatical structures
- Some repetition in ideas and vocabulary
Key Vocabulary
- contentious (adj) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing disagreement or argument
- compensation (n) /ˌkɒmpenˈseɪʃn/ – payment for work
- revenue (n) /ˈrevənjuː/ – income from business
- disparate (adj) /ˈdɪspərət/ – fundamentally different
- equitable (adj) /ˈekwɪtəbl/ – fair and impartial
- market-driven (adj) /ˈmɑːkɪt drɪvn/ – determined by market forces
- substantial (adj) /səbˈstænʃl/ – considerable in amount or value
- magnitude (n) /ˈmæɡnɪtjuːd/ – the great size or extent of something
Consider practicing with these similar topics:
- Are celebrity endorsements worth their high costs?
- Should professional sports receive government funding?
- Is the entertainment industry overpaid compared to essential workers?
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion.