The topic of equal pay for male and female athletes has become increasingly prominent in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations, appearing multiple times between 2019-2023. This reflects growing global discussions about gender equality in sports. Let’s analyze a recent exam question and explore sample essays across different band scores.
Some people think that male and female athletes should be paid equally in all sports, while others believe that their pay should be based on their performance and achievements. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
- Topic: Gender pay equality in sports
- Task: Discussion + Opinion
- Key elements to address:
- Equal pay perspective
- Performance-based pay perspective
- Personal stance with justification
Band 8.5 Sample Essay
Professional sports have long grappled with the contentious issue of gender-based pay disparity, with some advocating for equal compensation regardless of gender, while others support performance-linked remuneration. In my view, while both perspectives have merit, a balanced approach combining base pay equality with performance incentives would be most appropriate.
Those supporting equal pay argue that male and female athletes invest comparable effort, dedication, and time in their training and competitions. They contend that gender should not determine an athlete’s worth, as both men and women demonstrate exceptional skill and commitment to their respective sports. This perspective emphasizes fundamental human rights and workplace equality, suggesting that different pay scales perpetuate gender discrimination.
Conversely, proponents of performance-based pay highlight market dynamics and revenue generation. They argue that salary should reflect factors such as audience size, sponsorship deals, and ticket sales. For instance, men’s football typically generates substantially higher revenue than women’s football, which some argue justifies higher compensation for male players. This view emphasizes the business aspect of professional sports.
In my opinion, a hybrid approach would be most equitable. Athletes should receive equal base salaries for their professional status and dedication, while additional earnings could be tied to individual and team performance, audience engagement, and revenue generation. This system would ensure basic financial security for all athletes while maintaining competitive incentives.
Athletes receiving compensation based on their achievements and market value
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Nowadays, there is a big debate about whether male and female athletes should get the same money for playing sports. Some people think they should be paid equally, but others believe payment should depend on how well they perform. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
People who support equal pay think it’s not fair that men usually get more money than women in sports. They say that female athletes train just as hard and are just as skilled as male athletes. For example, female tennis players practice for many hours every day, just like male players do. It’s not right to pay them less just because they are women.
However, other people say that pay should be based on performance and how much money the sport makes. They point out that male sports often get more viewers and make more money from tickets and TV rights. For example, the men’s World Cup in football attracts more fans and sponsors than the women’s World Cup.
In my opinion, I think both male and female athletes should get the same basic salary because they both work hard. But I also think it’s okay if they get extra money based on how many people watch their games and how well they perform in competitions.
Band Score Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear organization with coherent paragraphs
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Natural transition between ideas
- Balanced discussion with clear personal stance
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Simple but clear language
- Basic organization present
- Limited range of complex structures
- Some repetition in vocabulary
- Basic examples provided
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Contentious (adj) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause disagreement
- Remuneration (n) /rɪˌmjuːnəˈreɪʃn/ – payment for work or services
- Disparity (n) /dɪˈspærəti/ – difference, especially an unfair one
- Perpetuate (v) /pəˈpetʃueɪt/ – make something continue indefinitely
- Revenue generation (n) /ˈrevənjuː ˌdʒenəˈreɪʃn/ – process of producing income
- Equity (n) /ˈekwəti/ – fairness and impartiality
- Incentive (n) /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – something that motivates or encourages
- Sponsorship (n) /ˈspɒnsəʃɪp/ – financial support from an organization
For practice, try writing your own essay addressing similar topics such as:
- Equal prize money in professional sports tournaments
- Gender equality in sports media coverage
- Fair distribution of resources between men’s and women’s sports programs
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
