Grassroots sports, a term that’s becoming increasingly prevalent in discussions about community health and social development, is an important concept to understand for IELTS candidates. Let’s dive into this vocabulary and explore how you can effectively use it in your IELTS exam.
Definition and Pronunciation
Grassroots sports (noun phrase)
/ˈɡrɑːsruːts spɔːts/
Definition: Grassroots sports refer to physical activities and organized sports that are practiced at a local, community level, often involving amateur participants and focusing on inclusivity and participation rather than elite competition.
Context and Usage
Examples in Context
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Grassroots sports programs have been instrumental in promoting physical activity among children in underprivileged neighborhoods.
- This sentence highlights the role of grassroots sports in community development, particularly for youth in disadvantaged areas.
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The local council has increased funding for grassroots sports initiatives to combat rising obesity rates.
- Here, we see the connection between grassroots sports and public health policy.
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Volunteers play a crucial role in organizing and sustaining grassroots sports activities in rural communities.
- This example emphasizes the community-driven nature of grassroots sports.
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Many professional athletes credit their success to early experiences in grassroots sports programs.
- This sentence shows the link between grassroots sports and elite athletic development.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted grassroots sports, leading to concerns about long-term community health.
- This example demonstrates how current events can affect grassroots sports and their societal impact.
Common Contexts
Grassroots sports is often discussed in relation to:
- Community development
- Public health initiatives
- Social inclusion
- Youth engagement
- Amateur athletics
- Local government policies
IELTS Frequency
In IELTS, “grassroots sports” is most likely to appear in:
- Reading passages about community health or social development
- Writing Task 2 essays on topics related to health, community, or sports
- Speaking Part 3 discussions about the role of sports in society
- Listening sections featuring talks on community initiatives or public health
Vocabulary Analysis
Word Structure
“Grassroots sports” is a compound noun phrase:
- “Grassroots” (adjective): Referring to ordinary people or the fundamental level of society
- “Sports” (noun): Physical activities and games
Synonyms and Related Terms
- Community sports
- Recreational sports
- Amateur athletics
- Local sports programs
- Participatory sports
Antonyms and Contrasts
- Elite sports
- Professional athletics
- High-performance sports
- Competitive sports
Memorization Techniques
Mind Mapping
Create a mind map with “Grassroots Sports” at the center, branching out to related concepts:
- Community involvement
- Health benefits
- Social inclusion
- Local facilities
- Volunteer opportunities
- Funding sources
Visualization Technique
Imagine a diverse group of people playing various sports in a local park or community center. Picture the smiles, the team spirit, and the sense of community. This vivid mental image can help you remember the essence of grassroots sports.
Practice Exercises
Writing Task
Write a paragraph about the importance of grassroots sports in your community. Use the following prompts:
- Describe a local grassroots sports program
- Explain its benefits to the community
- Discuss any challenges it faces
Speaking Practice
Prepare a 1-minute speech on the following topic:
“Do you think governments should invest more in grassroots sports or professional sports? Why?”
Use the vocabulary and concepts we’ve discussed to support your argument.
Conclusion
Understanding and effectively using the term “grassroots sports” can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS exam, particularly in tasks related to community health, social development, and sports policy. Remember to practice using this term in various contexts to solidify your understanding and improve your ability to discuss related topics fluently.
We encourage you to share your experiences with grassroots sports in your community or any questions you have about using this term in the comments section below. Practice makes perfect, so start incorporating “grassroots sports” into your English language use today!
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