Contact sports and their associated health risks have been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately 2-3 times annually since 2019. This topic frequently emerges in questions about health, sports, or youth activities, making it essential for IELTS candidates to prepare thoroughly.
Analysis of Task Question
Some people think that contact sports such as boxing and martial arts should be banned for people under 18 years old due to health risks. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
This question requires candidates to:
- Express their position on age restrictions for contact sports
- Support their argument with relevant examples
- Consider health implications for young athletes
- Provide a balanced discussion of the issue
Band 9 Sample Essay
Young people’s participation in contact sports has sparked considerable debate, with some advocating for age restrictions due to health concerns. While I acknowledge these concerns, I disagree with implementing a complete ban for those under 18, as the benefits of such sports often outweigh the risks when proper safety measures are in place.
The primary argument for banning contact sports among minors stems from legitimate health concerns. Head injuries, concussions, and long-term neurological damage are serious risks that cannot be ignored. Furthermore, developing bodies may be more susceptible to permanent damage from repeated physical impacts. These concerns have led some medical professionals to advocate for stricter age restrictions.
However, properly regulated contact sports can offer significant benefits to young participants. These activities teach discipline, respect, and self-control – qualities that are particularly valuable during formative years. Additionally, supervised training in boxing or martial arts often emphasizes safety protocols and proper technique, potentially reducing the risk of injury compared to unsupervised physical confrontations.
Rather than implementing an outright ban, I believe the focus should be on enhancing safety measures. This could include mandatory protective gear, strict supervision requirements, and regular medical check-ups. Many professional sports organizations have already developed comprehensive youth safety protocols that could serve as models for wider implementation.
In conclusion, while health risks in contact sports deserve serious attention, a complete ban for under-18s would be excessive. The solution lies in striking a balance between safety and access to these valuable physical activities through proper regulation and supervision.
Band 7 Sample Essay
There is ongoing discussion about whether young people should be allowed to participate in contact sports due to health concerns. In my opinion, while safety measures are important, completely banning these activities for people under 18 is not the best solution.
Firstly, contact sports can be dangerous for young people. When participating in boxing or martial arts, teenagers might get serious injuries that affect their health. Head injuries are especially dangerous because the brain is still developing. Also, young people might not understand all the risks involved in these sports.
However, these sports also have many benefits. They help young people stay fit and learn important skills like self-defense. Many teenagers also learn discipline and respect through martial arts training. Additionally, when proper safety equipment is used and good coaches are present, the risk of injury can be greatly reduced.
I think instead of banning these sports, we should focus on making them safer. This could include better protective equipment, stricter rules for competitions, and better training for coaches. Regular health check-ups for young athletes could also help prevent serious injuries.
To conclude, while contact sports do have risks, banning them completely for under-18s would not be beneficial. The focus should be on improving safety measures while allowing young people to enjoy these activities.
Key Vocabulary
- neurological (adj.) /ˌnjʊəɹəˈlɒdʒɪkəl/ – relating to the nervous system
- susceptible (adj.) /səˈseptəbl/ – likely to be harmed by something
- formative (adj.) /ˈfɔːmətɪv/ – having an important influence on development
- outright (adj.) /ˈaʊtˌraɪt/ – total or complete
- comprehensive (adj.) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete and thorough
- protocols (n.) /ˈprəʊtəkɒlz/ – official procedures or systems of rules
- supervision (n.) /ˌsuːpəˈvɪʒən/ – the action of watching and directing activities
- mandatory (adj.) /ˈmændətɔːri/ – required by law or rules
Future Practice Topics
Consider practicing with these related topics:
- The role of dangerous sports in modern society
- Government regulation of extreme sports
- Balance between personal freedom and public safety in sports
- Youth participation in high-risk activities
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion.