The topic of children’s physical fitness has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations, appearing approximately 3-4 times annually in recent years. This trend reflects growing global concerns about children’s health and well-being in the digital age. Let’s examine a common question type that has appeared in recent IELTS tests.
Students practicing physical exercises in a modern classroom setting
Recent IELTS Question Analysis
Some people think that physical education classes at school are not as important as academic subjects and should be optional rather than compulsory. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Similar to should physical education be mandatory in schools, this question requires candidates to evaluate the significance of physical education in comparison to academic subjects.
Question Analysis
- Topic: Physical education in schools
- Task: Agree/Disagree
- Key aspects to address:
- Importance of physical education
- Comparison with academic subjects
- Benefits/drawbacks of making it optional
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.0)
Physical education holds equal importance to academic subjects in schools, and I strongly disagree with the notion that it should be optional. This essay will explore why maintaining PE as a mandatory subject is crucial for students’ holistic development.
Just as the role of physical education in promoting healthy lifestyles suggests, PE classes play a vital role in children’s physical and mental development. Regular physical activity helps students maintain healthy body weight, develop motor skills, and improve cardiovascular health. Moreover, these classes often serve as the only structured exercise many children receive, particularly in urban areas where outdoor activities are limited.
Beyond physical benefits, PE classes contribute significantly to students’ academic performance and social development. Research has shown that physical activity enhances cognitive function, improves concentration, and reduces stress levels. Furthermore, team sports and group activities during PE classes teach valuable life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication – competencies that are equally important as mathematical or linguistic abilities.
Students participating in team sports during physical education class
Making PE optional would likely result in many students avoiding physical activity altogether, potentially leading to increased health issues and decreased overall well-being. This situation would be particularly problematic given the rising rates of childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles among young people.
Therefore, physical education should remain compulsory in schools, as it contributes fundamentally to students’ overall development and future success.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
I disagree with the idea that PE should be optional in schools. This essay will explain why physical education is important and should stay compulsory.
Firstly, PE helps students stay healthy. When students do exercise, they can avoid getting fat and having health problems. Also, many students don’t do any sports outside school, so PE classes are their only chance to exercise.
The importance of sports in promoting health and fitness shows that physical activities are good for the brain too. When students exercise, they can study better because their mind becomes more active. They can concentrate better in other subjects after PE classes.
Also, PE teaches students important skills like working together and following rules. These skills are useful for their future jobs and life. If PE becomes optional, many students will choose not to do it, which is bad for their health.
In conclusion, I think PE should stay compulsory because it helps students be healthy and learn better. Schools should give equal importance to PE and other subjects.
Score Analysis
Band 8.0 Essay:
- Task Response: Clear position, fully developed ideas
- Coherence: Logical organization, effective paragraphing
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated vocabulary usage
- Grammar: Complex structures, minimal errors
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Task Response: Clear but simpler arguments
- Coherence: Basic organization
- Vocabulary: Limited range
- Grammar: Simple structures, some errors
Key Vocabulary
- holistic (adj) /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – comprehensive development
- cardiovascular (adj) /ˌkɑːdɪəʊˈvæskjʊlə/ – relating to heart and blood vessels
- sedentary (adj) /ˈsed.ən.ter.i/ – inactive lifestyle
- cognitive (adj) /ˈkɒɡnətɪv/ – related to mental processes
- mandatory (adj) /ˈmændətəri/ – required by law or rules
Consider practicing with this related topic: “The impact of technology on children’s physical activity levels.” Share your essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
