The topic of legalizing doping in sports frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2, particularly in agree/disagree essay types. Based on past exam analysis, this controversial subject has appeared at least 3-4 times annually since 2019, making it a high-probability topic for future tests.
Analysis of Recent IELTS Questions
The most common question format encountered in actual tests is:
Some people believe that performance-enhancing drugs (doping) should be legalized in professional sports. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Athletes competing in professional sports with discussion of doping regulations
Question Analysis
This question requires candidates to:
- Take a clear position on doping legalization
- Provide well-supported arguments
- Consider ethical, health, and competitive aspects
- Discuss impacts on professional sports
- Conclude with a firm stance
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8)
I strongly disagree with the proposition to legalize performance-enhancing substances in professional sports. This approach would not only compromise the fundamental principles of fair competition but could also have severe consequences for athletes’ health and the integrity of sports.
Firstly, legalizing doping would undermine the core values of sportsmanship and fair play. Sports competitions should be decided by natural talent, dedication, and hard work rather than pharmaceutical advantages. If doping were permitted, athletes would feel compelled to use performance-enhancing drugs simply to remain competitive, creating an artificial and potentially dangerous arms race of chemical enhancement.
Moreover, the health implications of widespread doping would be catastrophic. Performance-enhancing substances often carry serious side effects, including organ damage, cardiovascular problems, and psychological disorders. Legalizing these substances would essentially force athletes to choose between their health and their careers, an ethically untenable position that no sporting organization should promote.
Furthermore, the legalization of doping would severely impact the role model status of professional athletes. Young aspiring athletes look up to sports stars for inspiration and guidance. If doping became legal, it would send a devastating message that success requires chemical enhancement rather than natural ability and determination. This could lead to increased substance use among amateur athletes and youth sports participants.
In conclusion, while the argument for legalizing performance-enhancing drugs might appear to level the playing field, it would actually create more problems than it solves. The focus should instead be on strengthening anti-doping measures and promoting clean competition in professional sports.
Athletes training using natural methods and proper techniques
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
I disagree with making performance-enhancing drugs legal in professional sports because it is dangerous and unfair.
First, doping is very dangerous for athletes’ health. These drugs can cause many problems like heart problems and liver damage. Some athletes have died because of using these drugs. If we make it legal, more athletes will use them and get sick.
Second, it is not fair to other athletes. Some athletes work very hard naturally to become good at their sport. If we allow doping, they will have to take drugs just to compete with others. This is not right because sports should be about natural skill and hard work.
Also, it will be a bad example for young people. Many children want to be like professional athletes. If they see their heroes using drugs, they might think it’s okay to use drugs too. This could make more young people start using dangerous substances.
In conclusion, I think doping should stay illegal in sports because it is dangerous and unfair. Instead, we should focus on catching cheaters and making sports cleaner.
Score Analysis
Band 8 Essay:
- Strong coherence and clear progression
- Wide range of vocabulary: “pharmaceutical advantages,” “ethically untenable,” “catastrophic”
- Complex sentence structures
- Well-developed arguments with clear examples
- Excellent paragraph organization
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Basic but clear arguments
- Limited vocabulary range
- Simple sentence structures
- Some repetition
- Basic paragraph organization
Key Vocabulary
- performance-enhancing drugs (n) /pəˈfɔːməns ɪnˈhɑːnsɪŋ drʌgz/ – substances that improve athletic performance
- integrity (n) /ɪnˈtegrəti/ – honesty and strong moral principles
- sportsmanship (n) /ˈspɔːtsmənʃɪp/ – fair and generous behavior in sports
- cardiovascular (adj) /ˌkɑːdioʊˈvæskjələr/ – relating to heart and blood vessels
- ethically untenable (phrase) /ˈeθɪkli ʌnˈtenəbl/ – morally indefensible
For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments. Similar topics might include:
- Should genetic enhancement be allowed in sports?
- Should athletes who use performance-enhancing drugs be banned for life?
- Should there be different rules for amateur and professional sports regarding doping?
