The topic of fast food regulation to prevent obesity has become increasingly relevant in recent years, appearing in various forms in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on trends in past exams and current global health concerns, it’s likely that this topic will continue to be featured in future tests. Let’s examine a specific question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams and analyze how to approach it effectively.
Some people think that governments should ban dangerous sports, while others think people should have freedom to choose their activities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question asks us to discuss two opposing viewpoints:
- Governments should ban dangerous sports
- People should have the freedom to choose their activities
We need to explore both perspectives and then provide our own opinion on the matter. It’s important to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Extreme sports and high-risk activities have gained popularity in recent years, sparking debate about whether governments should intervene to protect citizens or allow individuals to make their own choices. While both arguments have merit, I believe that people should ultimately have the freedom to engage in dangerous sports, provided certain safety measures are in place.
Those in favor of banning dangerous sports argue that the government has a responsibility to protect its citizens from unnecessary harm. Extreme activities like base jumping, free solo climbing, and ultra-endurance races can result in severe injuries or even death. Proponents of regulation contend that these risks place an undue burden on healthcare systems and emergency services, which must respond to accidents and treat injuries resulting from voluntary risk-taking. Moreover, they argue that participants may not fully comprehend the dangers involved, making government intervention necessary to prevent tragic outcomes.
On the other hand, advocates for personal freedom maintain that individuals should have the right to choose their own activities, including those with inherent risks. They argue that dangerous sports often provide participants with a sense of accomplishment, push personal boundaries, and foster valuable skills such as courage and resilience. Furthermore, many extreme sports contribute to technological advancements in safety equipment and techniques that benefit society as a whole. Supporters of this view also point out that banning dangerous activities may drive them underground, potentially making them even more hazardous due to lack of regulation and oversight.
In my opinion, while the government has a duty to ensure public safety, outright bans on dangerous sports infringe upon personal liberties and may have unintended negative consequences. Instead, I believe a balanced approach is more appropriate. Governments should focus on implementing strict safety regulations, mandating proper training and certification for participants, and ensuring that adequate medical support is available during events. This approach allows individuals to pursue their passions while minimizing risks and protecting public resources.
In conclusion, the debate over regulating dangerous sports highlights the tension between public safety and personal freedom. While concerns about the risks involved are valid, I believe that with proper oversight and safety measures, individuals should retain the right to engage in extreme activities if they so choose. This approach respects personal autonomy while still addressing legitimate safety concerns.
(Word count: 368)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of whether governments should ban dangerous sports or allow people to choose their activities is a topic of much debate. There are good arguments on both sides, and in this essay, I will discuss both views and give my own opinion.
On one hand, some people think the government should ban dangerous sports. They believe it’s the government’s job to keep people safe and prevent unnecessary injuries or deaths. Dangerous sports like skydiving or rock climbing without ropes can lead to serious accidents. These accidents not only harm the person doing the sport but also put pressure on emergency services and hospitals. Also, some people might not fully understand how risky these sports are, so the government should step in to protect them.
On the other hand, others argue that people should have the freedom to choose their own activities, even if they are dangerous. They say that taking risks is a personal choice and can be very rewarding. Dangerous sports can help people challenge themselves, overcome fears, and feel a sense of achievement. These experiences can be valuable for personal growth. Additionally, banning these sports might make people do them illegally, which could be even more dangerous because there would be no safety rules.
In my opinion, I think people should have the freedom to choose their activities, but with some limitations. Instead of completely banning dangerous sports, governments should make sure they are as safe as possible. This could include requiring proper training, having strict safety rules, and making sure medical help is available if needed. This way, people can still enjoy these activities while reducing the risks.
To conclude, while there are valid concerns about the safety of dangerous sports, I believe that with proper regulations and safety measures, people should be allowed to make their own choices about participating in these activities. This balanced approach respects personal freedom while also addressing safety concerns.
(Word count: 309)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Some people think the government should stop dangerous sports, but others say people should choose what they want to do. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who want to ban dangerous sports think it’s important to keep everyone safe. They worry that sports like bungee jumping or racing cars can hurt people badly. When people get hurt, it costs a lot of money for hospitals to help them. Also, some people might not know how dangerous these sports really are, so the government should protect them.
But other people say we should be free to do what we want, even if it’s dangerous. They think doing risky things can be fun and help people feel brave. Some people enjoy the excitement of dangerous sports and feel proud when they do something scary. They also say that if we ban these sports, people might do them anyway but without any safety rules, which could be even more dangerous.
I think both sides have good points, but I agree more that people should be able to choose. I believe the government should make rules to make dangerous sports safer, but not stop them completely. They could make sure people learn how to do the sport safely first and have good equipment. This way, people can still do exciting things but be safer.
In conclusion, while dangerous sports can be risky, I think people should be allowed to choose if they want to do them. The government should help make them safer instead of banning them completely.
(Word count: 249)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent command of the English language and addresses all parts of the task fully. It presents a clear position, develops ideas coherently, and uses a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures accurately. The essay shows sophisticated critical thinking by considering multiple perspectives and proposing a nuanced solution.
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay addresses all parts of the task and presents a clear position. It develops main ideas but with less sophistication than the Band 8-9 essay. The language used is generally accurate, with some attempts at more complex structures. Vocabulary is appropriate but less varied than in higher band essays.
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay addresses the task but in a more simplistic manner. The ideas are presented clearly but with limited development. The language used is generally accurate but simple, with basic sentence structures and vocabulary. There’s less cohesion between paragraphs compared to higher band essays.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Intervention (noun) /ˌɪntəˈvenʃən/ – The action of becoming involved in a situation to improve or help it
- Proponents (noun) /prəˈpəʊnənts/ – People who advocate for or support a theory or course of action
- Inherent (adjective) /ɪnˈhɪərənt/ – Existing as a natural or permanent quality of something
- Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – The ability to recover quickly from difficulties
- Infringe (verb) /ɪnˈfrɪndʒ/ – To break or violate a rule, law, or agreement
- Autonomy (noun) /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/ – The right or condition of self-government; freedom to act independently
- Oversight (noun) /ˈəʊvəsaɪt/ – The action of overseeing something; supervision or watchful care
- Mandate (verb) /mænˈdeɪt/ – To authorize or require (something); to make mandatory
- Ultra-endurance (adjective) /ˈʌltrə ɪnˈdjʊərəns/ – Relating to extreme endurance sports or activities
- Free solo climbing (noun phrase) /friː ˈsəʊləʊ ˈklaɪmɪŋ/ – A form of rock climbing performed without the use of ropes or protective equipment
Extreme sports and safety regulations
In conclusion, the topic of regulating dangerous sports to ensure public safety while preserving personal freedom is a complex issue that requires careful consideration. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2 exam, practice writing essays on similar topics that involve balancing individual rights with societal concerns. Some potential future questions might include:
- Should governments regulate extreme sports to ensure participant safety, or should individuals be responsible for their own risks?
- To what extent should personal freedom be limited in the interest of public safety?
- Discuss the pros and cons of government intervention in high-risk recreational activities.
Remember to analyze the question carefully, present balanced arguments, and clearly state your own opinion. Feel free to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.
