Physical fitness as a compulsory part of school curriculum is a topic that has appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 several times in recent years. Based on past exam trends and the growing emphasis on health education, it’s likely to remain a relevant theme in future tests. Let’s explore this topic through a recent exam question and analyze sample essays for different band scores.
Some people think that physical education should be a compulsory subject for all students in schools. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on whether physical education should be mandatory for all students in schools. The key aspects to address are:
- Your stance on the issue (agree, disagree, or partially agree)
- Reasons supporting your view
- Potential counterarguments or limitations
- Examples or evidence to support your points
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring response.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Physical education is undeniably crucial for students’ overall development, and I strongly agree that it should be a compulsory subject for all students in schools. This essay will explore the numerous benefits of mandatory physical education and address potential counterarguments.
Firstly, regular physical activity is essential for students’ physical health and well-being. In an era dominated by sedentary lifestyles and increasing rates of childhood obesity, compulsory physical education ensures that all students engage in regular exercise. This not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also strengthens cardiovascular health, improves muscle tone, and enhances overall fitness. Moreover, the impact of physical fitness on mental well-being cannot be overstated, as exercise has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while boosting mood and cognitive function.
Secondly, physical education fosters important life skills that extend beyond the realm of sports. Team sports and group activities teach students valuable lessons in cooperation, leadership, and communication. These skills are transferable to academic and professional settings, preparing students for future challenges. Additionally, physical education classes often incorporate lessons on nutrition, hygiene, and healthy lifestyle choices, providing students with essential knowledge for maintaining long-term health.
Some may argue that making physical education compulsory could detract from academic subjects or put undue pressure on students who are less athletically inclined. However, a well-designed physical education curriculum can accommodate students of all abilities and interests. By offering a diverse range of activities, from traditional sports to dance, yoga, or outdoor pursuits, schools can ensure that all students find enjoyable ways to stay active. Furthermore, research has shown that regular physical activity can actually improve academic performance by enhancing concentration, memory, and cognitive skills.
In conclusion, the benefits of compulsory physical education far outweigh any potential drawbacks. By prioritizing physical fitness alongside academic subjects, schools can nurture well-rounded individuals equipped with the knowledge, skills, and habits necessary for a healthy and successful life. It is imperative that educational institutions recognize the vital role of physical education and make it an integral part of the curriculum for all students.
(Word count: 349)
Diverse physical education activities in school
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a comprehensive understanding of the topic, warranting a Band 8-9 score. Here’s why:
Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with well-developed ideas and relevant examples.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is logically organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph focuses on a main idea, and linking words are used effectively to connect ideas.
Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Complex expressions like “sedentary lifestyles,” “cardiovascular health,” and “transferable skills” demonstrate a high level of language proficiency.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors. It uses different grammatical forms and structures effectively.
Critical Thinking: The essay not only presents arguments in favor of the position but also addresses potential counterarguments, demonstrating a balanced and thoughtful approach to the topic.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
I agree that physical education should be a compulsory subject for all students in schools. This essay will discuss the reasons for this opinion.
Firstly, physical education is important for students’ health. Many children today don’t get enough exercise because they spend a lot of time watching TV or playing video games. If schools make PE compulsory, it will help students stay fit and healthy. For example, regular exercise can help prevent obesity and other health problems.
Secondly, physical education teaches important skills. In PE classes, students learn how to work in teams and communicate with others. These skills are useful not just in sports but also in other areas of life, like work and relationships. Also, PE can help students build confidence and self-esteem.
Some people might say that PE takes time away from other important subjects like math or science. However, I think a balance between physical and academic subjects is necessary for students’ overall development. Studies have shown that exercise can actually help improve concentration and memory, which can benefit students in their other classes.
In conclusion, I believe physical education should be compulsory in schools because it benefits students’ health, teaches important life skills, and can even help with academic performance. Schools should make sure all students have the opportunity to participate in regular physical activities.
(Word count: 218)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good writing skills but has some limitations, placing it in the Band 6-7 range. Here’s an analysis:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position. However, the ideas could be more fully developed with more specific examples.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Basic linking words are used, but more sophisticated cohesive devices could improve the flow.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but there’s less variety and sophistication compared to the Band 8-9 essay. Some attempts at more complex expressions are made (e.g., “overall development”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control. There are no major errors that impede communication, but the range of structures is more limited than in higher band essays.
Critical Thinking: The essay presents clear arguments and briefly addresses a counterargument. However, the ideas could be explored in more depth and with more nuanced analysis.
Students participating in a physical education class
Key Vocabulary for IELTS Writing on Physical Education
Sedentary lifestyle (noun) – /ˈsed.ən.ter.i ˈlaɪf.staɪl/ – A way of life that involves little or no physical activity.
Cardiovascular health (noun phrase) – /ˌkɑː.di.əʊ.væs.kjʊ.lər helθ/ – The health of the heart and blood vessels.
Cognitive function (noun phrase) – /ˈkɒɡ.nə.tɪv ˈfʌŋk.ʃən/ – Mental processes including thinking, learning, and memory.
Transferable skills (noun phrase) – /trænsˈfɜː.rə.bəl skɪlz/ – Abilities that can be used in various jobs or situations.
Well-rounded (adjective) – /ˌwel ˈraʊn.dɪd/ – Having a personality that is fully developed in all aspects.
Counterargument (noun) – /ˈkaʊn.tər.ɑːɡ.jə.mənt/ – An argument opposed to another argument.
Nurture (verb) – /ˈnɜː.tʃər/ – To help develop or grow; to encourage.
Imperative (adjective) – /ɪmˈper.ə.tɪv/ – Extremely important or urgent.
Detract (verb) – /dɪˈtrækt/ – To reduce the value or worth of something.
Accommodate (verb) – /əˈkɒm.ə.deɪt/ – To provide space or resources for; to adapt to fit.
Conclusion
The topic of physical fitness in school curricula is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of schools in promoting healthy lifestyles
- Balancing academic and physical education in schools
- The impact of technology on children’s physical activity levels
- Government’s responsibility in addressing childhood obesity
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and consider sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active approach to learning can significantly improve your IELTS Writing skills.