The topic of mandatory sports in schools is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on analysis of past exams and current trends, this subject has appeared frequently and is likely to continue as a popular topic. Let’s examine a relevant question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams:

Some people think that sports and physical education should be compulsory in secondary schools. Others argue that these activities should be optional. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question addresses the debate surrounding mandatory sports programs in schools, a topic that resonates with many test-takers from diverse backgrounds. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Question Analysis

The question presents two contrasting views on the role of sports and physical education in secondary schools:

1. Sports and physical education should be compulsory
2. These activities should be optional

To effectively answer this question, you need to:

• Discuss both perspectives
• Provide reasons and examples to support each view
• State your own opinion and justify it

Remember to maintain a balanced approach while clearly expressing your personal stance on the issue.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8)

Physical education and sports have long been integral components of school curricula worldwide. While some argue that these activities should be mandatory in secondary schools, others contend that they should remain optional. This essay will examine both viewpoints before presenting my own perspective on the matter.

Proponents of compulsory sports and physical education in schools argue that these activities are crucial for students’ overall development. Regular physical activity contributes to improved health, fitness, and cognitive function, which are essential for academic success. Moreover, team sports foster important life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication, preparing students for future challenges in their personal and professional lives. By making these activities mandatory, schools ensure that all students benefit from these advantages, regardless of their initial interest or aptitude.

On the other hand, those who advocate for optional sports programs contend that students should have the freedom to choose their extracurricular activities. They argue that forcing students to participate in sports may lead to resentment and decreased motivation, particularly for those who are not naturally inclined towards physical activities. Additionally, some students may prefer to focus on other areas of interest, such as music, art, or academic clubs, which can be equally beneficial for their personal growth and future prospects.

In my opinion, while I acknowledge the importance of student choice, I believe that sports and physical education should be compulsory in secondary schools. The benefits of regular physical activity and team sports are too significant to be left to individual discretion, especially during the crucial developmental years of adolescence. However, I propose a balanced approach where a core physical education curriculum is mandatory, but students have the flexibility to choose from a variety of sports and physical activities that suit their interests and abilities.

In conclusion, although there are valid arguments for both mandatory and optional sports programs in schools, I believe that the advantages of compulsory physical education outweigh the potential drawbacks. By implementing a flexible yet required sports curriculum, schools can ensure that all students reap the physical, mental, and social benefits of regular physical activity while still respecting individual preferences and talents.

(Word count: 345)

Mandatory sports in school curriculum

Sample Essay 2 (Band 7)

The role of sports and physical education in secondary schools has been a topic of debate in recent years. While some believe these activities should be compulsory, others argue for them to be optional. This essay will discuss both viewpoints and provide my personal opinion on the matter.

Those who support mandatory sports in schools argue that physical activities are essential for students’ health and well-being. Regular exercise helps prevent obesity and related health issues, which are becoming increasingly common among young people. Additionally, team sports can teach valuable life skills such as cooperation, leadership, and time management. By making these activities compulsory, schools ensure that all students have the opportunity to develop these skills and maintain good physical health.

On the other hand, opponents of mandatory sports programs believe that students should have the freedom to choose their extracurricular activities. They argue that some students may have different interests or talents, such as music or art, and forcing them to participate in sports could take time away from pursuing these passions. Moreover, some students may feel uncomfortable or anxious about participating in physical activities, which could negatively impact their overall school experience.

In my opinion, while I understand the concerns of those who advocate for optional sports programs, I believe that physical education should be compulsory in secondary schools. The health benefits and life skills gained from regular physical activity are too important to ignore, especially during the formative years of adolescence. However, I think schools should offer a variety of sports and physical activities to cater to different interests and abilities, allowing students some choice within the mandatory framework.

To conclude, although there are valid arguments on both sides, I believe the benefits of compulsory sports and physical education outweigh the potential drawbacks. By implementing a diverse and inclusive physical education program, schools can ensure that all students have the opportunity to improve their health, develop important skills, and potentially discover new interests and talents.

(Word count: 320)

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8 Essay

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a Band 8 response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.

3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are used with accuracy, and there are only minor errors in word choice.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used flexibly and accurately. The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentences with good control of grammar and punctuation.

Band 7 Essay

This essay exhibits the features of a Band 7 response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with relevant main ideas. However, some aspects are developed more fully than others.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, and cohesive devices are used effectively. Paragraphing is generally logical, but there may be slight inconsistencies.

3. Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used to allow some flexibility and precision. There may be occasional errors in word choice, but they do not impede communication.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A variety of complex structures is used with good control. Errors occur mainly in more complex sentences but do not impede communication.

IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essays

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Compulsory (adj.) /kəmˈpʌlsəri/ – required by law or a rule; obligatory
2. Integral (adj.) /ˈɪntɪɡrəl/ – necessary and important as a part of a whole
3. Cognitive (adj.) /ˈkɒɡnɪtɪv/ – related to the mental process of understanding
4. Aptitude (n.) /ˈæptɪtjuːd/ – natural ability or skill
5. Resentment (n.) /rɪˈzentmənt/ – bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly
6. Extracurricular (adj.) /ˌekstrəkəˈrɪkjʊlə/ – (of an activity) pursued in addition to the normal course of study
7. Adolescence (n.) /ˌædəˈlesns/ – the period following the onset of puberty during which a young person develops from a child into an adult
8. Discretion (n.) /dɪˈskreʃn/ – the freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation
9. Curriculum (n.) /kəˈrɪkjʊləm/ – the subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college
10. Formative (adj.) /ˈfɔːmətɪv/ – having an important and lasting influence on the development of something

In conclusion, the topic of mandatory sports in schools is a significant and relevant issue for IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key arguments and using appropriate vocabulary and structures, you can craft a well-reasoned response to this type of question. To further improve your skills, consider practicing with similar topics such as should sports programs be mandatory in higher education or should physical education be mandatory in schools. Remember to analyze the question carefully, plan your response, and support your arguments with relevant examples and reasoning.

We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam. Additionally, you might want to explore related topics such as the importance of extracurricular activities in schools to broaden your perspective on educational policies and practices.