In recent years, the topic of mandatory sports programs in higher education has gained significant attention in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This subject has appeared multiple times in past tests and is likely to continue as a recurring theme due to its relevance to global education trends. Let’s explore this topic through a carefully selected question that closely resembles those seen in actual IELTS exams.
Some people think that universities should make sports activities a mandatory part of the curriculum. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on whether sports activities should be compulsory in university education. It’s crucial to understand the key elements:
- The topic: Mandatory sports activities in universities
- The task: Express your level of agreement or disagreement
- The scope: Focus on university-level education
When approaching this question, consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of mandatory sports programs in higher education. Think about factors such as physical health, mental well-being, time management, and academic priorities.
Students using smartphones
How to tackle the issue of digital addiction is another important topic in modern education that could be related to the benefits of physical activities in universities.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In today’s increasingly sedentary world, the idea of making sports activities mandatory in university curricula has gained traction. While I acknowledge the potential benefits of such a policy, I largely disagree with the notion of compulsory sports programs in higher education.
Undoubtedly, regular physical activity offers numerous advantages for students. Exercise can improve physical health, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive function, all of which are crucial for academic success. Moreover, team sports can foster valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and time management. These benefits could arguably justify the inclusion of sports in university programs.
However, I believe that making sports mandatory at the university level is not the most effective approach. Firstly, university students are adults who should have the autonomy to make decisions about their extracurricular activities. Forcing students to participate in sports may lead to resentment and diminish the potential benefits of physical activity. Additionally, many students already struggle to balance their academic workload with part-time jobs and other commitments. Adding compulsory sports activities could create unnecessary stress and potentially impact academic performance.
University students studying
Furthermore, universities should prioritize academic excellence and specialized skill development in their respective fields. While physical education may be crucial in primary and secondary schools, higher education institutions should focus on preparing students for their chosen careers. Instead of mandatory sports programs, universities could offer a wide range of optional physical activities and promote the benefits of an active lifestyle through education and accessible facilities.
In conclusion, while I recognize the importance of physical activity for overall well-being, I disagree with the idea of making sports mandatory in university curricula. A more effective approach would be to encourage voluntary participation in sports and physical activities through well-designed facilities, diverse program offerings, and education about the benefits of an active lifestyle. This strategy would allow students to make informed choices about their physical activities while maintaining focus on their academic and professional goals.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of whether universities should make sports activities a mandatory part of their curriculum is a topic of debate. In my opinion, I partly agree with this idea because there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider.
On the one hand, making sports compulsory in universities can have several benefits. Firstly, regular physical activity is important for students’ health and well-being. Many students spend long hours sitting and studying, which can lead to health problems. Mandatory sports activities could help them stay fit and reduce stress. Secondly, participating in sports can teach important life skills like teamwork, leadership, and time management. These skills are valuable not only in academic life but also in future careers.
University sports team celebrating
However, there are also some drawbacks to making sports mandatory in higher education. The main issue is that university students have different interests and priorities. Some students may not enjoy sports or may prefer other forms of physical activity. Forcing them to participate in sports could cause stress and take time away from their studies. Additionally, some students might have physical limitations or health conditions that make it difficult for them to participate in certain sports activities.
Another point to consider is that universities should focus primarily on academic education and preparing students for their chosen careers. While physical education is important, it may not be directly relevant to all fields of study. Universities should prioritize providing high-quality education in students’ chosen subjects.
In conclusion, while I believe that sports activities can be beneficial for university students, I think it’s better to encourage participation rather than make it mandatory. Universities could offer a variety of sports and fitness options and promote the benefits of physical activity, but ultimately allow students to choose whether to participate. This approach would help maintain a balance between promoting health and respecting students’ individual choices and academic priorities.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
In my opinion, I agree that universities should make sports activities a mandatory part of the curriculum. I think this is a good idea because sports are important for students’ health and can teach them useful skills.
Firstly, sports are good for health. Many students spend a lot of time sitting and studying, which is not good for their bodies. If they have to do sports, they will be healthier and feel better. This can help them study better too. Also, sports can help students relax and feel less stressed about their studies.
Secondly, sports can teach important skills. When students play team sports, they learn how to work together with others. This is a very important skill for their future jobs. Sports also teach students how to manage their time well because they need to balance sports and studies. These skills are very useful in life.
However, there are some problems with making sports mandatory. Some students might not like sports or might be very busy with their studies. They might feel stressed if they have to do sports when they don’t want to. Also, some students might have health problems that make it hard for them to do sports.
In conclusion, I think making sports mandatory in universities is a good idea because of the health benefits and skills students can learn. But universities should also think about students who might have problems with doing sports and try to help them.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic. Key strengths include:
- Clear and well-developed arguments
- Balanced viewpoint with thoughtful consideration of both sides
- Advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures
- Coherent organization with clear paragraphing
- Effective use of cohesive devices
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows good writing skills with some areas for improvement:
- Clear overall position with some well-developed ideas
- Adequate range of vocabulary with some less precise word choices
- Mix of simple and complex sentence structures
- Generally coherent organization with some minor lapses
- Use of cohesive devices, though not always with full flexibility
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay demonstrates basic writing skills with several areas needing improvement:
- Basic argument presented with limited development
- Simple vocabulary and sentence structures
- Some irrelevance and repetition of ideas
- Basic organization with some lack of coherence
- Limited use of cohesive devices
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Mandatory (adjective) – /ˈmændətɔːri/ – required by law or rules
- Curriculum (noun) – /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – the subjects comprising a course of study
- Sedentary (adjective) – /ˈsedəntəri/ – characterized by much sitting and little physical activity
- Autonomy (noun) – /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/ – the right or condition of self-government
- Extracurricular (adjective) – /ˌekstrəkəˈrɪkjələr/ – not falling within the scope of a regular curriculum
- Resentment (noun) – /rɪˈzentmənt/ – bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly
- Prioritize (verb) – /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/ – designate or treat as more important
- Compulsory (adjective) – /kəmˈpʌlsəri/ – required by law or a rule; obligatory
In conclusion, the topic of mandatory sports programs in higher education is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, consider practicing with similar topics such as the role of physical education in schools, the balance between academic and extracurricular activities, or the importance of holistic education in universities.
To further improve your writing skills, try crafting your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you apply the vocabulary and structures discussed in this article, and potentially receive feedback from other learners and instructors.