The debate over whether video games should be considered a sport has gained significant traction in recent years. This topic has appeared in various forms in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, reflecting its relevance in contemporary discussions about technology, entertainment, and competitive activities. Based on past exam trends and the increasing popularity of esports, it’s likely that this subject will continue to be a recurring theme in future IELTS tests. Let’s examine a sample question and provide model answers for different band scores.
Some people believe that competitive video gaming (esports) should be recognized as an official sport, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for considering esports as an official sport
- Present arguments against this recognition
- Provide their personal opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score.
Sample Essay (Band 8-9)
In recent years, the popularity of competitive video gaming, or esports, has skyrocketed, leading to debates about its classification as an official sport. While some argue that esports deserves recognition alongside traditional athletic pursuits, others contend that it lacks the physical elements inherent to sports. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering my own viewpoint.
Proponents of classifying esports as an official sport point to several compelling arguments. Firstly, competitive gaming requires intense mental focus, strategic thinking, and quick reflexes, skills that are also crucial in many traditional sports. Moreover, professional gamers undergo rigorous training regimens, often practicing for hours daily to hone their skills, much like athletes in physical sports. Additionally, esports tournaments attract millions of viewers worldwide and offer substantial prize pools, rivaling or even surpassing those of some traditional sporting events.
On the other hand, those opposing the recognition of esports as an official sport argue that it lacks the physical exertion and athleticism associated with conventional sports. Critics contend that sitting in front of a screen, regardless of the mental engagement involved, cannot be equated with the physical demands of activities like football or basketball. Furthermore, they argue that the virtual nature of video games disconnects them from the real-world physical interactions that characterize traditional sports.
In my opinion, while esports certainly shares some characteristics with traditional sports, such as competition, skill, and spectatorship, it occupies a unique category that blends elements of sports and intellectual contests. Rather than forcing esports into existing classifications, I believe it would be more appropriate to recognize it as a distinct competitive category. This approach would acknowledge the skills and dedication of professional gamers while maintaining the integrity of traditional sports definitions.
In conclusion, the debate over esports’ status as an official sport highlights the evolving nature of competitive activities in the digital age. While valid arguments exist on both sides, I believe that creating a separate classification for esports would be the most suitable solution, respecting both the unique attributes of competitive gaming and the traditional concept of sports.
(Word count: 329)
Esports Tournament Arena
Sample Essay (Band 6-7)
The question of whether competitive video gaming, also known as esports, should be considered an official sport is a topic of much debate. Some people think it should be recognized as a sport, while others disagree. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support esports being recognized as an official sport have several reasons. Firstly, professional gamers need to practice a lot and have good skills, just like traditional athletes. They also compete in big tournaments with many viewers and can win large amounts of money. Esports requires quick thinking and good teamwork, which are important in other sports too.
On the other hand, people who disagree with this idea argue that video games are not physical enough to be called a sport. They say that sitting and playing games is not the same as running or jumping in real sports. These people believe that sports should involve physical activity and fitness, which they think esports lacks.
In my opinion, while esports has some things in common with traditional sports, it is different in many ways. I think it would be better to create a new category for esports rather than trying to fit it into the definition of traditional sports. This way, we can recognize the skills of professional gamers without changing what we usually think of as sports.
To conclude, the debate about esports being a sport shows how technology is changing our ideas about competition. While there are good points on both sides, I believe the best solution is to give esports its own special category in the world of competitive activities.
(Word count: 276)
Key Writing Tips
Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion.
Vocabulary: The band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated vocabulary and expressions, such as “skyrocketed,” “rigorous training regimens,” and “intellectual contests.” The band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.
Grammar: The higher band essay demonstrates a wider range of complex structures, while the lower band essay uses simpler constructions but remains grammatically correct.
Coherence and Cohesion: Both essays use appropriate linking words and phrases to connect ideas, but the band 8-9 essay shows more sophisticated use of cohesive devices.
Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the band 8-9 essay provides more detailed and nuanced arguments.
Vocabulary to Remember
- Esports (noun) /ˈiːspɔːrts/ – competitive video gaming
- Skyrocket (verb) /ˈskaɪrɒkɪt/ – to rise or increase very quickly
- Rigorous (adjective) /ˈrɪɡərəs/ – extremely thorough and careful
- Athleticism (noun) /æθˈletɪsɪzəm/ – the physical qualities that are characteristic of athletes
- Spectatorship (noun) /spekˈteɪtəʃɪp/ – the act of watching an event as a spectator
- Hone (verb) /həʊn/ – to improve or perfect, especially a skill
- Exertion (noun) /ɪɡˈzɜːʃn/ – physical or mental effort
- Integrity (noun) /ɪnˈteɡrəti/ – the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles
In conclusion, the topic of whether video games should be considered a sport is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The impact of technology on traditional sports
- The benefits and drawbacks of professional gaming as a career
- The role of physical activity in defining sports
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and fully address all parts of the question. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.