Sports and public health have been recurring themes in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in approximately 15% of recent exam questions. The topic of government funding for sports facilities particularly emerged in tests across Asia and the Middle East between 2019-2023. Let’s examine a common question format on this subject.
Some people believe that governments should fund free sports facilities to encourage people to live healthier lifestyles. Others think there are better ways for governments to promote public health. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analysis of the Question
- Topic: Government funding for sports facilities
- Task: Discuss both views + give opinion
- Key points to address:
- Arguments for free sports facilities
- Alternative methods for promoting health
- Personal stance with justification
Band 8 Sample Essay
In the ongoing debate about public health promotion, while some advocate for government-funded sports facilities, others contend that alternative approaches might be more effective. I believe that free sports amenities should be part of a comprehensive health strategy rather than the sole solution.
Government-sponsored sports facilities offer several compelling advantages. Firstly, they remove financial barriers that often prevent lower-income individuals from accessing exercise opportunities. For instance, in Singapore, free public swimming pools and gymnasiums have significantly increased physical activity levels across all socioeconomic groups. Additionally, these facilities create community spaces where people can socialize while maintaining their health, fostering a culture of wellness.
However, alternative methods of health promotion deserve equal consideration. Public health education campaigns can reach broader audiences and address multiple aspects of wellness beyond physical exercise. Countries like South Korea have successfully implemented comprehensive health education programs in schools and workplaces, resulting in improved dietary habits and lifestyle choices. Furthermore, investing in safe walking and cycling infrastructure might prove more cost-effective than maintaining sports facilities.
I support a balanced approach that combines free sports facilities with other health initiatives. While accessible sports venues are crucial, they should be complemented by education programs, urban planning for active lifestyles, and preventive healthcare measures. This multi-faceted strategy ensures that public health promotion reaches all segments of society through various channels.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
The question of how governments should promote public health has different opinions. Some people think free sports facilities are good, while others believe there are better ways. I think both methods have advantages but free facilities are more important.
Free sports facilities can help many people. When governments build free gyms and sports centers, poor people can exercise without paying money. For example, in my city, many people use the free public park with exercise equipment. Also, these places help people make friends and stay healthy together.
Other ways to promote health also work. Governments can teach people about healthy food and exercise in schools and on TV. They can also build walking paths and bike lanes. These methods are cheaper than building big sports facilities and can help more people learn about health.
In my opinion, free sports facilities are better because they give people a real place to exercise. While education is important, having actual facilities helps people take action. The best solution is to have both free facilities and education programs together.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8 Essay Strengths:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear organization with coherent paragraphs
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Balanced discussion with clear personal stance
- Natural transition between ideas
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Basic vocabulary with some repetition
- Simple but clear structure
- Limited development of ideas
- Basic examples
- Some grammatical errors but meaning is clear
Key Vocabulary
- amenities (n) /əˈmenətiz/ – useful facilities
- socioeconomic (adj) /ˌsoʊsioʊˌekəˈnɑːmɪk/ – relating to social and economic factors
- comprehensive (adj) /ˌkɑːmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete, including all aspects
- infrastructure (n) /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/ – basic physical structures needed
- multi-faceted (adj) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many aspects
- preventive (adj) /prɪˈventɪv/ – designed to stop something before it happens
- initiative (n) /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ – plan or program to achieve something
For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic focusing on modern technologies in sports facilities or comparing urban and rural access to sports amenities. Share your essay in the comments for feedback and discussion.