The topic of sports in education has been consistently appearing in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations, particularly in recent years. Based on analysis from the advantages and disadvantages of year-round schooling, this theme frequently emerges in various forms, from discussing physical education benefits to analyzing school curriculum modifications.
Students discussing sports integration in school curriculum
Analyzing the Task
Some people think that sports and physical education should be compulsory in secondary schools. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
This is an agree/disagree essay that requires:
- A clear position on whether sports should be mandatory
- Well-developed arguments supporting your stance
- Relevant examples and explanations
- A coherent conclusion
Model Answer (Band 8-9)
I strongly believe that sports and physical education should be mandatory components of secondary school curricula, as they provide crucial benefits for students’ physical and mental development.
Firstly, regular physical activity through compulsory sports programs significantly contributes to students’ health and well-being. During adolescence, when young people are experiencing rapid physical development, structured exercise helps build strong bones, improve cardiovascular fitness, and maintain healthy body weight. Moreover, participating in sports helps students develop crucial motor skills and physical coordination that benefit them throughout their lives.
Secondly, mandatory sports education fosters essential life skills that extend beyond physical benefits. Through team sports, students learn valuable lessons about cooperation, leadership, and strategic thinking. These experiences help them develop emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to handle both success and failure gracefully. Furthermore, sports provide an excellent outlet for stress relief, which is particularly important for teenagers dealing with academic pressure.
However, while making sports compulsory, schools must ensure proper implementation. This includes providing adequate facilities, qualified instructors, and a diverse range of activities to accommodate different interests and abilities. Additionally, the curriculum should be designed to be inclusive, ensuring that students with varying physical capabilities can participate meaningfully.
In conclusion, the benefits of mandatory sports education far outweigh any potential drawbacks. It not only promotes physical health but also contributes significantly to students’ overall development, making it an essential component of secondary education.
Model Answer (Band 6-7)
I agree that sports and PE should be compulsory in secondary schools because it helps students stay healthy and learn important skills.
One main reason is that sports help students stay healthy. When students do regular exercise in school, they can build stronger bodies and avoid getting sick easily. Also, many teenagers today spend too much time on computers and phones, so having required sports classes makes them move more and stay fit.
Another benefit is that sports teach students good values. When playing in teams, students learn how to work together and follow rules. They also learn how to win and lose properly, which is important in life. These lessons can help them become better people and work well with others in the future.
However, schools need to make sure they have good sports facilities and teachers. They should also think about students who might not be very good at sports and help them participate in different ways. This way, all students can benefit from sports classes.
In conclusion, I believe making sports compulsory in schools is a good idea because it helps students be healthy and learn important life lessons. Schools should continue to include sports in their programs but make sure they do it in a way that helps all students.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Well-developed arguments with clear examples
- Coherent paragraphing with effective linking
- Balanced perspective with implementation considerations
- Academic tone throughout
Band 6-7 Essay Features:
- Clear position with basic development
- Simple but clear language
- Basic paragraph organization
- Some examples provided
- Less sophisticated vocabulary and structures
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Compulsory (adj) /kəmˈpʌlsəri/ – required by law or rule
- Curriculum (n) /kəˈrɪkjʊləm/ – subjects included in a course of study
- Foster (v) /ˈfɒstə/ – encourage the development of something
- Implementation (n) /ˌɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃən/ – the process of putting a decision or plan into effect
- Resilience (n) /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – the ability to recover quickly from difficulties
Consider practicing with these similar topics:
- The role of extracurricular activities in education
- Balance between academic and physical education
- Modern education system reforms
Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and improvement suggestions.
