Recent IELTS examination trends show that questions about physical education and school fitness programs appear frequently, particularly in Task 2 essays. This topic has appeared in various forms over the past two years, reflecting growing global concerns about student health and well-being. Let’s examine a common question type and analyze sample responses across different band scores.
How can schools better promote physical fitness and mental well-being?
Question Analysis
Some people believe that schools should make physical education compulsory throughout the entire academic year. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question requires candidates to discuss their position on mandatory physical education in schools. Key points to consider include:
- The benefits and potential drawbacks of compulsory physical education
- The impact on students’ academic performance and overall development
- The role of schools in promoting healthy lifestyles
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
Physical education’s role in schools has become increasingly significant in today’s sedentary world. While some argue against mandatory physical activities, I strongly believe that making physical education compulsory throughout the academic year is essential for students’ holistic development.
First and foremost, regular physical education classes contribute substantially to students’ health and well-being. In an era where importance of physical fitness for children is paramount, structured physical activities help combat the rising rates of childhood obesity and related health issues. For instance, research has shown that schools implementing year-round physical education programs report significantly lower rates of student obesity and better cardiovascular health indicators.
Moreover, compulsory physical education supports cognitive development and academic performance. Regular exercise has been proven to enhance concentration, memory retention, and overall brain function. Students who participate in daily physical activities often demonstrate better academic results across other subjects, as the physical movement helps optimize their learning capacity and mental alertness.
Students exercising in modern school gymnasium
The implementation of importance of accessible fitness programs also teaches valuable life skills. Through sports and physical activities, students learn teamwork, leadership, and discipline – qualities that are invaluable in their future personal and professional lives. Furthermore, establishing regular exercise habits during school years often leads to maintaining an active lifestyle in adulthood.
In conclusion, the benefits of mandatory physical education throughout the academic year far outweigh any potential drawbacks. Schools play a crucial role in shaping students’ physical and mental development, and compulsory physical education is an essential tool in achieving this goal.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
I agree that schools should make physical education compulsory all year because it is important for students’ health and learning.
Firstly, physical education helps students stay healthy. Many young people today spend too much time with computers and phones, so they need exercise at school. Regular sports and activities can help students avoid becoming overweight and having health problems. Should physical fitness be a compulsory part of every school curriculum, the answer would be yes because it benefits students’ health.
Secondly, exercise helps students learn better in other subjects. When students do physical activities, their brains work better and they can concentrate more in class. Also, they feel less stressed and tired during school days. This means they can study better and get better grades.
However, some students might not like sports or have health problems that make it difficult to do exercise. Schools should make sure these students can still participate in safe ways that suit them. The role of parents in childhood obesity prevention is also important to support school fitness programs.
In conclusion, I think physical education should be compulsory in schools because it helps students be healthy and learn better. Schools should make sure all students can participate in ways that are good for them.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures
- Clear organization with well-developed ideas
- Strong cohesion and coherence
- Relevant examples and supporting evidence
- Academic tone throughout
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Basic but clear vocabulary
- Simple sentence structures with some errors
- Basic organization of ideas
- Limited use of examples
- Some repetition and informal expressions
Key Vocabulary
- holistic development (n.) /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – complete physical and mental growth
- sedentary (adj.) /ˈsed.ən.ter.i/ – involving little physical activity
- cardiovascular (adj.) /ˌkɑː.di.əʊˈvæs.kjʊ.lər/ – relating to heart and blood vessels
- cognitive (adj.) /ˈkɒɡ.nə.tɪv/ – related to thinking and mental processes
- optimization (n.) /ˌɒp.tɪ.maɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ – making something as effective as possible
In conclusion, physical education in schools remains a significant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Practice writing about similar topics such as school sports facilities, childhood obesity prevention, or the balance between academic and physical activities. Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and improvement suggestions.
