Some People Say That Sports Play an Important Role in Society - IELTS Writing Task 2

The IELTS Writing Task 2 discussion essay, “Some People Say That Sports Play an Important Role in Society,” asks candidates to examine the significance of sports in modern life and to discuss differing views on their social, cultural, and health-related impacts. This essay explores both perspectives, including whether sports primarily benefit individuals or contribute more broadly to society. This blog includes three sample answers with useful vocabulary to help learners understand different ways of approaching the question and structure high-scoring essays.

Question

Outline

Essay Type

Discussion essay

Introduction

Sentences 1&2 – Sports are acknowledged as being of much import to our lives on a societal scale. While some concur with this statement, several others disagree and opine that it should only hold personal importance.

Sentence 3 – I agree with the former in my opinion and in the following paragraphs, I will examine both sides pertaining to this issue.

Body Paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – Sports teach people how to compete in a healthy way, be disciplined, have team spirit, and channel their aggression in a socially acceptable form.

Paragraph 2 – However, due to the high costs involved and short careers of sportspersons, some say that sports should just be regarded as a recreational activity.

Conclusion

Wrap up discussion and state opinion.

Some People Say That Sports Play an Important Role in Society - Sample Answer 1

Sports are acknowledged as being of much import to our lives on a societal scale. While some concur with this statement, several others disagree and opine that it should only hold personal importance. I agree with the former and in the following paragraphs, I will examine both sides pertaining to this issue.

Sports can offer exponential benefits to society. Firstly, they imbue people with values such as healthy competition, team spirit, discipline, collective responsibility, and channelling one’s aggression in a socially acceptable way. Secondly, sports galvanise people to be prudent about how they treat their bodies and inculcate the desire to stay fit and active, creating a healthy society in the long run. Further, in terms of fiscal benefits, countries or cities hosting sports events may also profit from sports-related tourism. Sports allow people of different backgrounds to coalesce in a common purpose of playing a sport. In doing so, sports offer a unique advantage in removing social differences and encourage people to be tolerant of each other and show acceptance. Lastly, the manifold advantages offered by sports are of no better use as they mould the youth of society into better citizens for the future. Sports help in shaping them into physically adept and socially responsible individuals.

However, in contrast to the aforementioned points, people have stated that sports hold limited significance in a society depending on individuals’ personal preferences and interests. Sports equipment is also extortionate, which may discourage people from participating. Others have suggested that pursuing sports professionally is not feasible as the players only have a thriving career for a brief period before retiring. Hence, they believe it is better to regard sports as recreational activities.

Therefore, in conclusion, I would like to reiterate that while certain people might opine that sports should be merely regarded as pastimes, the numerous advantages it offers necessitates that they should be regarded as a pivotal activity in society.

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Some People Say That Sports Play an Important Role in Society - Sample Answer 2

Sports have always been a popular activity around the world, but opinions differ regarding their role in society. While some believe that sports play a significant role in social and personal development, others argue that they are merely a form of leisure. This essay will examine both perspectives and provide my own opinion.

On the one hand, sports can be highly beneficial for individuals and society. They promote physical fitness, mental well-being, and social interaction. Participating in sports helps people develop discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills, which are valuable in both personal and professional life. Moreover, major sporting events, such as the Olympics, can foster national pride and bring communities together, strengthening social cohesion.

On the other hand, some people argue that sports are primarily a form of entertainment with little real impact on society. Many individuals participate in sports only occasionally, treating it as a hobby or a way to relax after work. Additionally, professional sports are often commercialized, with more emphasis on profit than social benefits. In this view, sports may not have a lasting influence beyond personal enjoyment.

In my opinion, sports serve both purposes. While they are undoubtedly a form of leisure for many, their broader contributions to health, social interaction, and national identity demonstrate that they play an important role in society. Therefore, it is reasonable to acknowledge both the recreational and societal value of sports.

Some People Say That Sports Play an Important Role in Society - Sample Answer 3

Sports have long been an integral part of human life, but their significance in society is often debated. Some people contend that sports play a crucial role in promoting physical health, social cohesion, and cultural identity, while others regard them merely as leisure activities. This essay will discuss both viewpoints before presenting my own perspective.

Supporters of the view that sports are important argue that they contribute to individual and societal development in multiple ways. Regular participation in sports improves physical fitness and mental well-being, reducing the risk of lifestyle-related diseases. Furthermore, sports foster essential life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. At a societal level, international sporting events can unite citizens, enhance national pride, and encourage youth engagement, creating a more cohesive and active community.

Conversely, critics argue that sports are often exaggerated in importance and function largely as a pastime. Many people engage in sports occasionally, and professional sports are frequently commercialized, prioritizing entertainment and financial gain over social benefits. From this perspective, sports are not essential for societal progress and are no more than a recreational activity that individuals choose for personal enjoyment.

In my view, the role of sports cannot be reduced to mere entertainment. While they certainly provide leisure, their contributions to health, social interaction, and cultural identity make them an essential component of society. Hence, sports should be encouraged not only as a hobby but also as a means of fostering individual development and social cohesion.

Some People Say That Sports Play an Important Role in Society - IELTS Vocabulary

The following are some of the IELTS Vocabulary found in the above writing sample answers. 

• Import

Meaning – Significance
Example – The party faced a problem of great import when they were informed about the prime minister’s resignation.

• Concur

Meaning – Agree
Example – I concur with the statement that mental health should be considered as important as physical health.

• Galvanise

Meaning – Encourage or motivate
Example – The players went into the second half of the match galvanised by their coach’s inspiring words.

• Prudent

Meaning – Wise or cautious
Example – Chandrika has always been very prudent about her finances.

• Fiscal

Meaning – Pertaining to finances
Example – The pandemic caused a fiscal crisis in numerous countries which they initially struggled to recover from.

• Exponential

Meaning – Increasing rapidly by large amounts
Example – Regular practice of meditation can offer exponential benefits for your mental health.

• Pivotal

Meaning – Vital or crucia
Example – The signing of the treaty of Versailles was a pivotal moment in history.

• Extortionate

Meaning – Pricey or expensive
Example – The extortionate costs of purchasing property in the current economic conditions have made it difficult for the youth to own homes.

• Feasible

Meaning – Possible
Example – It is simply not feasible to reschedule my plans on such short notice.

• Manifold

Meaning – Various or multifarious
Example – The best thing about that jacket is that it can be worn in manifold ways.

In conclusion, the IELTS Writing Task 2 discussion essay topic, “People After Retirement Often Require Financial Assistance,” asks candidates to examine both opposing views and clearly present their own opinion. With two Band 8 sample answers and useful vocabulary, this blog helps learners develop balanced arguments, organize ideas effectively, and improve their chances of achieving a higher band score in IELTS Writing Task 2.

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