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Some people think that competitive sports should be included IELTS Essay

ielts essay competitive sports

IELTS ESSAY TOPIC

Some people think that competitive sports should be included as a subject in school , while others believe that it has a negative effect on children. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answer

A few individuals believe that the school curriculum should have competitive games as a subject, while some people think that they have a negative impact on students. This essay firmly believes that if schools have competitive games as subjects, that will be a worthwhile proposition. However, this essay will discuss both views.

A section of society says that competitive sports should be a mandatory subject in school. It is because this would help in the overall growth and development of students. They believe that children will learn how to enjoy success and how to handle failures in life. Moreover, students will develop not only a healthy body but mind also. Sports also act as a stress buster and encourages team bonding between students in schools. A recent survey depicts that students who study in schools where sports are mandatory are less stressed and show immense cooperation among themselves as compared to students who study in schools where sports are not compulsory.

On the other hand, certain people opine that competitive sports hurt children. It is because these games require time, effort and preparation, due to which studies get affected. After all, students have less time at their disposal for education. However, many types of research have shown that playing sports can increase dedication and concentration. Apart from this, playing sports for a considerable amount daily can help students perform better in their examinations. For example, schools in Italy have made sports compulsory for all and it was observed that due to this the academic results of most students also improved.

To summarize, schools should include competitive sports for children’s overall development and prepare them for various life lessons in the future.

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Sport and Exercise Essay Titles

Essay questions for the topic of sport and exercise.

Some people think that dangerous sports should be banned, while others think people should be free to choose. Discuss both views and give your opinion. (Reported 2017, 2020)
Some people think that sport teaches children how to compete, while others believe that children learn team work. Discuss both views and give your opinion. (frequent question most years often reworded)
Some people think that introducing children to team sports is the best way to teach children teamwork. To what extent do you agree? (2023)
Ensuring that children have regular physical exercise should be the responsibility of parents and therefore schools should not waste valuable school time having sports lessons as part of the curriculum. To what extent do you agree? (frequently appearing question regarding who is responsible for something relating to children – parents or schools)
Many countries want to host international sports event, while other countries think that hosting sports events has more problems than benefits. Discuss both views & give your opinion. (Reported 2017,2021)
Some people think that companies should provide employees with exercise time during the day. What is your opinion about this? (2016)
With an increasing overweight population some people think universities should make sport a compulsory module on all degree courses. To what extent do you agree?
Professional sports people are often idolised by young children. Some people think that they, therefore, have a responsibility to be good role models at all times for children. Do you agree or disagree? (frequently appearing question regarding any type of media or sports star)
Some people think that sports involving violence, such as boxing and martial arts, should be banned from TV as well as from international sporting competitions. To what extent do you agree?

Reported essay questions are from students who have taken their IELTS test. These questions may vary slightly in wording from the original question. 

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IELTS Sports Essay – IELTS Writing Task 2 Samples & Tips

  • Updated On December 12, 2023
  • Published In IELTS Preparation 💻

Writing task 2 in the IELTS test includes essays where the candidate’s writing skills are tested. The applicants must choose from the list of essay topics given in the question paper and write a 250 words excerpt justifying the topic to get good marks. 

Table of Contents

What qualifies as an essay worthy of a band score of 6.5 or more depends on the person checking the exam, but there are some ground rules which you must follow. While these rules apply to everyone giving the exam, your content, vocabulary usage, punctuation, coherence, and other essential things makes the essay better. 

Useful Tips for Writing an IELTS Essay

For the sports IELTS writing task 2, here are a few tips and tricks to improve your band score. 

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IELTS Sports Essay - IELTS Writing Task 2 Samples & Tips

  • Familiarity with the topic
  • Time management
  • Satisfying the requirements

We will now discuss these individually to get a better understanding.  

Outline: The essay outline should be clear and precisely related to the topic. This means that at no point in the essay your content should digress from the core points.  

IELTS Sports Essay - IELTS Writing Task 2 Samples & Tips

The standard outline includes an introduction, the main content body, and the conclusion. Specifically, the introduction should have the power to immediately hook the reader to your essay and provide an overview of your ideas and what the reader will find in the main content body. 

So make sure that you are investing some time creating a rough outline of your essay before you start writing. An outline will ensure that you stick to the topic and present relevant ideas. 

Vocabulary: An important aspect of your sports essay IELTS exam is using the right words that demonstrate your hold over the English language. Not to mention your knowledge about the subject matter, in this case, sports. So, make sure to use some sports-specific terms in the essay. 

With the other types of words that you will be using, too, it is important to ensure relevance, placement, and understanding. The words you write must be legible and rightly placed in context. 

Familiarity with the topic: Nobody is expecting you to be aware of a topic in detail. But you should have some idea about the current and trending topics. In sports, topics like substance use in sportspersons, steroids, the credibility of the notion that sports are dangerous, children in sports, and a few more are always current.

The topics in the IELTS exam may also revolve around the same. For instance —

  • Some people think dangerous sports should be banned, while others think people should choose for themselves. (Academic Test, 2017).
  • Many countries want to host international sports events, while other countries think that hosting sports events has more problems than benefits. Discuss both views. (GT Test, 2017).

These two topics were taken from previous years’ IELTS exam question papers. As you can see, the topics are not very specific. They can be easily answered provided you understand the general things involved here. Plus, to gain a better score, you must cite relevant examples to justify the points you will mention in the exam. 

Time Management: You cannot and should not spend too much time writing the IELTS essay. The ideal time to spend on this task is 40 minutes, and that too, considering the time you need to plan, understand, write, and review. 

So, if you are taking more time than this today, start practising and bring it down to under 40 minutes. Writing 250 words should not take more than 20 minutes. The other 20 minutes you need to spend on planning and other tasks. 

One of the main reasons examinees spend more than 40 minutes is their failure to process their thoughts or they get confused with what to write. So, move back to the first point where we talked about the IELTS writing task 2 sports topic outline. 

Following the outline can help you complete the task on time. You will be able to process your thoughts easily without deviating from the topic. 

Relevant Response: The IELTS writing task 2 is about academic writing. Your prerogative must be to present all the pointers. For instance, “Some people think that dangerous sports should be banned, while others think people should be free to choose.” In this topic, you need to write about both perspectives.

One is for the argument, and the second is against the idea. In both, you need to cite relevant examples to justify your statements and end the discussion with your point of view and rationale behind choosing it. 

The academic writing test will mostly ask you to write different perspectives within the 250 words limit. So, while attempting this test, make sure that you present all the information with the pointers mentioned above. Most importantly, do not mix the ‘for’ and ‘against’ arguments at any point.

Sample Answer for IELTS Essay on Sports

Below you will find an essay on a sports topic that we have chosen at random. The model essay is written according to the 6.5 band score. So, writing this type of essay can get you a good score. Make sure to follow every statement and the presentation followed in the essay. 

Some people say that sports must be included in the school curriculum. However, others hold the opinion that it shouldn’t be there as it can lead to wasting time, which can be utilised for more effective academic training. 

Discuss both perspectives and give your own opinion.  

Students nowadays are expected to learn a wide gamut of subjects. This makes some people believe that athletics or sports should be a part of the school curriculum. However, others believe that sports take time in learning, practising, and then training. I think that sports should be a part of the school program and should be started from an early age. Today, we will elaborate on both sides of the argument to paint a better picture. 

Going into sports means the students can start doing some physical activity at an early age. Any type of physical activity helps increase the blood flow to the brain, which finetunes our neurons while promoting cell growth. 

Sports plays an important role for students as they become mentally capable of learning new things and physically capable of investing time in studying. I think that going into sports will make a student active, more knowledgeable, and social because they make friends while playing. 

The naysayers believe that the time students spend on sports can be otherwise invested in becoming better at academics. Being good at academics is essential as it helps students become intelligent and successful. Hence, parents don’t like their kids participating in sports because they don’t want them to be distracted from studying. 

As you can see, some parents wish to see their kids playing sports, and others don’t share the same feeling. But, I think that sports is an integral part of education and both of them must be developed simultaneously. 

The essay above satisfies the requirements of the task. We have stuck to the word limit and used some relevant words relevant to the topic. You don’t have room to write too much or too little in the IELTS writing task. So, the task is to find a balance between both arguments. 

Provide reasoning for your own knowledge and coherently present the information. 

Additional Practice Essays on Sports

Now that you have a good understanding of how to write an excellent essay, here are some more questions that you can use to improve your writing skills. Just remember to use the information provided in this blog to get top scores.

  • With the increasing incidence of puberty and being overweight, some people think sports should become a part of the school and university curriculum. To what extent do you agree with this point? Elaborate.
  • Should violent sports like boxing and other forms of martial arts be banned from broadcasting on TV and in international sports events like the Olympics? Discuss and justify your opinions. 
  • Sports are great for learning how to work with the team, but some parents think it teaches the vice of competing. Share your opinion and discuss both views. 

While you work on these topics, make sure to understand what is asked and write accordingly. You need to justify your requirements and present the information in an easy-to-understand manner. 

To get instant feedback and evaluation on your essays, you can also opt for Leap Scholar’s SmartTests

Attempting the IELTS essay on sports and exercise can turn out in your favour as it’s one of the most recurring topics, provided you do it right.  

Since writing about sports, leisure activities or any topic in the essay test can be easy if you have prior knowledge. A lack of knowledge can confuse you about what to write. Hence, ensure that you build some prior understanding of how to write a sports essay IELTS writing task 2 and stay updated with the subject matter to score good marks. 

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Ielts writing task 2 #236, tips for ielts.

Before planning your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay, you need to have enough ideas. If you know the IELTS topics well, you will have more ideas of what to write.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people think that competitive sports have a positive effect on the education of teenagers while others argue that the effect is negative.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model answer

Competition in sport can play an important role in a teenager’s development. However, we must be careful as this can have both positive and negative effects on the child and people disagree about which is the most significant.

Initially, let’s think about the reasons why teenagers benefit from competition in sports. On the one hand, sport is a great way to reduce stress and focus the mind away from lessons. Furthermore, a little competition can help teenagers to focus more and give them a reason to perform better. In addition, when playing in teams, these sports help teenagers learn team-building skills and can improve their physical well-being, which is a really important benefit.

On the other hand, competitive sports can also cause problems for individuals if people feel that when they lose, they fail. This is clearly unsatisfactory and may cause serious issues with confidence. It is certain that this pressure makes sport less fun and means teenagers do not want to take part. Although being part of a team can be enjoyable, some people cannot perform as well as others and they may feel isolated from other team members. This can be a serious concern for teenagers who want to fit in with others around them.

To sum up, there are good arguments on both sides. While competitive sports can play a useful role in developing a teenager, it is important that sports are monitored to ensure individuals do not feel pressured or stressed when playing. It is important that young people understand the value of competition and that even if they fail, they feel that they have achieved something.

(271 words)

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IELTS essay, topic: Some people think that sport in schools is a waste of time and resources, while others believe it is a vital part of education (opinion)

  • IELTS Essays - Band 9

This is a model response to a Writing Task 2 topic from High Scorer’s Choice IELTS Practice Tests book series (reprinted with permission). This answer is likely to score IELTS Band 9.

Set 2 Academic book, Practice Test 8

Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people believe that having sport in schools is a waste of time and resources, whilst other people believe that sport in schools is a vital part of education.

Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

ielts essay competitive sports

In most education systems around the world, physical education is one of the components of the syllabus. However, this is a controversial topic, as it has been argued that sport as a school subject is unnecessary. Opposing this is the view that physical education is a vital aspect of the education.

Physical education was introduced into schools to promote a healthy lifestyle by exposing students to different types of sport and ensuring that those who are not naturally sporty are exposed to exercise and its benefits. For students who are already very active, having a sports lesson might be unnecessary, but those who are not given the opportunities or who are not from active families depend on schools for exercise. Furthermore, a school is supposed to educate on multiple levels, a key aspect of which is healthy living. It is not sufficient to discuss exercise in class; students must experience the effects that ensue. One of these benefits is that exercise enables people to concentrate more efficiently and work more efficiently, meaning that having sport as a subject is beneficial to other subjects as well.

On the other hand, exercise to some degree is a personal matter and forcing students to exercise in class can then have the opposite effect. This feeling can lead to students not pursuing any sports later due to negative experiences and memories connected to it. Another argument is that exercise is a leisure activity and therefore not school-related and should be practiced outside of school.

In conclusion, while negative results can be caused through physical education, it is vital for students to take part in it. Some students are only exposed to a healthy lifestyle in schools and therefore there is a responsibility to educate individuals in this area.

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6 thoughts on “IELTS essay, topic: Some people think that sport in schools is a waste of time and resources, while others believe it is a vital part of education (opinion)”

This is really good as well as it is quite helpful for me. Thank you🌹

I’m so glad this helps! Thank you for your feedback.

I’m glad this helps!

These are helpful. Please evaluate my writing. Question- Today the quality of life in large cities is decreasing. Discuss the causes and solutions. Answer People come to metropolitan cities in search of a better life. However, large towns have now become unfavorable places to live in, due to the fact that, they are over populated. In the following essay, I will discuss the top two challenges that make living in a city difficult; subsequently, I will provide solutions that I assume will help to solve them. The first reason people despise living in a city is the traffic jam; as there are as many cars as there are people, people find it difficult to be punctual. For instance, in Addis Ababa, a person needs to get up very early in the morning, if he or she wishes to get to work or school on time, as there are long queues for public transportation. Even if you are driving, the crowded streets make your morning miserable, killing your time and draining your energy before the day even begins. The second reason is housing. Renting or owning a house is extremely expensive in such cities. Residents allocate more than half of their monthly income on rent, which hinders them from saving as much money as they thought they would, making it unbearable to live in the city.

In my perspective, the following solutions can make humans better tolerate city life. First of all, the government should construct alternative roads and underground train railways. Second, the national government should build condominiums or affordable apartments to tackle the housing shortage. And there should be strict laws against sound and air pollution, especially in residential areas. In a nutshell, I believe if the abide mentioned measures are enacted, it will make living in the city pleasant, affordable, and convenient.

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Sports Essays

by matias tonti (Shenzhen)

ielts essay competitive sports

Should dangerous sports be banned?

Some people think that dangerous sports should be banned while other disagree. Do you agree or disagree? Banning dangerous sports, such as motocross, bull run, hose riding is a controversial tropics from last few decades, but those dangerous sports failures are really horrible and critical, so that I will argue , life threatening sports have to be banded Firstly I will explain, what are the major benefits of the basic sports such as cricket , table tennis or foot ball , That sport helps to enhance and maintain healthy lifestyle , even sports helps to ease the stress and bring happiness. But dangerous sports always increase the stress of contester because of the risky environment and it mostly enhances the fear instead of the happiness Even not only that, due to the massive failure of the life threatening sports, contesters can permanently disable or it could be a chance to die, As a example, competitors who play boxing as a sport have more chance to affect in cancers in their face in the future, due to the massive impacts, which cause to distort the cell in their face, even motor sports contester have chance to be disable due to an accidents when they compete Human life is unique resource to the world, so it should not be lost or disable by themself by doing dangerous sports, even dangerous sports not only put contesters life in risk, it makes contester’s family miserable and sometime it cause to damage the non relevant lives also, so having those points in to account, I strongly agree to ban the dangerous sports to save valuable human lives

Youth and Sports Competitions

by magi (tehram)

Some people believe that sport competitions are a source of emotional stress for young people. Therefore, youth should be banned from participating in sport competitions. Do you agree or disagree? Whether it is a sport match or an academic test, competition has always been a preponderance part of life and it contribute to immense pressure for all ages; consequently, there is no escape from rivalry. From my point of view, l strongly disagree with this argument that prohibiting adolescents from participating in sport competition for the sake of alleviating emotional stress. To start out, restriction in certain activity cannot prevent from emotional distress or intellectual involvement, or promoting another skills. Broadly speaking, studies have shown students who do not associate in competition are vulnerable than some of whom are active in sport events. To be more specific, pressurized sport condition not only make them stronger against tough situation in future but also it shape their characters so sociable. As a case in point, if they be a member of Football, volleyball or basketball team at school or be a individual sport they would learn team working, respect for the rival and understanding concept of defeat and triumph; furthermore, they would enjoy better mental and emotional health. In conjunction with the influence of participating in competition the undeniable role of physical fitness improvement should not be underestimated when this issue is dealt with. Generally put, apart from health benefits that sport activities brings for them, physical health and fitness is one of the most substantial factors for mental and intellectual health. To illuminate, regular as well as professional exercise in order to improve physical fitness and motivation is indispensable for participating in competition. it is a immense discrepancies between youngsters that cause make them so successful in education and life. To conclude, as far as I am personally concerned, there is no justification for banning adolescents form participating in sport competition. Notwithstanding the high level of stress in this events, the advantages is so remarkable than disadvantages. *** Please help me with IELTS by giving me some advice on my essay. Thanks

Sports Professionals Earnings

by Sameer (Mumbai India)

Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money than people in other important professions. Some people think this is fully justified while others think it is unfair. Discuss both these views and give your opinion. In these days of the millennium, players of sports are treated as celebrities in terms of their pay package. This has sparked a heated argument on whether it is justifiable or biased. However, in my opinion, athletes should be paid lucratively as their health is on a threat but other professions too should also be given priorities. The prime factor behind paying huge salaries to sports person is putting their lives at risks. To be more precise, this profession demands rigorous training and an ability to perform a consistently well at speed, under fatigue and pressure conditions in a competition environment. This can cause physical or mental injury which can be detrimental to their lives. For instance, in a recent survey, it was discussed that frequent head blows can cause injury to the brain that can lead to depression, memory loss or dementia. Therefore, an attractive package is fair compensation to their countless energy and the huge health risk. On the other hand, paying enormous salaries to sports person can create disparity among other professions which can lead to a shortage of these expertises. To elaborate more, professions such as doctors, teachers leave no stone unturned in making the world a better planet to reside. They too undergo a gruelling training and internship to hone their skills. Doctors work day in day out in keeping their patients' health. Similarly, teachers work tirelessly in moulding their students’ behaviour to make them civilized citizens. Hence, to avoid paucity of skills, these professions should not be overlooked in terms of payment. In conclusion, athletes sacrifice a lot in terms of their health so they are paid excessively which are just; however, other occupations should also be valued and compensated appropriately.

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Success in Sport Essay

by Vannie (Canada)

Some people think that physical strength is important for success in sport, while other think that mental strength is more important. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Physical energy is considered to be an imperative aspect for achievements in the field of sports. However, many individuals argue that mental strength also plays a pivotal role. This essay represents view for both sides along with the opinion. Firstly, talking about physical energy, regular exercises enables an individual to stay fit and healthy by stretching body muscles that keeps the body active. Secondly, exercises can be performed in a way of practising any activity related to sports; for an instance, playing tennis or football may provides an encouragement and an exploration of new ideas and techniques that can be applied during games. Lastly, exercises reduces the risk of health issues, such as alterations in blood pressure, cardio-vascular diseases, by regulating blood flow in whole body that prevents risk of heart and brain strokes. On the other side, a healthy mind lives in a healthy body. According to this phrase, mental strength performs a crucial role in sports activities. In today's world of competition, a person came through many situations that are full of stress, for example, team pressure, pressure of winning or loosing the game. Moreover, an individual cannot focus on sports unless or until his mental strength is not strong. A stress may leads a player into depression which can put him on stress releasing medication for his entire life. Furthermore, state of happiness provides relaxation to mental power that boost up the confidence level to perform well in the sports. In my opinion, both physical as well as mental strength are considered to be mandatory because if exercises helps in the growth of body similarly mental strength gives confidence and support to play well.

Improving Public Health Essay

Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on public health and that other measures are required. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. It is argued by some people that the most efficient method for improving and developing public health is by building more sports facilities; whereas, some people claim that this would not have any significant effect on public health; therefore, other solutions should be thought. In my opinion, doing exercise contributes human beings’ health more than we can imagine, but there are certainly better ways to improve public health rather than the increase in number of facilities. To begin, some people view to open new sports centers as the best way of developing public health as doing physical exercises increases the stamina of human beings by improving their cardiovascular capacities. Furthermore, it contributes to the human well-being not only on physically but also on mentally. More time is spent on sport facilities, less time to think about other issues, relieving human’s mind; thus, we can see more peaceful people everywhere. On the other hand, it is thought by some that there are also other measures for improving public health better than the new sports centers. One of these is educating people about health care because if they would know what to do when they feel sick, they can get well much quicker. Other method is cleaning of the public areas such as trains or libraries should be done more frequently because possible viruses around these areas could affect humans’ health in serious way. Last possible way is that foods and drinks on the markets should be regulated more strictly because there has been a hot debate in recent years about possible harms of GMOs on human health; therefore, regulations of government on food and beverages would be a wise choice. Even though an increase in the number of sports facilities can develop public health importantly, I do not think that it is the best idea for public’s health, so other views can have more direct effects on public health.

Sports Professionals Salaries

Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money than people in other important professions. Some people think this is completely fair while others think that it is not justified. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. It is true that some successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money than other important profession's people. In this passage, I am going to give the views from both sides of the coin in this passage. People who are earning handsome amounts of money in the sports profession have worked hard to come to the spot where they are right now. If we talk about a cricketer then out of twenty-thirty thousand people who are aiming to go pro, only ten to fifteen people get selected. In this long and hard journey, some of the hustlers have lost their jobs, their education, and what not to fulfill their dream so Its only fair that those who worked their way to the spot should deserve something great as this much competition is not even in the education field, and you surely don't have to train yourself too much to get a good job in the educational field. Where on the other end if we look into it differently then, there are so many working employees whether they are private or government they don't really have a good salary in their respective jobs. Sometimes it is so bad that they are not even able to afford proper health care and education for their children. It's not only happening in third-world countries it's also happening in other developed nations. People who have spent all their time studying to get a good job are now stuck with something which is not even helping them get proper living necessities. If we compare the salaries of Indian army soldiers to those of cricketers then you would be shocked to see that the salary of an Indian army soldier is around 6,000 USD per year whereas an Indian team cricket player would easily earn around 600,000 USD and its not fair. In 6,000 USD per annum you won't even be able to afford a good college in India leaving the other things aside. I think that the situation is not fair, as the soldiers have to work as hard as the cricketer or even more to get a place in the army, As a matter of fact, its true that they are willingly serving the nation but they at least should be provided with enough salary so that they could help their children get into a good "private college".

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Some People Believe That Schools Should Include Competitive Sports As A Subject | Band 8 IELTS Essay Sample

by Manjusha Nambiar · Published July 31, 2019 · Updated March 21, 2024

Some people believe that schools should include competitive sports as a subject while others believe that it has negative effects on children. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Here is a band 8 IELTS essay on this topic submitted by one of our students. Need help with IELTS writing? Get your IELTS essays, letters and reports corrected by me.

Band 8 IELTS essay sample

According to some people competitive sports should be included in the school curriculum as an important subject whereas others think that it can be disadvantageous to kids. I think this move has more pros than cons and hence in my opinion schools ought to have competitive sports as a subject.

When competitive sports such as football or swimming is part of the school curriculum, students benefit in several ways. Firstly, playing a sport can make youngsters fitter and more athletic and this will improve their physical health not only in their childhood but also in their adulthood. Better still, it can even improve their grades. Studies have shown that physical activity boosts brain development and make children smarter and sharper. Therefore, children who do sports will be physically and mentally healthier than those who do not engage in regular physical exercises. Moreover, playing a team sport such as football develops team spirit in children and teaches them how to work towards a common goal. These are skills essential for their success in future.

On the other hand, having competitive sports as a subject in schools can lead to some problems as well. Children can sustain injuries while playing football or basketball. In addition, some children do not have any aptitude for sports. Nor do they have the physical stamina or agility. If sport is a compulsory sport, they will also have to play. This can be physically and mentally stressful for them. It can even hurt their health and self confidence. Another disadvantage is that some children will become obsessed with winning all the time.

In conclusion, making competitive sports a part of the school curriculum can bring both benefits and drawbacks for school children. However, in my opinion, the benefits of playing a sport at school outweigh the downsides and hence schools should implement this policy for the sake of children.

Do you have an essay on this topic? Submit it below in the comments for a free band score estimate.

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ielts essay competitive sports

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Competitive Sports have a Positive Effect on the Education of Teenagers - IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Essay

Updated: Mar 21

Write about the following topic:

Some people think that competitive sports have a positive effect on the education of teenagers while others argue that the effect is negative.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experiences.

You should write at least 250 words.

IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay based on the question prompt "Some people think that competitive sports have a positive effect on the education of teenagers while others argue that the effect is negative. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion."

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Sample Essay 1

The debate surrounding the impact of competitive sports on teenagers' education is multifaceted, with arguments for both its beneficial and detrimental effects. This essay posits that while competitive sports offer valuable life lessons and physical benefits, they must be balanced with academic pursuits to ensure a holistic development.

Proponents of competitive sports ardently argue that these activities instill crucial discipline, teamwork, and resilience in teenagers, essential for both personal development and academic success. Engaging in sports demands a significant commitment to consistent training, punctuality, and cooperation with teammates, closely mirroring the skills indispensable for academic achievement. A notable study by the Youth Sports Trust revealed that students engaged in organized sports exhibited superior time management skills, directly correlating with enhanced academic performance. Furthermore, the rigorous physical activity involved in sports significantly promotes mental well-being, effectively reducing stress and anxiety levels, which in turn, bolsters teenagers’ concentration and focus, thus markedly improving their academic pursuits.

Conversely, critics of competitive sports emphasize the potential risks of these activities overshadowing academic responsibilities. They caution that the intense pressure to excel in sports may result in an excessive allocation of time towards training and competitions, consequently diminishing valuable study time. A pertinent example is the observed increase in dropout rates among student-athletes who face the daunting challenge of balancing their sporting and academic commitments. Moreover, the acute focus on achieving victory can engender an atmosphere of unhealthy competitiveness, inducing stress and potentially culminating in burnout. This environment not only negatively impacts students’ educational achievements but also their mental health, thus casting a shadow over the overall benefits of engaging in competitive sports for teenagers.

In conclusion, competitive sports can be a double-edged sword in the context of teenagers' education. While they offer significant advantages in developing essential life skills and promoting physical health, it is crucial to maintain a balance with academic responsibilities. A structured approach that integrates sports and education can provide a framework for nurturing well-rounded individuals, prepared for the challenges of the future.

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Sample Essay 2

The discourse on whether competitive sports positively or negatively influence teenagers' educational journey is ongoing. This essay advocates the notion that, despite potential drawbacks, competitive sports play a pivotal role in fostering essential life skills, which, when balanced with academic pursuits, contribute significantly to a teenager's holistic development.

Firstly, competitive sports serve as a fertile ground for nurturing time management and leadership skills, virtues paramount in the realm of academia. Participation in sports demands rigorous scheduling, which inadvertently teaches students the art of balancing their academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities. An exemplar of this is the initiative by the International Olympic Committee to integrate sports with education, thereby producing athletes who excel both on the field and in their studies. This synergy between sports and education underscores the capacity of sports to enhance cognitive skills, such as strategic thinking and problem-solving, which are transferable to academic success.

However, detractors argue that the emphasis on competitive sports can inadvertently eclipse the importance of academics, potentially leading to an imbalance that might negatively impact academic performance. Critics specifically point to the concerning phenomenon of sports-induced academic negligence, where an overwhelming zeal to excel in sports significantly diverts attention and resources away from essential scholarly duties. Yet, this perspective somewhat hastily overlooks the substantial potential for carefully structured sports programs. These programs, if designed with a keen emphasis on achieving a harmonious equilibrium between sports involvement and academic commitments, can play a pivotal role in mitigating the risks associated with academic neglect. Through such balanced programs, students are encouraged not only to pursue athletic excellence but also to prioritize and excel in their academic endeavors, ensuring a comprehensive development framework.

In conclusion, while the concerns regarding the overshadowing of academics by competitive sports are valid, the incorporation of well-structured sports programs into the educational curriculum can foster a conducive environment for the holistic development of teenagers. By instilling discipline, teamwork, and strategic thinking, competitive sports complement academic pursuits, preparing students for multifaceted success in their future endeavours.

Sample Essay 3

Competitive sports have been a topic of debate, with some arguing that they have positive effects on teenagers' education while others claim the opposite. In this essay, I will explore both perspectives and provide my own opinion. I believe that participating in competitive sports can be highly beneficial, as it helps build endurance, improve communication skills, and promote physical fitness. However, it is also important to consider potential negative impacts, such as decreased self-esteem, injury, and stress.

Some argue that participating in competitive sports can engender a myriad of complications, including diminished self-esteem and increased susceptibility to injuries. The pressure to outperform others may erode the confidence and motivation of adolescents, potentially leading to a decline in their sense of self-worth. Furthermore, the undue stress and pressure associated with these competitive events may engender detrimental psychological ramifications, potentially giving rise to mental health disorders. Additionally, injuries are an inescapable aspect of engaging in competitive sports, and as a consequence, students may be required to undergo protracted periods of recuperation, thereby disrupting their academic pursuits.

Conversely, the paramount advantage of engaging in competitive sports lies in the opportunity for students to develop resilience and fortitude. In their quest for achievement, individuals must persevere and continuously hone their skills. To vanquish their adversaries, students must surpass the level of dedication exhibited by their competitors. Moreover, collaborating with teammates necessitates effective communication, a fundamental component of triumph in any contest. Competitive sports provide students with an invaluable opportunity to cultivate and refine their communication skills, as well as to enhance their physical prowess, muscular strength, and overall health.

In conclusion, despite potential adverse consequences correlated with competitive sports, such as diminished self-worth, physical injuries, and heightened stress, the overarching implications for adolescents are largely beneficial, fostering enhanced stamina, honing interpersonal communication abilities, and bolstering overall physical well-being.

Sample Essay 4

Competitive sports, an integral component of the education of teenagers, can elicit spirited debates. Advocates insist they yield significant benefits, while critics highlight potential harm. In my analysis, I'll examine both viewpoints, providing insights on the salubrious and detrimental impacts of competitive sports on adolescent education.

Competitive sports are instrumental in cultivating resilience, a key attribute in the personal development of teenagers. The relentless pursuit of victory necessitates consistent effort, honing the ability to endure challenges. Moreover, success in these sports isn't a solitary endeavour; it demands seamless coordination and communication among team members. This facilitates the development of effective communication skills, a vital competency for success in various life arenas. Furthermore, competitive sports have a positive effect on physical education, providing an avenue for comprehensive conditioning, contributing to overall health and well-being, muscular strength, and cardiovascular fitness.

However, the darker side of competitive sports can't be ignored. An unfavourable performance could precipitate a decline in self-esteem and motivation, creating psychological obstacles in a teenager's personal growth journey. Additionally, the constant pressure to excel might breed unhealthy levels of stress, potentially leading to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Physical injuries, an inherent risk in sports, can also disrupt a student's academic life due to extended periods of recovery.

In summary, while competitive sports may catalyze potential pitfalls including diminished self-esteem, physical injuries, and increased stress levels, their overall impact on the education of teenagers is predominantly beneficial. They play a vital role in fostering resilience, nurturing communication skills, and promoting physical health. The holistic development offered by these sports prepares teenagers for the diverse challenges that lie beyond the school environment, equipping them with a robust set of skills for life.

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ielts essay competitive sports

ELTEC English

Teaching ielts students., ielts essay correction: competitive sports are good for bringing together different people and cultures..

Some people argue that competitive sports are good for bringing together different people and cultures. Others argue that these sports can cause problems and increase conflicts between nations. Discuss both points of view and give your own opinion.

40 minutes, 250 words at least.

While some people believe that sports competitions  between nations help to bring different people and culture together as they get to travel and learn about the place where the events are organized, others opine that it creates problems and increases the chance of confrontations between countries because people tend to get overexcited during matches. I agree with the former view.

The introduction is very well written and clearly structured. Good work!

On the one hand, (I strongly support the view that)  it is thought that a  sport allows fans to understand a new culture and get along with people of other nations. This is to say that (1)  during big sports events such as Olympics , Wimbledon,  and Commonwealth games   World cups of various sports   (such as is used to give examples. Please be more specific than various sports.) , host countries allow people of different nationalities to come and witness the spectacular event. This gives (use THEM to refer back to people of different cultures .)   them  a  chance to travelers from various parts of the world to experience the culture of the host nation during the stay. This strengthens the relationship among nations. For instance, in every Olympics, millions of people come to the host country. This eventually helps in improving the ties among nations .  (This is NOT an example. An example has some names, data, facts. This is a paraphrasing of the ideas expressed in the previous sentences. For example, during the Asian Games in Jakarta in 2018, millions of people and thousands of sportspersons from different countries visited Indonesia. This not only gave these people a better understanding of the Indonesian culture but also forged close friendships irrespective of religious and racial backgrounds. )

The idea is fine. But you need to be more specific to score better bands.

On the other hand, sports often lead to violence because people often   (word repetition – often) take sports   them too seriously. In other words,   (1) many fans are passionate about games such as Football ,   and Cricket, and it is sometimes hard for them to digest the defeat of their team. The fans of the  losing team, out of anger, often engage in serious brawls with the fans of different   other countries and , sometimes, at worse, damage public property (2) . For example, during 2016 Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) in France, after the Russian team was knocked out of the competition, their   its fans had   (wrong tense.) damaged public property in France and engaged in public fighting. After this incident, the France   French government banned Russian citizens from entering their land the country  and this had   (wrong tense, again. See 3 below) raised tension between these two nations.

1. I’ve noticed that in both body paragraphs you use a couple of words to move from IDEA to EXPLANATION. In the first paragraph, these words are ‘this is to say that’, in the second these are ‘in other words’. This is neither required nor recommended. Of course, the second sentence is an explanation of the idea statement. No need to use a connecting device. Use it only when you move from one idea to another.

2. ….  often – 1. engage in ….. and 2. damage ….. Engage and Damage are verbs and, hence, parallel. If SOMETIMES is not placed within comms, the comparison will be between  engage and  sometimes . The latter is an adverb. This will violate parallelism.

3. Past perfect tense is used when we are talking about PAST of PAST. For instance:  When I reached home, my wife had already cooked the food. Reached home = past, cooked food = past of past.

In conclusion, although sports result in tension among nations because of the outrage of certain emotional fans, I believe that sports   they allow people to experience a different culture and place.

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Essay 40: The Impact of Competitive Sports on Child Education

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Some people think competitive sports are important for a child’s education. Others think it has negative effects on children. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Importance of competitive sports in child education: pros and cons.

In today’s fast-paced society, the role of competitive sports in a child’s education has become a subject of intense debate. While some argue that engaging in competitive sports is crucial for a child’s holistic development, others assert that it can have detrimental effects on their well-being. This essay will delve into both perspectives and ultimately present my viewpoint on this contentious issue.

Proponents of competitive sports argue that it plays a pivotal role in a child’s education. Firstly, participating in sports fosters essential values such as discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Through regular training and competition, young athletes learn the importance of setting goals, working hard, and overcoming obstacles. These invaluable life skills can be transferred to various aspects of their education and future careers. Furthermore, competitive sports provide a platform for children to develop their physical fitness and overall health. In a time when sedentary lifestyles and obesity are prevalent, engaging in regular physical activity becomes increasingly crucial. Sports help children develop strong bones and muscles, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance motor skills. These physical benefits contribute not only to their overall well-being but also to their ability to concentrate and perform well academically.

On the other hand, detractors argue that competitive sports can have negative effects on children. One concern is the pressure and stress associated with intense competition. In many cases, young athletes may experience burnout, anxiety, and even injuries due to the relentless pursuit of success. Additionally, the hyper-competitive nature of sports may foster a win-at-all-costs mentality, which can undermine the importance of sportsmanship, fair play, and ethical conduct. Moreover, excessive emphasis on competitive sports may result in a neglect of other equally important aspects of education. Time spent on training and competitions can lead to a reduced focus on academics, creative pursuits, and social interactions. This unbalanced prioritization may limit a child’s overall development and hinder their ability to acquire a well-rounded education.

In conclusion, the debate surrounding the significance of competitive sports in a child’s education is complex and multifaceted. While competitive sports offer numerous advantages such as teaching discipline, teamwork, and improving physical fitness, they also carry the risk of stress, burnout, and an imbalanced focus on academics. In my opinion, a balanced approach is crucial, where children are encouraged to participate in sports to reap the benefits it offers, but not at the expense of their overall well-being and holistic development. By striking a harmonious balance between competitive sports and other educational pursuits, we can ensure that children receive a well-rounded education that encompasses both physical and mental growth.

Why Competitive Sports Matter in a Child’s Education: A Definitive View

Competitive sports in relation to a child’s education is a topic that elicits differing opinions. While some argue that engaging in competitive sports is detrimental to children, I firmly believe that it holds significant importance in their overall development. In this essay, I will discuss both perspectives and explain why I believe competitive sports are crucial for a child’s education.

Those who oppose competitive sports argue that it can have adverse effects on children. Firstly, they claim that the intense pressure and focus on winning can cause undue stress and anxiety among young athletes. This can potentially harm their mental well-being and negatively impact their academic performance. Furthermore, opponents contend that excessive participation in competitive sports can lead to physical injuries, potentially impairing a child’s growth and overall health.

Despite the aforementioned concerns, competitive sports offer several benefits to a child’s education. Firstly, engagement in sports fosters essential values such as discipline, resilience, and teamwork. Through participation in team sports, children learn the significance of cooperation and collaboration, skills that are transferable to various aspects of their lives. Moreover, competitive sports teach them the value of hard work and perseverance, qualities that are indispensable for success in any field.

Additionally, competitive sports contribute to a child’s physical fitness and overall well-being. In an era dominated by sedentary lifestyles, regular physical activity becomes paramount. Sports provide an avenue for children to enhance their cardiovascular health, develop motor skills, and maintain a healthy weight. By promoting physical fitness, competitive sports can indirectly enhance a child’s ability to focus and concentrate, positively influencing their academic performance.

In conclusion, while concerns have been raised about the negative effects of competitive sports on children, I strongly believe that its importance in their education cannot be undermined. Competitive sports instill valuable life lessons and skills, such as discipline, resilience, and teamwork. Furthermore, they contribute to a child’s physical fitness, which in turn can positively impact their academic achievements. Therefore, it is crucial to strike a balance between academic pursuits and participation in competitive sports, ensuring that children receive a well-rounded education that encompasses both their physical and intellectual growth.

Negative Effects of Competitive Sports on Children’s Education: A Critical Analysis

The role of competitive sports in a child’s education is a subject of considerable debate. While some argue that engaging in competitive sports is vital for a child’s holistic development, I firmly believe that it can have negative effects on children. In this essay, I will discuss both perspectives and present my viewpoint on this contentious issue.

Those in favor of competitive sports argue that it plays a pivotal role in a child’s education. Firstly, participating in sports helps develop essential values such as discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Through regular training and competition, young athletes learn the importance of setting goals, working hard, and overcoming obstacles. These invaluable life skills can be transferred to various aspects of their education and future careers. Furthermore, competitive sports provide a platform for children to develop their physical fitness and overall health. In a time when sedentary lifestyles and obesity are prevalent, engaging in regular physical activity becomes increasingly crucial. Sports help children develop strong bones and muscles, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance motor skills. These physical benefits contribute not only to their overall well-being but also to their ability to concentrate and perform well academically.

On the other hand, it is important to recognize the negative effects that competitive sports can have on children. One concern is the pressure and stress associated with intense competition. Many young athletes face immense pressure to succeed, which can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even injuries. Additionally, the hyper-competitive nature of sports may foster a win-at-all-costs mentality, which can undermine the importance of sportsmanship, fair play, and ethical conduct. Moreover, excessive emphasis on competitive sports may result in a neglect of other equally important aspects of education. Time spent on training and competitions can lead to a reduced focus on academics, creative pursuits, and social interactions. This unbalanced prioritization may limit a child’s overall development and hinder their ability to acquire a well-rounded education.

In conclusion, while competitive sports offer certain advantages such as teaching discipline, teamwork, and improving physical fitness, they also carry the risk of stress, burnout, and an imbalanced focus on academics. Considering the negative effects that competitive sports can have on children’s well-being and overall education, I firmly believe that a balanced approach is necessary. Encouraging children to engage in a variety of physical activities and pursuits that promote holistic development will ensure their overall well-being and educational growth. By prioritizing a well-rounded education that encompasses physical, academic, and social development, we can provide children with the best opportunities for success in all aspects of their lives.

Did you like these sample responses? Read more here:

  • Do you agree or disagree that improvements in technology reduce the role of the Olympic Games?
  • Some parents believe that watching TV and playing computer games should be limited and substituted by reading books. Do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion.
  • Some sports are extremely dangerous but many people still like them very much. Why do people take part in dangerous sports? Give some suggestions on how to deal with these dangers.
  • Some people believe that teenagers should concentrate on all school subjects. But others believe that teenagers should focus on the subject that they are good at or that they find the most interesting. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

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Ielts essay # 92 - sense of competition in children should be encouraged, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. others believe that children who are taught to co-operate rather than compete become more useful adults..

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IELTS Recent Writing Task 2 Question

IELTS Recent Writing Task 2 Question : Impact Of Sports On Children

In today’s blog, we will be discussing the IELTS Writing Task 2 question that appeared in an exam recently-  Discuss the positive and negative impact of sports on children and give your opinion. We will read a Sample Student essay, evaluate how it has been written and then talk about how we could have brainstormed about the topic. We will then go through an ideal essay to understand what is expected of us when we encounter a question such as the one above. This IELTS essay sample will help you ace IELTS essay writing by shedding light on areas that need work.

Sample Student Essay

IELTS writing

Also Read :  Cue Card Topic : Modern Technology & How it Affects Us

Evaluation of the student essay

Let’s go through this essay line by line so that we may understand how it has been structured and where it’s lacking. The essay here is asking the candidate to discuss both the advantages as well as the disadvantages of sports on children . In the next part of the question, it is asking for the candidate’s opinion.

This essay has discussed both the advantages and the disadvantages that sports has on children but it is not an essay that will get you the band score that you wish for. When it comes to task achievement, the candidate has performed well. He/ she has answered all parts of the question asked.  However, if you notice closely, you will observe that the candidate has just harped on one point throughout the essay. The demerits of sports that are caused in the form of injuries have been talked about more. Ideally, both the negative and the positive impacts that it has on children should have been properly discussed in the essay. The negative impacts have been stressed upon more so this essay is not balanced. The conclusion too is quite abrupt and although he mentions ‘plenty of cons’, he has mentioned just one con. 

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Let us take a quick look at the band descriptor’s chart:

IELTS band chart

The next parameter is Coherence and Cohesion where the connectivity between passages needs to be maintained. It also looks at how well developed the main and the supporting points are. In the Introduction, the candidate should have mentioned what he was planning to do with the essay. He should have outlined how he would discuss both its positive as well as negative aspects on children along with substantiating his personal point of view.

Exemplify and example are similar words and shouldn’t have been used in the same paragraph. He has also used connective devices in an incorrect manner throughout the essay. There is also an overuse of them in some parts of the essay. There are some attributes of both Band 6 and Band 7 when it comes to Coherence and Cohesion here.

Writing task 2

The third parameter is Lexical Resources which is nothing but the overall vocabulary that can be gleaned from the essay. It is not just the usage of vocabulary that is looked into. How appropriate the usage of certain words is throughout the essay is also checked. Words such as outweigh, drawbacks, exemplify, persistent, irrefutable, demerits, deriving wounds are words that are quite advanced. 

Let’s read the second paragraph again- 

IELTS Writing task 1 sample

The word explanation has been misused here. The candidate gives a personal example and has used the word ‘explanation’ instead of using words such as example or instance.

Look at the line ‘However, it was difficult…from that time.’ This sentence does not make any sense to the reader. He has used the word ‘literacy’ in the last sentence of this paragraph when the essay is dealing with a topic like sports. 

Let’s look at the band descriptors for Lexical resources.

IELTS writing task 2

The last parameter upon which the candidate is marked is Grammatical Range and Accuracy. 

In this essay, we find it difficult to read his sentences and understand his line of thought. He is someone who is not too comfortable with the grammatical aspects of the language yet. Let’s look at Band 5 and 6.

IELTS writing task 2 question

Overall, we are grading the candidate a Band Score of 6. One area that this candidate needs to improve upon are Grammatical Range and Accuracy as well as Lexical Resources. These need to be polished before he attempts the main test. His Task Achievement and his Coherence and Cohesion are better compared to the other two parameters.

Also Read:  How to Improve PTE Reading Section Score 2022? Let’s Do PTE Exam Preparation with IELTS Ninja!

Now, the candidate is acquainted with the Task Response and the Coherence , Cohesion parts of the essay. He just needs to finetune his writing so that his points seem well rounded. Lexical resources and grammar can be only perfected with the right amount of practice. 

How do you brainstorm for the topic?

 Read the question again-  Discuss the positive and negative impact of sports on children and give your opinion.

When we look at this question, we understand that it is asking us to elucidate on both the positive and negative aspects that sports has on children. One paragraph of the essay will discuss the positive impact of sports while the other paragraph will discuss the negative impact of sports on children. In addition to answering these parts, you will also be required to provide your opinion. 

IELTS Online Preparation

When you’re creating your essay plan, bear in mind that you have to only answer the questions that are asked. Here, you will need to discuss both the merits and the demerits of sports on children. You need to balance out both the paragraphs so that the essay does not appear biased. Both the paragraphs need to be substantiated with points that are strong. 

Lastly, while you’re concluding, you need to state your opinion. If you think sports have a positive effect on children, you must justify why you feel so. Similarly, if you strongly feel that sports have a negative effect on children, you need to outline why you feel so in order to convince the examiner. 

Ideal essay

ESSAY PLAN 

IELTS

Discuss the positive and negative impact of sports on children and give your opinion.

Sporting activities affect children constructively while some people believe that sports have a destructive impact on them. This essay will discuss both the positive and negative outcomes of sports on children along with substantiating the opinion that I agree with.

On one hand, games and activities that children indulge in during their formative years, helps them in remaining mentally as well as physically fit. Regularly exerting oneself physically through an activity helps keep our bones and muscles strong. The mental impact of sports on children is building skills such as patience, resilience as well as releasing pent up stress. Athletes who have trained extensively during their childhood turn out to be well balanced personalities who remain largely successful in every endeavour that they take up in their later years.

On the other hand, sports can hinder one’s academics if the right balance between studies and sports is not maintained. The time commitment that sports demands often leads to students missing out on valuable hours of their study time. In the childhood years, it becomes difficult to strike a balance between your career and your passion. A student who is brilliant in math may be equally good at boxing. He may not wish to make a career in the sport but the number of hours that he puts in during practice may impede his chances of becoming a sound arithmetician later on.

In a nutshell, sports have both positive and negative consequences on children but I believe that its positive effects overshadow its demerits. Sports help maintain physical and mental toughness in children. Striking the right balance between sports and other facets of a child’s life will ensure that sports does not cause a hindrance to other activities.

Also Read:  15 Must Know Words during Special Occasions

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The Cambridge University Boat Club women’s blue boat during a training session in freezing fog on the River Great Ouse in Cambridgeshire during February 2024.

Pulling together: how Cambridge came to dominate the Boat Race – a photo essay

The race along the River Thames between England’s two greatest universities spans 195 years of rivalry and is now one of the world’s oldest and most famous amateur sporting events. Our photographer has been spending time with the Cambridge University Boat Club over the past few months as they prepare for 2024’s races

T he idea of a Boat Race between the two universities dates back to 1829, sparked into life by a conversation between Old Harrovian schoolfriends Charles Merivale, a student at the time at St John’s College Cambridge, and Charles Wordsworth who was at Christ Church Oxford. On 12 March that year, following a meeting of the newly formed Cambridge University Boat Club, a letter was sent to Oxford.

The University of Cambridge hereby challenge the University of Oxford to row a match at or near London each in an eight-oar boat during the Easter vacation.

From then, the Cambridge University Boat Club has existed to win just one race against just one opponent, something Cambridge has got very good at recently. Last year the Light Blues won every race: the open-weight men’s and women’s races, both reserve races, plus both lightweight races – six victories, no losses, an unprecedented clean sweep. Cambridge women’s open-weight boat, or blue boat, has won the last six Boat Races while the men’s equivalent have won five out of the last seven. In such an unpredictable race, where external factors can play a large part, this dominance is startling.

Rough water as the two Cambridge women’s boats make their way along the River Thames near Putney Embankment during the Cambridge University Boat Race trials in December 2023.

Thames trials

Rough water as the two women’s boats make their way along the River Thames near Putney Embankment during the Cambridge University Boat Race trials.

It’s a mid-December day by the River Thames. The sky and water merge together in a uniform battleship grey and the bitter north wind whips the tops off the waves. Outside a Putney boathouse two groups of tense-looking women dressed in duck-egg blue tops and black leggings with festive antlers in their hair are huddling together, perhaps for warmth, maybe for solidarity. The odd nervous bout of laughter breaks out. For some of them this is about to be their first experience of rowing on the Tideway, a baptism of fire on the famous stretch of London water where the Boat Race takes place. “Perfect conditions,” remarks Paddy Ryan, the head coach for Cambridge University women, for this is trial eights day, when friends in different boats duel for coveted spots in the top boat.

A couple of hours later these women along with their male equivalents will have pushed themselves to the absolute limit, so much so that several of the men are seen trying to throw up over the side of their boats at the finish under Chiswick Bridge. This may be brutal but it’s just the start. For these students the next few months are going to be incredibly tough, balancing academic work with training like a professional athlete. Through the harshest months of the year they will be focused on preparing for the end of March and a very simple goal: beating Oxford in the Boat Race.

Agony for one of the men’s boats after the finish of the race on the River Thames near Chiswick Bridge during the Cambridge University Boat Race trials in December 2023.

Agony for one of the men’s boats after the finish of the race near Chiswick Bridge during the Cambridge University Boat Race trials.

Two of the Cambridge University Boat Club women’s boats head out in the early morning for a training session on the Great Ouse, Cambridgeshire on 28 February 2024.

Ely early mornings

Two of the women’s boats head out in the early morning for a training session on the Great Ouse.

Early winter mornings on the banks of the Great Ouse, well before the sun has risen, can be pretty bleak. In the pitch black a batch of light blue minivans drop off the men and women rowers together at the sleek Ely boathouse that was opened in 2016 at the cost of £4.9m – it’s here that all Cambridge’s on-water training takes place. Very soon a fleet of boats carrying all the teams takes to the water for a training session that may last a couple of hours. Then it’s a quick change, a lift to the train station and back to Cambridge for morning lectures.

The Cambridge University Boat Club women’s squad are dropped off at their Ely boathouse by minibus at 6am for a training session on the Great Ouse.

The women’s squad head into the Ely boathouse after a 6am drop-off.

As a rower descends the stairs to the bays where the boats are stored, there is a clear indication of why it was built and why they are there. “This is where we prepare to win Boat Races,” a sign says. Since this boathouse was built, Cambridge have won 30 of the 37 races across all categories.

The Cambridge University Boat Club men’s squad stretch in the boathouse before an early morning training session at their Ely training site in Cambridgeshire.

Top: The men’s squad stretch in the boathouse before an early morning training session and a member of the men’s blue boat descends the stairs into where the boats are kept. Below: One of the men’s teams set off for early morning training and the women’s blue boat rows past the women’s lightweight crew during a training session.

It’s a far cry from the old tin sheds with barely any heating and no showers. These current facilities are impressive, enabling the entire men’s and women’s squads to be there at the same time and get boats out.

The Cambridge University Boat Club men’s blue boat prepare to derig their boat at their Ely training site before packing it on a trailer to be transported down to London for the Boat Race.

Top: The men’s blue boat prepare to derig their boat at their Ely training site. Above: The women’s blue boat put their vessel back in the boathouse after a training session on the Great Ouse.

But it’s not just the boathouse that has contributed so much, it’s also the stretch of water they train on. In a year when floods have affected so many parts of the country it has really come into its own. Paddy Ryan, the chief women’s coach, explains: “Along this stretch the river is actually higher than the surrounding land. The water levels are carefully managed by dikes and pumps. As a result we haven’t lost a single session to flooding. That’s not the case for Oxford. I believe their boathouse has been flooded multiple times this year, unable to get to their boats. We’ve had multiple storms but we’ve been able to row through them all.”

The Cambridge University Boat Club men’s third boat practises on the Great Ouse at their Ely training site on 20 March 2024.

The men’s third boat practises on the Great Ouse.

It’s a flat, unforgiving landscape, especially in midwinter, definitely not the prettiest stretch of water, but Cambridge don’t care. Ryan says: “It might be a little dull on the viewing perspective but we could row on for 27km before needing to turn round. We have a 5km stretch that is marked out every 250m. We are lucky to have it.”

The men’s blue boat practise their starts on the long straight on the Great Ouse at their Ely training site on 20 March 2024.

The men’s blue boat practise their starts on the long straight on the Great Ouse.

Members of the Cambridge University Boat Club men’s squad using a mirror to look at their technique during a session on ergo machines at the Goldie boathouse in Cambridge during February 2024.

The sweat box

Members of the men’s squad check on their technique with the use of a mirror at the Goldie boathouse.

The old-fashioned Goldie boathouse is right in the centre of Cambridge perched on the banks of the River Cam. Built in 1873, its delicate exterior belies what goes on inside. This is the boat club’s pain cave, where the rowers sweat buckets, pushing themselves over and over again; it’s a good job the floor is rubberised and easy to wipe clean.

A wreath to the founder of the Boat Race, Charles Merivale, in the upstairs room at the Goldie boathouse which commemorates Cambridge crews that have competed in the Boat Race from 1829.

A wreath to Charles Merivale, the founder of the Boat Race, and wood panelling in the upstairs room at the Goldie boathouse which commemorates Cambridge crews that have competed in the Boat Race from 1829.

Seb Benzecry, men’s president of the Cambridge University Boat Club, sweats profusely during a long session on an ergo machine at the Goldie boathouse, Cambridge in February 2024.

(Top) Seb Benzecry, men’s president of the Cambridge University Boat Club, and (above) Martin Amethier, a member of the reserve Goldie crew, sweat during sessions on ergo machines.

Iris Powell of the women’s blue boat of the Cambridge University Boat Club, performing pull-ups during a training session at the Goldie boathouse, Cambridge on 5 March 2024.

Iris Powell of the women’s blue boat (above) performs pull-ups during a training session.

Hannah Murphy, the cox of the women’s blue boat, urges on four of her crew – Gemma King, Megan Lee, Jenna Armstrong and Clare Hole – as they undertake a long session on the ergo machines at the Goldie boathouse, Cambridge.

Above left: Hannah Murphy, the cox of the women’s blue boat, urges on four of her crew (left to right) Gemma King, Megan Lee, Jenna Armstrong and Clare Hole, as they undertake a long session on the ergo machines. Above right: Kenny Coplan, a member of the men’s blue boat crew, looks exhausted then writes in his times after his session on an ergo machine (below).

Kenny Coplan from the USA writes in his timings after a session on an ergo machine at the Goldie boathouse, Cambridge.

Brutal sessions on the various ergo machines, where thousands of metres are clocked and recorded, are a staple of the training regime set in place. If there is any slacking off the students just need to look up at one of the walls where a map of the Boat Race course hangs. The “S” shape of the Thames has been carefully coloured in the correct shade of blue and record timings for various key points on the course have been written in for both men and women. All but one record, and that one is shared, is held by Cambridge.

Four members of the men’s squad open up the doors of the Goldie boathouse looking out on the River Cam as they undertake a long session on the ergo machines.

Paddy Ryan, the women’s chief coach, talks to the women’s blue boat during a training session on the River Great Ouse in February.

A key ingredient in any successful team is the coaching. Cambridge’s setup is stable and well established. Paddy Ryan is the chief women’s coach, a genial, tall Australian, he has been part of the women’s coaching team since 2013. The care and devotion to his squad is perfectly clear. “I have my notebook next to my bed so I can jot things down. I wake up in the middle of the night going: am I making the right decisions? I care about them as people and I need to manage them … We joke as coaches that we are teaching some of the smartest people on the planet how to pull on a stick.”

Rob Baker, the chief men’s coach, has Cambridge rowing in the blood. Born and bred in the city, his father was a university boatman for 25 years. He even married into the sport – his wife, Hayley, rowed for Cambridge as a lightweight – so it was no surprise that he became part of the coaching setup way back in 2001. He was the first full-time women’s coach in 2015 then moved to take over the men in 2018.

Rob Baker, the men’s chief coach for the Cambridge University Boat Club, talks to his blue boat at their Ely training site in Cambridgeshire on 20 March 2024.

Rob Baker, the men’s chief coach, talks to his blue boat at their Ely training site.

Apart from an obvious role in the development of rowing skills, a key part of their job is making sure there is a balance for their student athletes. They understand they have to juggle training needs. “Every week we have a general plan,” says Baker, “but then someone might have an extra class or supervision they’ve got to do so we have to move around it. They are studying at one of the most competitive universities in the world with the highest standards so you’ve got to give them space to do that properly.” He goes on: “But when they get on the start line for their race, they’ll be just as competitive as if they were professionals.”

Jenna Armstrong and Seb Benzecry, the respective women’s and men’s presidents of Cambridge University Boat Club, hold a meeting to discuss their plans in the Great Hall at Jesus College on 5 March 2024.

The presidents

Jenna Armstrong and Seb Benzecry discuss their plans in the Great Hall at Jesus College.

Every year one man and one woman are elected presidents to represent Cambridge University Boat Club. They are the captains and leaders, not only responsible for helping design the training programme in conjunction with the coaches but also making budgetary and tactical decisions along the way. This year both of them, Jenna Armstrong and Seb Benzecry, are from the same college, Jesus, which helps the communication between the two of them. They share ideas and knowledge, thoughts and worries. Their lives, for these intense few months, are a juggling act.

Armstrong is a 30-year-old from New Jersey, and doing a PhD in physiology. Once a very keen competitive junior skier she was forced to abandon her hopes of a career on the slopes after a number of serious knee injuries. She only started rowing in 2011 and only became aware of the Boat Race when she saw it on TV a couple of years later.

Jenna Armstrong, the women’s president of the Cambridge University Boat Club, cycling down the Chimney, the grand entrance to Jesus College where she is a member, to go to the other side of the city to carry out more of her PhD research at the department of physiology, development and neuroscience.

Jenna Armstrong, cycling down the Chimney, the grand entrance to Jesus College, to go to the other side of the city to carry out more of her PhD research at the department of physiology, development and neuroscience.

The research she carries out at the university labs could be turn out to be life-saving. “I study mitochondrial function in placentas from women from all over the world to learn how genetic and environmental factors during pregnancy can influence placental metabolism and impact the health of both mother and baby. I’m particularly interested in growth restriction which affects about 10% of babies worldwide. That can have lifelong implications for these babies and currently we don’t have any treatment for this.”

Benzecry, 27, is studying for a PhD in film and screen studies, and comes from a completely different rowing background. He grew up just a stone’s throw from the Boat Race course and went to a school on the banks of the Thames. This will be his 14th year of competitive rowing but his fourth and last Boat Race.

“ I remember one year my birthday fell on race day and we watched after my birthday party. Because we live fairly close to the course, I’ve always felt connected to the race.”

Seb Benzecry, the men’s president of the Cambridge University Boat Club, stands next to an Antony Gormley statue in the Quincentenary Library at Jesus College as he conducts research for his dissertation as part of his PhD in film and screen studies.

Seb Benzecry stands next to an Antony Gormley statue in the Quincentenary Library at Jesus College as he conducts research for his dissertation which forms part of his PhD in film and screen studies.

Talking about how hard it is to get the right balance between academic student life and rowing, Benzecry says: “I guess you have to accept there are many, many things you can’t do, you just don’t have time for during the season. You have to put the blinkers on.”

Armstrong says: “I have to be very prepared, very strategic and organised. I pack everything the night before, and then once I leave my room in the morning, I don’t go back. That allows me to go to training, go to the lab, go to training again. It’s surreal actually, to come to a place like Cambridge, have one of the best educations in the world on top of the most incredible rowing experiences in the world. We have a thing now in the boat, when we are doing something incredibly hard, I say this is my ideal Saturday, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I would rather be here than in bed or on a date. And I make everyone else say it with me too. I’d rather be nowhere else.”

Benzecry states: “When it’s really bad, when training is so hard, we say Oxford aren’t doing this, they could never do this. It’s an incredibly powerful thing to be thinking we work harder than them, our culture is better than them. They don’t want to go hard as we do – they might think they do but they don’t, they just don’t have it.”

The Cambridge University Boat Club men’s and women’s blue boats during a training session on the Great Ouse, Cambridgeshire on.

Integration

The men’s and women’s blue boats during a training session on the River Great Ouse in February.

Until 1 August 2020, there were three separate university boat clubs in Cambridge: one for open-weight men, one for lightweight men, and one for open-weight and lightweight women. Since they merged to become one club, it has undoubtedly helped with everyone sharing the same resources and motivating and inspiring one another. No one is more important and everyone has a key part to play in the result. This year, Oxford have followed suit.

Baker says: “I definitely feel, for the athletes themselves, it makes a big difference. They all feel like they’re contributing to one common goal. Every cog in the wheel has to do its job but for sure it feels like one big team on a mission.”

Benzecry explains: “We’re seeing each other train, we’re all out on the water at the same time, we’re supporting each other throughout the season, building a sense of momentum for the whole club towards the races. Everyone’s just inspiring each other all the time and I think that’s been such a sort of cultural shift for Cambridge.”

The men’s blue boat pack their boat on to a trailer for the trip down to London for the Boat Race at their Ely training site, Cambridgeshire.

The men’s blue boat pack their craft on to a trailer at their Ely training site ready for the trip down to London for the Boat Race.

Siobhan Cassidy, the chair of the Boat Race, knows from first-hand how the integration has helped. She rowed for the Light Blues in 1995 and had a key role in the transition. “We could see the advantages of working together, collaborating as a bigger team, the positive impact we felt that could have on performance. But not just the output, actually the whole experience for the young people taking part.”

Siobhan Cassidy, the chair of the Boat Race, poses for a portrait in the Thames Rowing Club at Putney Embankment.

Siobhan Cassidy, the chair of the Boat Race, pictured at the Thames Rowing Club at Putney Embankment.

This Saturday, if the weather holds, an estimated 250,000 people, the vast majority of whom have no allegiance to one shade of blue or the other, will pack the banks of the Thames to see these races. It’s one of the largest free events in Britain. Broadcast live on BBC One, the race is also beamed to 200 countries across the world.

The starting stone for the University Boat Race at Putney Embankment.

The starting stone for the University Boat Race and pavement inscription: “The best leveller is the river we have in common” at Putney Embankment.

A map of the Boat Race course at the Goldie boathouse, with the Thames coloured in Cambridge blue and record timings written in for men and women showing almost total Cambridge dominance.

A map of the Boat Race course at the Goldie boathouse, with the Thames coloured in Cambridge blue and record timings written in for men and women showing almost total Cambridge dominance.

A sporting pinnacle being contested on a fast-flowing, unpredictable river by two teams of university students – it’s pretty bizarre. But maybe it’s that quirkiness that keeps the race, after almost two hundred years, still going strong. And even more bizarre to think that Cambridge, the current dominant force in the Boat Race, a sporting event that can’t shrug off its elitist stereotype, owes so much of that success to such egalitarian principles.

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  1. 50 Latest Sports IELTS Topics

    Some people think that competitive sports have positive effects on teenager education, while others argue that effect is negative. Discuss both view and give your opinion. ... Writing9 was developed to check essays from the IELTS Writing Task 2 and Letters/Charts from Task 1. The service helps students practice writing for IELTS and improve ...

  2. IELTS Writing Task 2

    534. By IELTS Practice Online. Some people think that international competitive sports such as football bring conflict between people of different age groups and nationalities. Others think the sport is helping reach understanding between people and nations. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Sample Answer.

  3. IELTS Writing Task 2: Sport (Discussion Essay)

    Those events also facilitate tourism and commercial activities that lead to more employment opportunities. In conclusion, many people disregard sports largely because they do not see the benefits of playing sports in their lives. However, I side with those who value sports as one driver of societal development. Tags. writing task 2.

  4. IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample 386

    IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay: You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Some people think that competitive sports have a positive effect on children's education while others argue that the effect is negative. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. You should write at least 250 words. Sample Answer:

  5. Some people think that competitive sports should be included IELTS Essay

    16. Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be encouraged. 17. Some people say that punishment is the best way to teach children IELTS essay. Some people think that competitive sports should be included IELTS Essay.schools should include competitive sports for the overall development of children.

  6. Sport and Exercise Essay Titles

    Essay questions for the topic of sport and exercise. Some people think that dangerous sports should be banned, while others think people should be free to choose. Discuss both views and give your opinion. (Reported 2017, 2020) Some people think that sport teaches children how to compete, while others believe that children learn team work.

  7. IELTS Essay: The Role of Sports in Society

    Analysis. 1. Many feel sports play an essential role in society while others believe they are simply for entertainment and relaxation. 2. From my point of view, though their stated purpose is leisure, sports serve key social and psychological purposes. Paraphrase the overall essay topic. Write a clear opinion.

  8. IELTS Essay

    Competitive sports and P.E. classes have always been a part of the school curriculum. However many people underestimate their importance and even think that team and individual sports should be abolished. My personal opinion is that such activities and sports are a "must" for kids and students and I strongly disagree with the prior statement.

  9. Competitive sports, both team and individual....(Band 9 Essay)

    Sample Essay 2. The contention that competitive sports, encompassing both team and individual disciplines, have no rightful place in the school curriculum is a subject of considerable debate. This essay disagrees with the assertion, positing that such activities are integral for holistic student development and foster invaluable life skills.

  10. IELTS Sports Essay

    Relevant Response: The IELTS writing task 2 is about academic writing. Your prerogative must be to present all the pointers. For instance, "Some people think that dangerous sports should be banned, while others think people should be free to choose.". In this topic, you need to write about both perspectives.

  11. IELTS Exam

    Before planning your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay, you need to have enough ideas. If you know the IELTS topics well, you will have more ideas of what to write. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. ... While competitive sports can play a useful role in developing a teenager, it is important that sports are monitored to ensure ...

  12. IELTS Writing Task 2: : Sports (Opinion Essay)

    IELTS Writing Task 2: : Sports (Opinion Essay) 2541. By IELTS Practice Online. Many companies sponsor sports as a way to advertise themselves. Some people think this is good for the world of sports, while others think there are disadvantages of this. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

  13. IELTS Essay # 1191

    In conclusion, international sporting events undoubtedly play a crucial role in fostering peace and stability worldwide. By providing a platform for nations to engage in diplomacy, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation, these events contribute to a sense of global unity and mutual understanding. Model Answer 2: [Disagreement]

  14. IELTS essay, topic: Some people think that sport in schools is a waste

    6 thoughts on "IELTS essay, topic: Some people think that sport in schools is a waste of time and resources, while others believe it is a vital part of education (opinion)" Jaa September 16, 2021 at 6:04 pm

  15. Sports Essays

    Sports Essays: IELTS Task 2 writing from candidates practicing for the test. They deal with earning, international sporting events, banning dangerous sports, and more. ... From my point of view, l strongly disagree with this argument that prohibiting adolescents from participating in sport competition for the sake of alleviating emotional stress.

  16. Some People Believe That Schools Should Include Competitive Sports As A

    Band 8 IELTS essay sample. According to some people competitive sports should be included in the school curriculum as an important subject whereas others think that it can be disadvantageous to kids. I think this move has more pros than cons and hence in my opinion schools ought to have competitive sports as a subject.

  17. Competitive Sports have a Positive Effect on the ...

    Hence, competitive sports have a positive effect on education by developing essential life skills. Repeatedly, it's seen that competitive sports have a positive effect on education, offsetting potential drawbacks. This summarises an 'IELTS Task 2 Band 9 sample essay' on the topic.

  18. IELTS Essay Correction: Competitive Sports are Good for Bringing

    Some people argue that competitive sports are good for bringing together different people and cultures. Others argue that these sports can cause problems and increase conflicts between nations. ... IELTS Essay Evaluation: Fixed Punishment For Each Type of Crime. IELTS Essay Evaluation: Living Close To Where They Were Born. IELTS Essay ...

  19. IELTS Essay: Competitiveness for Men & Women

    Analysis. 1. Men are stereotypically considered to be more competitive than women. 2. In my opinion, though this is ostensibly true, in fact, competitiveness just finds different expression in females. Paraphrase the overall essay topic. Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here. 1.

  20. IELTS Essay # 1368

    IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer. IELTS Essay # 1368 - Some people think sport teaches children how to compete . Details Last Updated: Sunday, 06 August 2023 21:50 Written by IELTS Mentor Hits: 6133 . ... In competitive sports such as athletics and swimming, children often strive to improve their personal bests and aim to ...

  21. Essay 40: The Impact of Competitive Sports on Child Education

    Sports provide an avenue for children to enhance their cardiovascular health, develop motor skills, and maintain a healthy weight. By promoting physical fitness, competitive sports can indirectly enhance a child's ability to focus and concentrate, positively influencing their academic performance. In conclusion, while concerns have been ...

  22. IELTS Essay # 92

    Firstly, competition motivates the children and encourages them to do better rewarding the one who stands at the top. Secondly, healthy competition maintains excitement and zeal in learning. Otherwise, children may find the session too boring. Thirdly, these are places where competition is of utmost necessity.

  23. IELTS Recent Writing Task 2 Question : Impact Of Sports On Children

    6 Min Read. In today's blog, we will be discussing the IELTS Writing Task 2 question that appeared in an exam recently- Discuss the positive and negative impact of sports on children and give your opinion. We will read a Sample Student essay, evaluate how it has been written and then talk about how we could have brainstormed about the topic.

  24. Pulling together: how Cambridge came to dominate the Boat Race

    The race along the River Thames between England's two greatest universities spans 195 years of rivalry and is now one of the world's oldest and most famous amateur sporting events. Our ...