You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some people think that governments should ban dangerous sports, while others think people should have freedom to do any sports or activity. Discuss both 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.
Sample Answer
It is true that there is widespread concern over the practice of extreme sports, to the extent that some people argue that they should be outlawed by government legislation. While nobody should underestimate the risks, I would argue that people should be free to practice such sports if they so wish.
On the one hand, critics of dangerous sports give strong reasons why governments should impose an official ban on such activities. Firstly, they argue that such a measure is necessary on safety grounds. There have been numerous incidents where members of rescue services have had to put their own lives at risk to save extreme sports enthusiasts who are in life-threatening situations. Secondly, it is necessary at times to infringe on personal freedoms because people who lack the necessary experience or who are not in the peak of physical condition sometimes take up dangerous sports. Such irresponsible behaviour can only be prevented by banning these sports.
On the other hand, I concur with those who argue that people should be free to do extreme sports, although I believe it is necessary for individuals to abide by the safety rules. One reason is that the imposition of sensible safety measures has been proven to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries. For example, all sports which carry a significant element of danger, such as scuba diving or paragliding should be supervised by an experienced and professionally qualified instructor. Another factor is that there is now a range of essential sports gear to protect those who practice dangerous sports. Such equipment ranges from safety ropes and helmets to water- resistant clothing.
In conclusion, it seems to me that dangerous sports should be permitted, although those who take part have a responsibilty to adhere to the recommended safety procedures.
296 words.
Vocab Highlights
extreme sports: activities perceived as involving a high degree of risk
outlaw[verb]: to make something illegal or unacceptable
to impose an official ban on: introduce a new law, tax, rule, or punishment
on safety grounds: for safety reasons; to avoid danger or harm
life-threatening[adjective]: able to cause death
to infringe on: to take away or limit the rights or freedom of someone
in the peak of physical condition: the point of greatest health and physical strength
to take up: to begin to do something
to abide by: to accept or obey an agreement, decision, or rule
essential sports gear: the correct set of tools that will help you or protect you will playing any game or sport
to adhere to: to obey or closely follow a rule, a standard, an agreement