You should spend about 40 minutes on IELTS writing task 2.
Some people think it is more beneficial to take part in sports which are played in teams, like football, while other people think that taking part in individual sports is better like tennis and swimming. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. You should write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer
Team sports such as football, basketball, rugby, and individual sports such as tennis, chess, and swimming are equally popular. Each sport has its advantages. In fact, some people play football and tennis. However, in my opinion, team sports have an edge over their individual counterpart. In the following paragraphs, I shall discuss both sides and explain which is beneficial for the community in the long run.
Team sports help develop the overall personality. Given a chance between exhibiting heroism and the team’s victory, one has to sacrifice the former for the latter. For example, in cricket, a batsman has to give priority to the team’s achievement over gaining individual scores. It also teaches the joy of togetherness and nurtures leadership skills. It also helps a person improve his relationship with others and develop communication skills, which are essential for survival. Above all, playing as a team is fun.
On the other hand, individual sports have their own merits. A person is solely responsible for success or failure. So, there is an increased sense of ownership. One has to concentrate more on the activity because any small distraction will lead to failure. All the more, one has to depend on his skills for success. So, he/she learns to work hard to improve their skills. There is also unlimited freedom when playing individual sports. The choices are wholly made by the player, and there are no cases of disagreements with others. The player is the captain, as well as the team member.
In conclusion, both sides have their merits and demerits. Though individual sports allow a person to be the complete owner of his success, I think team sports are the need of the hour. Team sports impart essential life skills like teamwork and sacrifice, which mould an individual into a better citizen of the world.
Structure of the essay
You were given a discussion essay for which you had to give an opinion. Choose a side. State your opinion on it.
Introduction:
Question Paraphrased – Team sports such as football, basketball, rugby and individual sports such as tennis, chess, and swimming are equally popular. Each sport has its advantages.
Opinion – However, in my opinion, team sports have an edge over their individual counterpart.
A thesis statement – In the following paragraphs, I shall discuss both sides and explain which is beneficial for the community in the long run.
Body Paragraph 1:
Topic: Team sports
Supporting points:
- Overall personality development
- Builds sacrificial tendencies
- Improves relationships
- Improves leadership skills and communication
Body Paragraph 2:
Topic: Individual sports
Supporting points:
- Sole ownership of success
- Improves concentration
- Makes the person work hard
- Gives freedom of choice
Conclusion: Reiterated the importance of team sports and supported the side taken in the introduction.