You should spend about 40 minutes on IELTS writing task 2.
Some people think that the government should ban dangerous sports, but others think that people should have the freedom to do whatever sport activities they choose. Discuss both views and give your 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
Nowadays, dangerous sports such as bull riding, paragliding, scuba diving, etc are gaining popularity. Some people believe the government should ban such dangerous sports. Whereas, others believe that individual choices of people should not be compromised. However, in my opinion, people should be allowed to get themselves involved in whatever sports they like, as long as they are aware of the negative consequences. In the following paragraphs, I shall discuss both views and explain why freedom of choice is important in the community.
Games like paragliding, scuba diving, bull riding, and bungee jumping are highly dangerous. Getting involved in such sports can cause severe injuries, and sometimes death. Some people believe that the government should ban these activities because they think life is far more valuable than these short-lived enjoyments. They also argue that it is necessary to ban these activities to keep a check on the individuals’ safety. Moreover, if a ban is imposed, it will stop people from being involved in these activities. People get involved in these sports for pleasure and excitement without getting educated about the negative consequences. Rather it is important for people to be aware of the dangers that exist in extreme sports. A great number of people who get involved in such activities are youngsters, and a ban will undoubtedly limit their involvement in such dangerous sports.
However, others believe that the government should not violate freedom of choice. Some people are exceptionally well at performing these activities, such as paragliding and scuba diving. Because of this talent, they get to perform in events like the Olympics. Moreover, It is not right to exert control over the rights of individuals. If people are well informed and educated about the negative consequences and still choose to involve themselves in these sports, the government should not impose a ban on them. A ban will also decrease individuals’ participation rate in events like the Olympics, and their talents will go waste. Given adequate training under expert surveillance, one can practice any game, no matter how dangerous it is.
In conclusion, although these sports are extremely dangerous, I believe that the government should not restrict people’s choice to get involved in these sports through the ban.
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 – Nowadays, dangerous sports such as bull riding, paragliding, scuba diving, etc are gaining popularity. Some people believe the government should ban such dangerous sports. Whereas, others believe that individual choices of people should not be compromised.
Opinion – However, in my opinion, people should be allowed to get themselves involved in whatever sports they like, as long as they are aware of the negative consequences.
A thesis statement – In the following paragraphs, I shall discuss both views and explain why freedom of choice is important in the community.
Body Paragraph 1:
Central idea: Dangerous sports – Necessity of a ban
Supporting points:
- Causes extremely serious injury
- Government can keep a check on the safety of individuals
- Value of human life
- Less awareness of the negative consequences
Body Paragraph 2:
Central idea: Dangerous sports – Importance of freedom of choice
Supporting points:
- Freedom of choice
- Talented individuals
- Ban will reduce the participation rate
- Well educated about the negative consequences
Conclusion:
Reiterated the importance of freedom of choice and supported the side taken in the introduction.