violent sports should be banned essay

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Essay 229 – Dangerous sports should be banned

Gt writing task 2 / essay sample # 229.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people say that dangerous sports should be banned since they are deadly and life-threatening.

Do you agree or disagree with this viewpoint?

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

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer:

The growing popularity of dangerous sports has sparked a heated debate and many people insist on prohibiting life-threatening sports. I think otherwise and believe that it is the right of an individual to choose whatever sporting activity she or he wants.

The reason why a ban on adventurous yet risky sports is warranted is that these sports contain the potential hazard to athletes. Even a slight fault can ruin one’s life. An athlete can die if the parachute fails to open, for example, when he or she takes part in skydiving. A case in point is a 17-year-old US skydiver named John Nikola, whose parachute failed to open, plummeted 2000 metre to the ground and got killed instantaneously. In addition to the grave risk, these sports also encourage violent behaviour, thereby desensitizing society to dangerous activities. Therefore, opponents of dangerous sports urge the government to ban these sports.

The proponents of extreme sports have some valid arguments. Human rights and freedom, according to them, are violated by imposing such a ban on dangerous sports. They go on arguing that since athletes are keenly aware of menace from adventure sports, they should have the liberty to choose any activity or sport they find suitable for them. Besides, almost every sport possesses a risk to an extent. If the government prohibits all potentially risky sports, then there will be limited opportunity for individual’s choice and freedom, which ultimately undermines democratic values. Therefore, extreme sports should not be banned so as to exercise players’ democratic rights.

In conclusion, I believe that preventing individuals from participating in extreme sports due to the potential of inflicting fatal wounds is unjustifiable. People should have the freedom of choice to pursue their favourite adventurous sports. If an act does not cross others’ rights, a person has the rights to do it.

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Why boxing and cage fighting should be banned – but won’t be

Professor of Law, University of South Australia

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Rick Sarre does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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The death of Queensland professional boxer Braydon Smith last week has re-ignited the debate over boxing as a sport in this country. The 23-year-old collapsed 90 minutes after completing a featherweight bout in Toowoomba on March 14 and did not regain consciousness before his life-support was turned off last Monday. The Australian Medical Association used the case to renew its call to ban boxing .

Boxing Queensland president Ann Tindall responded by saying that the sport is no more dangerous than other contact sports. Braydon’s death was a “tragic accident”.

Boxing is dangerous. Boxers face a considerable risk of brain injury every time they step into the ring.

The evidence is not disputed. Highly influential for the supporters of an outright ban was the World Medical Association’s 1983 statement at its World Medical Assembly calling for such a ban. An article six years later in the Journal of the American Medical Association, entitled Why physicians should oppose boxing: an interdisciplinary history perspective, was equally damning.

Boxing authorities responded by mandating shorter bouts and prescribing strict weight divisions. Protective headgear is now required for all organised non-professional competitions.

An allied phenomenon has reared its head in the Australian sporting landscape. For the last decade, American pay TV has been screening the Ultimate Fighting Championship ( UFC ). Drawing worldwide television audiences, this form of virtually unrestrained human combat is drawing great interest in Australia.

The Australian Fighting Championship was held in Melbourne last weekend after the new state Labor government lifted the ban on “cage” fighting or mixed martial arts (MMA) events. Western Australia is now the only state in Australia to ban cage fighting.

Australian legislators have been reluctant to ban MMA entirely, probably because they don’t wish to be seen as evoking a “nanny” state.

Consent does not alter the consequence

Opponents of bans point to other sports that have a high risk of fatalities, such as horse racing, skydiving, motor sport and surfing. The problem for such advocates is that boxing and cage fighting share a unique characteristic: participants set out to “stop” their opponent, a euphemism for the infliction of harm that renders opponents unable to continue fighting. Knocking them unconscious is the ultimate “stop”.

A person arriving on Earth from another planet would find it difficult to reconcile different outcomes from the same scenario: two people throwing punches at each other with great force. In a boxing ring or cage, hundreds of onlookers cheer them on.

The same two people the following week outside a nightclub attacking each other with the same degree of force would be arrested by police, would spend the night in a lock-up and would be penalised with a fine in the magistrates court the following morning.

We explain the legal difference thus: the former involves the consent of both of the participants, and the latter probably does not (even if both protagonists had agreed to “step outside”). But the distinction would be lost on an alien observer.

The National Committee on Violence in 1990 weighed into this debate when considering the means by which Australians could reduce the levels of violence in our society. The authors of the report stopped short of recommending an outright ban on boxing, although a minority report recommended a review by the appropriate medical and sporting bodies regarding the control of boxing and its ultimate elimination as a sport.

Is it civilised to celebrate aggression?

Given its history, its Olympic and Commonwealth Games status, that it involves consenting adults, and the allure it has for millions of fans, there will be no change to the legal status of boxing in the foreseeable future.

Medical specialists and the mild-mannered among us might have hoped that the sport would have declined in popularity by now, either because of the number of deaths and brain injuries it causes, or through its reputation (especially in the US) for corruption. However, it appears to be as popular as ever. The tragic death of young Braydon Smith might, once again, challenge some participants to reconsider their pastime, but it won’t be the state that says that they have to stop it altogether.

Cage fighting elevates these concerns to another level entirely. The gladiatorial battles that drew the masses in the first century to the Roman Colosseum were a reflection of the cruel society of the day. One might question, watching the UFC channel and any other cage-fighting event, how much more civilised we have become in the intervening two millennia. Prime Minister Tony Abbott, himself a well-known pugilist in his Oxford days, in 2010 called for a “kinder, gentler polity”.

We should heed Abbott’s words, not only because of the dangers such fighting poses for its participants, but for the way in which it tends to de-sensitise us to the deliberate infliction of harm and to normalise aggressive behaviour in the minds of us all, especially our youth.

While criminologists may stop short of linking organised violence to the more than 400,000 assaults reported each year in Australia, cage fighting has no place in contemporary society.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Violence in Sports — Violent Sports And Its Negative Effects

Violent Sports and Its Negative Effects

• Categories: Boxing Violence in Sports Wrestling

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Published: Mar 14, 2019

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic: Dangerous Sports

Updated On Aug 05, 2024

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Get access to the IELTS Writing Task 2 band 9 sample answer of 'Some People Think That Dangerous Sports Should Be Banned’ here!

Table of Contents

Band 8 sample essay, band 9 sample essay.

IELTS Writing Prediction Questions for 2024

The Essay Writing section of the IELTS Writing Task 2 can be a difficult task for many IELTS Aspirants. Thus, it is vital that you polish your essay writing skills before attempting the IELTS.

Learn how to write the perfect IELTS Discussion Essay question essay for Band 9 score with the guide below accompanied by some Band 9 IELTS vocabulary !

Below is a sample IELTS Essay for the IELTS Essay topic:

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.

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Discussion essay

Introduction

• Paraphrase the topic of the discussion.
• Give a clear insight into the gist of the essay and what one could expect from the same.
• Paragraph 1 - Advocates of banning certain sports may argue that their inherently dangerous nature may threaten lives. As extreme conditions are a prerequisite for these sports, risks like equipment failure render players more vulnerable than in other sports.
• Paragraph 2 - I believe that people should have the autonomy to play any sports they want, regardless of their danger. This is because they can already decide for themselves whether to take part in several dangerous non-sport activities. If personal freedom is championed with regard to things like alcohol, one can argue that it should be extended to sporting pursuits as well. Instead of an outright ban on extreme sports, I believe there are ways to mitigate the risks attached to them. Sports associations could impose an age limit for extreme athletes to ensure only people who are fully developed physically are allowed to participate.

Conclude the essay by providing an inference made from the essay.

It is a common belief that we should strictly prohibit extreme sports due to the huge number of risks involved. In this essay, I am going to demonstrate that risk factors are present in all sports before suggesting that people should have the right to play any sports they want.

Advocates of banning certain sports may argue that their inherently dangerous nature may threaten lives. As extreme conditions are a prerequisite for these sports, risks like equipment failure render players more vulnerable than in other sports. For example, skydivers who freefall from enormous altitudes seem more prone to injuries or even death than players of ordinary sports. It not only imperils the lives of the people undergoing the severities post such injuries or mishappenings but also curbs one’s harmony as at times, the players may be rendered distraught and traumatized for life. This, as they say, is a clear lack of prudence and safety measures for the people participating in such sports.

In contrast, I believe that people should have the autonomy to play any sports they want, regardless of their danger. This is because they can already decide for themselves whether to take part in several dangerous non-sport activities. For example, those who reach the legal drinking age are free to purchase alcohol, the excessive consumption of which may have fatal consequences . If personal freedom is championed with regard to things like alcohol, one can argue that it should be extended to sporting pursuits as well. Instead of an outright ban on extreme sports, I believe there are ways to mitigate the risks attached to them. Sports associations could impose an age limit for extreme athletes to ensure only people who are fully developed physically are allowed to participate. Another solution is to bar players from practising or competing without the necessary protective gear. These measures would strike a happy medium without intruding on people’s personal freedom.

In conclusion, I believe people a re entitled to play dangerous sports if they want, and certain restrictions in lieu of a ban would help ease the safety concerns.

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The media commonly provides a barrage of news about dangerous sports as the deaths and injuries associated with them often make for spectacular headlines . As a result, some people have argued that all extreme sports should be banned, although I would argue that such a policy would be out of all proportion to the real risks involved.

Those in favour of prohibiting people from taking part in dangerous sports tend to focus on the risk element. Even when individuals may be physically and mentally prepared to participate in extreme sports activities, and even when they have all the right gear, the dangers are potentially existing . To take an example, some sports are challenging and fraught with danger as BASE jumping. Participants hurl themselves off cliffs, and few escape without suffering severe bruising or acute abdominal pains, which normally last for several days. In addition, although sports equipment rarely malfunctions, this may still happen and the consequences may be fatal. The supporters of legislation to ban dangerous sports argue that such tragic outcomes not only affect the individual victims, but also leave mental scars that their families then have to live with for the rest of their lives.

However, I support the view of those who contend that participation in extreme sports must be a matter of personal choice. Firstly, overcoming physical challenges may be a springboard for positive personal transformation. It may make a person stronger and more determined, and the experience may be a life-changing one. Secondly, the rigours of preparation in order to go mountain-climbing, white-water rafting or other such extremely strenuous activities demand that an individual is in the peak of health and physical condition. Finally, there is an ethical aspect that dictates that a person should have the freedom to pursue the challenges which they set themselves, even though this may involve a level of risk which others might find unacceptable.

In conclusion, while acknowledging the real risks, I would defend the right of any individual to take part in the extreme sport of their choice.

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IELTS Daily Essay Topic: Some people think dangerous sports should be banned.

• Updated on  
• Jun 5, 2024

Brainstorming Ideas

Refer to the following brainstorming ideas to get a better understanding of the answer.

Reasons for disagreement:

• Sports carry certain degrees of risk regardless of their nature.
• Can instil valuable life skills and qualities.
• Contributes to personal growth and self-discovery.
• These dangerous sports are closely monitored and regulated to ensure the safety of participants.

Q. Some people think Dangerous sports should be banned. Do you agree or Disagree?

Ans . It is often argued that dangerous sports should be prohibited because of their risks. However, I disagree with this viewpoint as they are important for personal development and teaching life skills.

Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that every sport carries certain degrees of risk regardless of its nature. For instance, even in seemingly harmless sports like cricket, there have been instances of serious injuries. Besides, dangerous sports can instil valuable life skills and qualities in participants. Sports such as rock climbing or water rafting require physical strength, strategic thinking, teamwork, and resilience. These transferable skills can benefit individuals in various aspects of their lives. Therefore, the argument that dangerous sports should be banned solely because of the risks involved is unjustified.

Secondly, participating in dangerous sports contributes to personal growth and self-discovery. Sports such as bungee jumping require participants to fight and overcome their fear of heights, thereby gaining confidence and a sense of achievement. This would not have been possible if such sports were banned. Additionally, these dangerous sports are closely monitored and regulated to ensure the safety of participants. Measures such as mandatory safety gear, professional supervision, and rigorous training programs are often in place. For instance, in motor racing, stringent safety protocols are followed, and the vehicles are equipped with advanced safety features. This ensures that participants can enjoy these sports with reduced risks, promoting both safety and enjoyment.

In conclusion, while dangerous sports carry risks, the benefits they offer regarding personal development, life skills, and enjoyment cannot be overlooked. Instead of banning these sports, efforts should be made to make them as safe as possible through proper regulation and safety measures. 

Paraphrased Statement: It is often argued that dangerous sports should be prohibited because of their risks.

Thesis Statement:  However, I disagree with this viewpoint as they are important for personal development and teaching life skills.

Body Paragraph 1-Topic Sentences: Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that every sport carries certain degrees of risk regardless of its nature. For instance, even in seemingly harmless sports like cricket, there have been instances of serious injuries. 

Body Paragraph 1- Supporting Reasons and Explanations: Besides, dangerous sports can instil valuable life skills and qualities in participants. Sports such as rock climbing or water rafting require physical strength, strategic thinking, teamwork, and resilience. These transferable skills can benefit individuals in various aspects of their lives. Therefore, the argument that dangerous sports should be banned solely because of the risks involved is unjustified.

Body Paragraph 2- Topic sentence: Secondly, participating in dangerous sports contributes to personal growth and self-discovery. Sports such as bungee jumping require participants to fight and overcome their fear of heights, thereby gaining confidence and a sense of achievement. 

Body paragraph 2- Supporting Reasons and Explanations:  This would not have been possible if such sports were banned. Additionally, these dangerous sports are closely monitored and regulated to ensure the safety of participants. Measures such as mandatory safety gear, professional supervision, and rigorous training programs are often in place. For instance, in motor racing, stringent safety protocols are followed, and the vehicles are equipped with advanced safety features. This ensures that participants can enjoy these sports with reduced risks, promoting both safety and enjoyment.

Conclusion: In conclusion, while dangerous sports carry risks, the benefits they offer regarding personal development, life skills, and enjoyment cannot be overlooked. Instead of banning these sports, efforts should be made to make them as safe as possible through proper regulation and safety measures. 

Vocabulary in Use

Linkers and Connectors Used:

Following are the linkers and connectors used:

• For example
• For instance
• In conclusion

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A moral tightrope: why do we accept violence in sports.

by Delphine Dion , 24.10.23 Follow

With ESSEC Knowledge Editor-in-chief

 With the Rugby World Cup this fall, fans are flocking to France from all over the world to cheer on their team. France’s star player Antoine Dupont captained les Bleus to the quarter-finals before getting knocked out by South Africa - this after suffering a fractured cheekbone and undergoing major surgery earlier in the tournament. Rugby players are no strangers to this type of injury - the field is dotted with players wearing “scrum caps” to protect from cauliflower ears and violent tackles are the name of the game. Why are we drawn to watching such a violent sport, when we know people are likely to get hurt? Delphine Dion (ESSEC Business School), Clément Dubreuil (Kedge Business School) and Stéphane Borraz (NEOMA Business School) explored this question, finding that viewers experience a sort of moral ambivalence and justify the violence as they watch. 

Rugby isn’t alone in this, either: American football, ice hockey, mixed martial arts and wrestling are other examples of violent contact sports that continue to enjoy popularity. In these sports, violence isn’t just incidental, it’s a key part of the game. Past research showed this violence cultivates emotional contagion and appeals to our baser instincts. This can lead to a confusing experience for the viewers, who enjoy watching even though they know violence is wrong. So what makes violence acceptable - and enjoyable - in sports? 

To better understand this contradiction, the researchers conducted 21 interviews with consumers (rugby fans) and nine with professionals in the rugby world and analyzed social media posts. 

All’s fair in love and war 

In their interviews, the researchers found that the interviewees often used war metaphors and vocabulary when describing rugby, a form of “translating” one reality (rugby) to another (war) by dramatizing the violence. This type of thinking can also be seen in New Zealand's traditional haka, traditionally performed by Maori warriors before a battle. All of this means that rugby is often seen as a war-like alternative reality, one where violence is fêted and justified. Violence is seen as the players fulfilling their duty and benefiting the community - defending their team and not letting the fans down.

It’s just a game! 

At the same time, this dramatization of violence is linked to also de-dramatizing the violence, and justifying it as “just a game”. Interviewees noted that it’s just for fun, and to win, with fans and players playing this up with songs and performances that poke fun at the violence. For example, the Stade Français has introduced pink, leopard print, floral, and other fun jersey patterns, to lighten the mood. While these might be parodies of violence, they do also normalize and justify it, by suggesting it’s not so bad and actually can be funny. 

It’s how it is

Another way that people justify the violence in rugby is by saying it’s the rules of the game. As long as a play is allowed, then it’s acceptable. One spectator explains: “You also have to distinguish between the pain inflicted by players who give their best and who are aggressive but play by the rules—which is all part of the game—and the pain that results from the actions of players who deliberately break the rules. [...]. When it is in the course of the game, when he is doing nothing wrong, a player who hurts another is doing his job, there is nothing to blame him for.” This is a common experience: when we encounter moral ambivalence, we look to the rules set out by what we see as legitimate institutions, in this case World Rugby. That being said, other spectators expressed concern about rising levels of violence and suggested the rules might need to change to curb this phenomenon. Instead of accepting the rules, they challenge them and suggest that new ones are needed. People also trust the official representatives, such as the referees, to enforce these rules. If the referees are seen as too lax, then the violence is more likely to be seen as inappropriate.

Lights, camera, action 

All the world’s a stage, and rugby is no different. The game’s broadcast plays a big role in how we perceive the match and thus the violence. Certain plays are shown over and over again, in slow motion and with freeze frames, whereas others can be shown only at a distance. When players are injured, they are surrounded (and therefore hidden) by medical staff, or even covered with a white sheet. When injuries are talked about, it’s often using euphemistic language: “it stings” rather than “it hurts”, for example. 

Broadcasting can even make violence aesthetic. Commentators often use language like beautiful and nice when describing the action, and #beaugeste (beautiful move) and #beaujeu (beautiful game) are popular hashtags during a game. There’s a big focus on the “art of the game”, with one spectator describing this as: “There is a beauty to rugby. It’s a bit like the Greek aesthetic of masculine strength, it exalts the group spirit. Like the Spartans, or Roman soldiers: the beauty of a well-ordered army, where everything is efficient.” This can result in a perception that violence is beautiful. All of this contributes to camouflaging the consequences of the violence and producing a distorted vision of it.

This study suggests that market players (fans, players, broadcasters, etc.) use different justifications to resolve the moral ambivalence of violence, by telling themselves that it’s like a battle, that there are rules to be respected, and that the game is a thing of beauty. These different strategies allow them to rationalize that the violence in rugby is okay, even though they wouldn’t accept violence in another context. 

Where to go from here?

While it may indeed be “just a game”, the rising levels of violence and associated injuries do give reason for concern. The researchers suggest three strategies to mitigate this:

Contextualizing : Competition organizers and broadcasters should think about how they contribute to normalizing violence, for example by showcasing the players as warriors. They should avoid using war references and parodies, and focus instead on player performance and technique.

Ruling : Since many market players justify the violence by referring to the rules, governing bodies should commit to regularly reviewing the rules to prevent high levels of injury. One example is that of spear tackles, a once widely accepted move that is now banned to protect players. 

Broadcasting : Policymakers and broadcasters have the opportunity to collaborate and produce a charter of responsibility when showing contact sports. This could reduce the distortion of violence and avoid glorifying it, by using direct language that properly describes injuries and pain, offering filters to avoid viewing violent content (particularly for young fans), and access additional content that explains the real risk of violence and injuries. This also concerns social media like YouTube, which compile short, violent and spectacular sequences taken from rugby games and totalize millions of views. 

Violent sports aren’t going anywhere: the Rugby World Cup 2023 has already drawn in 164.5 million viewers, and the tournament isn’t over yet. With so many eyes on the sport, it’s important to understand how people justify that this violence is acceptable even when it’s not in other contexts, giving us insight into the complicated human psyche.

To go further:

Dubreuil, C., Dion, D., & Borraz, S. (2023). For the love of the game: moral ambivalence and justification work in consuming violence. Journal of Business Ethics, 186 (3), 675-694.

• consumer behavior

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August 29, 2024

Some people think that dangerous sports should be banned, while others think people should be free

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., sample answer:.

There is a growing debate about whether dangerous sports should be banned or if individuals should have the freedom to choose whether to participate in them. This issue has sparked a lot of controversy, with valid arguments on both sides.

Those who advocate for the ban of dangerous sports argue that they pose a significant risk to the participants’ safety. They contend that these sports often result in severe injuries or even fatalities, and that society has a responsibility to protect individuals from unnecessary harm. Moreover, they argue that allowing such sports to continue perpetuates a culture of recklessness and disregard for personal well-being.

On the other hand, proponents of individual freedom argue that people should have the autonomy to make their own choices, even if those choices involve risk. They believe that banning dangerous sports would be an infringement on personal liberties and would set a dangerous precedent for further restrictions on individual freedom. Furthermore, they argue that participants in these sports are fully aware of the risks involved and should be allowed to pursue their passions without interference.

In my opinion, while it is important to prioritize safety and well-being, individuals should ultimately have the freedom to engage in activities of their choosing, even if they are deemed risky. However, this freedom should come with certain regulations and precautions to minimize the potential for harm. For example, strict safety guidelines and regulations should be enforced to ensure that participants are as protected as possible. Additionally, there should be informed consent, where participants are fully aware of the risks involved and take personal responsibility for their decisions.

In conclusion, while there are valid arguments on both sides of the debate, I believe that individuals should have the freedom to choose whether to participate in dangerous sports, as long as appropriate measures are in place to mitigate the associated risks.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Extreme Sports (Real IELTS Test)

by Dave | Real Past Tests | 3 Comments

This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay related to extreme sports from the real IELTS test.

This question was fun to write about – read it below!

If you are able, please consider supporting my efforts (and receiving exclusive IELTS Ebooks!) by signing up for my Patreon here .

Extreme sports such as sky diving and skiing are very dangerous and should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view? Real Past IELTS Tests

The increasing popularity of so-called extreme sports such as base jumping and rock climbing have led to backlash calling for them to be banned. Although these sports are potentially fatal, they should not be banned as they are also fun and can be undertaken responsibly.

The reason that many have demanded limits on extreme sports is their potential for injury and death. Take for example one of the most notorious extreme sports: base jumping. In this sport, participants jump off a given point (a cliff or building, for example) with a parachute. There is very little time before they hit the ground so unforeseen parachute malfunctions are possible and the fatality rate is extremely high. Those that do not die may suffer severe, debilitating injuries such as paralysis and brain damage. Base jumping is something of an outlier on the spectrum of dangerous sports but all these sports involve varying degrees of danger.

Despite the aforementioned concerns, I believe the fun people have outweighs potential injury when they are cautious. Base jumping is the most perilous extreme sport but other sports such as skiing, deep-sea diving, and rock climbing are relatively safe. Rock climbing is a good example of a sport that can be very safe and fun if proper precautions are taken. You should sign up for training and go with someone who knows how to safely rig up the harness and tie the requisite knots. Many people who try it end up become passionate rock climbers because it is an exhilirating experience. Most extreme sports, taken seriously, present little real danger and are an enjoyable pasttime.

In conclusion, extreme sports are fun and do not have to be particularly dangerous. People should take the opportunity to responsibly try out at least one extreme sport in their lives in order to see if it is to their liking.

1. The increasing popularity of so-called extreme sports such as base jumping and rock climbing have led to backlash calling for them to be banned. 2. Although these sports are potentially fatal, they should not be banned as they are also fun and can be undertaken responsibly.

• Paraphrase the overall topic – don’t spend too much time on this simple sentence.
• Give your opinion and make it clear.

1. The reason that many have demanded limits on extreme sports is their potential for injury and death. 2. Take for example one of the most notorious extreme sports: base jumping. 3. In this sport, participants jump off a given point (a cliff or building, for example) with a parachute. 4. There is very little time before they hit the ground so unforeseen parachute malfunctions are possible and the fatality rate is extremely high. 5. Those that do not die may suffer severe, debilitating injuries such as paralysis and brain damage. 6. Base jumping is something of an outlier on the spectrum of dangerous sports but all these sports involve varying degrees of danger.

• Write about the other side first.
• Begin your example for your main idea right away.
• Develop the same example.
• Keep developing it, don’t switch to a new example.
• Add as much detail as you can to you example.
• Generalise from your example with your last sentence.

1. Despite the aforementioned concerns, I believe the fun people have outweighs potential injury when they are cautious. 2. Base jumping is the most perilous extreme sport but other sports such as skiing, deep-sea diving, and rock climbing are relatively safe. 3. Rock climbing is a good example of a sport that can be very safe and fun if proper precautions are taken. 4. You should sign up for training and go with someone who knows how to safely rig up the harness and tie the requisite knots. 5. Many people who try it end up become passionate rock climbers because it is an exhilirating experience. 6. Most extreme sports, taken seriously, present little real danger and are an enjoyable pasttime.

• Talk about the side that you agree with in your third paragraph.
• Focus on a different example.
• Develop your new example.
• The more specific the details you include, the higher your task achievement and vocabulary scores.
• Include the result of your example.
• Conclude your paragraph by tieing it back to your main idea.

1. In conclusion, extreme sports are fun and do not have to be particularly dangerous. 2. People should take the opportunity to responsibly try out at least one extreme sport in their lives in order to see if it is to their liking.

• Repeat your opinion.
• Add in an extra detail or final thought.

Try to figure out what the words in bold mean:

The increasing popularity of so-called extreme sports such as base jumping and rock climbing have led to backlash calling for them to be banned. Although these sports are potentially fatal , they should not be banned as they are also fun and can be undertaken responsibly .

The reason that many have demanded limits on extreme sports is their potential for injury and death. Take for example one of the most notorious extreme sports: base jumping. In this sport, participants jump off a given point (a cliff or building, for example) with a parachute . There is very little time before they hit the ground so unforeseen parachute malfunctions are possible and the fatality rate is extremely high. Those that do not die may suffer severe, debilitating injuries such as paralysis and brain damage . Base jumping is something of an outlier on the spectrum of dangerous sports but all these sports involve varying degrees of danger.

Despite the aforementioned concerns , I believe the fun people have outweighs potential injury when they are cautious . Base jumping is the most perilous extreme sport but other sports such as skiing, deep-sea diving, and rock climbing are relatively safe . Rock climbing is a good example of a sport that can be very safe and fun if proper precautions are taken. You should sign up for training and go with someone who knows how to safely rig up the harness and tie the requisite knots . Many people who try it end up become passionate rock climbers because it is an exhilirating experience . Most extreme sports, taken seriously , present little real danger and are an enjoyable pasttime .

In conclusion, extreme sports are fun and do not have to be particularly dangerous. People should take the opportunity to responsibly try out at least one extreme sport in their lives in order to see if it is to their liking .

increasing popularity more and more common

so-called allegedly

base jumping jumping from a low point with a parachute

backlash calling for people objecting to

potentially fatal could kill you

undertaken responsibly done with care

demanded limits regulated

take for example consider the instance of

notorious infamous

participants people taking part in

given point a random spot

parachute opens to save your life after jumping….

unforeseen can’t be predicted

malfunctions doesn’t work

fatality rate the number of people hurt/dying

debilitating injuries handicapped

paralysis can’t move

brain damage mental handicaps

outlier outside the norm

spectrum the full range of

varying degrees different levels

aforementioned concerns what was mentioned before

outweighs is stronger than

cautious careful

perilous dangerous

relatively safe somewhat risk-free

proper precautions well-prepared

sign up for joining

rig up set up/get read for

harness holds you when climbing

requisite knots what you must tie to climb

end up finally

passionate love for

exhilirating experience exciting time

taken seriously not treated lightly

present little real danger not actually that risky

enjoyable pasttime fun hobby

responsibly try out take seriously

to their liking what they like

Pronunciation

ɪnˈkriːsɪŋ ˌpɒpjʊˈlærɪti   ˈsəʊˈkɔːld   beɪs ˈʤʌmpɪŋ   ˈbæklæʃ ˈkɔːlɪŋ fɔː   pəʊˈtɛnʃəli ˈfeɪtl ˌʌndəˈteɪkən rɪsˈpɒnsəbli dɪˈmɑːndɪd ˈlɪmɪts   teɪk fɔːr ɪgˈzɑːmpl   nəʊˈtɔːrɪəs   pɑːˈtɪsɪpənts   ˈgɪvn pɔɪnt   ˈpærəʃuːt ˌʌnfɔːˈsiːn   mælˈfʌŋkʃənz   fəˈtælɪti reɪt   dɪˈbɪlɪteɪtɪŋ ˈɪnʤəriz   pəˈrælɪsɪs   breɪn ˈdæmɪʤ ˈaʊtˌlaɪə   ˈspɛktrəm   ˈveəriɪŋ dɪˈgriːz   əˌfɔːˈmɛnʃənd kənˈsɜːnz aʊtˈweɪz   ˈkɔːʃəs ˈpɛrɪləs   ˈrɛlətɪvli seɪf ˈprɒpə prɪˈkɔːʃənz   saɪn ʌp fɔː   rɪg ʌp   ˈhɑːnɪs   ˈrɛkwɪzɪt nɒts ɛnd ʌp   ˈpæʃənɪt   ɪgˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ ɪksˈpɪərɪəns ˈteɪkən ˈsɪərɪəsli ˈprɛznt ˈlɪtl rɪəl ˈdeɪnʤə   ɪnˈʤɔɪəbl pɑːstaɪm rɪsˈpɒnsəbli traɪ aʊt   tuː ðeə ˈlaɪkɪŋ

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks with the vocabulary:

The ______________ of ______________ extreme sports such as ______________ and rock climbing have led to ______________ them to be banned. Although these sports are ______________ , they should not be banned as they are also fun and can be ______________ .

The reason that many have ______________ on extreme sports is their potential for injury and death. ______________ one of the most ______________ extreme sports: base jumping. In this sport, ______________ jump off a ______________ (a cliff or building, for example) with a ______________ . There is very little time before they hit the ground so ______________ parachute ______________ are possible and the ______________ is extremely high. Those that do not die may suffer severe, ______________ such as ______________ and ______________ . Base jumping is something of an ______________ on the ______________ of dangerous sports but all these sports involve ______________ of danger.

Despite the ______________ , I believe the fun people have ______________ potential injury when they are ______________ . Base jumping is the most ______________ extreme sport but other sports such as skiing, deep-sea diving, and rock climbing are ______________ . Rock climbing is a good example of a sport that can be very safe and fun if ______________ are taken. You should ______________ training and go with someone who knows how to safely ______________ the ______________ and tie the ______________ . Many people who try it ______________ become ______________ rock climbers because it is an ______________ . Most extreme sports, ______________ , ______________ and are an ______________ .

In conclusion, extreme sports are fun and do not have to be particularly dangerous. People should take the opportunity to ______________ at least one extreme sport in their lives in order to see if it is ______________ .

Listening Practice

Watch the video below to review about this topic:

Reading Practice

Read the article below to learn about the first extreme sport from the video above:

https://www.theatlantic.com/video/index/602047/fast-horse/

Student Sample Corrections

Read the corrections below to get some idea of your own score . Sign up for corrections here .

Recent years have witnessed the proliferation of extreme sports such as sky diving and base jumping as a form of recreational activities activity among youngsters. While it is often suggested that these dangerous sports should be prohibited for its their potentially deleterious effect s on players, I personally object to that idea because of the indisputable benefits these sports offer. [G1]  

On the one hand, opponents of adventure sports come up with numerous reasons why these sports should be banned. [G2]  First, since the inherently dangerous nature of extreme sports is life-threatening and traumatic, participants are bound to encounter serious injuries such as bone fracture s , head trauma and even fatal ities situations . For example, indulging in skiing down a slope at great speed or jumping off a cliff could cost players’ invaluable lives could cost someone their life in case of a slight est carelessness or equipment malfunction. Furthermore, if extreme sports athletets suffer from permanent physical handicaps, they will become burdens for their families and society because extra medical welfare shall be allocated for them. A reported heart-wrenching story of a father who lost his legs in a car race, leaving all financial burdens and responsibilities on the mother can be is a salient example for why these sports should be banned.   [G3]  

Notwithstan d ing the aforementioned arguments, I concur that adventure sports should be welcomed more are to be embraced . It has been scientically proven that engaging in any dangerous sports could can bolster participants’ personal lives happiness and mentality mental well-being . In fact, when by overcoming nerve-racking moments and conquering their own fears, players could can feel a sense of achievement and satisfaction, which adds to their personal experience and boosts their courage and self-esteem. For instance, a rock climber who has conquered Everest might mark that as his the most significant milestone and take pride in this accomplishment for his whole life. Another salient point [G4]  to clarify my view is that it is a human right to freely partake in any recreational activit y ies . If a person is willing to risk his life for an extreme sport to satisfy his desire, the endeavor of prohibiting those sports from governments will be merely in vain since he would likely secretly play engage in it elsewhere. [G5]  

To conclude, though the prohibition of adventure sports does appear plausible to some extent, I would argue that partici p ation in these sports offers far more enormous benefits and thus, should be encouraged. As long as players are fully well -equipped, well-trained and mentally prepared for the challenges of these risky sports, they can live their dreams and enjoy them to the fullest. [G6]  

Task achievement: 8

Lots of good support for both of your main ideas and a clear overall opinion. Your support was more concrete, specific and for one paragraph you focused on one main idea – well done!

Cohesion/coherence 8

Clear throughout and good referencing, ellipsis and paragraphing. You might want to look into theme/rheme which is the principle that in English writing is clearer if you put the topic/old information at the beginning of a sentence and what you want to say about it in the second part of the sentence (as in the last sentence of paragraph 2). Otherwise great!

Vocabulary 7

Great vocabulary throughout – good enough for band 8 but a few too many mistakes and poor word choice bring this down to a 7 this time.

Complex sentences great as usual but mistakes in almost every sentence and some simple ones with modal and articles bring this down to a 7.

  [G1] Great introduction!

  [G2] Good clear topic sentence and you develop that one main idea for the entire paragraph – well done!

  [G3] Swap around to make it: a salient example that supports banning these sports is…

  [G4] Salient is a great word but don’t use it in both paragraphs – try noteworthy

  [G5] Can’t fully develop this second main idea, so why have it at all?

  [G6] Perfect conclusion – how long is it taking you to write these? They are a little long…

Comment your questions/thoughts below!

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this sounds kinda hard tbh how am I gonna do it.

The sports?

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