IELTS Writing Task 2: Exercise And Sport (Two Part Question) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers
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The Prompt
Prompt: Some people believe that governments should invest more in promoting exercise and sport among young people. Others argue that individuals should take responsibility for their own physical fitness. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Model Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
Sample Answer:
In my opinion, both governments and individuals have roles to play in promoting physical fitness. Governments can build more sports facilities, which would encourage more people to exercise. For example, in my city, the government built a new gym, and now more people are going there to work out. On the other hand, individuals should also take responsibility for their health. If people do not want to exercise, no amount of government support will help them. For instance, some people have access to gyms but still choose to sit at home and watch TV. In conclusion, both governments and individuals need to do their part to promote fitness.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): Presents a position but with limited development. (Band 6)
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition. (Band 6)
- Lexical Resource (LR): Uses some appropriate vocabulary but with errors and limited range. (Band 6)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Makes frequent grammatical errors but generally conveys meaning. (Band 6)
Band 7.0 Answer
Sample Answer:
The debate over who should be responsible for promoting physical fitness among young people is a complex one. On one hand, governments can play a crucial role by funding sports programs and building facilities. For example, countries like Finland have successfully integrated physical education into their school curricula, resulting in higher levels of fitness among students. On the other hand, individuals must also take personal responsibility. While governments can provide resources, it is ultimately up to each person to make the effort to stay active. For instance, many people have access to gyms but choose not to use them. In my view, a balance between government support and personal responsibility is necessary for optimal results.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with some development and extension. (Band 7)
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. (Band 7)
- Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary with some errors. (Band 7)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Makes some grammatical errors but generally conveys meaning clearly. (Band 7)
Band 8.0 Answer
Sample Answer:
The question of whether governments or individuals should be primarily responsible for promoting physical fitness among young people is a contentious one. Proponents of government intervention argue that public funding for sports facilities and programs can significantly enhance fitness levels. For example, in countries like Australia, government-sponsored sports initiatives have led to a notable increase in youth participation in sports. Conversely, advocates for individual responsibility contend that personal discipline and motivation are essential. While governments can provide infrastructure, it is the individual's choice to utilize these resources. For instance, many people have access to state-of-the-art gyms but still lead sedentary lifestyles. In my opinion, a collaborative approach where governments provide resources and individuals take responsibility for their health is the most effective solution.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with thorough development and extension. (Band 8)
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and cohesive devices. (Band 8)
- Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of appropriate vocabulary with few errors. (Band 8)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Makes occasional grammatical errors but generally conveys meaning clearly and accurately. (Band 8)
Band 9.0 Answer
Sample Answer:
The role of governments and individuals in promoting physical fitness among young people is a multifaceted issue that warrants careful consideration. Those who advocate for government intervention posit that public funding for sports facilities and programs can yield substantial benefits. For instance, in nations like Norway, comprehensive government-sponsored sports initiatives have not only increased participation rates but also fostered a culture of physical activity among the youth. Conversely, proponents of individual responsibility argue that personal discipline and motivation are indispensable. While governments can provide the necessary infrastructure, it is ultimately the individual's prerogative to make use of these resources. For example, despite the availability of advanced fitness centers, many individuals opt for a sedentary lifestyle. In my view, a synergistic approach where governments provide ample resources and individuals take proactive steps towards maintaining their health is the most viable solution. This balanced approach ensures that the collective effort is maximized, leading to a healthier and more active population.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response (TR): Presents a clear, supported, and extended position with a logical conclusion. (Band 9)
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and sophisticated cohesive devices. (Band 9)
- Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of appropriate vocabulary with rare errors. (Band 9)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with rare errors. (Band 9)
Vocabulary Highlights
- Promote (verb): To encourage or support the growth or development of something.
- Example: The government aims to promote physical fitness among young people.
- Facilities (noun): Buildings, equipment, or services provided for a particular purpose.
- Example: The new sports facilities have encouraged more people to exercise.
- Responsibility (noun): The state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone.
- Example: Individuals must take responsibility for their own physical fitness.
- Integrate (verb): To combine or mix with something else so that the parts become a whole.
- Example: Finland has successfully integrated physical education into its school curriculum.
- Sedentary (adjective): Involving little exercise or physical activity.
- Example: Many people lead sedentary lifestyles despite having access to gyms.
- Collaborative (adjective): Produced or done by two or more parties working together.
- Example: A collaborative approach is necessary for optimal results.
- Contentious (adjective): Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.
- Example: The debate over who should be responsible for promoting fitness is contentious.
- Proponents (noun): A person who advocates for a particular cause or proposal.
- Example: Proponents of government intervention argue for public funding of sports facilities.
- Prerogative (noun): A right or privilege exclusive to a particular individual or group.
- Example: It is the individual's prerogative to make use of available resources.
- Synergistic (adjective): The interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
- Example: A synergistic approach ensures that the collective effort is maximized.
- Comprehensive (adjective): Including or dealing with all or nearly all aspects of something.
- Example: Comprehensive government-sponsored sports initiatives have increased participation rates.
- Foster (verb): To encourage the development of something, especially something desirable.
- Example: Government initiatives have fostered a culture of physical activity.
- Indispensable (adjective): Absolutely necessary.
- Example: Personal discipline and motivation are indispensable for maintaining fitness.
- Prerogative (noun): A right or privilege exclusive to a particular individual or group.
- Example: It is the individual's prerogative to make use of available resources.
- Viable (adjective): Capable of working successfully; feasible.
- Example: A balanced approach is the most viable solution.
- Collective (adjective): Done by people acting as a group.
- Example: The collective effort is maximized with a balanced approach.
- Benefits (noun): An advantage or profit gained from something.
- Example: Public funding for sports facilities can yield substantial benefits.
- Infrastructure (noun): The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
- Example: Governments can provide the necessary infrastructure for fitness.
- Proactive (adjective): Creating or controlling a situation by causing something to happen rather than responding to it after it has happened.
- Example: Individuals should take proactive steps towards maintaining their health.
- Viable (adjective): Capable of working successfully; feasible.
- Example: A balanced approach is the most viable solution.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Lack of Clear Position: Students often fail to present a clear position on the issue, leading to a lower score in Task Response.
- Inadequate Development: Many answers do not develop ideas thoroughly, resulting in a lack of depth and extension.
- Poor Vocabulary Choice: Using inappropriate or repetitive vocabulary can negatively impact the Lexical Resource score.
- Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can make the writing difficult to understand, affecting the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.
- Weak Cohesion: Poor use of cohesive devices can make the writing disjointed and hard to follow, impacting the Coherence and Cohesion score.
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