GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 235
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that sports are important to society, while others think they are just leisure activities.
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.
Model Answer:
Sport is almost as ancient as human history. While many people believe that sports play a crucial role in society, others argue that sports are merely a free time activity. This essay will discuss both perspectives, but in my view, it is primarily a recreation activity.
Sport is an integral part of today’s community. In other words, sporting events are very often the centre of society, bringing individuals together. Every town around the world has its share of sports teams who play for the entertainment of countless spectators. Come rain or shine, for many, watching their favourite teams is the most significant part of the week. Like Sunday church, a visit to the stadium at the weekend gives meaning to many people. Apart from that, the widespread popularity of sports teams is also important for communities. Kolkata Knight Riders, for example, provides for thousands of people, generating a big amount of revenue. Every city across India has its own sports teams raising money, creating jobs, and keeping the local economy afloat.
Some, however, believe that sports are nothing but leisure activities and suggest treating them merely as pastime pursuits. They also believe, money and commercialization seriously tarnish the image of sports that hurts the community rather than helping. Athletes may resort to unethical means so as to win the games. To cap it all, supporters of teams may also resort to violence. A case in point is the Heysel Stadium disaster of 1985. Juventus supporters escaping from a breach by Liverpool supporters were crushed against a collapsing wall in the stadium, resulting in thirty-nine people’s death.
In conclusion, while sports play a vital role in society, I think that sport ought to be regarded as only leisure activities because games often cause severe conflicts and the commercialisation of it makes things worse for the community.