Plan this opinion essay about sport with the ideas and outline below, write it on a 40-minute timer, then compare it with a band-8 model answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Dangerous sports such as skydiving and mountain climbing should be banned because they put lives at risk.
Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
Pick two or three points from one or both columns. You do not need all of them, and your own examples score better than memorised ones.
Spend the first few minutes planning, then write.
0 words of 250 minimum
Your answer stays on this page only. Copy it before you leave.
Write your own answer first, then compare: how it answers the exact question, what each paragraph does, and which phrases you could borrow.
Sports such as skydiving and mountain climbing carry a serious risk of injury and death, and some argue that they should be prohibited. I disagree with this proposal, although I accept that the risks should be managed.
The case for a ban rests on cost and safety. Rescue operations, which may involve helicopters and teams of professionals, are expensive and are often paid for by taxpayers. They can also put the lives of rescuers in danger. Deaths and injuries cause great suffering to families, and some people believe that high-profile adventurers set a dangerous example for young people, who might try to copy them without proper training.
Nevertheless, I do not think that prohibition is justified. Adults have the right to make decisions about their own lives, and as long as they do not harm others, the state should not interfere. Many everyday activities, from driving a car to playing football, involve risk, and it would be inconsistent to ban only the most spectacular ones. Extreme sports also have benefits. They support tourism and create jobs in regions such as the Alps or New Zealand, where guides, instructors and hotels depend on adventure visitors. Participants often say that the thrill and challenge help them to build confidence, overcome fear and appreciate nature. A ban would probably drive these activities underground, where they would be even less safe.
A better solution is regulation. Authorities can require qualified instructors, licensed equipment and insurance, and climbers in dangerous areas could be asked to pay for their own rescue. This reduces both the risk and the burden on the public purse.
In conclusion, extreme sports are risky, but individual freedom and economic benefits outweigh the arguments for a ban, and strict safety rules are a more sensible response.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| extreme sport | sport with a high level of danger |
| adrenaline | hormone giving excitement |
| risk assessment | study of dangers |
| safety regulations | rules for protection |
| thrill-seeker | person who enjoys excitement |
| fatal accident | accident causing death |
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