Some people think that sports involving violence, such as boxing and martial arts, should be banned from TV as well as from international sporting competitions. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Same questionCompare 2 different answers (Band 7.5–8)

Sample Response

1

Some believe that combatfierce sports like mixed martial arts, fencing, and boxing promote aggression and desensitize viewers to violence, and therefore should be banned from televisionmedia and international competitions. I disagree becauseI tend to disagree as I understand that these sports have cultural and historical significance, their portrayal can be seen as a form of artistic expression, and they are conducted in a controlled environment with safety protocols in place.

2

One key reason to permit such sportsOne crucial reason for the acceptance of such sports in media and international competitions is their cultural and historical significance. These sports often have deep-rooted traditions and rituals that are highly important tohold great importance for specific communities and societies. For instance, traditional martial arts like judo and kung fu are not only competitive sports but also essential elements of cultural heritage in their respective countries. Banning such sports could result in the loss of valuable cultural practices that have been passed down through generations.

3

Furthermore, the representation of combatfierce sports in media and competitions can serve as a platform for promoting understanding and appreciation of different cultures. Consider the Olympic Games, where combat sports like boxing and taekwondo are celebrated as part of thisthe global event. The inclusion of such sports allows athletes from diverse backgrounds to showcase their skills and foster mutual respect among nations. The controlled and regulated environment in which these events take place helps minimise harm to participantsmakes sure that they are not violent and harmful. Organizations governing such sports have implemented strict rules and safety measures to ensure the well-being of athletes. For example, in professional boxing matches, referees closely monitor the bout, and medical teams are present to provide immediate assistance in the event of injuryin case of injuries.

4

In conclusion, while there are concerns about the potential negative effects of violent sports in media and international competitions, their cultural and historical significance, as well as the controlled environment in which they take place, justify their continued acceptanceprovide valid justifications for their acceptance.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 7.5

Your response presents a clear, sustained disagreement and develops its strongest case through relevant cultural and safety examples. Its main limitation is that television coverage and international competition are often treated as one issue, while the promised artistic-expression point is not developed. Prioritise analysing those two settings separately and support each reason with a more precise explanation of why a ban would be unjustified.

Band score breakdown

IELTS Writing Criteria Scores

TR

Task Response

7.5
Scoring rule

The response maintains a clear position and supports it with relevant, generally well-developed cultural and safety arguments.

Next step

Develop the artistic-expression claim and analyse television coverage separately from participation in competitions.

CC

Coherence and Cohesion

7.5
Scoring rule

Ideas progress logically through clear paragraphs, although the third paragraph combines cultural promotion and safety regulation rather densely.

Next step

Give each major justification its own focused paragraph and make the relationship between examples and claims more explicit.

LR

Lexical Resource

7.5
Scoring rule

Vocabulary is varied and generally precise, with effective topic-specific language despite a few awkward choices such as "fierce sports."

Next step

Choose more neutral, exact terms for combat sports and avoid slightly overstated or imprecise formulations.

GRA

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

8.0
Scoring rule

A wide range of complex structures is used accurately, and the few minor awkward constructions do not impede communication.

Next step

Refine coordination and clause boundaries in longer sentences to make already strong grammar more concise and natural.

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IELTS Writing Task 2

Some people think that sports involving violence, such as boxing and martial arts, should be banned from TV as well as from international sporting competitions. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Your response

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