IELTS WRITING SAMPLE

IELTS Writing Sample
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people say the government should not put money into building

theatres and sports stadiums; they should spend more money on medical care and

education.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

You should write at least 250 words.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own

knowledge or experience.

model answer:

What would the world be like without Shakespeare or the Olympics? While medical

care and education are perhaps the highest causes to which money can be

contributed, the arts and athletics are in some ways just as valuable. So, to

ask the government to not extend support to these two areas could be just as

detrimental to the welfare of society as the lack of sufficient health care and

education.
The Romans believed in “mens sana in corpore sano”. In short, that there is

indeed a correlation between a healthy body and healthy mind. When we are

healthy, we feel better and so are more likely to be productive academically.

Plus, the practice of sports can also teach us the very same discipline we need

for our studies. Why even a brisk walk or watching an exciting athletic match

can refresh the mind for greater work. Moreover, sports can serve to create

healthier bodies, which in turn would serve as a form of “preventive medicine”

thereby cutting down on medical costs. In the same vein, the arts are known to

induce a sense of well-being in performers and audience alike, reducing mental

problems and their associated physical manifestations and again, medical costs.

As such, building theatres and stadiums, which spur interest in the arts and

sports respectively, actually would be practically identical to spending money

on medical care and education!
Now I realize the question specifically addresses the building of theatres and

sports stadiums by government. Some people would contend athletics and the arts

can still be enjoyed and practiced without such constructions. I would hazard

that these buildings stand as the altars to the sports and arts worlds,

inspiring would-be athletes and performers. Without such venues where would

sports spectators and music aficionados be able to enjoy these events? Now some

other people would also say business could support their construction, but we

know the avarice of business could very likely jeopardize the lofty spirit of

athletics and the arts just as well. Therefore, allowing government to retain

some say in the matter on behalf of the people would, I believe, be in the best

interest of the people.
In short, as long as the government does no go overboard in its expenditures for

these buildings and uses such venues for the benefit of all, then, as mentioned

above, people will benefit in terms of both medical care and education as well.

This is not to say the government should neglect medical care and education, but

rather to think of this not as an either-or choice but as a win-win situation

IELTS Exam Preparation
http://www.ielts-exam.net Generated: 8 January, 2012, 17:38
for all.(434 words)
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IELTS Exam Preparation
http://www.ielts-exam.net Generated: 8 January, 2012, 17:38