ESSAY INFORMATION:
Written by: Xuân Phi, 29/06/2021
Supported by: Ex-BC Examiner, 30/06/2021
Question: Some people believe that sport has an important role in society. Others, however, think that it is nothing more than a leisure activity for some people. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
(IELTS Academic – 19/06/2021)
ANSWER:
The importance of sports in society has recently drawn much attention. While many consider them purely to be recreational activities, I believe they can contribute to a more united world.
On the one hand, there are many individuals who play sports purely for pleasure. A clear example in this case is the casual football matches after working hours in various countries including Vietnam. Participants usually gather at local playgrounds or parks, forming teams and joining amateur pick-up matches. Their motivation is simply to release pressure and tension in a healthy and controlled way, taking a break from their everyday responsibilities including both work and domestic tasks. Very few of them indeed have the intention to start a career in sports or to develop professional networks when playing. The results of these matches are also of little significance to their local communities.
On the other hand, I am of the opinion that sports are vital in uniting nations. This can be seen in the case of the ping-pong matches that bridged the gap between the US and China in the early 1970s. This series of matches took place in the world table tennis championship in 1971 between players from each country, marking a thaw in pan-Pacific relations that paved the way for a visit to Beijing by a US president. Eventually, the US lifted the embargo on China, and both countries welcomed the resumption of more harmonious relations. This case is evidence that sports might play an indispensable part in easing tension and establishing relationships at an international level.
In conclusion, although the role of sports might be underestimated by many people, I contend that they are an effective instrument to forge initial relationships between nations. Therefore, international sporting events such as the SEA Games or the Olympics should be better invested and prioritised by hosting countries.
Word count: 306
WORD LIST:
| ENGLISH | TIẾNG VIỆT |
| pave the way for sth | tạo điều kiện cho cái gì đó xảy ra |
| global alliance | liên minh toàn cầu |
| past disputes and existing differences | xung đột trong quá khứ và sự bất đồng trong hiện tại |
| the process of globalization | quá trình toàn cầu hóa |
| indispensable part | một phần không thể thay thế |
| prominent factor | yếu tố đáng chú ý, nổi bật |
| facilitate tourism and commercial activities | tạo điều kiện cho ngành du lịch và các hoạt động thương mại |
| strengthen a player’s stamina, agility and immune system | tăng sức bền, sự nhanh nhẹn và sức đề kháng |
| bridge the gap | thu hẹp khoảng cách |
| embargo | cấm vận |
