IELTS Writing Task 2: Forecast and practice exercises: #Solo #Team #Sports #Opinion

Forecast IELTS Task Question:

Some people think that it is more beneficial to take part in sports which are played in teams, like football. But others think taking part in individual sports is better, like tennis or swimming. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. (society)

View the list of forecast essay questions for June 2023 here.

Topic Vocabulary Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate words related to sports and society. Choose the correct word from the options given in brackets.

1. Many argue that team sports have a significant __________ (impact / consequence) on social integration and community bonding.
2. Individual sports like tennis and swimming provide opportunities for personal __________ (growth / expansion) and self-improvement.
3. Teamwork in sports such as football and basketball fosters a sense of __________ (unity / solitude) and cooperation among players.
4. Playing in a team sport can develop important __________ (skills / abilities) such as leadership, communication, and collaboration.
5. Individual sports require __________ (dedication / negligence) and self-discipline to achieve success.
6. Engaging in team sports can enhance one’s __________ (confidence / uncertainty) and build a sense of belonging.
7. Participating in individual sports offers individuals a chance to set and achieve their own __________ (ambitions / contentment).
8. Team sports teach valuable __________ (values / principles) like sportsmanship, fair play, and respect for others.
9. The popularity of team sports contributes to the overall __________ (well-being / despair) of a society by promoting physical fitness and a sense of camaraderie.
10. Engaging in individual sports can promote a sense of __________ (autonomy / conformity) and personal freedom.

Answers:

1. impact
2. growth
3. unity
4. skills
5. dedication
6. confidence
7. ambitions
8. values
9. well-being
10. autonomy

Exercise 2:  Choose the best option (A, B, C, or D) to complete each sentence.

1. Team sports promote ___________ among players.

A) collaboration

B) independence

C) self-discipline

D) self-improvement

2. Engaging in individual sports can help individuals develop a sense of ___________.

A) unity

B) teamwork

C) autonomy

D) cooperation

3. Team sports contribute to the ___________ of a society by encouraging social interaction.

A) isolation

B) division

C) integration

D) exclusion

4. Individual sports require ___________ and determination to achieve personal goals.

A) leadership

B) motivation

C) communication

D) camaraderie

5. Team sports teach important ___________ such as sportsmanship and fair play.

A) ambitions

B) values

C) contentment

D) negligence

Answer Key:

1. A) collaboration
2. C) autonomy
3. C) integration
4. B) motivation
5. B) values

Answers:

Reasoning Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Match the arguments (A to F) with the corresponding specific examples or statistics (1, 2, 3, or 4) to support the arguments.

Arguments:

1. Team sports promote better social skills and teamwork.
2. Individual sports provide more opportunities for personal growth and self-improvement.
3. Team sports create a sense of belonging and community.
4. Individual sports offer greater flexibility and independence.

Specific examples or statistics

1. A recent analysis conducted by the International Sports Institute demonstrated that 90% of individuals participating in individual sports expressed a higher level of flexibility and independence in their training and competition schedules compared to those engaged in team sports.
2. A research study conducted by the Sports Psychology Research Institute revealed that 85% of individuals involved in team sports reported a stronger sense of belonging and community compared to those who engaged in individual sports.
3. According to a survey conducted by the Sports Association of America, 70% of individuals participating in individual sports reported a higher level of self-discipline and self-motivation, leading to enhanced personal growth and self-improvement.
4. In a study conducted by the National Institute of Sports, it was found that 80% of individuals who participated in team sports reported improved communication and collaboration skills compared to those who engaged in individual sports.

Answers:

A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1

Exercise 2: Choose the best supporting detail to support the arguments for each viewpoint. Select the most appropriate option for each argument.

1. Argument: Team sports promote better social skills and teamwork.

a) Team sports allow individuals to develop leadership skills and learn to work collaboratively with others.

b) Team sports provide opportunities for personal growth and self-improvement.

c) Team sports offer greater flexibility and independence in training and competition schedules.

2. Argument: Individual sports provide more opportunities for personal growth and self-improvement.

a) Individual sports foster a sense of belonging and community among athletes.

b) Individual sports allow athletes to tailor their training and competition schedules according to their specific needs and goals.

c) Individual sports promote better social skills and teamwork.

3. Argument: Team sports create a sense of belonging and community.

a) Team sports offer greater flexibility and independence in training and competition schedules.

b) Team sports allow athletes to develop leadership skills and learn to work collaboratively with others.

c) Team sports provide opportunities for personal growth and self-improvement.

Answers:

1. Argument: Team sports promote better social skills and teamwork.

Answer: a) Team sports allow individuals to develop leadership skills and learn to work collaboratively with others.

2. Argument: Individual sports provide more opportunities for personal growth and self-improvement.

Answer: b) Individual sports allow athletes to tailor their training and competition schedules according to their specific needs and goals.

3. Argument: Team sports create a sense of belonging and community.

Answer: b) Team sports allow athletes to develop leadership skills and learn to work collaboratively with others.

Exercise 3: Read the following arguments about the benefits of team sports and individual sports, and choose the option that best provides a specific example or statistic to support each argument.

1. Argument: Team sports promote cooperation and teamwork.

A. According to a study conducted by the University of California, team sports can enhance cooperation skills by fostering communication and collaboration among teammates.

B. Experts agree that team sports teach important life skills, such as teamwork and compromise.

2. Argument: Individual sports develop self-discipline and personal responsibility.

A. Research shows that athletes who engage in individual sports, such as swimming, often develop self-discipline due to their rigorous training schedules and personal motivation.

B. A survey conducted by Sports Psychology Today revealed that 80% of professional tennis players credit their success to their high level of personal responsibility and dedication.

3. Argument: Team sports promote social interaction and networking.

A. Studies have found that individuals who participate in team sports are more likely to form strong social bonds and develop a supportive network of friends and teammates.

B. The National Sports Association reported that team sports participants have a 30% higher chance of networking and building professional connections compared to individuals engaged in individual sports.

4. Argument: Individual sports foster independence and self-reliance.

A. According to a survey conducted by the International Journal of Sports Psychology, individuals involved in individual sports, like running, are more likely to develop a sense of independence and self-reliance, as they rely solely on themselves for performance outcomes.

B. Research indicates that individuals who excel in individual sports often have a higher sense of self-confidence and independence compared to those involved in team sports.

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5. Argument: Team sports teach valuable communication and leadership skills.

A. A study conducted by Harvard University demonstrated that individuals who participate in team sports, such as basketball, acquire better communication and leadership skills through constant interaction with teammates.

B. An analysis of successful CEOs revealed that a significant number of them had a background in team sports, indicating the positive impact on leadership skills developed through such activities.

6. Argument: Individual sports allow for personal growth and self-awareness.

A. Research conducted by the International Journal of Exercise Science suggests that individuals involved in individual sports, like yoga, experience increased self-awareness and personal growth due to the solitary nature of their practice.

B. According to a survey conducted by Fitness Magazine, 90% of individuals practicing individual sports reported enhanced self-esteem and personal development as a result of their engagement.

7. Argument: Team sports provide a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

A. A study published in the Journal of Sports Psychology highlighted that individuals participating in team sports, such as soccer, often develop a sense of belonging and camaraderie due to shared goals and experiences.

B. An analysis of community sports clubs revealed that team sports participants reported higher levels of social support and a greater sense of belonging compared to those involved in individual sports.

Answers:

1. A
2. B
3. A
4. A
5. A
6. B
7. A

Detailed Outline 1: for IELTS Essay Forecast

Introduction:

• Introduce the topic of the discussion: the advantages of team sports versus individual sports.
• Present the writer’s opinion: the choice between team and individual sports depends on personal preferences, goals, and circumstances

Topic Sentence: Advocates of team sports contend that participating in such activities can be highly advantageous.

Social Interaction and Camaraderie

• Explanation: Team sports provide ample opportunities for social interaction and foster camaraderie among teammates.
• Example: Deep bonds and friendships formed with teammates
• Result: Enhances social skills, emotional support, and overall happiness
• Counter-argument: Dependency on others
• Example: Performance influenced by teammates
• Opinion: Individuals with specific objectives or circumstances may prefer individual sports.

Topic Sentence: Conversely, proponents of individual sports argue that engaging in such activities holds distinct advantages.

Personal Achievement and Recognition

• Explanation: Individual sports offer opportunities for personal achievement and recognition.
• Example: Direct credit for accomplishments based on individual effort
• Result: Personal satisfaction, boosted self-esteem, tangible measure of progress and success
• Counterargument: Lack of social interaction
• Example: Independent training and competition in individual sports
• Result: Reduced social bonding, potential sense of isolation, missed opportunities for interpersonal growth
• Opinion: Individuals with different objectives or circumstances may prefer team sports.

Conclusion:

• Recap the main points discussed in both body paragraphs.
• Reaffirm the writer’s opinion that the choice between team and individual sports depends on personal preferences, goals, and circumstances

Model Essay 1

The debate surrounding team sports versus individual sports has persisted. While some argue in favor of team sports like football, others advocate for individual sports such as tennis or swimming. In my opinion, the choice between team and individual sports depends on personal inclinations, objectives, and situations.

Supporters of team sports emphasize the numerous benefits associated with such activities. One notable advantage is the opportunity for social interaction and camaraderie among teammates. Team sports provide ample chances for players to connect and develop deep friendships. This enhances their social skills, offers emotional support, and contributes to overall happiness. For example, the close-knit relationships formed on the football field can endure a lifetime. However, it is important to acknowledge that dependence on teammates can have drawbacks, as one’s performance may be influenced by their abilities or commitment. This may not be suitable for individuals with specific aims or circumstances who prefer the independence offered by individual sports.

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On the other hand, proponents of individual sports argue that engaging in such activities offers distinct advantages. One primary benefit is the opportunity for personal achievement and recognition. In individual sports, success is directly attributed to individual effort, allowing athletes to receive direct credit for their accomplishments. This fosters personal satisfaction, boosts self-esteem, and provides tangible measures of progress and success. However, it is crucial to consider that individual sports often lack the social interaction found in team sports. Athletes in individual sports undergo independent training and competition, which can result in reduced social bonding, a potential sense of isolation, and missed opportunities for personal growth. Therefore, individuals with different objectives or circumstances may prefer the social dynamics and sense of belonging offered by team sports.

In conclusion, the selection between team sports and individual sports hinges on personal inclinations, objectives, and circumstances. Team sports provide opportunities for social interaction, camaraderie, and emotional support, albeit with potential reliance on others. Conversely, individual sports offer personal achievement, recognition, and autonomy, albeit with limited social interaction and bonding. Ultimately, individuals should consider their own aspirations and situations when deciding which type of sport to pursue.

349 words

Detailed Outline 2: for IELTS Essay Forecast

Introduction:

• Background information on the topic of choosing a type of sport
• Thesis statement: In my opinion, individuals should consider their needs when deciding which type of sport to pursue, as both team sports and individual sports offer unique benefits and drawbacks.

Topic sentence: Some believe that team sports are more beneficial than individual sports.

• Reason: Collaboration and camaraderie fostered in team sports.
  • Result: Development of social skills and teamwork.
• Benefits: Competition and healthy rivalries in team sports. Access to coaching, training resources, and specialized facilities in team sports.
• Drawbacks: Time-consuming nature of team sports.
  • Explanation: Regular attendance at practices and games.
  • Example: Football players working together for victories.
• Opinion: Consider individual needs when choosing a sport.

Topic sentence: On the other hand, some people believe that individual sports offer many benefits that team sports do not.

• Benefit: Focus on individual performance.
• Explanation: No need to worry about others’ performance.
• Example: Tennis players improving skills through self-focus.
• Benefits: Self-discovery, personal growth, exploring strengths and weaknesses.
• Drawbacks: Limited teamwork and social interaction in individual sports.
  • Result: Potential isolation and reduced motivation.
• Rebuttal: Consider personal needs when choosing a sport.

Conclusion:

• Summarize the benefits and drawbacks of both team sports and individual sports.
• Reinforce the importance of individual choice in determining the most suitable type of sport

Model Essay 2 

The choice between team sports and individual sports poses a dilemma for individuals in today’s society. While some argue for the superiority of team sports, others advocate for the unique advantages of individual sports. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my opinion that considering personal needs is crucial as both options have their own strengths and weaknesses.

Supporters of team sports contend that such activities promote collaboration and camaraderie among participants, fostering social skills and emphasizing cooperation. Moreover, team sports offer opportunities for healthy competition and rivalries, igniting motivation for excellence. Additionally, team sports typically provide access to coaching, training resources, and specialized facilities, facilitating athletes in realizing their maximum potential. However, it is important to note that team sports can be time-consuming, requiring regular attendance at practices and games, which may pose challenges for individuals with busy schedules or other responsibilities. Therefore, it is essential to take personal circumstances into consideration when selecting a sport.

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On the other hand, advocates of individual sports highlight the advantages of focusing on personal performance. In individual sports, athletes can concentrate solely on their own progress and goals, free from concerns about the performance of others. For instance, tennis players enhance their skills through self-focus and unwavering dedication. Individual sports also encourage self-discovery and personal growth as athletes independently explore their strengths and weaknesses. However, a potential drawback of individual sports is the limited scope for teamwork and social interaction, which may lead to feelings of isolation and decreased motivation. Hence, striking a balance and considering personal needs is crucial when choosing a sport.

In conclusion, both team sports and individual sports offer their own distinct advantages and disadvantages. While team sports encourage collaboration, bonding, and social skills, individual sports prioritize personal growth but lack teamwork and interaction. Therefore, it is crucial for each individual to carefully evaluate and select their preferred sport.

312 words