IELTS

1. We live in a world where health and safety is more and more important. One of the
signs of this people want the government to ban dangerous sports. While I
understand that argument, my view is that people should be free to do whatever
sports they want.
We live in a world where health and safety is an ever greater priority. One of the
signs of this is the demand that dangerous sports should be banned. While I
understand that argument, my view is that, within certain limits, people should
retain the freedom to participate in whatever sports they choose.
The biggest reason for objecting to dangerous sports is that they can be very
dangerous and can sometimes kill people. More than that, it is not just the
sportspeople who are in danger, but spectators too can be badly hurt. If, for
example, a Formula 1 car crashes, the driver may be hurt and it is possible that
people in the crowd will be too. Because of this danger, it is understandable why
people want the government to ban these sports.
The principal reason for objecting to extreme sports is of course that they can be
highly dangerous and sometimes life-threatening. More than that, it is not just the
participants who are at risk, but spectators too can be seriously injured. If, for
example, a Formula 1 car crashes, the driver may not escape unharmed and there is
also a chance that a bouncing tyre or debris will fly into the crowd. Given this level
of danger, it is understandable why people call for the authorities to take action.
The opposite argument is that people should be free to do whatever risk they want.
So, if someone wants to jump out of a plane, then they should be allowed to and
the government cannot say what they should do. A further point is that many
dangerous sports are not very risky and it is as dangerous doing everyday activities
such as crossing the road or cooking a meal as bungee jumping.
The counter argument is that people should be allowed to assume whatever risk
they choose. So, if someone wishes to freefall from a plane at 30,000 feet, then
they should be free to do so and it should be accepted that it is not the place of the
government to dictate how they lead their lives. A further point is that in statistical
terms there is a low probability of injury in many so-called dangerous sports and
people are at greater risk carrying out everyday activities such as crossing the road
or cooking a meal as bungee jumping.
My personal view is that the government should regulate dangerous sports, but it
should not ban them. It should also make certain that there is as little danger as

2. possible because safety is the most important thing. This is most important for
young children who cannot make their own decisions.
My personal view is that while the government and other authorities do need to
regulate dangerous sports, it would be preferable not to impose a ban on them
entirely. I would suggest that safeguards need to be established so that any risk is
minimised. What these safeguards are will vary from sport to sport, but safety has
to be paramount, especially where minors are involved.
The counter argument is that people should be allowed to assume whatever
risk they choose. So, if someone wishes to freefall from a plane at 30,000 feet, then
they should be free to do so and it should be accepted that it is not the place of the
government to dictate how they lead their lives. A further point is that in statistical
terms there is a low probability of injury in many so-called dangerous sports and
people are at greater risk carrying out everyday activities such as crossing the road
or cooking a meal as bungee jumping.
The principal reason for objecting to extreme sports is of course that they can be
highly dangerous and sometimes life-threatening. More than that, it is not just the
participants who are at risk, but spectators too can be seriously injured. If, for
example, a Formula 1 car crashes, the driver may not escape unharmed and there is
also a chance that a bouncing tyre or debris will fly into the crowd. Given this level
of danger, it is understandable why people call for the authorities to take action.