You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Universities should allocate the same amount of money to students' sports activities as they allocate to their libraries.
To what extent do you agree with this view?
Should Universities Allocate Equal Amount of Money to Students’ Sports Activities and Libraries?
If you’re looking for band 9 sample essays, you’re in the right place! You can scroll down to dive straight into the examples. But before you do, let’s explore some key strategies to master this essay question. This task asks you to discuss whether universities should allocate the same amount of money to students' sports activities as they do to their libraries. When addressing this topic, your focus should be on building a strong argument with one or two thoroughly explained points. IELTS examiners prioritize quality over quantity, so avoid listing multiple ideas that lack depth. Instead, take a clear stance and justify it with detailed explanations.
Remember, your examples don’t have to be factual. A made-up scenario or a real-life experience is perfectly fine, as long as it aligns with your argument. Whether you agree, disagree, or take a balanced position, choose points you can elaborate on confidently. Use the Band Descriptors as your guide: aim for strong Task Achievement by addressing the topic fully, ensure logical Coherence and Cohesion, employ varied Lexical Resources (e.g., “budget allocation,” “extracurricular priorities”), and maintain impeccable Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
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Sample Essay 1
The debate surrounding whether universities should allocate equal funding to students’ sports activities and libraries is complex, yet entirely justifiable in today’s educational landscape. This essay fully agrees with the proposition, as sports foster essential physical and mental well-being, and a balanced allocation reflects a progressive and holistic approach to education. The following paragraphs will explore how equal funding benefits student health and promotes a well-rounded learning environment.
To begin with, investing in sports activities is crucial for nurturing students' physical health, mental resilience, and interpersonal skills. Sports facilities not only combat sedentary lifestyles but also equip students with stress-relieving outlets, enabling them to perform better academically. For example, regular physical activity improves cognitive functions such as memory and concentration, directly contributing to academic success. Furthermore, participation in team sports instills leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, all of which are vital in today’s competitive job market. Equal allocation of funding ensures sports programs are not undermined, fostering a comprehensive university experience that prioritizes both academic and personal development.
Moreover, allocating equal resources to sports and libraries reflects the evolving expectations of higher education institutions to provide diverse learning opportunities. While libraries are essential for intellectual pursuits, sports facilities create environments where students can engage in experiential learning, honing practical skills like discipline, time management, and adaptability. Universities that prioritize equitable funding demonstrate a commitment to fostering well-rounded graduates who excel not only in their studies but also in life beyond the classroom. For instance, global rankings increasingly value institutions that support extracurricular activities, as they contribute to producing socially responsible and versatile individuals. This progressive mindset underscores the importance of balancing funding between academics and extracurriculars to cater to students’ diverse needs.
In conclusion, equal funding for sports and libraries is integral to achieving a balanced, forward-thinking education system. By promoting physical health, mental resilience, and diverse learning experiences, universities can equip students with the tools necessary for both academic and personal success in an increasingly dynamic world.
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Sample Essay 2
The notion that universities should allocate an equal amount of money to students' sports activities and libraries is misguided. While sports undoubtedly play a role in student life, this essay strongly disagrees with the proposition, arguing that libraries are indispensable for academic and research excellence, and prioritizing them ensures that educational institutions fulfill their primary mission of intellectual advancement. The following paragraphs will elaborate on these perspectives.
Firstly, libraries are the intellectual heart of a university, directly supporting its academic mission by providing access to essential resources and research tools. They cater to the diverse needs of students and faculty, offering materials that range from textbooks and journals to advanced digital archives. For example, in fields like medicine, engineering, and law, cutting-edge knowledge is vital for staying relevant, and libraries are central to acquiring this information. Moreover, the academic success of students heavily relies on their access to well-maintained and resourceful libraries. Allocating equal funding to sports activities would undermine the primary purpose of a university, which is to foster critical thinking, research, and innovation.
Secondly, the long-term impact of library investments far outweighs the transient benefits of sports activities. Libraries are not merely for current students; they also preserve and expand knowledge for future generations. For instance, research papers, dissertations, and scholarly contributions stored in libraries contribute to the global intellectual community. Conversely, sports facilities, while important for physical health, often cater to a smaller proportion of students and do not produce the same enduring value. Universities must prioritize investments in areas that yield widespread and lasting benefits, ensuring that students graduate with the skills and knowledge to excel in their fields.
In conclusion, universities should prioritize libraries over sports facilities in financial planning, as libraries directly advance academic achievement and contribute to long-term intellectual growth. While sports play a supplementary role, the core mission of universities lies in education, research, and innovation, all of which are best supported through robust library funding.
Sample Essay 3
The question of whether universities should allocate the same amount of money to students' sports activities as they do to their libraries is a contentious one. While some argue that such parity promotes a well-rounded student experience, others believe it could undermine academic priorities. This essay argues that while sports are vital for students’ physical and mental well-being, libraries should receive greater financial support due to their critical role in fostering academic success and intellectual development. The following paragraphs will elaborate on these perspectives.
First, it is undeniable that investing in sports activities benefits students by encouraging physical fitness, teamwork, and stress relief. Modern universities must cater to the holistic development of students, and allocating a significant amount of money to students' sports activities achieves this objective. For instance, maintaining quality sports facilities and organizing tournaments can improve students’ overall health and provide a much-needed balance to rigorous academic schedules. Moreover, extracurricular activities like sports help cultivate soft skills such as leadership and resilience, which are invaluable in professional life. However, the financial allocation to sports should be carefully balanced to ensure it does not detract from academic resources.
On the other hand, libraries are the backbone of academic excellence, serving as repositories of knowledge and tools for research and learning. A library’s role extends beyond providing access to books—it offers digital resources, quiet study spaces, and academic support services, which are essential for student success. Allocating substantial funding to libraries ensures they remain updated with the latest materials and technologies, fostering a conducive environment for intellectual growth. For example, modern e-library subscriptions and advanced learning tools require significant investment, directly impacting students’ academic achievements. Therefore, prioritizing libraries in financial planning aligns with the core mission of universities to produce knowledgeable and skilled graduates.
In conclusion, while allocating funds to students' sports activities is important for fostering a well-rounded university experience, libraries deserve greater emphasis due to their unparalleled role in academic and intellectual development. Universities should strive to maintain a balance, ensuring neither aspect is neglected, but the primary focus must remain on supporting students’ education.
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