Some People Believe That Professional Athletes Serve As Positive Role Models for Young People: IELTS Essay Topic

Professional athletes inspire millions worldwide, especially young people who admire their talent, dedication, and success. Their hard work, discipline, and perseverance make them role models, encouraging youngsters to chase their dreams. However, some argue that not all athletes set the right example due to controversies and poor behaviour. This IELTS essay topic explores whether professional athletes positively influence youth or if their fame sometimes sends the wrong message. Let’s analyze both perspectives before reaching a conclusion.

Some People Believe That Professional Athletes Serve As Positive Role Models for Young People

Here is the first sample for this IELTS Essay Topic, including the structure, sample essay and vocabulary analysis.

Sample Structure 1

Essay 1: Professional Athletes as Positive Role Models Sample Structure:Introduction: Introduce the topic and state your opinion. Body Paragraph 1: How athletes inspire discipline and perseverance. Body Paragraph 2: Their influence on healthy living and sports participation. Body Paragraph 3: Address counterarguments (some athletes engage in controversies) but argue that positive examples outweigh negative ones. Conclusion: Summarise key points and restate the opinion.

Sample Essay 1

Introduction

Professional athletes are often admired by young people, not only for their talent but also for their dedication and achievements. Many argue that they serve as ideal role models, motivating youth to work hard and stay focused. However, some believe that a few athletes set bad examples due to their controversial behaviour. Despite this, I strongly believe that professional athletes positively influence young people in multiple ways.

Discipline and Perseverance

One of the biggest lessons athletes teach young people is discipline. Success in sports requires years of training, sacrifice, and perseverance. For instance, cricket legend Virat Kohli’s transformation from an average player to one of the world’s best batsmen showcases the power of hard work. Such stories inspire young individuals to set goals and remain dedicated to achieving them.

Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle

Athletes also encourage healthy habits among youth. Their rigorous fitness routines, balanced diets, and commitment to physical activity promote wellness. Children who look up to athletes are more likely to participate in sports and adopt a healthier lifestyle, reducing the risk of obesity and related health issues.

Counterarguments and Rebuttal

Critics argue that some athletes engage in doping scandals, aggressive behavior, or unethical practices. While this is true, the number of athletes who uphold sportsmanship and ethics far outweighs the negative examples. Icons like Roger Federer, known for his humility and professionalism, reinforce that success is possible with integrity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, professional athletes inspire young people through their dedication, resilience, and healthy lifestyles. Though a few may engage in controversies, the overall impact of athletes on youth remains overwhelmingly positive. Young individuals can learn valuable life lessons from their heroes in sports.

Cohesion, Precision,  Lexical Resources and Grammar in Sample 1

Cohesion:

• Logical flow: Each paragraph smoothly transitions to the next.
• Linking words: However, despite this, for instance, while this is true, in conclusion.
• Pronoun references: Uses they, such, this to avoid repetition.
• Parallel sentence structure: Athletes inspire discipline. Athletes promote fitness.
• Consistent argument: Strongly supports the idea that athletes are role models.
• Examples and evidence: Uses real-world examples like Virat Kohli, Roger Federer.
• Contrast markers: Critics argue that… while this is true, the majority of athletes uphold ethics.
• Reinforcing points: Their dedication leads to success, which, in turn, inspires youth.
• Clear conclusion link: Restates key points without repetition.
• Logical counterargument: While some athletes behave poorly, ethical examples outweigh them.

Precision

• No vague statements: Clearly states why athletes inspire youth.
• Avoids overgeneralisation: Some athletes rather than all athletes.
• Specific examples: Mentions Virat Kohli and Roger Federer instead of just “famous players.”
• Direct thesis statement: Athletes teach perseverance and promote health.
• Concise explanations: No unnecessary words or repetition.
• Clearly structured: Each paragraph sticks to one main point.
• No filler phrases: Avoids weak phrases like many people say that….
• Consistent argument stance: Does not contradict itself.
• Well-balanced counterargument: Does not dismiss criticism but explains why positives outweigh negatives.
• Conclusion restates the main idea effectively: No new ideas were introduced.

Lexical Resources

• Strong vocabulary: Uses words like perseverance, transformation, ethics.
• Varied word choice: Avoids repeating inspire and role model, using synonyms like motivate, set an example, influence.
• Sports-related terms: Training, dedication, fitness, sportsmanship.
• Academic phrases: It is widely believed that… One could argue that…
• Balanced tone: Not too informal or too complex.
• Avoids cliches: Uses original phrasing instead of hard work pays off.
• Adjective use: Rigorous training, ethical conduct, global impact.
• Formal connectors: Despite this, in contrast, furthermore, on the other hand.
• Precise verbs: Demonstrate, exemplify, promote, reinforce
• .Strong conclusion wording: The influence of athletes on young minds is undeniable.

Grammar

• No sentence fragments: Every sentence is complete.
• Correct tense usage: Present tense for general facts, past for specific examples.
• Subject-verb agreement: Athletes inspire (plural) vs. An athlete inspires (singular).
• Varied sentence structure: Uses simple, compound, and complex sentences.
• No passive voice overuse: Uses active voice where possible.
• Proper punctuation: Commas, periods, and colons used correctly.
• No redundancy: Avoids repeating the same idea in different words.
• Parallel structure: Athletes train, compete, and inspire.
• Correct article usage: An athlete instead of a athlete.
• No run-on sentences: Sentences are well-paced.

Successfully preparing for the IELTS Writing Section, requires consistent practice, a clear strategy, and the right resources. By linking your responses between IELTS Writing Part 1 and IELTS Writing Task 2 , you can showcase your ability to elaborate on topics and provide insightful answers. 

However, the process can be challenging, and that’s where our IELTS expert trainers come in. They can guide you through the intricacies of essay writing, helping you structure your responses effectively, improve your grammar, and develop a strong argument.

Consider taking an IELTS Mock Test to evaluate your progress or join our offline or online IELTS classes at Leverage Edu. Enhance your skills, boost your confidence, and ensure you are fully prepared for your IELTS Writing Topics and one step closer to achieving your study abroad aspirations.