ATHLETES AND SPORTS

Questions

1. What qualities make someone a successful athlete?

2. Do you think athletes are good role models for young people?

3. Why do some people prefer playing sports while others prefer watching them?

4. How has professional sport changed in recent years?

5. Should athletes be paid very high salaries?

6. How does participating in sports benefit people’s lives?

7. Do you think international sports events bring countries closer together?

8. In the future, how might technology change the world of sports?

Q1: What qualities make someone a successful athlete?
Band 7:
A successful athlete needs discipline, hard work, and determination. They have to train regularly and push themselves to improve, even when it is difficult. Physical strength and fitness are important, but mental strength is also necessary because sports can be stressful. Successful athletes also show teamwork and respect for others, even when they compete. They usually have strong motivation and never give up easily. With passion and effort, athletes can reach a high level in their sport.

Band 8:
To become a successful athlete, a person needs a combination of physical, mental, and emotional qualities. Discipline and dedication are the foundation, as athletes must follow strict training routines and maintain healthy lifestyles. They also need resilience to handle pressure, injuries, and competition setbacks. Mental toughness is equally important, because success in sports often depends on focus, self-confidence, and the ability to recover from failure. In addition, teamwork, humility, and sportsmanship make athletes respected both on and off the field. Natural talent helps, but without hard work, motivation, and passion, it cannot lead to lasting success. The best athletes are those who balance skill, determination, and strong character.

Q2: Do you think athletes are good role models for young people?
Band 7:
Yes, I think many athletes are good role models because they show the value of discipline, hard work, and healthy living. Young people can learn from their success and dedication to training. Some athletes also support charities and inspire others to follow their dreams. However, not all athletes behave well, and some make mistakes that affect their image. So, young people should admire athletes for their efforts but also understand that they are human and not perfect.

Band 8:
Athletes can be excellent role models for young people because they demonstrate discipline, resilience, and commitment to personal goals. Through their achievements, they inspire youth to adopt healthy lifestyles, pursue their passions, and never give up despite challenges. Many athletes also contribute to society through charity work and campaigns that promote education, health, or equality. At the same time, it is important to recognize that athletes are not flawless, and some may engage in negative behaviors such as doping or misconduct. Therefore, while young people can admire their dedication and achievements, they should also understand the importance of balance and critical thinking when choosing role models.

Q3: Why do some people prefer playing sports while others prefer watching them?
Band 7:
Some people enjoy playing sports because it keeps them active and healthy. They like the excitement of competition and the fun of being part of a team. Others prefer watching sports because they may not have time, energy, or skill to play. Watching is also entertaining and brings people together with friends or family. Both ways allow people to enjoy sports in their own style.

Band 8:
People’s preferences depend on their interests, abilities, and lifestyle. Those who enjoy physical activity often choose to play sports because it keeps them fit, relieves stress, and gives them the thrill of competition. Playing also helps people build teamwork and discipline. On the other hand, some people prefer watching sports because it requires less effort but still offers excitement and entertainment. Spectators can experience strong emotions, cheer for their favorite teams, and share a sense of community with others. Sometimes, health issues, lack of time, or limited skills prevent people from playing, so watching becomes their main way of enjoying sports. Both forms show how powerful sports are in people’s lives.

Q4: How has professional sport changed in recent years?
Band 7:
Professional sports have changed a lot with technology and media. Now, matches are shown live worldwide, and athletes are more famous than before. Training methods have also improved with science and better equipment. Sports have become more commercial, with sponsors and advertisements. Players earn higher salaries and get more recognition. Overall, sports today are more global and professional than in the past.

Band 8:
Professional sports have undergone significant changes in recent years due to technology, globalization, and commercialization. Modern training methods, advanced nutrition, and medical support have raised athletes’ performance levels. At the same time, media and the internet have made sports accessible to global audiences, turning athletes into international celebrities. Sponsorships and advertisements have transformed sports into a major business industry, where salaries and prize money continue to rise. Technology such as video replays, fitness trackers, and AI analysis has improved fairness and training. However, some argue that commercialization has put too much pressure on athletes and reduced the spirit of pure competition. Still, professional sports are now bigger, faster, and more influential than ever.

Q5: Should athletes be paid very high salaries?
Band 7:
I think athletes deserve good salaries because they work hard and entertain millions of people. Their careers are usually short, so they need to earn money during their active years. However, some salaries seem too high compared to doctors or teachers, who also play an important role in society. It may not be fair, but sports bring huge business and money, so athletes are paid more. It is a matter of demand and popularity.

Band 8:
Athletes are often paid extremely high salaries because they generate massive income through ticket sales, sponsorships, and broadcasting rights. In one sense, this is fair, since their talent, hard work, and dedication attract millions of fans worldwide. Their careers are also short, and they face physical and mental challenges that most professions do not. However, the gap between athletes’ salaries and those of essential workers such as teachers, doctors, and firefighters raises questions of fairness. While athletes deserve to be rewarded for their contribution, perhaps a balance should be found so that society also recognizes the value of other important professions. Ultimately, athletes’ salaries reflect the commercial nature of modern sports rather than fairness alone.

Q6: How does participating in sports benefit people’s lives?
Band 7:
Playing sports helps people stay healthy and active. It improves fitness and reduces stress. Sports also teach teamwork, discipline, and patience. People make friends through sports and feel part of a community. It also gives confidence when they achieve goals. Overall, sports make life healthier and more enjoyable.

Band 8:
Sports provide numerous physical, mental, and social benefits. On the physical side, regular participation improves fitness, reduces the risk of disease, and promotes a healthier lifestyle. Mentally, sports relieve stress, boost self-confidence, and teach resilience when facing challenges. Socially, they encourage teamwork, communication, and leadership, which are useful in all aspects of life. Sports also bring people together across different backgrounds, creating friendships and unity. For young people, sports can shape discipline and focus, while for adults, they provide balance and relaxation. Overall, sports enrich life by improving health, character, and social connections.

Q7: Do you think international sports events bring countries closer together?
Band 7:
Yes, international sports events bring countries closer because they create unity and friendship. People from different cultures meet and share experiences. Sports encourage peace and understanding. Even though competition exists, there is respect between nations. Such events also allow countries to show their culture and achievements. Sports can build positive international relations.

Band 8:
International sports events are one of the best ways to connect countries and promote global unity. They bring together athletes and fans from all over the world, allowing people to celebrate diversity and share cultural traditions. Events like the Olympics or the World Cup create a spirit of friendship and peace, even between countries with political tensions. While competition can be intense, the focus on sportsmanship fosters respect and admiration. These events also boost tourism, encourage cooperation, and highlight global issues such as equality or environmental awareness. Despite occasional controversies, sports events remind us that nations can come together through healthy competition and shared passion.

Q8: In the future, how might technology change the world of sports?
Band 7:
Technology will make sports more advanced in the future. Athletes will train with better equipment and data analysis. Matches will be fairer with video replay and smart refereeing. Fans will also enjoy sports more through virtual reality and live streaming. Technology may also help prevent injuries. Sports will continue to improve with new inventions.

Band 8:
Technology will likely transform sports in many exciting ways. Athletes will benefit from advanced equipment, wearable trackers, and artificial intelligence that provide detailed performance analysis. Injuries could be prevented with better medical monitoring and treatment technologies. For spectators, virtual reality and augmented reality may allow fans to experience games as if they are in the stadium. Fairness will improve through technologies like video refereeing and sensor-based systems. At the same time, data science will make strategies and training more precise. However, there may also be concerns about losing the human spirit of sports if technology takes too much control. Still, overall, technology will enhance both the performance of athletes and the experience of fans worldwide.