By English Test Coach · Updated
Academic Task 2 · Opinion / agree or disagree
Sharing school sports facilities
An original IELTS practice question with a planning route and a sample answer to learn from.
Aim for at least 250 words in about 40 minutes. Suggested practice level: intermediate, not a predicted band.
Your writing task
Local councils should give priority to opening school sports facilities for public use outside teaching hours rather than building new sports centres. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
How to approach this question
State how far you agree, then develop reasons that support the same position throughout.
Opinion essays: choose a position and develop your reasons →
Worked example: Give existing sports facilities priority under clear conditions →
Health essays: compare food policies, weigh remote access and address participation barriers →
Case for priority: suitable space close to residents could support regular sessions without waiting for new construction. Explain the arrangements that make sharing useful, including agreement with the school, staffing, cleaning and dependable opening hours. Existing buildings still have operating costs; do not invent a saving.
Qualification and decision: an unused room may not meet the required hours, physical-access needs or activity requirements. Compare usable provision rather than buildings alone. State when you would favour shared use and when evidence of an unmet need would justify a new centre, without assuming that every school must open or every new centre is unnecessary.
These are possible directions, not required opinions or facts to memorise. Develop your own response and check every claim against the task.
A possible plan
- Introduction: state how far you agree and keep that position consistent.
- Body 1: develop your strongest reason with an explanation and a specific example.
- Body 2: develop another reason, or evaluate a counterargument without losing your position.
- Conclusion: answer the question again using the reasoning you have developed.
Vocabulary you can use precisely
Choose language that fits your meaning. You do not need to include every phrase.
- reliable access
- A dependable opportunity to use a place or service when it is needed.
A weekly session needs reliable access to the hall, not only permission for an occasional visit.
- operating costs
- The continuing expenses involved in running an activity or facility.
Shared use may avoid new construction, but its operating costs still need to be considered.
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