Some people say that children should play games which require

IELTS Band 9 Essay About Some people say that children should play games which require teamwork

Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “Some people say that children should play games which require teamwork”. This sample then will be further analyzed for its vocabulary, grammar and format, so we see how it has qualified for such band score. We also suggest over 200 band 9 IELTS samples released in 2025.

Sample Essay(Band 9)

Some people say that children should play games which require teamwork such as football and basketball whereas, some think they should be doing individual sports such as swimming and running. Do you agree or disagree?

The debate over whether children should engage in team sports like football and basketball or individual sports like swimming and running is a contentious one. While both types of sports offer unique benefits, I believe that team sports provide children with invaluable skills that are essential for their personal and social development.

One of the primary advantages of team sports is that they foster collaboration and communication skills. When children play games like football or basketball, they learn to work together towards a common goal, which requires effective communication and mutual understanding. For example, in a football match, players must coordinate their movements and strategies to outplay the opposing team. This experience teaches children the importance of teamwork, which is a crucial skill in both personal and professional life. Moreover, team sports help children develop a sense of belonging and camaraderie, which can boost their self-esteem and emotional well-being.

On the other hand, individual sports like swimming and running also offer significant benefits. These activities promote self-discipline, focus, and independence. For instance, a child who practices swimming regularly learns to set personal goals and work diligently to achieve them. This can build resilience and a strong work ethic, which are valuable traits in any area of life. Additionally, individual sports allow children to progress at their own pace, which can be particularly beneficial for those who may feel pressured or overwhelmed in team settings.

However, I believe that the holistic benefits of team sports outweigh those of individual sports. Team sports not only teach children how to work with others but also expose them to diverse perspectives and problem-solving approaches. For example, during a basketball game, players must quickly adapt to changing situations and make decisions under pressure, which enhances their critical thinking and adaptability. These skills are indispensable in today’s interconnected world, where collaboration and flexibility are highly valued.

In conclusion, while individual sports have their merits, team sports provide children with a broader range of skills that are essential for their overall development. By participating in team sports, children learn to collaborate, communicate, and think critically, which prepares them for the challenges of the future. Therefore, I believe that encouraging children to play team sports is more beneficial in the long run.

Academic Vocabulary Words in the sample for Some people say that children should play games which require teamwork

Contentious (/kənˈtɛnʃəs/)
- Example: The issue of climate change is highly contentious among policymakers.
- Meaning: Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.
Invaluable (/ɪnˈvæljuəbəl/)
- Example: The experience gained from traveling is invaluable.
- Meaning: Extremely useful or valuable.
Collaboration (/kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃən/)
- Example: Successful projects often require collaboration among team members.
- Meaning: The action of working with someone to produce something.
Resilience (/rɪˈzɪliəns/)
- Example: The community showed remarkable resilience after the natural disaster.
- Meaning: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
Indispensable (/ˌɪndɪˈspɛnsəbəl/)
- Example: Effective communication is indispensable in any workplace.
- Meaning: Absolutely necessary; essential.

Advanced Grammar Structures and Their Contribution to a Higher Band Score

Conditional Sentences (Second Conditional):
- Example: “If children only participated in individual sports, they might miss out on learning teamwork.”
- Contribution: Demonstrates the ability to discuss hypothetical situations, which is a marker of advanced language proficiency.
Passive Voice:
- Example: “Team sports are often praised for their ability to teach collaboration.”
- Contribution: Shifts focus to the action rather than the subject, adding variety and sophistication to the writing.
Relative Clauses:
- Example: “Children who play team sports often develop better social skills.”
- Contribution: Adds complexity to sentences and provides additional information without breaking the flow.
Cleft Sentences:
- Example: “What team sports teach children is the importance of collaboration.”
- Contribution: Emphasizes specific parts of the sentence, making the argument more persuasive and nuanced.
Inversion for Emphasis:
- Example: “Not only do team sports promote physical health, but they also enhance social skills.”
- Contribution: Adds a formal tone and highlights key points, which is essential for achieving a higher band score.

Format and Features of a Band 9 Essay

Clear Introduction: The introduction presents the topic and the writer’s opinion in a concise manner.
Coherent Paragraphs: Each paragraph focuses on a single idea, supported by examples and explanations.
Academic Vocabulary: The use of advanced and varied vocabulary enhances the quality of the essay.
Complex Grammar Structures: The inclusion of advanced grammar structures demonstrates a high level of language proficiency.
Strong Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the main points and restates the writer’s opinion effectively.

By adhering to these features, the essay achieves clarity, coherence, and sophistication, contributing to a Band 9 score.

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