2025 IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions & Band 9 Answers for Top Scores

Extreme sports such as sky diving and skiing are very dangerous and should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

Some people argue that extreme sports, including activities such as skydiving and skiing, are too dangerous and therefore should be prohibited. I strongly disagree with this view, as such sports provide significant personal benefits and can be practised safely with appropriate regulations rather than outright bans.

To begin with, extreme sports offer important physical and psychological benefits to participants. These activities often require high levels of fitness, concentration, and discipline, which contribute to improved physical health and mental resilience. Moreover, taking calculated risks helps individuals build confidence, manage fear, and develop problem-solving skills under pressure. As a result, participants often experience a strong sense of achievement and personal growth. For example, skydivers frequently report increased self-confidence and reduced anxiety after successfully completing jumps in controlled environments.

Furthermore, banning extreme sports would be an ineffective and unnecessary response to the risks involved. Many everyday activities, such as driving or contact sports, also carry potential dangers, yet they are managed through safety standards rather than prohibition. With proper training, professional supervision, and strict safety regulations, the risks associated with extreme sports can be significantly reduced. Consequently, regulation is a more balanced approach that protects participants while respecting individual freedom. For instance, ski resorts that enforce helmet use, skill-level zoning, and weather monitoring have greatly reduced accident rates without limiting participation.

In conclusion, although extreme sports involve a degree of risk, this alone does not justify banning them. Their physical, psychological, and personal development benefits, combined with effective safety measures, outweigh the potential dangers. Therefore, instead of prohibiting extreme sports, governments should focus on regulation and education to ensure they are practised as safely as possible.