Some people believe that sport has an important role in society. Others, however, feel that it is nothing more than a leisure activity for some people. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Sample 1:

There are different views about how sports may influence the development of society. Although I understand why some people regard sports purely as a recreational activity, I firmly believe that sports are a significant contributor to a healthy and affluent society.

On the one hand, many think that sports have a minor role in their lives because they tend to focus on other aspects of life that they deem more important. Many adults usually spend a large proportion of their time working and earning money; they only engage in activities that are of physical nature during their free time. They may think that playing sports consumes too much time which can be better used for work. Another reason for many people disparaging sports is that they may not see the connection between improving physical health and increasing mental strength, preventing illness, and enjoying longer life expectancy. This is perhaps because many people still find it difficult to access the knowledge about the benefits that sports can bring to their lives.

On the other hand, I entirely agree with people who consider sports to be a prominent factor in the development of society. Playing sports regularly is associated with better physical and mental health and contributes to boosting performance at work. Recent research has suggested the relevant influence of increased mental health on work productivity and, consequently, better career prospects. That is why many successful business figures, no matter how hectic their schedules may be, still adhere to regular exercise routines. Another thing to point out here is that the sports industry has been generating tremendous financial wealth through sports events. Those events also facilitate tourism and commercial activities that lead to more employment opportunities.

In conclusion, many people disregard sports largely because they do not see the benefits of playing sports in their lives. However, I side with those who value sports as one driver of societal development.

Sample 2:

Different people hold different opinions regarding how sports could affect societal development. Although I can see why some people only see sports as a form of entertainment, I firmly believe that sports play a significant role in a prosperous and healthy community.

On the one hand, because they frequently concentrate on other facets of life that they feel are more important, many people believe that sports play a minimal role in their lives. Most individuals typically spend the majority of their waking hours working and earning money without participating in invigorating experiences; they only engage in physically demanding hobbies in their spare time. They could believe that the time for sports would be better spent working. Another reason why so many people criticize sports is that they might not understand the link between bettering one's physical condition and boosting one's mental fortitude, staying well, and boosting life expectancy. This may be due to the fact that many people still find it challenging to get information regarding the advantages sports can have in their lives. Other than that, a high chance of serious injury or death is among the reasons why people are not interested in dangerous sports activities nowadays.

On the other hand, I completely concur with those who believe that sports play a significant role in the advancement of society. Regular participation in sports is linked to improved physical and mental health and helps to increase productivity at work because people must undertake rigorous training to be professional. Recent studies have revealed that improving mental health can increase productivity at work and, as a result, improve job chances. Because of this, many well-known businesspeople maintain regular workout habits despite having busy schedules. It is also important to note that sporting events have been providing the sports sector with enormous financial fortune. These occasions also facilitate tourism and commercial activities that increase job possibilities.

In conclusion, many individuals do not care about sports, mostly because they do not see how it can improve their life. However, I agree with those who see athletics as a force for societal advancement.

Sample 3:

With athletes attaining celebrity status in recent years, the sports industry is almost always in the spotlight, attracting attention to its merit. While some attach social importance to sport, others think it only serves leisure purposes. The various opinions surrounding the values of sport shall be closely examined within the scope of this essay.

It is understandable why some view sport as nothing but a pastime. As for casual players, while they are probably fond of sports, some may lack certain physical characteristics or gifts to play professionally. In fact, most people do not possess advantageous attributes such as towering height or long limbs or display innate talents in terms of speed or flexibility. Thus, they are unlikely to pursue an athletic career, hence the emphasis on the recreational aspect of the sport. It is also important to acknowledge the increasing focus on entertainment in sport. A notable example is professional wrestling where most matches are scripted in order to amuse spectators.

Beyond entertainment, sport can play a pivotal role in society with regard to health and other important values. Obviously, doing sports has a positive impact on both people’s physical and mental well-being. Regular sports participation is widely known to strengthen bones, improve mobility, prevent cardiovascular disease, and so on. Taking up sports also helps reduce stress and anxiety, leading to an improved state of mind. Furthermore, sport promotes psychological and humanitarian values conducive to the development of society. Thanks to sport, the dedication, and resilience of sportsmen, especially those who are differently abled, can inspire countless people. Additionally, the Olympic Games, the FIFA World Cup, and many regional competitions provide opportunities to establish peace and cross-border cooperation. For example, in 2008, the President of Armenia invited his Turkish counterpart to watch the World Cup qualifying match between the two countries, which in turn aided reconciliation efforts.

In conclusion, I believe that sport has much more to offer than just relaxation. The aforementioned health benefits and potential contribution to the betterment of society support this claim.

Sample 4:

There have been different views on the role of sporting activities of late. While some people believe that sport solely serves recreational purposes, I side with those who think it plays a significant role in society.

On the one hand, sports indubitably play a recreational role. For evidence, we need to look no further than the widespread popularity of sports all over the globe. However, that sports purely serve entertainment purposes would be a partial view, which often stems from the relatively low rank of sporting activities on some people’s priority list. They might instead prefer to spend the majority of their time on more worthwhile activities, such as studying, working or nurturing relationships, and only consider sports as a stress reliever. It is for this reason that they do not play sports on a regular basis, and the lack of sports training would make it hard for them to experience the wholesome effects brought about by sports, although they may have been passively made aware of these values.

On the other hand, I am personally in favour of the idea that the role sports serve would extend beyond entertainment and cover many societal values. Firstly, sports players have a better chance of living their lives to the fullest. In fact, research has shown that playing sports on a regular basis could exert positive effects on physical conditions as well as mental health, both of which can promote a productive and disease-free life. Healthy and productive citizens are the foundation for any strong society, with high living quality. Secondly, sport is one of the major factors contributing to the economic development of a society. Sports lovers usually pay for sporting event tickets or channel subscription to watch their favorite games, and sports players often have to purchase necessary equipment. Moreover, some commercial activities thrive partly owing to the prevalence of sports-related advertisements. In fact, the enormous sports- related revenue, whether from direct or indirect sources, makes the sports industry a significant contributor to GDP in countries all over the world.

In conclusion, the view of sports as a pastime has its merits, but to say that they only serve one purpose does not do them justice. Societal values brought by sports would include a healthier and better-off society, among others.

Sample 5:

Some people claim that sports is a crucial part of society, while others say that it is solely for recreational purposes. This essay will discuss both sides of the arguments and present my personal view.

On the one hand, sports is indeed a leisure activity for most people in society. This is because not many people play sports professionally, so they mainly do it for their own enjoyment, not for financial gains. Therefore, although sports can be competitive, it is often a way to have fun with friends and relax from work or studies. Additionally, many people only take part in sporting activities when they have time to spare. It is not a compulsory part of life, nor is it done when participants are not in the right mood. Take students playing football or basketball during breaks as an example. Although most schools teach physical education, students still engage in these physical activities in their free time of their own volition.

On the other hand, I am of the opinion that sports plays an essential role in our lives. First of all, sports is one of, if not the best ways to improve mental and physical health. As we exercise, our stamina, agility and immune system can be strengthened, thus helping us avoid health problems such as obesity or back pain. Also, doing sports is an effective stress-reliever because it releases oxytocin a substance known to combat anxiety and depression. Secondly, people can form communities either by taking part in or watching sports. In fact, sports fan clubs have helped people of all ages from around the globe to bond and share their love for their favourite sport.

In conclusion, although in most cases, sports is a pastime, I still think that it offers wider benefits for society in terms of health and communal spirit.

Sample 6:

Nowadays, there has been a positive trend that sport has gained popularity in society. However, others think that sport just leisure activity. In my perspective, both parties are reasonable which I will elaborate below.

First of all, it is an undeniable fact that there are some reasons why sports is essential to society. One of the reasons is that people can become healthier than ever before. By playing sports frequently, people can release toxins from their body in order to help the government to save money which is allocated for health insurance's residents. For example, the number of obesity and heart attack, today, decrease significantly throughout the world because of sports implementation. Another reason is that young generations are able to cultivate good habits. With the rapid advancement of technology, they tend to do sedentary activities such as playing computer games and chatting through social media as well. If parents encourage their children to do sport instead of playing games at home, children can improve their social interaction with peers.

However, there are opposing arguments saying that a sport is nothing more than a leisure activity. It is true that sport can be counted as a leisure activity because not everyone has the abilities and potentials to become professional sports person. Therefore, people generally consider it a simple activity for relaxing their mind and body during holidays. Apart from this, many families see sport as the way to strengthen the sense of belonging to relatives especially for children because parents' time is spent more to do job tasks and put less care on them.

All things considered, although some people believe that leisure activity is the same as sport, I still think that sport plays an important role in the society because it has brought advantages to people in terms of health and social areas.

Sample 7:

There is no doubt that sports have risen in prominence in the past decade. While some argue that sports play an indispensable role in the progress of a country, I agree with those who believe that it should only be regarded as one of our pastime activities.

On the one hand, it is thought that sports have shaped and changed each nation, especially in its economic aspects. This is because the public has spent a massive amount of money in order to satisfy their sporting needs. For example, ticket costs, purchasing sports equipment, gym memberships are all sources of spending that have come from the pockets of sports enthusiasts. As a result, sport and physical activity boots the economy in two ways, directly through job creation, and indirectly by reducing healthcare costs due to a healthier population.

On the other hand, I believe that the majority of the public only consider playing sports as being engaged in their beloved hobbies. The reason for this is that not everyone has the abilities and potentials to become professional sports players to make great contribution to their country. Therefore, the main objective of playing sports regularly, for most people, is to boost physical and mental energy and enhance well-being. Some tend to choose low-impact activities, such as swimming and tennis, because these sports can not only improve their strength, and alleviate stress, but also cut down on the risk of injury.

In conclusion, while others think that the economic benefits that sports can offer can contribute significantly to the national and local economy, I feel that playing sports should only be counted as an activity for relaxation during our downtime.

Sample 8:

The importance of sports in society has recently drawn much attention. While many consider them purely to be recreational activities, I believe they can contribute to a more united world.

On the one hand, there are many individuals who play sports purely for pleasure. A clear example in this case is the casual football matches after working hours in various countries including Vietnam. Participants usually gather at local playgrounds or parks, forming teams and joining amateur pick-up matches. Their motivation is simply to release pressure and tension in a healthy and controlled way, taking a break from their everyday responsibilities including both work and domestic tasks. Very few of them indeed have the intention to start a career in sports or to develop professional networks when playing. The results of these matches are also of little significance to their local communities.

On the other hand, I am of the opinion that sports are vital in uniting nations. This can be seen in the case of the ping-pong matches that bridged the gap between the US and China in the early 1970s. This series of matches took place in the world table tennis championship in 1971 between players from each country, marking a thaw in pan-Pacific relations that paved the way for a visit to Beijing by a US president. Eventually, the US lifted the embargo on China, and both countries welcomed the resumption of more harmonious relations. This case is evidence that sports might play an indispensable part in easing tension and establishing relationships at an international level.

In conclusion, although the role of sports might be underestimated by many people, I contend that they are an effective instrument to forge initial relationships between nations. Therefore, international sporting events such as the SEA Games or the Olympics should be better invested and prioritised by hosting countries.

Sample 9:

Many feel sports play an essential role in society while others believe they are simply for entertainment and relaxation. From my point of view, though their stated purpose is leisure, sports serve key social and psychological purposes.

The claim that sports are largely just a leisure pastime is based on self-evident facts. Most people watch or participate in sports to release pressure and do not take them as seriously as other parts of life. For example, in England, football is the national sport, and many individuals will play in amateur matches, follow their local team, and discuss sports with friends and family. Each of these activities can be broadly defined as a way of relaxing and a purposefully unproductive and enjoyable use of free time. If polled, the majority of individuals would state sports are an important yet entirely recreational part of their lives.

Nonetheless, sports in fact play the essential role of satisfying a number of deep psychological needs. The average sports fan invests a tremendous amount of time and self-esteem in the success or failure of their team. When the team wins, they can bask in the reflected glory and feel proud vicariously. Research has shown that even when a team loses, there is concomitant and addictive communal sensation of misery. Added to this are the variety of human drives that are satisfied by talking about the team, thinking about them in one’s spare time, reading and watching sports media, and being outraged or excited about team transactions. This all takes place within a welcoming community of like-minded individuals that approves of and normalizes this social behavior.

To conclude, despite the ostensible purpose of sports to entertain, they actually allow individuals to satisfy a range of crucial human desires. This makes sports a healthy hobby when not taken to obsessive extremes.

Sample 10:

The importance of sports in society has been a subject of ongoing debate. Some argue that sports are crucial for human well-being, while others see them merely as a form of recreation. This essay aims to explore both perspectives before expressing my preference for the former viewpoint.

Certainly, sports often serve as a recreational pursuit, especially for amateur players among adults and children. Many people seek leisure activities to relax after their demanding routines, and sports become a popular choice. For these individuals, participating in sports fulfills their recreational needs by evoking emotions, promoting strategic thinking, and boosting their immune systems. However, it’s important to consider sports competitions in professional settings, like offices and academia. Winners in these contests can highlight their achievements on resumes, potentially impressing employers and creating opportunities for improved career or educational prospects. Therefore, the benefits of sports go beyond emotional satisfaction, encompassing the potential for a brighter future.

On the flip side, achieving international recognition in sports can bring financial benefits and enhance the reputation of individuals and even entire nations. A notable example is South American footballers, many of whom came from impoverished backgrounds. Their football skills not only lifted them out of poverty but also contributed to the economic well-being of their countries. A case in point is Argentina, which faced economic challenges in 2020 but experienced a turnaround after winning the 2022 World Cup. This victory had a cascading effect on the nation’s economy, nearly doubling its GDP and setting the stage for further growth by 2024. Thus, sports exert a substantial impact on financial dimensions and can play a pivotal role in a nation’s prosperity.

In conclusion, after examining both sides of the argument, I am firmly convinced that the benefits of sports go well beyond being a mere leisure activity. Their positive influence on financial aspects and future opportunities underscores their significance in contributing to the well-being of individuals and societies alike.

Sample 11:

Sport has been practiced within societies for millennia. However, while some believe that the role which sport plays is of great importance, others feel that its only function is leisure. I tend to agree with the former view, and this essay will support my opinion via a discussion of both sides.

On the one hand, those who argue that sport has no more significant purpose than as a recreational activity might point to its essentially trivial nature. They may suggest that, since all sports are, at root, games involving physicality, their role in society cannot be of any substance. For instance, people enjoy doing and watching sports as a way to enjoyably pass the time, but this is the extent of sport's societal influence. If all sports vanished from society tomorrow, the only consequence would be that people would need to find another way to fill the time.

On the other hand, my view is that sports also provide crucial physical and psychological health benefits for society. To begin with the former, the evidence for sport's impact on physical health is vast and undeniable. To illustrate, doing sports on a regular basis can help to control blood sugar levels, improve heart function and lower the risk of cancer. As for the latter, sport has been shown to enhance resilience, reduce stress, and boost self- esteem. As a society is only as healthy as its members, it must be concluded that sport's impact on personal health proves its vital role in society as more than simply as leisure activity.

In conclusion, because of the sizeable influence which sport can have on public health, I would agree with those who argue that its role in society is much more substantial than a simple pastime.

Sample 12:

The existence of sports dates back to 2000 BC. Every country had practised it in some way like gymnastics, javelin, fishing, swimming, etc. It is more organised and structured now. Some people think sports and games are vital for society, whereas others believe they should be treated only as a pastime. I think that sports and games should occupy an important place in society. In the following paragraphs, I shall discuss both the ideas and explain which is beneficial for society.

Sport dissolves barriers and binds people together. For example, in a cricket team, there are players from all the states of India, and fans from across India cheer for them. So a feeling of oneness builds up. A cricket match between India and Australia may be scheduled in Chennai, and a fan from Australia may visit Chennai to watch the game. This way, sports improve the tourism sector and contribute to the economy.

Research shows that sport has a positive impact on people. People who play sports such as football or tennis improve their cardiovascular system and are at less risk of conditions like blood pressure. So it helps in maintaining good health. Also, a person learns how not to get demotivated during failures. So it helps manage stress effectively.

On the flip side, sports has become one of many businesses to make money. So players are under tremendous pressure to win and resort to drugs to get the extra energy. This ruins their health and brings down the image of the nation they represent. Under severe compulsion to win, they treat their opponent as an enemy (Eg: boxing), and sometimes the referee has to penalise a player for harming the other. These may be the reason people argue that sports have to practised only as a leisure activity and not taken seriously.

To recapitulate, sports helps a great deal in creating an ideal society and should be given utmost importance. But we should also be careful not to make it a business.

Sample 13:

These days, there has been a positive trend that the game has gained fame in society. However, others believe the game is merely a leisure activity. In my view, both viewpoints have authenticity, which I will elaborate on in this informative article.

First, it is undeniable that there are a few reasons why sports are vital to society. One reason is that individuals can become fitter than ever before. By playing sports often, individuals can release toxic elements from their body off to help the government save money allocated for health insurance inhabitants.

Still, another reason is that young generations can cultivate a great habit. Together with the rapid progress of technologies, they tend to perform sedentary pursuits like playing computer games and chatting through social websites. If parents encourage their kids to perform games rather than playing games in the home, kids can enhance their social interaction with peers. However, conflicting arguments are saying that games are not anything more than a leisure activity. Therefore, people usually consider it an effortless task for relaxing their body and mind during vacations. Aside from that, many families visit games as the best way to strengthen the feeling of belonging to their relatives, particularly for kids, because parents’ time is invested in performing job tasks and placing less attention on them.

In conclusion, though some people today feel that sports are only some leisure activities, I think that games have a significant part in the society since it has brought benefits to individuals concerning social and health places.

Sample 14:

Nowadays, there has been a positive trend that the game has gained popularity in society. However, others believe sport is just a leisure activity. In my view, both parties are reasonable, and I will elaborate below.

To start with, it is the undeniable actuality that there are some reasons why sports is essential to society. One reason is that individuals can become fitter than ever before. By playing sports often, individuals can release toxins from their own body to help the government save money allocated for health insurance residents. Still, another reason is that young generations can cultivate a great habit. With the rapid progress of technologies, they tend to do sedentary activities like playing computer games and chatting via social media. If parents encourage their kids to perform game instead of playing games at home, children can improve their social interaction with peers.

But opposing arguments are saying that a game is nothing more than a leisure activity. It is correct that sport could be counted as a leisure activity because not everybody has the abilities and potentials to become a professional sports person. Thus, people generally think about it an effortless activity for relaxing their body and mind during vacations. Aside from that, many families visit sport to strengthen the feeling of belonging to relatives particularly for children because parents’ time is invested more to do job tasks and place less care on them.

In conclusion, even though some people today believe that leisure activity is the same as a sport, I think that games play a significant role in the society since it has brought advantages to people concerning social and health areas.

Sample 15:

Sport is almost as ancient as human history. While many people believe that sports play a crucial role in society, others argue that sports are merely a free time activity. This essay will discuss both perspectives, but in my view, it is primarily a recreation activity.

Sport is an integral part of today’s community. In other words, sporting events are very often the centre of society, bringing individuals together. Every town around the world has its share of sports teams who play for the entertainment of countless spectators. Come rain or shine, for many, watching their favourite teams is the most significant part of the week. Like Sunday church, a visit to the stadium at the weekend gives meaning to many people. Apart from that, the widespread popularity of sports teams is also important for communities. Kolkata Knight Riders, for example, provides for thousands of people, generating a big amount of revenue. Every city across India has its own sports teams raising money, creating jobs, and keeping the local economy afloat.

Some, however, believe that sports are nothing but leisure activities and suggest treating them merely as pastime pursuits. They also believe money and commercialization seriously tarnish the image of sports that hurts the community rather than helping. Athletes may resort to unethical means so as to win the games. To cap it all, supporters of teams may also resort to violence. A case in point is the Heysel Stadium disaster of 1985. Juventus supporters escaping from a breach by Liverpool supporters were crushed against a collapsing wall in the stadium, resulting in thirty-nine people’s death.

In conclusion, while sports play a vital role in society, I think that sport ought to be regarded as only leisure activities because games often cause severe conflicts and the commercialisation of it makes things worse for the community.