In recent years, there has been a rise in the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports.
What are the consequences of doping for athletes? What measures should be taken to combat this issue?
📌 Note: This question appeared in the IELTS Writing Task 2 exam on 1 January 2025.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
Share This with Fellow IELTS Aspirants!
It is true that the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) among athletes has surged in recent years. Although there are several consequences for athletes who engage in doping, a number of steps can be taken to address this serious issue.
There are various negative outcomes associated with the use of performance-enhancing substances. Firstly, athletes who use banned substances risk severe damage to their physical and mental health. Long-term use can cause heart problems, liver failure, hormonal imbalance, and even depression. Secondly, doping severely tarnishes an athlete’s reputation. Even if they achieve success, once exposed, their titles and accolades are stripped away, leaving lasting shame and regret. Finally, doping undermines the spirit of fair competition, eroding public trust in sports. Fans admire athletes for their natural abilities and hard work, and when cheating scandals emerge, the entire sporting community suffers a loss of credibility and admiration.
The problem of doping can be tackled by taking some actions. One way is to enforce stricter testing protocols both during competitions and in the offseason. Random and more frequent drug tests would deter athletes from attempting to cheat. Moreover, harsher punishments should be implemented, such as lifetime bans for serious violations, to send a strong message. Furthermore, education programs should be introduced early in athletes' careers, highlighting the health risks and ethical consequences of doping. If athletes understand the dangers and moral implications from the start, they are less likely to make poor choices.
In conclusion, while many consequences stem from the rise of doping in sports, including health issues and loss of integrity, stricter testing, harsher penalties, and education are key measures to tackle this growing problem.
For one-on-one IELTS coaching, feel free to reach out! 🚀
WhatsApp us now! – Click here!
✅ Band 9 Insights Based on IELTS Writing Criteria
1. Task Response
✔ Both parts of the question (consequences and solutions) are fully and clearly answered.
✔ Specific consequences (health, reputation, fairness) and strong solutions (testing, punishments, education) are presented.
✔ Well-supported ideas with logical development.
Example: "Doping undermines the spirit of fair competition, eroding public trust in sports."
2. Coherence and Cohesion
✔ Clear and natural flow: Introduction → Consequences → Measures → Conclusion.
✔ Logical use of linking words: Firstly, Secondly, Finally, Moreover, Furthermore, In conclusion.
✔ Clean and separate paragraphs as per the instructed structure.
3. Lexical Resource
✔ Wide vocabulary related to the topic: performance-enhancing drugs, tarnishes reputation, fair competition, testing protocols, ethical consequences.
✔ Appropriate paraphrasing without repetition or awkward phrasing.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy
✔ Excellent use of complex and compound structures.
✔ No grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors.
Example: "Even if they achieve success, once exposed, their titles and accolades are stripped away, leaving lasting shame and regret."
Share This with Fellow IELTS Aspirants!