EXAMPLE ANSWER FOR ADVANCED BOOSTER P61

It is widely accepted that sport benefits people. We all know that it is good for our physical
health, but it also helps us in less obvious ways, in terms of out mental health and creating
healthy communities by building up a community spirit. In this essay I will explore those two
aspects.

With regards to our mental health, sports often require a focus on an activity, for example
hitting a ball or finding a foot hole in a rock face. This focus means we have to forget about
whatever problems or emotions have been troubling us and concentrate on the activity we are
involved in. It is hard to remember negative emotions when you have to return a serve.

The focus on activity also helps us in team sports. Winning as a team is more important than
how you feel about your fellow teammates. However, the value to building community spirit is
usually because local people support their local teams. They feel inspired by local action. The
team does not have to be professional for this to happen. In fact, it does not have to be a team
sport. Local fun runs in aid of the local hospital or dads versus children football matches all
bring people together.

Both aspects are important benefits for sport, but I think that probably community
involvement provides the greatest benefit because it helps everyone not just those who are
good at sports.