# PTE Essay #39: Integrity in Professional Sports

Write Essay #39 - Level 3 - Feeds Writing

> You have 20 minutes to plan, write and check an essay on the topic below. Write 200-300 words and answer the question exactly as it is asked.

An increasing number of athletes have been found using performance-enhancing drugs. What can be done to address the problem?

## Answer

In recent years, a growing number of athletes have been caught using performance-enhancing drugs. This problem threatens fair competition and endangers athletes' health. In my view, it can best be addressed through two main measures: stricter testing with tougher penalties, and better education that changes the culture of sport.

The first solution is to make cheating more difficult and more costly. Sports organizations should increase random testing, both during competitions and in training periods, so that athletes cannot plan when to stop using drugs. Samples could also be stored and retested years later as detection methods improve. In addition, penalties should be severe enough to discourage cheating, such as long bans and the return of medals and prize money. For example, a cyclist who knew that a positive test would end his career and cost him his earnings would be far less tempted to take the risk.

The second solution is to tackle the reasons why athletes cheat in the first place. Young athletes often face intense pressure from coaches, sponsors and fans to win at any cost. Therefore, sports academies should teach them about the serious health risks of drugs, such as heart problems and hormone damage. Coaches and team doctors who supply or encourage drug use should also be punished, not only the athletes themselves. A junior sprinter who understands these dangers and trains in a culture of honesty is much less likely to cheat later.

In conclusion, the use of performance-enhancing drugs can be reduced through stricter testing and penalties combined with education and cultural change. Together, these measures can protect both fair competition and the health of athletes.

## Explanation

A high-scoring response must explicitly identify the core issue and provide actionable, logical solutions. It should demonstrate a clear structure, linking the problem of substance abuse to specific regulatory or educational interventions.

## Hints

- Consider both preventative measures like education and reactive measures like stricter testing protocols.
- Ensure your essay follows a logical flow: introduction, body paragraphs detailing specific solutions, and a concluding summary.

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