🗂️ PTE ACADEMIC – ESSAY WRITING

 1. Professional athletes can earn very high salaries. Many people argue that this is   unfair and that other professions deserve higher salaries. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Introduction

The introduction needs to state your clear opinion and the two main reasons for your disagreement.

Template Structure: Many people argue about whether [topic]. In my opinion, [state your view clearly].

Your first two sentences: Many people argue about whether the extraordinary salaries paid to professional athletes are unfair in comparison to essential, lower-paid professions. In my opinion, I strongly disagree that the compensation is unfair, as these high earnings are a justified outcome of the entertainment market and the unique value athletes create. 

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Body Paragraph 1: First Reason (Massive Revenue Generation)

This paragraph presents your first main reason, a detailed explanation, and a specific example.

Template Structure: Firstly, [1st main reason]. This is because [explanation of why this is true]. For example, [relevant illustration or example].

Your paragraph: Firstly, professional athletes are the primary engine of a multi-billion dollar global entertainment industry. This is because they drive massive revenue through ticket sales, lucrative broadcasting rights, and global sponsorship deals for their leagues and teams. For example, a single superstar player can attract millions of viewers and sell millions in merchandise, directly resulting in the wealth from which their salary is drawn. 

Body Paragraph 2: Second Reason (Scarcity and Short Career)

This paragraph presents your second main reason, explains the implication, and gives a practical example.

Template Structure: Secondly, [2nd main reason]. This means [expand or explain further]. For instance, [give a short example].

Your paragraph: Secondly, their earnings reflect the extreme rarity of their talent and the inherent short duration of their careers. This means that only a tiny fraction of athletes ever reach the professional level, and their average career length is often less than five to ten years. For instance, professional athletes must earn their entire life's income during this short, high-risk window, justifying an accelerated rate of compensation compared to careers spanning four decades. 

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Counterargument / Body Paragraph 3

This paragraph acknowledges the opposing view and then argues why it is less important than your main points.

Template Structure: On the other hand, it could be argued that [opposing idea]. However, [state why it is weak or less important]. Therefore, the positives of [your opinion/topic] outweigh the negatives.

Your paragraph: On the other hand, it could be argued that the pay disparity is unfair because teachers, nurses, and other public servants provide far more vital contributions to societal well-being. However, this argument confuses economic market value with social value, as athlete pay is determined by consumer demand, not a ranking of moral necessity. Therefore, the positives of a highly efficient market logically outweigh the philosophical argument about which profession inherently deserves more. 

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Conclusion

The conclusion summarizes your overall view and offers a final suggestion or implication.

Template Structure: In conclusion, [summarize your overall view]. People should [suggest final implication or recommendation].

Your final paragraph: In conclusion, I firmly believe that the high salaries of professional athletes are not unfair but are an inevitable result of a powerful, demand-driven entertainment economy. People should therefore shift the focus to addressing why essential professions are undervalued and seek to raise their compensation, rather than arbitrarily capping the earnings of those who generate billions.