The impact of hosting international sporting events is a topic frequently explored in IELTS Writing Task 2. This essay will delve into the potential costs and benefits associated with these events, providing a sample answer to a common IELTS question and highlighting key vocabulary and grammar points for test-takers.
IELTS Essay Sample
Sample Question
<blockquote><strong>Some people argue that hosting international sporting events like the Olympics brings more drawbacks to a country than benefits. To what extent do you agree or disagree?</strong></blockquote>
Essay Analysis
This essay question requires you to present a clear stance on whether the benefits of hosting international sporting events outweigh the drawbacks. It’s crucial to acknowledge both sides of the argument while providing strong reasoning and examples to support your position.
Sample Essay
Hosting major international sporting events such as the Olympics is often viewed as a prestigious and potentially lucrative undertaking for nations. However, this pursuit of glory and economic gain often comes at a significant cost. While such events can undoubtedly offer benefits, I firmly believe that the drawbacks, particularly the financial burden and potential for social disruption, outweigh the advantages.
One of the most compelling arguments against hosting these events is the enormous financial strain they place on host countries. The construction of state-of-the-art stadiums, infrastructure upgrades, and enhanced security measures necessitate massive public expenditure. This financial burden can lead to cuts in essential public services like healthcare and education, as was witnessed in the aftermath of the 2016 Rio Olympics. Furthermore, these events are often plagued by cost overruns, leaving taxpayers to shoulder the additional debt for years to come.
Moreover, international sporting events can exacerbate existing social inequalities and lead to displacement. To accommodate the influx of tourists and athletes, cities often resort to demolishing low-income neighborhoods or forcibly evicting residents. This displacement disrupts communities and widens the gap between the rich and poor. The 2008 Beijing Olympics, for instance, witnessed the displacement of thousands of residents, highlighting the human cost often associated with such mega-events.
Despite these drawbacks, proponents argue that these events boost tourism, create jobs, and enhance a nation’s global image. While this may be true to some extent, the economic benefits are often short-lived and fail to trickle down to the wider population. Moreover, the influx of tourists can strain local resources and lead to inflation, negatively impacting the lives of ordinary citizens.
In conclusion, while the prospect of hosting an international sporting event may appear alluring, the potential for economic hardship, social upheaval, and environmental damage is undeniable. Governments must prioritize the long-term well-being of their citizens over fleeting moments of national pride and carefully weigh the costs and benefits before embarking on such ambitious ventures.
(Word count: 320 words)
Olympic Games Opening Ceremony
Key Takeaways and Vocabulary
- Structure: Notice the clear structure of the essay with an introduction, body paragraphs presenting both sides of the argument, and a conclusion restating the writer’s position.
- Vocabulary: This essay uses a range of sophisticated vocabulary related to economics and social issues, such as “lucrative”, “expenditure”, “exacerbate”, “displacement”, “trickle down”, and “fleeting”.
- Grammar: Complex sentence structures and cohesive devices are effectively used to present a well-developed argument.
Useful Vocabulary
- Lucrative (adj.) /ˈluːkrətɪv/: Producing a lot of money; profitable.
- Expenditure (n.) /ɪkˈspendɪtʃər/: The act of spending money.
- Exacerbate (v.) /ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/: To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.
- Displacement (n.) /dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/: The situation in which people are forced to leave their homes and move to a different place.
- Trickle down (phrasal verb): (Of money) to spread from the richer to the poorer people in a society.
- Fleeting (adj.) /ˈfliːtɪŋ/: Lasting for a very short time.
- Infrastructure (n.) /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/: The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g., buildings, roads, and power supplies) needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
- Prestigious (adj.) /prɛˈstɪdʒəs/: Inspiring respect and admiration; having high status.
Conclusion
Understanding the multifaceted impact of hosting international sporting events is crucial for success in the IELTS Writing exam. By analyzing sample essays and expanding your vocabulary, you can confidently tackle this topic and achieve your desired band score. Remember to present a well-structured argument, provide strong evidence, and utilize a range of grammatical structures to showcase your language proficiency. For further practice, consider exploring the impact of sports on society in this insightful article: How do you describe the impact of sport on society?
