Sports events have long been recognized as powerful catalysts for cultural exchange and international understanding. This topic frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays, reflecting its global significance. Based on past exam trends and the increasing importance of sports diplomacy, we can expect to see more questions related to this theme in future IELTS tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent exams:
Some people think that hosting international sports events is good for a country, while some people think it is bad. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the positive aspects of hosting international sports events
- Explore the negative impacts of hosting such events
- Provide a personal opinion on the overall impact
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, followed by detailed analyses.
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
International sporting events, such as the Olympics or the FIFA World Cup, have always been subjects of debate regarding their impact on host countries. While some argue that these events bring significant benefits, others contend that the drawbacks outweigh any potential advantages. In my opinion, hosting international sports events can be highly beneficial for a country if managed properly.
Proponents of hosting international sports events often highlight the economic and cultural benefits. Firstly, these events can boost tourism significantly, bringing in thousands of visitors and generating substantial revenue for the local economy. For instance, the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia attracted over 5 million tourists, contributing billions of dollars to the country’s economy. Secondly, such events provide an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange, as they bring together people from diverse backgrounds, fostering mutual understanding and breaking down stereotypes. This cultural interaction can lead to long-lasting positive relationships between nations.
On the other hand, critics argue that hosting these events can lead to financial strain and environmental degradation. The construction of stadiums and other infrastructure often requires massive investments, which may burden taxpayers and lead to long-term debt. For example, the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, cost an estimated $51 billion, making it the most expensive Olympic Games in history. Additionally, the influx of visitors and the construction of facilities can have a detrimental impact on the local environment, leading to increased pollution and habitat destruction.
In my view, while the concerns raised by critics are valid, the potential benefits of hosting international sports events outweigh the drawbacks if managed efficiently. Governments can mitigate financial risks by engaging in public-private partnerships and ensuring that new infrastructure aligns with long-term urban development plans. Moreover, implementing strict environmental guidelines can help minimize ecological damage. The positive impact on cultural exchange and international relations, coupled with the potential for economic growth, makes hosting these events a worthwhile endeavor for many countries.
In conclusion, hosting international sports events can be a double-edged sword, but with proper planning and management, the benefits can far outweigh the costs. These events not only stimulate economic growth but also serve as powerful tools for promoting cultural understanding and global unity.
(Word count: 374)
International sports events promoting cultural exchange
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
International sports events are big topics these days. Some people think they are good for countries to host, but others disagree. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
There are many good things about hosting big sports events. First, it can bring lots of money to the country. Many tourists come to watch the games and spend money on hotels, food, and souvenirs. This helps local businesses and the economy. Second, it can make the country famous. When people watch the event on TV, they see the host country and might want to visit later. Also, these events can bring people from different cultures together, which is good for understanding each other better.
However, there are also some bad points. Hosting these events costs a lot of money. Countries have to build new stadiums and improve roads and airports. This can be very expensive and might put the country in debt. Another problem is that after the event, some of the new buildings might not be used much, which is a waste of money. Also, having many visitors can cause problems like traffic jams and pollution.
In my opinion, I think hosting international sports events can be good for a country if it is done carefully. The government should plan well to use the new buildings after the event and try to keep costs down. If done right, the benefits of more tourism, better reputation, and cultural exchange can be very positive for the host country.
To conclude, while there are both advantages and disadvantages to hosting international sports events, I believe the good points can outweigh the bad if the event is managed properly.
(Word count: 275)
Band 5-6 Sample Essay
International sports events are big things for countries. Some people think it’s good to host them, but others think it’s bad. I will talk about both sides.
Good things about hosting sports events:
- Many tourists come to the country
- Country gets famous
- People make new friends from other countries
Bad things about hosting sports events:
- It costs a lot of money to build stadiums
- Sometimes new buildings are not used after the event
- Too many people can cause problems like traffic
I think hosting sports events can be good if the country plans well. It can help the country make money and become famous. But the government must be careful not to spend too much money.
In the end, I believe hosting international sports events can be good for a country if they do it carefully.
(Word count: 126)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills with:
- Clear organization and logical flow of ideas
- Advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures
- Thorough discussion of both viewpoints with relevant examples
- A well-developed personal opinion
- Strong coherence and cohesion throughout
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows good writing ability with:
- Clear structure and balanced discussion of both views
- Adequate vocabulary with some attempts at more complex expressions
- Basic examples to support ideas
- A clear personal opinion
- Good overall coherence, though less sophisticated than the Band 8-9 essay
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay demonstrates basic writing skills with:
- Simple organization of ideas
- Limited vocabulary and simple sentence structures
- Basic discussion of both viewpoints without detailed examples
- A personal opinion, though not well-developed
- Some coherence, but ideas are presented in a list-like manner
IELTS Writing Task 2 scoring criteria
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Catalyst (noun) – /ˈkætəlɪst/ – something that causes an important change or event to happen more quickly
- Cultural exchange (noun phrase) – /ˈkʌltʃərəl ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ/ – the sharing of ideas, customs, and experiences between different cultures
- Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – the basic systems and services that a country or organization needs to function properly
- Detrimental (adjective) – /ˌdetrɪˈmentl/ – causing harm or damage
- Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – to make something less harmful, serious, or painful
- Public-private partnership (noun phrase) – /ˌpʌblɪk ˈpraɪvət ˈpɑːtnəʃɪp/ – a cooperative arrangement between public and private sectors
- Double-edged sword (idiom) – /ˌdʌbl ˈedʒd ˈsɔːd/ – something that has both positive and negative effects
- Outweigh (verb) – /aʊtˈweɪ/ – to be more important or significant than something else
- Foster (verb) – /ˈfɒstər/ – to encourage the development or growth of something
- Burden (noun/verb) – /ˈbɜːdn/ – a duty or responsibility that causes worry, difficulty, or hard work
In conclusion, the topic of how sports events promote cultural exchange is a common and important theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the different approaches to this topic and practicing with various question types, you can improve your ability to write high-scoring essays. Remember to analyze the question carefully, structure your essay logically, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score.
To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or a related one, such as “Discuss the impact of international sports events on the host country’s economy and culture.” You can share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active practice will help you develop the confidence and skills needed to excel in the IELTS Writing Task 2.
IELTS Writing Task 2 practice on sports events topic
For more insights on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:
- How can sports promote international understanding
- The role of sports in bridging cultural gaps
- Impact of cultural exchange programs on international relations
These resources can provide additional perspectives and vocabulary to enrich your essays on sports events and cultural exchange.