The topic of international sports and its impact on national pride is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and the current global focus on international sporting events, it’s highly likely that this subject will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that hosting international sports events can benefit the country, while others think it can have negative effects on the country. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question directly addresses the impact of international sports events on host nations, touching on both positive and negative aspects. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
The question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the benefits of hosting international sports events
- Explore the potential negative effects on the host country
- Present a balanced argument considering both viewpoints
- Provide a personal opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s look at sample essays for different band levels.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
International sporting events, such as the Olympics or FIFA World Cup, have the power to captivate global audiences and significantly impact host nations. While some argue that these events bring substantial benefits, others contend that they can have detrimental effects on the hosting country. In my opinion, while there are challenges to overcome, the advantages of hosting international sports events generally outweigh the drawbacks.
Proponents of hosting international sports events emphasize the numerous benefits they can bring to a country. Firstly, such events can boost tourism and stimulate economic growth. The influx of visitors during these events can lead to increased spending in various sectors, including hospitality, retail, and transportation. Additionally, the infrastructure developments required for these events, such as improved transportation systems and sports facilities, can have long-lasting benefits for local communities. Furthermore, hosting international sports events can enhance a country’s global image and prestige, potentially attracting future investments and business opportunities.
On the other hand, critics argue that hosting these events can have negative consequences. The most significant concern is the enormous financial burden placed on the host country. The costs of building new stadiums, upgrading infrastructure, and ensuring security can be astronomical, often leading to long-term debt. Moreover, there are concerns about the displacement of local communities to make way for new constructions, as well as the potential for increased pollution and environmental degradation. Some also argue that the economic benefits are often overstated and primarily benefit large corporations rather than local businesses and residents.
In my view, while the concerns raised by critics are valid, the overall impact of hosting international sports events tends to be positive when managed effectively. The key lies in careful planning and sustainable development strategies. Host countries should focus on creating lasting legacies that benefit local communities long after the events conclude. This can include repurposing sports facilities for community use, leveraging improved infrastructure for long-term economic growth, and using the enhanced global profile to attract sustained tourism and investment.
In conclusion, hosting international sports events presents both opportunities and challenges for countries. While the financial costs and potential negative impacts cannot be ignored, I believe that with proper planning and management, the benefits of increased tourism, improved infrastructure, and enhanced global standing can provide significant long-term advantages to host nations.
(Word count: 374)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Hosting international sports events is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think it’s good for the country, while others believe it can cause problems. In this essay, I will discuss both sides and give my own thoughts on this matter.
There are several benefits to hosting big sports events. Firstly, it can bring many tourists to the country, which is good for the economy. Hotels, restaurants, and shops can make more money when there are lots of visitors. Secondly, the country often has to build new sports facilities and improve its transport systems. These improvements can be useful for the local people even after the event is over. Lastly, hosting a big sports event can make the country famous around the world, which might help with things like business and tourism in the future.
However, there are also some negative effects to consider. The main problem is that these events cost a lot of money. Building new stadiums and improving roads can be very expensive, and sometimes countries end up in debt because of this. Another issue is that local people might be forced to move their homes to make space for new buildings. Also, having many visitors can lead to more pollution and damage to the environment.
In my opinion, I think hosting international sports events can be good for a country if it’s done carefully. It’s important to plan well and think about how to use the new buildings and facilities after the event is finished. If a country can manage the costs and take care of its people and environment, then the benefits of hosting these events can be greater than the problems.
To conclude, hosting international sports events has both good and bad points. While there are challenges like high costs and potential environmental issues, I believe that with good planning, the positive effects such as economic growth and improved facilities can be more significant in the long run.
(Word count: 329)
The role of sports in fostering national pride and unity is evident in both sample essays, highlighting how international events can boost a country’s image and unite its people.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Hosting big sports events is a topic that many people talk about. Some people think it’s good for the country, but others think it can cause problems. I will write about both sides in this essay.
Good things about hosting sports events:
- Many tourists come to the country
- New buildings and roads are made
- The country becomes famous
These things can help the country make money and look better to other countries.
Bad things about hosting sports events:
- It costs a lot of money to build new things
- Some people might have to move their homes
- There might be more pollution
These problems can make life difficult for some people in the country.
I think hosting sports events can be good if the country is careful. They should think about how to use the new buildings after the event. They should also try not to spend too much money.
In conclusion, there are good and bad things about hosting big sports events. I believe it can be good for a country if they plan well and think about the future.
(Word count: 174)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the essay
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Ideas are coherently linked with clear progression throughout
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, although conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, with some inaccuracies
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Information and ideas are generally well organized with clear overall progression
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but development is not always clear
- Uses limited range of vocabulary; errors may cause some difficulty for the reader
- Uses only a limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses
- Presents information with some organization but may lack overall progression
The effects of international sporting events on the hosting country are explored in varying depths across these essays, demonstrating the difference in analytical skills between band scores.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Captivate (verb) /ˈkæptɪveɪt/ – to attract and hold the interest of
- Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society
- Prestige (noun) /preˈstiːʒ/ – widespread respect and admiration felt for someone or something
- Astronomical (adjective) /ˌæstrəˈnɒmɪkl/ – extremely large
- Displacement (noun) /dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/ – the act of moving someone or something from its usual place
- Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Legacy (noun) /ˈleɡəsi/ – something left or handed down by a predecessor
- Repurposing (verb) /riːˈpɜːpəsɪŋ/ – adapt for use in a different purpose
- Stimulate (verb) /ˈstɪmjuleɪt/ – encourage or arouse interest or enthusiasm in
- Detrimental (adjective) /ˌdetrɪˈmentl/ – tending to cause harm
Conclusion
The impact of international sports events on national pride and the host country is a multifaceted topic that requires careful consideration of both benefits and drawbacks. As demonstrated in the sample essays, the key to a high-scoring response lies in presenting a balanced argument, supporting ideas with relevant examples, and maintaining a clear position throughout the essay.
To further prepare for similar topics, consider practicing with these potential questions:
- Do you think the benefits of hosting international sports events outweigh the costs for developing countries?
- How do international sports events contribute to global understanding and peace?
- Should countries prioritize investing in sports facilities for international events over other public services?
Remember, the best way to improve your writing skills is through consistent practice. Try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you refine your skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
The influence of international sports events on global relations is another interesting angle to explore when practicing your essay writing skills.