The phrase ‘legacy of sports events’ is a crucial concept in the world of sports and major international competitions. As an IELTS candidate, understanding this term and its related vocabulary can significantly enhance your performance in the exam. Let’s dive into a comprehensive analysis of this phrase and explore how you can effectively use it in your IELTS preparation.
Understanding the Term
Legacy of sports events
- Definition: The lasting impact and benefits that remain after a major sporting event has concluded.
- Part of speech: Noun phrase
- Pronunciation: /ˈlegəsi əv spɔːrts ɪˈvents/
Context and Usage
Examples in Context
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“The legacy of sports events like the Olympics often includes improved infrastructure and increased tourism.”
Analysis: This sentence demonstrates how the phrase is used to describe the long-term benefits of hosting major sporting events. -
“Researchers are studying the economic legacy of sports events to determine their true value to host cities.”
Analysis: Here, the phrase is used in an academic context, highlighting its relevance in economic and urban studies. -
“The positive legacy of sports events can include increased participation in sports and improved public health.”
Analysis: This example shows how the phrase can be used to discuss social impacts beyond just economic factors. -
“Critics argue that the legacy of sports events is often overstated and may not justify the huge investments made.”
Analysis: This sentence illustrates how the phrase can be used in critical discussions about the pros and cons of hosting major events. -
“The environmental legacy of sports events has become a key consideration for organizers in recent years.”
Analysis: This example demonstrates how the phrase can be applied to specific aspects of event planning and impact assessment.
Common Contexts
The phrase ‘legacy of sports events’ is frequently encountered in:
- Urban planning discussions
- Economic impact studies
- Sports management courses
- Environmental sustainability debates
- Public policy and government reports
IELTS Relevance
This phrase is particularly relevant for the IELTS exam, especially in:
- Writing Task 2 essays on sports, urban development, or economics
- Speaking Part 3 discussions about major events or city planning
- Reading passages on sports management or event organization
Vocabulary Analysis
Word Structure
- Legacy: from Latin ‘legatus’ meaning ‘ambassador’ or ‘envoy’
- Sports: plural of ‘sport’, from Old French ‘desport’ meaning ‘leisure’
- Events: plural of ‘event’, from Latin ‘eventus’ meaning ‘occurrence’
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
-
Aftermath of sporting competitions
- Definition: The consequences or results following major sports events
- Part of speech: Noun phrase
- Pronunciation: /ˈɑːftərmaθ əv ˈspɔːrtɪŋ ˌkɒmpəˈtɪʃənz/
-
Impact of athletic tournaments
- Definition: The effect or influence of large-scale sports competitions
- Part of speech: Noun phrase
- Pronunciation: /ˈɪmpækt əv æθˈletɪk ˈtʊənəmənts/
-
Heritage of games
- Definition: The lasting traditions or effects left by sporting games
- Part of speech: Noun phrase
- Pronunciation: /ˈherɪtɪdʒ əv geɪmz/
Antonyms:
-
Temporary effects of sports
- Definition: Short-term impacts that do not last beyond the event itself
- Part of speech: Noun phrase
- Pronunciation: /ˈtempərəri ɪˈfekts əv spɔːrts/
-
Immediate outcomes of competitions
- Definition: The direct, short-term results of sporting events
- Part of speech: Noun phrase
- Pronunciation: /ɪˈmiːdiət ˈaʊtkʌmz əv ˌkɒmpəˈtɪʃənz/
Memorization Techniques
Mind Mapping
Create a mind map with ‘Legacy of Sports Events’ at the center, branching out to:
- Economic Impact (jobs, tourism)
- Infrastructure (stadiums, transport)
- Social Benefits (health, community engagement)
- Environmental Considerations (sustainability practices)
- Cultural Legacy (national pride, traditions)
Storytelling Technique
Imagine a city that hosted the Olympics. Picture the new stadiums, improved roads, and increased global recognition. Years later, these facilities are still in use, tourism has grown, and more people are engaged in sports. This narrative embodies the concept of the ‘legacy of sports events’.
Practical Application
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Question
“Some people believe that hosting international sports events is beneficial for a country, while others think it is costly and disruptive. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
In your response, you could use ‘legacy of sports events’ to discuss long-term benefits:
“While hosting major sports events can be expensive and temporarily disruptive, the legacy of sports events often includes improved infrastructure, increased tourism, and enhanced global reputation. For instance, the 2012 London Olympics led to the regeneration of East London, creating new housing and community facilities that continue to benefit residents years after the event.”
IELTS Speaking Part 3 Practice
Question: “What are some of the long-term effects of hosting a major international sporting event?”
Sample answer: “The legacy of sports events can be quite significant and multifaceted. Economically, it often leads to increased tourism and job creation. Infrastructure-wise, cities usually benefit from improved transportation systems and world-class sporting facilities. There’s also often a social legacy, with increased sports participation and community pride. However, it’s important to note that the legacy of sports events isn’t always positive – some cities have struggled with debt or underutilized venues post-event.”
For more practice on discussing global sports events, you might find this article on global sports events helpful.
Conclusion
Mastering the phrase ‘legacy of sports events’ and its related vocabulary can significantly enhance your IELTS performance, particularly in tasks related to sports, urban development, and economics. Remember to practice using this phrase in various contexts, and don’t hesitate to explore its connections to other topics like the significance of ancient civilizations in modern culture, which can broaden your understanding of long-term cultural impacts.
We encourage you to create your own examples using ‘legacy of sports events’ and share them in the comments below. How would you use this phrase in an IELTS essay or speaking test? Your practice and questions will help reinforce your learning and prepare you for success in the IELTS exam.