The impact of sports on national economies is a topic that has appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 with moderate frequency. While not as common as some other themes, it remains relevant due to the global significance of major sporting events and their economic implications. Based on past exam trends and current global events, we can expect this topic to maintain its presence in future IELTS tests. Let’s examine a specific question related to this theme:
Some people think that governments should spend money on international sporting events. Others believe that this money could be better spent on public services. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that governments should invest in international sporting events
- Explore the perspective that public services are a better use of government funds
- Provide a personal opinion on the matter
The task involves comparing and contrasting these viewpoints while ultimately taking a stance. It’s crucial to address both sides of the argument before presenting a well-reasoned conclusion.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
There is ongoing debate about whether governments should allocate funds to international sporting events or prioritize public services. While both perspectives have merit, I believe a balanced approach that recognizes the potential benefits of sporting events while ensuring adequate funding for essential services is ideal.
Proponents of government spending on international sporting events argue that these occasions can bring significant economic benefits to the host nation. Major tournaments like the Olympics or World Cup can boost tourism, create jobs, and enhance a country’s global reputation. For instance, the 2012 London Olympics generated an estimated £9.9 billion in trade and investment for the UK economy. Moreover, such events can leave a lasting legacy in terms of improved infrastructure and increased sports participation among the population, contributing to long-term public health benefits.
On the other hand, those who advocate for prioritizing public services contend that government funds should be directed towards more pressing needs. They argue that essential services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare have a more direct and immediate impact on citizens’ quality of life. Investing in these areas can lead to a healthier, more educated, and more productive population, which in turn can drive economic growth. Additionally, critics point out that the economic benefits of sporting events are often overstated, and the costs of hosting them can burden taxpayers for years to come.
In my opinion, while the allure of hosting international sporting events is understandable, governments should prioritize a balanced approach. Investing in public services should form the foundation of government spending, as these are essential for the well-being and development of society. However, this does not mean completely disregarding the potential benefits of sporting events. Governments could consider hosting such events only when they have a robust plan to leverage them for long-term economic and social benefits, without compromising the quality of public services.
In conclusion, the decision to invest in international sporting events versus public services is not a binary choice. A nuanced approach that primarily focuses on essential services while selectively engaging in beneficial sporting events can provide the best outcomes for a nation’s economy and its citizens.
(Word count: 391)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of whether governments should spend money on international sporting events or focus on public services is a complex issue. There are good arguments on both sides, and I will discuss them before giving my own view.
On one hand, international sporting events can bring many benefits to a country. They can attract tourists and create jobs, which is good for the economy. For example, when a country hosts the World Cup, many people come to watch the games and spend money in hotels and restaurants. These events can also make a country famous and respected around the world. Additionally, they can inspire young people to play sports and be healthier.
On the other hand, public services are very important for people’s daily lives. Things like hospitals, schools, and public transport help everyone in society. If the government spends more money on these services, it can improve the quality of life for all citizens. For instance, better healthcare means people can live longer and healthier lives. Good education helps people get better jobs and contribute more to the economy. Some people think this is more important than hosting big sports events that only last for a short time.
In my opinion, I think governments should focus more on public services. While sporting events can be exciting and bring some benefits, I believe that good healthcare, education, and other public services are more important for most people’s lives. However, I also think it’s possible to have a balance. Maybe governments can spend a little on sports events if they have enough money for public services first.
To conclude, both international sporting events and public services have their advantages. But I believe that public services should be the priority because they help more people in the long term. Governments should make sure they have good public services before thinking about hosting big sports events.
(Word count: 334)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates the qualities of a high-scoring response:
- Task Achievement: Fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy.
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows the characteristics of a competent response:
- Task Achievement: Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Arranges information and ideas coherently and there is a clear overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some evidence of style and flexibility.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. Makes some errors, but these do not impede communication.
Key Vocabulary
- allocate (verb) /ˈæləkeɪt/ – to give something officially to someone or for a particular purpose
- infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – the basic systems and services that a country or organization uses in order to work effectively
- contend (verb) /kənˈtend/ – to argue or state that something is true
- overstated (adjective) /ˌəʊvərˈsteɪtɪd/ – described as being better or more important than it really is
- burden (verb) /ˈbɜːrdən/ – to give someone a lot of work or problems to deal with
- leverage (verb) /ˈlevərɪdʒ/ – to use something that you already have in order to achieve something new or better
- nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
- prioritize (verb) /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/ – to decide which of a group of things are the most important so that you can deal with them first
These vocabulary items are particularly useful for discussing economic and social policy topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. Practice using them in your own essays to enhance your lexical resource score.
Conclusion
The impact of sports on national economies is a multifaceted topic that requires careful consideration of various perspectives. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, remember to analyze the question thoroughly, structure your essay logically, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Practice writing essays on similar topics, such as:
- The economic benefits and drawbacks of hosting major international events
- The balance between government spending on entertainment versus essential services
- The role of sports in national development and international relations
Remember to time yourself and aim for at least 250 words. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.
Government investment in sports and arts can be a controversial topic, but understanding various perspectives will help you construct a well-rounded argument. As you continue your IELTS preparation, consider exploring related topics such as the influence of global events on local economies to broaden your understanding of economic impacts beyond sports.