IELTS Band 8.5 Essay, topic: Some think that hosting an international sporting event is beneficial for a country while others disagree

International sporting events are well-known for attracting a high level of attention because they give many people something to look forward to.

View online

This is a model Writing Task 2 response for a recent topic from Italy

Writing Task 2 You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic: Some people think that hosting an international sporting event is beneficial for a country, while others disagree. Do the advantages of hosting a major sporting event outweigh its disadvantages? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience. You should write at least 250 words. Sample Band 8.5 Essay International sporting events are well-known for attracting a high level of attention because they give many people something to look forward to. Understandably, there are advantages and disadvantages for the host country, and careful consideration is required to determine whether a nation will benefit or lose from hosting a major sports championship. Worryingly, the new infrastructure required for hosting a major sporting event often comes at the expense of local people. Their lives get disrupted by construction works and at times residents have even been evicted from their homes for stadiums to be built. Worse still, practice shows the expensive, gigantic buildings constructed for the sports event aren't being used afterwards and fall into disrepair, leaving the country with high maintenance bills. The financial burden from hosting the Olympic Games, for example, is staggering and can run into tens of billions. Still, the question remains whether or not the pros outnumber the cons. It is hard to underestimate the amount of influence on the country's global status and prestige that comes with becoming a home to an international sporting event. New trade opportunities appear on the horizon, as it happened for many countries that hosted the Olympic Games. There is also a welcome increase in tourism, which gives the local economy a boost, injecting billions of dollars into the national budget. Construction of new stadiums, hotels and infrastructure such as new roads and rail links creates new jobs, further improving the country's economy. Less tangible but still important is the aspect of national pride and the feel-good factor associated with hosting an international sports event. All in all, it seems to me that an international sporting event can bring more good than harm to a country, especially if its potential dangers can be avoided or minimised. Hosting a World Championship is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a country and an immense source of pride for its citizens. Teacher's comment: The writer provided a complete response to the task prompt and offered elaborated and convincing ideas that fully meet the task's requirements. He/she maintained coherence throughout the essay, logically organised the ideas and arguments, and made effective use of paragraphing. The vocabulary is diverse and uncommon lexical items have been used appropriately, with almost no errors in word choice or collocation. The bulk of the sentences are error-free, and the writer has used a variety of linguistic constructions. These components work together flawlessly and make Band 8 - 8.5 very likely for this essay.

IELTS Fact The fastest improvement in your Writing score happens when you get feedback on your written tasks from an IELTS Expert. Avoid the costly 'trial and error' method, submit your writing for correction and start progressing quickly and reliably to a higher Band Score today.

Start Here

Recommended Resources

Academic IELTS Book "Personally, I can say that your book was so fundamental to my preparation that without it I think I would barely receive a 6.5." - Leonardo from Brazil Learn more Buy Now

General Training IELTS Book "This book provides concise and useful tips to complete all test tasks well and on-time. Thanks again for recommending this great book to me." - Michelle P. from Malaysia Learn more Buy Now

Practice Tests for IELTS "As it turned out, the test was in exactly the same format as your examples. I would not have been able to achieve my 8 overall score on my own" - Martin from Germany Learn more Buy Now

IELTS Online Prep Platform *Desktop / Laptop (not for mobile) "These practice tests are in the same format and at the same difficulty level as the real test. The tests are not only useful for preparing for the exam, but also for developing all the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking." - Mironi from Japan Start Free Trial Register Now

IELTS Prep Tools

Free App for Practice Download IELTS Books Online practice (free trial) Subscribe to daily tips Recent IELTS questions Model Essays IELTS Success Stories IELTS results competition

Download IELTS-Blog App for Practice

Connect with us - we're easy to find

Greater Web Publishing, PO Box 562, Brighton, VIC 3186, Australia You may unsubscribe or change your contact details at any time.

Powered by: