Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-13

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people believe that international sports events, such as The Olympics or the Football World Cup, are a good way to bring countries together. Others say that these events create competition, not friendship, between countries.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 8.0)

The debate about whether global sports competitions, such as the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup, foster friendship or intensify rivalry between countries is contentious. In my opinion, although such events can generate intense competition and nationalism, they are ultimately a positive force because they bring people together through a shared interest and promote cultural exchange, mutual respect and sportsmanship.

On the one hand, international sporting events may intensify competition among participating countries. Since athletes and teams represent their nations, victories and defeats are often interpreted as matters of national pride. Supporters may therefore become excessively patriotic, particularly when their country’s team is competing against a long-standing rival. In some cases, this can lead to hostility towards opposing teams or their supporters. Furthermore, extensive media coverage of national victories can reinforce the perception that sporting success reflects a country’s superiority. Consequently, fierce competition at major sporting events can sometimes deepen nationalistic sentiments rather than promote international harmony.

On the other hand, these competitions provide a valuable platform for people from diverse cultural, social and religious backgrounds to interact peacefully. For instance, the Olympic Village brings athletes from around the world together, allowing them to live alongside one another and develop mutual respect and a deeper understanding of different cultures. Moreover, spectators across the globe follow these events because of their shared passion for sport, creating a sense of collective participation that transcends national boundaries. Athletes can also be inspired by competitors from other countries, encouraging them to improve their skills and demonstrate greater sportsmanship.

In conclusion, although international sporting events can intensify rivalry and nationalism, I firmly believe that their broader impact is positive. By providing a common platform for peaceful competition and cultural interaction, they encourage mutual respect, understanding and friendship among people from different countries.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The student fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—that international sports events foster rivalry and that they bring countries together—while maintaining a clear, well-supported position throughout. The introduction clearly outlines the dual perspectives and states the author's viewpoint. Body paragraph one effectively discusses how nationalism and fierce competition can lead to hostility, using relevant ideas such as national pride and media reinforcement. Body paragraph two logically counters this by exploring how events like the Olympic Village and shared global passions promote cultural exchange and mutual respect. The conclusion succinctly reaffirms the main thesis. Ideas are thoroughly extended and supported with appropriate examples, meeting all the requirements of Band 7.5 to Band 8.0 descriptor criteria.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay demonstrates a clear, logical organization and natural progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently sequenced, moving seamlessly from the introduction to the competing viewpoints, and finally to a balanced conclusion. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central theme. Cohesive devices—such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' 'Furthermore,' and 'Consequently'—are handled effectively and flexibly to guide the reader through the argument. Referencing is clear and unambiguous, ensuring that relationships between ideas remain transparent and easy to follow. This level of management fully aligns with the requirements of a Band 8 score.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

The student displays a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary suited to the prompt. Less common lexical items and collocations are used skillfully throughout the essay, such as 'contentious,' 'nationalistic sentiments,' 'transcends national boundaries,' and 'cultural interaction.' Word choice is generally precise, with only very occasional minor inaccuracies that do not detract from the overall flow of the writing. Spelling and word formation are accurate across the entire response. The vocabulary range enables the writer to convey precise meanings and nuanced arguments effortlessly, matching the criteria for a high Band 8 performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response showcases a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of flexibility and accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and complex clauses are integrated naturally into the text, such as in the opening concessive clause ('In my opinion, although such events can generate...'). Control over punctuation, verb tenses, and article usage is consistently strong. There are only very occasional, non-systematic slips that never impede communication. The structural variety and precise control demonstrated throughout place this submission firmly in the Band 8 category for grammatical range and accuracy.

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