Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-25

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 7.0)

There is an ongoing argument in society about international sporting events, such as the Olympics and the Football World Cup. Some people believe that these events bring countries together in a positive way, while others believe that they create competition rather than friendship between nations. In my opinion, international sporting events are a good way to bring countries together.

Some people believe that international sporting events such as the Olympics or the Football World Cup can bring countries together in a healthy way. Firstly, when such major events take place, they can increase tourism and give people opportunities to make new friends. For example, if an event is held in Paris, many people from all over the world will gather in one place. This can help the local economy while also allowing visitors to meet people from different cultures. As a result, international sporting events can create positive relationships between people from different countries.

Secondly, while a match is taking place, supporters from opposing countries often sit near each other and support their respective teams. Government officials and other representatives may also attend these events and communicate with one another. For example, when representatives from two countries meet during an international sporting event, it may provide opportunities for greater communication between the nations. As a result, sport can help create connections beyond the event itself.

On the other hand, some individuals believe that these events can create rivalry between countries rather than friendship. Supporters can become extremely competitive and may develop negative feelings towards opposing teams. For example, when one country wins and another loses, some supporters may provoke the opposing fans, which can lead to conflict. As a result, authorities may need to impose restrictions on spectators, and hostility between supporters can increase.

In conclusion, although international sporting events can create competition between countries, I believe that their ability to bring people from different nations and cultures together is more significant. Therefore, these events can play a positive role in building international relationships.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The student addresses all parts of the task effectively, discussing both views regarding international sporting events—their ability to bring nations together versus creating competition and rivalry—while presenting a clear personal opinion throughout the response. The position is well maintained from the introduction through the body paragraphs and into the conclusion. Ideas are adequately extended and supported with relevant examples, such as tourism benefits in Paris and government officials communicating during events. The response meets the criteria for Band 7, as all requirements of the task are addressed with a clear position and supported ideas, though some arguments like economic benefits could be seen as slightly generalized.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The essay displays a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to the benefits of bringing people together, the diplomatic opportunities, the counter-argument regarding rivalry, and finally the conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader through the text, although some connectors are quite standard. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, contributing to an overall coherent structure that aligns well with the descriptors for Band 7.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, allowing for some flexibility and precision. Phrases such as 'ongoing argument', 'local economy', 'opposing countries', and 'international relationships' are used accurately. There are also successful attempts at less common lexical items such as 'rivalry', 'provoke', and 'hostility'. While the vocabulary control is generally good, it does not consistently reach the sophisticated or flexible range required for higher bands, placing it firmly at Band 7 with occasional standard collocations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The response exhibits a good variety of complex sentence structures, including conditional clauses ('if an event is held in Paris, many people...') and relative clauses. There are frequent error-free sentences, and the overall control of grammar and punctuation is strong. Minor errors are virtually absent, and complex structures are handled with good control, allowing communication to flow smoothly without impediment. This level of grammatical accuracy and structural variety corresponds well to a Band 7 performance.

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