Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-26

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)

Here is a **Band 8-style IELTS General Training Task 2 essay** with a clear discussion of both views and a balanced opinion.

IELTS General Training Task 2 — International Sports Events✓

International sporting events such as the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup attract people from all over the world. Some people believe that these events promote friendship and cooperation between nations, while others argue that they increase rivalry and competition. Although international sports inevitably involve competition, I believe that they can play an important role in bringing countries and people closer together.

On the one hand, international sporting events can create strong competition between countries. Athletes and supporters often have a strong desire to see their country succeed, which can sometimes lead to intense rivalry. For example, during major football tournaments, supporters may become highly emotional when their national teams compete against each other. In some cases, this rivalry can result in arguments or hostility between fans. Furthermore, countries may view sporting success as a matter of national pride, meaning that winning can become more important than the spirit of cooperation.

On the other hand, international sports events provide an opportunity for people from different cultures to meet and share experiences. Athletes live and compete alongside people from many different countries, while spectators travel internationally to watch the events. This allows individuals to learn about other cultures and develop greater understanding of people who have different backgrounds. For instance, the Olympic Games bring thousands of athletes together in one place, creating opportunities for friendships that would probably never have developed otherwise. In addition, people watching the same event can share a common interest despite differences in language, culture or nationality.

In my opinion, although competition is an unavoidable part of international sport, it does not necessarily prevent friendship between nations. In fact, healthy competition can encourage mutual respect, particularly when athletes demonstrate fairness and respect towards their opponents. The relationships developed through sport can also continue after an event has finished, especially when athletes and supporters maintain international connections.

In conclusion, international sporting events can create rivalry because countries naturally want their athletes or teams to succeed. However, these events also provide valuable opportunities for cultural exchange, friendship and mutual understanding. Therefore, I believe that international sport can contribute positively to relationships between countries when competition remains respectful.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—that international sports events create friendship versus rivalry—and providing a clear, well-supported personal opinion throughout. In the body paragraphs, the student examines how events like the Olympics foster intense national pride and potential hostility, while simultaneously offering intercultural exchange and shared human experiences. Ideas are well developed with relevant examples, such as reference to football tournaments and the Olympic Games. The stance is consistent from the introduction through to the balanced conclusion, easily meeting the criteria for a high band performance.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

Ideas are logically sequenced with a clear overall progression throughout the essay. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with a well-framed introduction, moving through balanced body paragraphs discussing contrasting views, and concluding with a synthesised opinion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In addition' are managed well without feeling mechanical. Paragraphing is used effectively and appropriately to structure the line of argumentation, ensuring the text flows naturally from start to finish.

Lexical Resource: Band 8.0

The essay demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary suited to the topic of international sports. The writer uses sophisticated collocations and less common lexical items effectively, such as 'intercultural exchange', 'mutual respect', 'intense rivalry', and 'national pride'. Word choice and collocations are generally precise, with only occasional minor imperfections. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout, enabling the message to be communicated with ease and natural control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The writer displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, featuring well-controlled subordinate clauses, conditional structures, and participial phrases (e.g., 'Although international sports inevitably involve competition, I believe that...', 'especially when athletes and supporters maintain international connections'). Punctuation is handled accurately, and control over complex syntax is strong, with only very rare slips that do not impede communication in any way.

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