Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-28

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)

Some people believe that the best way to bring countries together is by organising international sporting events, such as the Olympics or the FIFA World Cup. Others, however, argue that these events create competition rather than friendship between countries. This essay will discuss both views before presenting my opinion.

Firstly, international sporting events can be an effective way to bring nations together. One important reason is that they can strengthen friendships and relationships between people from different countries. To explain further, people may begin to trust and understand each other better through their shared experiences and interests. For example, international football competitions require players from different countries to interact with teammates, coaches and supporters from various cultural backgrounds. This provides opportunities for people to build friendships and develop a better understanding of other nations.

On the other hand, some people argue that international sporting events can increase competition between countries. One possible consequence is conflict among supporters, which can sometimes lead to public disorder. This is because people can become emotionally attached to their national teams. Therefore, when their team loses an important match, some supporters may react aggressively and cause damage to public or private property. For example, after India's defeat in an important cricket tournament, some frustrated supporters have protested in the streets and damaged property. This demonstrates that sporting events can sometimes create tension rather than friendship.

In my opinion, international sporting events are generally a good way to bring countries closer together because they provide opportunities for people from different nations to interact and develop friendships. Although competition is an unavoidable part of sport, organisers can reduce negative behaviour by establishing clear rules and ensuring that matches are conducted fairly and safely.

In conclusion, international sporting events can help bring countries together by encouraging cultural understanding, teamwork and friendship. Although there is a possibility of conflict because every team wants to win, the positive opportunities for international cooperation can make these events an effective way of strengthening relationships between nations.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views—that international sports events bring countries together and that they create competition or conflict—while clearly stating a personal opinion throughout the essay. The position is well-developed with logical arguments and relevant examples, such as mentioning football players interacting with diverse teammates and the specific example of protests after cricket tournaments in India. The ideas are extended and supported effectively, satisfying the requirements for a Band 7.0 or higher. The response maintains a clear focus on the task requirements from introduction to conclusion.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with an introduction that outlines the essay structure, followed by well-defined body paragraphs addressing each viewpoint, a personal opinion paragraph, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and appropriately, such as 'Firstly', 'On the other hand', 'To explain further', and 'In my opinion'. Referencing is clear throughout, and paragraphing is managed skilfully, ensuring the reader can easily follow the progression of arguments from beginning to end.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates an adequate to good range of vocabulary appropriate for the task. Phrases like 'international sporting events', 'cultural understanding', 'public disorder', and 'international cooperation' show a sufficient range for flexibility and precision. There are attempts at less common lexical items, such as 'emotionally attached', 'react aggressively', and 'unavoidable part of sport'. While the vocabulary is generally natural and communication is never impeded, it occasionally relies on standard collocations rather than more sophisticated, uncommon academic vocabulary, placing it comfortably at a Band 6.5 to 7.0 level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, demonstrating good control of grammar and punctuation. Examples of complex structures include 'Some people believe that the best way to bring countries together is by organising...' and 'This is because people can become emotionally attached to their national teams.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. While minor slips may occur, grammar does not impede communication at any point, reflecting a solid command of sentence formation that aligns with Band 7 descriptors.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.