Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-29

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 7.5)

International sporting events, such as the Olympics and the Football World Cup, attract people from different countries and cultures. Some people believe that these events help to bring countries together, while others think that they create competition and conflict. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe that international sports can promote friendship between nations.

On the one hand, international sports events can create strong competition between countries. During major tournaments, people often become very passionate about their national teams and want their country to win. This can sometimes lead to arguments between supporters, especially when a match is very important or controversial. In addition, countries may try to show their superiority through sporting success, which can increase feelings of national pride and rivalry.

On the other hand, international sporting events can help people from different countries to understand each other better. Athletes have the opportunity to meet competitors from different cultures and may develop friendships with them. Similarly, spectators who travel to another country for a sporting event can experience a new culture and communicate with local people. These experiences can reduce cultural differences and create a sense of connection between people from different backgrounds.

Furthermore, sports provide a common interest for millions of people around the world. Even though fans support different teams, they can enjoy the same matches and share their excitement with others. For example, during the Football World Cup, people from many nations watch the same games and discuss the performances of different teams. This can create positive relationships between people despite their national differences.

In conclusion, international sporting events can certainly create competition and sometimes cause disagreements between supporters. However, I believe that their ability to encourage cultural exchange, friendship and mutual understanding is more significant. If people focus on the spirit of sport rather than only on winning, these events can help bring nations closer together.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on international sporting events—whether they bring countries together or create competition and conflict—and clearly presents the writer's own opinion. The position is well-maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant explanations and examples, such as the mention of athletes meeting competitors, spectators experiencing new cultures, and fans watching the Football World Cup together. The response meets all requirements for Task Achievement at a high standard, demonstrating clear logic and a comprehensive approach to the prompt without any noticeable omissions.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to the two opposing views, and finally to the conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' 'Furthermore,' and 'In conclusion' are used effectively and flexibly to guide the reader through the argument. Referencing is clear, and paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different facets of the topic. The overall structure is robust and contributes to an easy and natural reading flow, fully satisfying the requirements for this band.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision, suitable for an IELTS General Training Task 2 response. Less common lexical items and collocations are successfully employed, such as 'passionate about their national teams,' 'show their superiority,' 'cultural exchange,' and 'mutual understanding.' Word choice is generally natural and accurate, though there are minor instances where vocabulary leans slightly standard rather than sophisticated (e.g., 'bring countries together'). Spelling and word formation are entirely accurate throughout the text, allowing communication to proceed effortlessly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, including conditional and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Even though fans support different teams, they can enjoy the same matches...' and 'If people focus on the spirit of sport...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating strong control over grammar, tense consistency, and punctuation. Minor slips or awkward phrasing are extremely rare and do not impede communication at any point. The command of grammatical structures is secure and consistent, reflecting a solid upper-intermediate to advanced proficiency.

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