Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)
International sporting events such as the Olympics and the Football World Cup bring together athletes and spectators from many different countries. Some people believe that these events help nations develop friendship and understanding, while others argue that they increase competition and rivalry. **In my opinion, international sports events generally bring countries closer together because they encourage cultural exchange, mutual respect, and shared experiences, even though competition is an unavoidable part of sport.**
On the one hand, international sports competitions can create strong rivalries between countries. Athletes compete to win medals or trophies, and supporters can become extremely emotional about their national teams. In some cases, this competition can lead to arguments between fans, particularly when an important match has a controversial result. For example, football supporters may strongly criticize the opposing team during an important international match. Therefore, it is understandable why some people believe that these events create competition rather than friendship.
On the other hand, sporting events provide a unique opportunity for people from different cultures to meet and interact peacefully. Athletes live together in the same environment, follow the same rules, and compete with respect for one another. Fans from different countries also gather in stadiums and public places, where they can share their enthusiasm for sport. For example, during the Olympics, athletes from many nations stay in the same Olympic Village and have opportunities to learn about different cultures and traditions.
In conclusion, international sporting events certainly create competition because winning is an important part of sport. **However, I believe their overall effect is to bring countries and people closer together. By creating opportunities for cultural exchange, communication, and mutual respect, events such as the Olympics and the World Cup can promote international friendship.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0
The response successfully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on international sporting events—that they foster friendship versus creating competition—and clearly presents a personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. For instance, the writer notes that events encourage 'cultural exchange, mutual respect, and shared experiences' while acknowledging that competition is unavoidable. Ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the Olympic Village experience and football supporters' potential rivalries. The position is maintained clearly throughout the essay, meeting all criteria for a Band 7.0 performance.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0
The essay demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving smoothly from introduction to the counter-argument, the supporting argument, and finally the conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Therefore', which guide the reader easily through the text. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately. While referencing and linking are clear, the range of cohesive devices is somewhat standard rather than exceptionally flexible, making a Band 7.0 descriptor the most accurate fit.
Lexical Resource: Band 7.0
The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with adequate flexibility and precision for the task. Phrases like 'cultural exchange', 'mutual respect', 'controversial result', and 'enthusiasm for sport' demonstrate an ability to use less common items with an awareness of style and collocation. There are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors, and communication is completely unimpeded. While the vocabulary is appropriate and precise, it stops short of the wide, highly flexible range of uncommon lexical items required for a Band 8.0, securing a solid Band 7.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5
The response features a good variety of complex structures, such as concessive clauses ('even though competition is an unavoidable part of sport') and relative clauses ('where they can share their enthusiasm'). There are frequent error-free sentences, and the grammar and punctuation are under good control throughout the text. Minor slips are virtually absent, and the sentence construction is consistently clear. The wide range of structures and high proportion of error-free sentences comfortably place this performance in the Band 7.5 to 8.0 range, and given the strong overall control, a Band 7.5 is well-deserved.
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