Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-02
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)
It is often said that major international sports events, like the Olympic Games or the Football World Cup, help bring different countries together. However, some people think these events cause more competition and anger than friendship. While sports can sometimes increase national rivalries, I believe they do more to build peace and international cooperation.
On the one hand, international competitions can sometimes create negative feelings between countries. When athletes play for their home nations, fans can become overly competitive, leading to bad behavior and arguments. For example, aggressive reporting in the media can treat a sports match like a conflict, which creates anger between supporters. In addition, some governments use major sports events for political reasons or to hide problems in their own country. When political issues enter sports, it can make existing arguments between nations even worse.
On the other hand, major tournaments are a great way to bring people from different cultures together. First, sports give countries a chance to meet peacefully, regardless of their political disagreements. A famous example was when North and South Korea marched together under one flag at the Winter Olympics, showing a moment of peace. Second, these events help people learn about other cultures. When fans travel abroad or watch games on TV, they see how people live in other places, which helps reduce prejudice and build mutual respect.
In conclusion, although global sports events can sometimes cause political rivalry and competition, their benefits are much greater. In my view, competing fairly in sports does not destroy friendship; instead, it helps people across the world understand and respect each other more.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0
The response addresses all parts of the task thoroughly, presenting both sides of the argument regarding international sports events while clearly stating a personal position in the introduction and reinforcing it in the conclusion. Ideas are extended and well supported, such as providing the specific, relevant example of North and South Korea marching together at the Winter Olympics. However, there is a slight tendency to over-generalise regarding the media and political manipulation, which is characteristic of this level. To reach a higher band, the main body points could be even more deeply explored with further nuanced arguments, ensuring that every assertion about negative rivalries and positive cultural exchanges is fully unpacked without relying on broader generalisations.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5
The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently sequenced, moving smoothly from the introduction to the negative aspects, the positive aspects, and finally the conclusion. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each main body paragraph focusing on a distinct viewpoint. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and effectively, as seen with transitional phrases like 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In addition'. While cohesion is generally well-managed, slightly more varied or subtle referencing could elevate the flow even further, moving away from standard transitional markers to achieve a more seamless progression of ideas.
Lexical Resource: Band 7.0
The writer uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision to allow for clear communication. Less common lexical items are attempted with awareness of style and collocation, such as 'national rivalries', 'political reasons', and 'mutual respect'. Word choice is generally appropriate, though there are occasional minor inaccuracies or common phrasing choices that prevent it from reaching a higher tier. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout. To move up to a higher band, the writer could incorporate more sophisticated, less common idiomatic or academic vocabulary and demonstrate a tighter control over precise collocations to convey shades of meaning more deftly.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5
The essay displays a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, resulting in frequent error-free sentences. There is good control of grammar and punctuation, with complex clauses used effectively in sentences such as 'When athletes play for their home nations, fans can become overly competitive...' and 'While sports can sometimes increase national rivalries, I believe they do more to build peace...'. Although control is strong, a few minor limitations persist, and pushing into higher bands would require an even broader repertoire of sophisticated syntactic structures used with near-total accuracy and flawless punctuation across all sentences.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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