Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-11-03

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 5.5)

There is a growing debate that international sports events, like The Olympics or the FIFA World Cup, are a good way to bring different continents together. While some people beleive that these events create competition between countries and can create tension if any political situation persists. Well, I largely believe that it is a great way to bring countries together and create international relations.

Supporters of this view often cite that participating in such international events provide great exposure to atheletes who sometimes wait for years to showcase their talent to the world. The players participating in sports events usually practice from a young age to become an expert in their respective sports field. Not only it provides a platform for participants to meet and learn about different countries and cultures, but also creates an opportunity to showcase their own culture and talent.

A common justification for this stance is that it also provides an opportunity for the host country to present themselves in a better way in terms of infrastructure, hospitality, and transportation which are signs of a strong nation. For example, this year FIFA was hosted in the United States which in result helped the nation by increased tourism and a position in the international market.

While on the other hand, some people argue that due to political tensions going between different nations affect such opportunities for particpants as the situation does not allow them to be as flexible as other people from friendly nations. Therefore, it rather creates competition between them and not friendship.

On the whole, I personally believe that international events such as the Olympics is a great way to bring countries together and create friendly bonds with nations. It is a platform for so many players to showcase their talent to the world and be recognised by at an international level.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You give a clear opinion in the introduction and conclusion, arguing that international events bring countries together, and you include relevant points about cultural exchange, athletes’ exposure, and the host nation’s profile. However, the two views are not explored equally: the argument that events create competition is confined to one brief paragraph, and the political-tension point is not supported with a specific example or explanation of how competition undermines friendship. Some supporting claims, such as the effect of hosting on tourism and international standing, are also asserted rather than fully explained. To strengthen the response, develop both sides with comparable detail and make the link between each example and the task’s central question explicit.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure, moving from an introduction to supporting arguments, a counter-view, and a conclusion. Paragraphing generally helps the reader follow the main points. However, progression is uneven: the first two body paragraphs both support your position, while the opposing view receives much less space. Some linking phrases are mechanical or awkward, particularly “While on the other hand,” and “A common justification for this stance” does not clearly identify which stance is meant. The opening sentence of the second paragraph also shifts abruptly from the general debate to athletes’ exposure. Organise the body around the two views, use clearer references to the ideas being discussed, and make transitions show the relationship between points.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range of topic vocabulary, including “international relations,” “political tensions,” “infrastructure,” and “hospitality,” which helps communicate the subject clearly. There are also attempts at more formal phrasing, such as “showcase their talent” and “international market.” Some word choices and collocations are inaccurate or imprecise, however: “different continents” does not match the task’s focus on countries, “sports field” is awkward in this context, and “a position in the international market” is unclear. Spelling errors such as “beleive,” “atheletes,” and “particpants” also reduce accuracy. Aim for precise collocations and proofread spelling; for example, use “participating athletes” and “raise the host country’s international profile.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex structures, including a concessive opening with “While” and the paired construction “Not only … but also.” Meaning is generally understandable, but some sentence structures are incomplete or awkward. “While some people believe … and can create tension if any political situation persists” is left without a main clause, and “Not only it provides” has incorrect word order for this construction. There are also agreement and pattern errors in “events … provide” and “helped the nation by increased tourism,” as well as an unclear sentence beginning “due to political tensions … affect.” Use complete clauses, check subject–verb agreement, and revise complex sentences so that each clause has a clear grammatical relationship.

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