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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Popular events like the football world cup and other international sporting occasions are essential in easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? Use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and with relevant evidence.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Popular events like the football world cup and other international sporting occasions are essential in easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

International sporting events like the football world cup and the Olympics are widely believed to have a positive impact on international relations and help in channeling patriotic emotions in a peaceful manner. In my opinion, I completely agree with this view as these events have the power to bring people together and create a sense of unity among nations.

Firstly, major sporting events provide a platform for people from different countries to come together and celebrate their love for the sport. For instance, during the FIFA World Cup, fans from various nations gather in the host country and share their passion for football, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect. This interaction helps in bridging cultural gaps and promoting understanding among individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Moreover, these events offer an opportunity for countries to set aside their political differences and focus on the spirit of sportsmanship. The friendly competition and the display of talent and skill by athletes often overshadow political tensions, allowing for a temporary ceasefire in international conflicts. This was evident during the 2018 Winter Olympics when North and South Korea marched together under a unified flag, signaling a momentary truce in their strained relations.

Furthermore, the pride and joy that people feel when their national team succeeds in these events serve as a safe outlet for patriotic emotions. Instead of resorting to aggressive displays of nationalism, individuals can express their love for their country through supporting their athletes and celebrating their achievements on a global stage.

In conclusion, international sporting events play a crucial role in promoting harmony among nations and providing a peaceful platform for the expression of patriotic sentiments. The ability of these events to bring people together and foster a sense of unity makes them an essential tool in easing international tensions and promoting goodwill among countries.

Model Essay #2:

Popular events like the football world cup and other international sporting occasions are essential in easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

While it is commonly argued that international sporting events like the football world cup and the Olympics have a positive impact on international relations and help in channeling patriotic emotions in a peaceful manner, I take the stance that the influence of these events in easing international tensions is limited. Despite their ability to bring people together, the underlying political realities often overshadow the temporary unity created by these events.

To begin with, it is important to recognize that while sporting events may create a superficial sense of unity among nations, the deep-rooted political and historical tensions between countries are not easily resolved. For example, the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, despite being a global spectacle, did not alleviate the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as the political and military standoff continued unabated.

Furthermore, the patriotic fervor generated by these events can sometimes lead to heightened nationalism and jingoism, especially when teams from rival nations compete against each other. This can exacerbate existing tensions and fuel animosity between countries rather than promoting peace and understanding.

Moreover, the financial and infrastructural investments required to host these events often lead to economic disparities and social injustices within the host country, which can in turn create internal tensions and detract from any potential international benefits.

In conclusion, while international sporting events have the potential to bring people together and create a sense of national pride, their impact on easing international tensions is limited. The underlying political realities and the potential for increased nationalism often overshadow the temporary unity created by these events. Therefore, while they may provide brief moments of respite, their ability to release patriotic emotions in a safe way and ease international tensions is constrained by broader political and social dynamics.

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