IELTS Writing Task 2 Hosting international sporting events

This guide explains how to approach IELTS Writing Task 2 questions about hosting international sporting events. You will learn how to structure discussion and opinion essays, develop balanced arguments, use topic-specific vocabulary, and apply academic language to achieve a higher band score.

Keynote – Sample Answer Quick Overview

Direct Strategy Summary: For an essay on hosting international sporting events, make sure to discuss both benefits (such as economic growth, improved infrastructure, international recognition, and national pride) and drawbacks (like high costs, potential social disruption, and environmental impact). Clearly state your own opinion in the introduction or conclusion.

Key Points to Remember:

• Analyze both positive and negative aspects, dedicating a well-developed paragraph to each

• Support arguments with real or hypothetical examples (e.g., Olympics, World Cup)

• Maintain a clear, balanced position throughout and provide a strong final opinion

• Use logical connectors to link ideas and avoid simple listing

• Do not repeat the same vocabulary or structure; demonstrate range in language and sentence types

• Avoid one-sided argumentation or vague reasoning—support your points

I. Task 2 Question Overview for "Hosting International Sporting Events"

The essay topic “Hosting international sporting events” is a frequent subject in IELTS Writing Task 2, often presented in the form of a discussion + opinion essay. Candidates are required to examine both sides of the argument—whether countries should organize major sporting events such as the Olympics or the World Cup—and to state their own view.

To understand this format better, review IELTS writing task 2 discussion essay.

Typical Task 2 Question:

Some people believe that international sporting events are beneficial for the host country. Others think that they cause more problems than benefits.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Essay Type: Discussion + Opinion (Discuss both views and give your opinion)

Primary Requirements:

• Present arguments supporting the positive impact of hosting large sporting events (e.g. economic growth, global prestige, development of infrastructure, unity and tourism)

• Present arguments against hosting such events (e.g. cost overruns, security issues, environmental impact, short-term benefits)

• Summarize and clarify your own stance: do you believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, or vice versa?

You can also review opinion essay IELTS writing task 2 for stronger argumentation.

II. Band 5.5–6.5 Sample for Hosting International Sporting Events

Below is a sample essay written at the Band 5.5–6.5 level for the topic “Hosting international sporting events.” This example aims to demonstrate how an average IELTS candidate might organize ideas, build arguments, and express an opinion for this discussion + opinion essay type. 

1. Band 5.5–6.5 Sample Essay with Paragraph Analysis

Sample Essay:

Hosting international sporting events like the Olympics or World Cup is a big topic for many countries. Some people think it brings many benefits, while others believe there are more problems. In this essay, I will discuss both views and give my opinion.

On the one hand, when a country hosts a big event, it can get a lot of advantages. First, it welcomes many tourists from other countries, which brings more money to hotels, restaurants, and shops. Also, the country becomes more famous and respected in the world. Many new roads, stadiums, and facilities are built, which local people can use even after the event.

On the other hand, organizing these events is very expensive. The government needs to spend lots of money on building places and improving transport. Sometimes, this money could be used for schools or hospitals instead. There are also problems with too many people, pollution, and security risks.

In my opinion, hosting an international sporting event is good if the country is already ready and has enough money. Otherwise, it might cause more problems and waste resources.

Paragraph Analysis:

• Introduction:

  • Paraphrases the question and clearly states the intent to discuss both sides. You can improve this skill with introduction IELTS writing task 2.

  • Simple thesis, no strong stance yet.

• Body Paragraph 1:

  • Lists general benefits: tourism, fame, infrastructure.

  • Ideas are clear but lack detailed support or specific examples (e.g. names of events or countries). Learn more about how to develop ideas in writing task 2 to improve depth.

  • Mostly uses simple sentences and safe ideas.

• Body Paragraph 2:

  • Discusses main drawbacks: high cost, possible misuse of public funds, social/environmental problems.

  • Again, ideas are relevant but development is basic, with limited explanation or depth.

• Conclusion:

  • States an opinion, but it is cautious and not strongly justified or detailed.

  • Lacks a memorable closing sentence but does close the argument.

Strengths for Band 5.5–6.5:

• Addresses both views with clear logical order

• Vocabulary is safe and clear (“tourists,” “money,” “stadiums”)

• Grammar is mostly correct but simple; errors may appear but do not seriously hinder meaning

Common Limitations:

• Few or no real examples, limited vocabulary range

• Ideas are only developed at surface level

• Repetition of words and simple structures (e.g. “many…,” “also…”)

• Linking is mainly “and,” “also,” or “first/second”

2. Common Vocabulary and Expressions (Band 5.5–6.5)

When discussing the topic of hosting international sporting events at the Band 5.5–6.5 level, candidates often rely on safe, clear vocabulary and straightforward expressions. 

Useful Vocabulary

Common Expressions

• “Hosting an event brings a lot of benefits.”

• “Many tourists visit the country.”

• “It is good for the economy.”

• “The country becomes more famous in the world.”

• “However, it is very expensive to organize such events.”

• “The government spends a lot of money.”

• “There are problems with crowds and traffic.”

• “In my opinion, it depends on the country’s situation.”

3. Grammar & Sentence Structures (Band 5.5–6.5)

At the Band 5.5–6.5 level, grammar and sentence construction are generally straightforward. 

Common Sentence Patterns

Frequent Grammar Mistakes

Style and Structure Notes

• Mostly short sentences with frequent use of “and,” “but,” “because.”

• Occasional attempt at longer sentences but often lacks complex clauses.

• Linking is present but not always natural or varied.

• Many sentences begin with “There is/are,” “It is,” “People think…,” “In my opinion…”

III. Band 7.0+ Model for Hosting International Sporting Events

This model demonstrates how to develop arguments with depth, use sophisticated language, and present well-organized, cohesive paragraphs. Use the analysis to identify upgrades in logic, vocabulary, and grammar compared to the Band 5.5–6.5 sample.

For more inspiration, refer to ideas for IELTS writing.

1. Band 7.0+ Model Essay with Paragraph Analysis

Sample Essay:

Hosting international sporting events, such as the Olympics or FIFA World Cup, is often seen as an opportunity for countries to boost their economic growth and global status. However, some believe that the drawbacks, including enormous costs and potential social disruption, outweigh the advantages. This essay will discuss both perspectives before expressing my own view.

On the one hand, hosting prestigious sporting competitions can bring multiple benefits to the host nation. Firstly, it can act as a catalyst for significant infrastructure development, including new transport networks, stadiums, and hotels. These enhancements not only serve the event but can leave a lasting legacy for local communities. Furthermore, major sporting events attract hundreds of thousands of international visitors, which stimulates tourism, creates jobs, and increases tax revenue. For example, the 2012 London Olympics were widely credited with regenerating the East End and boosting local business for years after the event. Finally, such events promote national pride and international cooperation, as citizens unite to support their country and interact with global guests.

On the other hand, the drawbacks of hosting international sporting competitions should not be underestimated. The most concerning issue is the cost, which often far exceeds initial estimates and can place a heavy burden on taxpayers. Brazil’s 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympics, for instance, both led to public protests due to budget overruns and cuts to public services. In some cases, the newly built venues become “white elephants”—expensive buildings that go unused after the event. In addition, there are concerns about temporary disruption, increased pollution, and heightened security risks.

In my opinion, while hosting global sporting events presents substantial challenges, the benefits generally outweigh the drawbacks, provided the event is managed transparently and leaves a meaningful long-term legacy. Only countries with adequate resources and strong governance should consider undertaking such a responsibility.

Paragraph Analysis:

• Introduction:

  • Clearly paraphrases the question, introduces both sides, and presents the writer’s stance.

  • Academic tone and focused thesis.

• Body Paragraph 1:

  • Covers multiple, well-developed benefits.

  • Uses specific, relevant examples (London Olympics).

  • Employs collocations and advanced structures (e.g., “catalyst for development,” “lasting legacy,” “stimulates tourism”).

• Body Paragraph 2:

  • Presents nuanced drawbacks, supported by real-world examples (Brazil, Rio).

  • Includes vocabulary for finances, social impact, and idiomatic expressions (“white elephants”).

  • Analysis goes beyond surface-level listing.

• Conclusion:

  • Restates the main point with a condition for success (good management).

  • The position is personal, justified, and persuasive.

Band 7.0+ Features Highlighted:

• Ideas extended with specific, real examples and logical flow

• Cohesive devices used naturally (“for example,” “finally,” “in addition”)

• Flexible, accurate use of passive/conditional structures

• Range of collocations and topic-specific vocabulary

• Paragraph unity, balanced argument, and a clear, strong opinion

2. Advanced Vocabulary & Collocations for the Topic

For a strong Band 7.0+ essay on hosting international sporting events, you need to demonstrate a wide range of academic and topic-specific vocabulary. 

Academic Vocabulary & Collocations

Useful Expressions & Sentence Starters

• “A catalyst for urban renewal and investment…”

• “Strain public finances and lead to social unrest…”

• “Enhance a country’s global reputation and visibility…”

• “Provide an opportunity for… but at the risk of…”

• “The long-term legacy can be both positive and negative depending on…”

Idiomatic and Academic Phrases

• “double-edged sword” (to describe both pros and cons)

• “infrastructure left behind” (legacy infrastructure)

• “pour money into sports infrastructure”

• “spur tourism and business activity”

• “economic trickle-down effect”

• “image on the international stage”

• “offset the drawbacks by careful planning”

3. Grammar & Sentence Structures (Band 7.0+)

At Band 7.0 and above, high-level grammar is essential for expressing nuanced arguments in your IELTS essay. This means using a variety of sentence types, accurate complex structures, passive voice, and advanced linking.

Complex and Compound Sentences

Advanced Linking and Discourse Markers

• Adding ideas: “Moreover,” “In addition,” “Furthermore,” “Another key benefit is…”

• Contrasting: “However,” “Nevertheless,” “On the contrary,” “While it is true that…”

• Giving examples: “For instance,” “A good example is…,” “This can be seen in…”

• Summarizing: “All in all,” “Ultimately,” “In summary…”

Formal Cohesive Devices & Phrases

• “A case in point is…”

• “Despite initial concerns about…”

• “It is widely believed that…”

• “Not only does this event… but it also…”

• “There is widespread debate over whether…”

Common Band 7+ Features

• Accurate control of tenses (present simple, present perfect, past simple for examples)

• Frequent correct use of passive and noun clauses (“it is argued that…,” “it has been shown that…”)

• Cohesive use of referencing (this, such, these events)

• Mixing longer, complex sentences with shorter, emphatic ones for style and clarity

IV. Examiner’s Comments: Hosting International Sporting Events Essays

A high Band 7.0+ essay for the topic “Hosting international sporting events” demonstrates not just basic communication skills, but a confident ability to present, develop, and justify arguments with depth, balance, and clarity. 

Fluency & Coherence

• Band 7.0+: Ideas are fully developed and logically sequenced. Each body paragraph focuses on a clear aspect (advantage/disadvantage), supporting arguments with examples, and linking them smoothly using a variety of cohesive devices.

• Lower bands: Arguments are listed, underdeveloped, or lack connection; paragraphs are sometimes unfocused or merged together without logical progression. Common problems are explained in mistakes in IELTS writing.

Lexical Resource

• Band 7.0+: Wide range of precise, academic, and topic-specific vocabulary is used naturally (“legacy infrastructure,” “budget overruns,” “global prestige,” “foster cooperation”).

• Lower bands: Overuse of basic words like “good,” “problem,” “money;” limited collocations and little paraphrasing.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

• Band 7.0+: Sentence variety, with frequent correct use of complex and compound structures, passive voice, and advanced linking words.

• Lower bands: Mainly simple or repetitive sentences, frequent grammatical mistakes (tense, agreement, articles).

Task Response (Content & Balance)

• Band 7.0+: Addresses both views in equal depth; gives relevant, extended examples; shows clear personal stance; considers long-term and short-term perspectives.

• Lower bands: One-sided or superficial discussion; underdeveloped position; lacks supporting evidence or specific examples.

Examiner’s Advice to Improve:

• Develop every point: Always expand on ideas with either a real-world example or a short explanation—not just a simple statement or list.

• Paraphrase and control vocabulary: Use academic expressions, topic-specific words, and avoid repeating key terms.

• Balance viewpoints: For “Discuss both views,” ensure that each side receives fair attention before giving your own position.

• Show nuance: Instead of stating only positives or negatives, acknowledge conditions (e.g., “if managed well”) or exceptions (e.g., “in developing countries the risks may outweigh the benefits”).

A Band 7+ essay is not just about “good English”—it’s about demonstrating critical thinking, argument development, and clear, authoritative writing. That’s the real measure of success in IELTS Writing Task 2.

Follow the formula for IELTS writing band 7 to improve your score.

This article provides a sample IELTS Writing Task 2 Hosting International Sporting Events at band 7.5+ score, compiled by teacher Nhat Pham, an experienced IELTS instructor at PREP. Thoroughly review it to effectively practice for the Writing exam at home and achieve a high Overall band score.