Question: Some people think that hosting international sports events is good for the country, while some people think it is bad. Discuss both views and state your opinion. (Test Date: 9/11/2020?)
Band 8+ Sample Answer:
(Intro) International sporting events have become increasingly common in recent decades. While some people reckon that host countries might have to deal with a sudden surge in crime or involve themselves in an exhausting preparation process, more importantly I believe they can take the opportunity to boost tourism.
(Body 1) To begin with, although events such as these are a great opportunity for countries to gain global exposure, they are present significant challenges. Firstly, records have shown that there is a two folds increase in crimes such as prostitution and petty theft when a country organises an event such as the World Cup or the Olympics. Furthermore, the process of preparing for these events is often demanding. For the World Cup 2014, it took Brazil five years to revitalise its cities and build the necessary infrastructure including world-class stadiums and training facilities to meet high standards set by FIFA.
(Body 2) On the other hand, I am of the opinion that international sporting games can potentially stimulate the tourism sector. By being the host, a country is able to attract a large array of athletes and their supporters from all around the world. This sudden increase in visitors will likely proliferate the sales of products and services such as accommodation and transportation within the period of the events. In the longer term, it is a great chance for the host nations to promote their culture on a global stage. For example, since the pictures of beautifully garnished Vietnamese dishes made headlines during the SEA Games in 2003, Vietnam has been branded the “Kitchen of the world” and a must visit destination for global food lovers. This obviously does wonders for the Vietnamese economy.
(Conclusion) In conclusion, although sports events come at the expense of a few short term problems, the benefits of boosted gross sales and cultural promotion are of greater significance. Host nations can also consider the option of sharing an event with a neighbouring country to spread the risk and still enjoy the lucrative long term benefits. (335 words)
Essay: Student Essay, fully corrected and upgraded by Nick Kemp, former IELTS Examiner.
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