IELTS Writing Task

Sample Answer

49. 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?

Sample Answer 1

     The claim that popular events such as the World Cup and other international sporting events are essential for reducing international tensions and unleashing patriotic feelings is debatable. Some argue that these events have a unifying effect, but I believe their influence on international tensions is limited and should be viewed in a broader context.
    Popular sporting events, according to their proponents, provide a forum for countries to engage in amicable competition. Such events foster a sense of camaraderie and cultural interchange, thereby potentially fostering greater mutual understanding and reducing hostility between nations. Additionally, the demonstration of national pride and support for athletes can foster a positive sense of patriotism and national unity.

 Nevertheless, it is essential to recognise the limitations of these events in terms of alleviating entrenched international tensions. Despite the fact that they may provide transient relief and moments of unity, the root causes of conflicts and divisions between nations are frequently complex and multifaceted. International relations are shaped by political, economic, and historical factors that cannot be readily resolved by sporting competitions alone.
    In addition, the patriotic emotions elicited by these events can sometimes result in jingoistic or exclusive behaviour. When competitions become contentious or controversial decisions are made, overzealous nationalism and excessive rivalry can exacerbate tensions and divisions. It is essential to cultivate a sense of sportsmanship and pride that transcends limited nationalistic sentiments.
    In conclusion, while popular events such as the World Cup can foster unity, cultural exchange, and a sense of national pride, their impact on reducing international tensions is limited. To address the root causes of conflicts, comprehensive efforts in diplomacy, dialogue, and understanding are required. Sporting events can play a role in fostering temporary unity and goodwill, but they should be regarded as part of a broader approach to international relations.

Key phrases and important vocabulary:

popular events: Widely attended or celebrated occasions.

World Cup: A global football (soccer) tournament.

international sporting events: Sports competitions on an international scale.

reducing international tensions: Mitigating or lessening conflicts between nations.

unleashing patriotic feelings: Igniting or invoking feelings of national pride.

debatable: Subject to debate or discussion.

unifying effect: Bringing together or creating unity.

influence on international tensions: Impact on conflicts between nations.

limited: Restricted or confined.

broader context: Larger or wider perspective.

proponents: Supporters or advocates.

amicable competition: Friendly or cordial competition.

sense of camaraderie: Feeling of friendship or mutual trust.

cultural interchange: Exchange or sharing of cultures.

mutual understanding: Shared or reciprocal comprehension.

reducing hostility: Lessening or diminishing hostility or animosity.

demonstration of national pride: Display or expression of pride in one's country.

fostering national unity: Cultivating or promoting a sense of unity within a nation.

limitations: Constraints or restrictions.

alleviating entrenched international tensions: Easing or resolving deeply rooted conflicts between nations.

root causes: Underlying or fundamental causes.

complex and multifaceted: Complicated and having many aspects.

political, economic, and historical factors: Factors related to politics, economy, and history.

readily resolved: Easily solved or addressed.

transient relief: Temporary or short-lived relief.

moments of unity: Instances of coming together or shared identity.

overzealous nationalism: Excessive or extreme nationalism.

excessive rivalry: Intense or extreme competition.

exacerbate tensions: Worsen or intensify conflicts.

cultivate a sense of sportsmanship: Foster a spirit of fair play and respect.

transcends limited nationalistic sentiments: Goes beyond narrow or exclusive nationalistic feelings.

comprehensive efforts: Comprehensive or extensive actions.

diplomacy: Negotiation or international relations.

dialogue: Conversation or communication.

understanding: Mutual comprehension or empathy.

temporary unity: Temporary or fleeting sense of unity.

goodwill: Positive feelings or intentions.

regarded as: Seen or considered as.

part of a broader approach: Component of a larger strategy or perspective.

international relations: Interactions or relationships between nations.

49. 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?

Sample Answer 2

BAND 6.5

                 There is little room for doubt that the activities held at the Olympic Games serve a critical role in preserving global peace, and they do so by demonstrating patriotism in a positive light. An important part of establishing strong ties with other nations is playing in international competitions. Although there are significant reasons for and against broadcasting the Olympic Games as a symbol of patriotism, the matter remains contentious since it raises different viewpoints.

                As you can see, there are several benefits to playing in international competitions. An important benefit is that being close to other nations means that players treat their opponents' teams with respect and sportsmanship, which undeniably promotes patriotism. They fail to see that there is a kind of prejudice that occurs between many cultures and traditions, and this further undermines peace on the globe. The second benefit is that athletes' good behaviour increases, and thus reduces continuing friction between countries, which is beneficial for the growth and development of a country. Because of this, international games are more popular than they have ever been.

                 It is true that more and more individuals cheer for their own teams and dislike other teams, which has a negative impact on the general public's unity. In these instances, players want to get under the skin of other teams when they are out of play or they are not seeing any improvement in their game scores, thus adding fuel to the fire.

               After studying all of the evidence, it seems to me that one of the major reasons for preserving global peace is by playing popular games.

266 Words 

49. 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?

Sample Answer 3

BAND 6.5

                                  There is little room for doubt that sports are very important for our physical as well as mental health. The number of international sports events has been increased in the past few years. As a result, sports are gaining a great deal of popularity among youngsters. It is insisted that international sporting occasions are a great help in easing international tensions. I agree with the viewpoint that this may help. However, I also believe sometimes these sports events cause conflict between two nations.

                            Certainly, there are many reasons why sports events are one of the safest ways to release patriotic emotions. Firstly, sportsmen from different nations come together on the same platform. In addition, they show respect and sportsmanship towards their opponents. These types of gestures play a vital role in easing tension between two nations. A survey, done by "The world Sports organisation", has found that because of the 2003 Olympics, Pakistan and Afghanistan began trading again with each other on a large scale.

                                      On the other hand, this can be counter-productive sometimes. First of all, there are many incidents in the past where a cricket match caused a lot of tension between two groups. For instance, India-Pakistan cricket matches have always been one of the biggest reasons for their rivalry. Furthermore, if a national player misbehaves with his opponent in the field, this may cause controversy and dispute, so players should behave properly while playing for their country.

                            To conclude, one should respect their own country, but in this process, they should not disrespect other countries. Sportsmanship should be represented on and off the field by players.

269 Words 

49. 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?

Sample Answer 4

BAND 7

                                 There is little question that sports are critical to preserving international peace and demonstrating nationalism.

                                        In recent years, the number of sporting events has risen. As a result, they are rapidly gaining popularity among children. It has been observed that these events contribute significantly to the de-escalation of hostilities among nations. I wholeheartedly concur with this assessment. However, I believe that these occurrences occasionally result in confrontations between the athletes and supporters of contesting countries.

                                      Indeed, there are several reasons why attending sporting events is one of the most secure ways to cultivate patriotism. To begin with, athletes of different nationalities participate on the same stage. Second, they demonstrate mutual respect and sportsmanship. As a result, these sorts of gestures are critical in relieving tensions between the participants. According to a poll done by "The Sports Organisation of India," India and China began trading on a significant scale, following the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

                                 However, it is not always effective. The most concerning occurrence from the past is a cricket match that generated considerable amount of tension between the two nations. It is a known fact that India and Pakistan have been bitter rivals for decades. Additionally, if a national player behaves inappropriately on the pitch with an opponent, this may spark controversy and conflict between them. As a result, many experts argue that athletes should be adequately reprimanded for failing to manage their emotions on the field, as this might have a detrimental effect on their respective nations' reputations.

                             To conclude, while these sports appear to be a simple way to demonstrate patriotism, athletes need to be educated to regulate their emotions both on and off the field.

278 Words