IELTS HUBIELTS Discussion Essay on Culture & World & Society
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some people argue that competitive sports are good for bringing together different people and cultures. Others argue that these sports can cause problems and increase conflicts between nations.
Discuss both points of view and give your own opinion.
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Paraphrase topic (sports unite vs. cause conflict). State author's opinion (agrees sports unite).
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Topic sentence: competitive sports can cause conflict. Point 1: national pride -> extreme patriotism (India/Pakistan cricket example). Point 2: sports become political -> strain relations (1980/84 Olympics boycotts example).
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Topic sentence: competitive sports can promote international unity. Point 1: offer shared platform for interaction/understanding (Olympic Games example). Point 2: act as diplomatic tool (ping-pong diplomacy example).
Conclusion
Summarize both views (nationalism/politicization vs. understanding/diplomacy). Restate opinion (unity outweighs issues).
Band 9 Sample Answer:
In the field of global relations, some people believe that competitive sports can bring together different cultures and people, while others argue that they can increase tensions between countries. I personally agree with the first view, seeing the unifying potential in sports.
Those who see competitive sports as a cause of conflict have their reasons. One argument is that national pride can turn into extreme patriotism, causing hostility between countries. For example, during cricket matches between India and Pakistan, the intense nationalism often goes beyond the sport, creating tension between the two countries. Another argument is that sports can become political, which can strain international relations. The boycotts of the 1980 and 1984 Olympics are clear examples of this, showing how sports can become a battlefield for political conflicts.
However, despite these points, I believe that competitive sports can promote international unity. First, they offer a shared platform for different cultures to interact and understand each other. The Olympic Games, for example, bring together athletes from all over the world, promoting mutual respect and understanding through competition. Second, sports can act as a diplomatic tool to bridge political divides. The 'ping-pong diplomacy' between the US and China in the 1970s, where a series of table tennis matches helped improve relations, is a good example of this.
In conclusion, while there are valid points that competitive sports can stir up nationalistic feelings and become politicized, I strongly believe that their ability to promote international understanding and act as a diplomatic tool outweighs these issues.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
In the realm of international relations, some individuals posit that competitive sports serve as a unifying force among diverse cultures and peoples, while others contend that they exacerbate conflicts between nations. Personally, I align with the former perspective, seeing the potential for unity in sports.
Those who perceive competitive sports as a source of discord have their reasons. One argument is that national pride can escalate into jingoism, leading to animosity between countries. For instance, during the India-Pakistan cricket matches, the fervor of nationalism often transcends the boundaries of the sport, stirring up tension between the two nations. Another contention is that sports can be politicized, thereby straining international relations. The 1980 and 1984 Olympic boycotts, for instance, were clear manifestations of the Cold War tensions, demonstrating how sports can become a battleground for political disputes.
However, despite these arguments, I maintain that competitive sports can foster international unity. Firstly, they provide a common platform for diverse cultures to interact and understand each other. The Olympic Games, for example, bring together athletes from all corners of the globe, promoting mutual respect and understanding through competition. Secondly, sports can serve as a diplomatic tool to bridge political gaps. The 'ping-pong diplomacy' between the US and China in the 1970s, where a series of table tennis matches paved the way for thawing relations, exemplifies this potential.
In conclusion, while there are valid arguments that competitive sports can incite nationalistic fervor and become politicized, I firmly believe that their capacity to foster international understanding and serve as a diplomatic tool outweighs these concerns.