IELTS Agree or Disagree Essay: Sport Topics with Sample Answers
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Sport-related essay topics in the IELTS Writing section often explore the impact of sports on society and individuals. Common subtopics include the benefits of sports for health, the role of sports in national identity, the influence of professional athletes on youth, the commercialization of sports, and the importance of equal opportunities in sports. Essays may also examine the effects of sports on teamwork, discipline, or social cohesion, offering a wide range of perspectives for discussion.Use Benchmark IELTS Writing Correction service to write error-free IELTS Essays, Letters & Reports.
Essay Topics
Task 1
Many companies are using major sport events to promote for themselves. Some people think it has negative effects on sports in general. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
How to approach the essay:
How to Approach the Essay:
Start by identifying the two sides of the argument: the negative effects of company sponsorship on sports vs. its possible benefits.
Decide whether you fully agree, disagree, or partly agree.
| Negative Effects of Corporate Sponsorship | Positive Effects of Corporate Sponsorship |
|---|---|
| • Overshadowing of less popular sports due to focus on mainstream events • Athletes may prioritize money over passion, compromising sportsmanship • Commercialization can erode the true spirit of competition | • Sponsorship helps fund sports facilities and equipment upgrades • Financial support can aid underfunded teams and promote sports growth • Revenue can be used to build infrastructure like stadiums and training centers |
Model AnswerMany companies increasingly sponsor major sporting events to advertise their products. However, there is a growing concern that this trend could undermine the integrity of sports. I partly agree with this view, as while there are negative consequences, the associated benefits are also significant. A closer look at the impact on less popular sports and the potential advantages will help clarify my opinion.
In many countries, certain sports enjoy significantly greater popularity than others, attracting larger audiences. Consequently, companies are inclined to invest heavily in these mainstream sports to maximize their reach. This influx of sponsorship can lead to an overshadowing of less popular sports, which may struggle to maintain visibility and support. Furthermore, corporate sponsorship often results in inflated salaries for athletes, shifting their focus from a true passion for the sport to financial gain. Thus, the negative effects of commercialization on the true spirit of sports cannot be dismissed.
On the other hand, it is important to recognize that many sporting events are organized by charitable organizations that utilize the proceeds to improve sports facilities. This includes not only upgrading equipment but also providing financial assistance to teams facing economic challenges. For instance, if a team requires new gear for its players, these organizations can help acquire the necessary resources. Additionally, the funds generated can be allocated towards constructing new stadiums, thereby promoting the growth of the sport. This is why the benefits associated with corporate sponsorship deserve attention.
In conclusion, although many view corporate sponsorship as harmful to the spirit of sports, I believe its drawbacks are often outweighed by the potential for positive change. When managed well, the funds generated can support infrastructure, broaden access, and ultimately strengthen the sporting community.
Essay Questions
Commentary
- Essay Question: Many companies are using major sport events to promote for themselves. Some people think it has negative effects on sports in general. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Introduction
- Clarity: Yes, the topic is introduced clearly and directly.
- Thesis: States a partial agreement with a clear roadmap of what the essay will cover.
Body Paragraphs
Main Ideas:
Paragraph 1 – Negative Impacts
- Popular sports receive most sponsorship, leaving lesser-known sports neglected.
- Commercial interests may distract athletes from genuine passion, focusing on money.
- Over-commercialization can harm the authenticity of sports.
Paragraph 2 – Positive Impacts
- Sponsorship helps improve facilities and equipment.
- Financial aid supports struggling teams.
- Funds are used for infrastructure (e.g., new stadiums), promoting sports development.
Coherence:
- Clear division between negative and positive effects.
- Logical flow with linking phrases (“On the other hand”, “For instance”) to support cohesion.
Conclusion
- Summary: Effectively restates the main points and reinforces the balanced view.
- Opinion: Clearly reflects the writer’s stance — partial agreement with emphasis on benefits when sponsorship is properly managed.
Vocabulary & Grammar
High-Level Vocabulary:
- Integrity – honesty or moral uprightness.
- Overshadowing – causing something to seem less important.
- Inflated – increased beyond normal levels.
- Commercialization – the process of managing or exploiting something for profit.
- Charitable organizations – non-profit groups aimed at helping others.
Academic Phrases:
- “It is important to recognize that…”
- “This influx of sponsorship…”
- “These organizations can help acquire…”
Complex Sentences:
- “Consequently, companies are inclined to invest heavily in these mainstream sports to maximize their reach.”
- “Although many view corporate sponsorship as harmful to the spirit of sports, I believe its drawbacks are often outweighed by the potential for positive change.”
Task 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?
How to approach the essay:
How to approach the essay:
Begin by identifying the two key ideas: easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions safely. Decide whether you agree, disagree, or partially agree with the statement.
| International Benefits | National Benefits |
|---|---|
| • Promote cultural exchange and open-mindedness through tourism • Provide diplomatic opportunities for government officials • Olympic truce tradition encourages temporary peace and cooperation | • Strengthen national pride and unity through team support • Shared national symbols (flags, anthems) reinforce collective identity • Victories in global sports foster deep patriotic emotions |
Model Answer
In contemporary society, global sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games serve not only to popularize sports and generate revenue but also to help ease international tensions and channel patriotic emotions in a positive way. I firmly believe that these international sporting occasions promote tolerance and unite nations.
International sporting events are typically held every few years, making them immensely popular among sports enthusiasts. These high-profile competitions stimulate tourism, as vast numbers of spectators travel to the host country to witness the events and support their teams. Consequently, attendees gain invaluable opportunities to immerse themselves in foreign cultures and customs, helping to build a more open-minded attitude towards other nations. Furthermore, such global events provide an excellent platform for government officials to engage with their counterparts from other countries. Moreover, the Olympic truce tradition — a pause in conflicts during the Games — continues to be respected by many countries, with several notable instances in which hostilities were temporarily halted.
International sporting events significantly strengthen national pride, as nations rally together to support their national teams. When a national team triumphs in a competition, it instills a profound sense of pride in the citizens regarding their country’s achievements. It is also undeniable that common national symbols, such as flags and anthems, amplify patriotic feelings. For example, spectators invariably rise in unison when their national anthem is played at the stadium, reinforcing a collective national identity.
In conclusion, I strongly maintain that sporting events help promote global harmony and boost patriotism by encouraging cultural understanding, supporting diplomatic progress, and uniting people under a common national identity.
Commentary
Essay Question: 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?
Introduction
- Clarity: The topic is introduced clearly, linking sports to international peace and patriotism.
- Thesis: Clearly presents the writer’s stance — full agreement — with mention of both tolerance and unity as central themes.
Body Paragraphs
Main Ideas:
Paragraph 1 – Easing International Tensions
- Boosts tourism and cross-cultural exposure
- Encourages open-mindedness toward other nations
- Provides informal settings for diplomatic dialogue
- Olympic truce tradition supports temporary peace
Paragraph 2 – Releasing Patriotic Emotions Safely
- National teams foster collective pride
- Use of symbols (flags, anthems) strengthens unity
- Spectator behavior reflects shared national identity
Coherence:
- Both aspects of the prompt (international peace + patriotism) are addressed.
- Ideas flow logically; transitions such as “Furthermore” and “Moreover” guide the reader smoothly.
Conclusion
- Summary: Restates main arguments succinctly — harmony, patriotism, understanding, and unity.
- Opinion: The writer’s strong agreement is clearly reaffirmed.
Vocabulary & Grammar
High-Level Vocabulary:
- Channel (direct or guide something, often emotions, into a useful outlet)
- Immense (extremely large or great)
- Open-minded (willing to consider new ideas)
- Reinforcing (strengthening or supporting)
Academic Phrases:
“Consequently, attendees gain invaluable opportunities to immerse themselves in foreign cultures and customs, helping to build a more open-minded attitude towards other nations.”
“Moreover, the Olympic truce tradition — a pause in conflicts during the Games — continues to be respected by many countries, with several notable instances in which hostilities were temporarily halted.”
Complex Sentences:
- “Consequently, attendees gain invaluable opportunities to immerse themselves in foreign cultures and customs, helping to build a more open-minded attitude towards other nations.”
- “Moreover, the Olympic truce tradition — a pause in conflicts during the Games — continues to be respected by many countries, with several notable instances in which hostilities were temporarily halted.”
