IELTS Band 9 Essay About some countries spend a lot of money preparing competitors

Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “some countries spend a lot of money preparing”. This sample then will be further analyzed for its vocabulary, grammar and format, so we see how it has qualified for such band score. We also suggest over 150 band 9 IELTS sample released in 2024.

Short about some countries spend a lot of money preparing competitors

Some nations allocate substantial resources to train athletes for prestigious global events like the Olympic Games or the FIFA World Cup. While these investments can bring national pride and international recognition, others argue that such funds would yield greater societal benefits if directed toward promoting grassroots sports among children. Encouraging youth to participate in sports fosters lifelong health, discipline, and teamwork, potentially reducing future healthcare costs and promoting community cohesion. This debate highlights the tension between short-term prestige and long-term societal well-being. In my opinion, while investing in elite athletes has value, prioritizing youth sports programs is a more sustainable approach.

Sample Answer (Band 9)

Some countries spend a lot of money preparing competitors to take part in major competitions such as Olympic Games or football World Cup. Some people say that it would be better to spend this money encouraging children to take up sports from a young age.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The allocation of significant funds to train elite athletes for international competitions is often a topic of debate. While such investments showcase national excellence and inspire pride, I believe that channeling these resources into fostering youth sports participation would provide more comprehensive and lasting benefits to society.

One primary reason for prioritizing youth sports development is the long-term impact on public health. Early engagement in physical activity reduces the risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health disorders later in life. Encouraging children to adopt active lifestyles not only improves their individual well-being but also lessens the financial burden on healthcare systems. For instance, Scandinavian countries have demonstrated how a strong focus on grassroots sports correlates with healthier populations and reduced medical expenses.

Additionally, youth sports programs promote social cohesion and personal development. Participation teaches children critical life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. These attributes extend beyond the sports field, enhancing their academic performance and employability. In contrast, focusing predominantly on elite athletes benefits only a select few and often overlooks the broader societal implications.

On the other hand, investing in elite athletes does have merit. Successful performances in events like the Olympics can boost national morale and tourism while inspiring younger generations to pursue sports. However, such benefits are often ephemeral and disproportionately concentrated in wealthier nations that can afford extensive training facilities and coaching staff. Consequently, this approach may inadvertently perpetuate inequality within global sports.

A more balanced strategy would be to allocate resources equitably, ensuring that grassroots sports receive sufficient funding alongside elite training programs. Governments could establish community-based sports centers, offer subsidies for equipment, and collaborate with schools to integrate physical education into curricula. This approach strikes a balance between nurturing future champions and creating an inclusive sporting culture.

In conclusion, while funding elite athletes can bring short-term prestige, prioritizing youth sports development ensures far-reaching benefits for individuals and society. By adopting a holistic approach to sports funding, nations can achieve both excellence on the global stage and a healthier, more cohesive populace.

Vocabulary in the sample of some countries spend a lot of money preparing competitors

1. Long-term impact /ˈlɔːŋ tɜːrm ˈɪmˌpækt/
   • Sentence: “The long-term impact of early sports participation includes improved physical and mental health.”
2. Social cohesion /ˈsoʊʃəl koʊˈhiːʒən/
   • Sentence: “Social cohesion is strengthened when communities engage in shared activities like sports.”
3. Ephemeral /ɪˈfɛmərəl/
   • Sentence: “The benefits of winning a major competition can often be ephemeral, fading over time.”
4. Grassroots /ˈɡræsˌruːts/
   • Sentence: “Grassroots sports programs aim to involve individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds.”
5. Holistic /hoʊˈlɪstɪk/
   • Sentence: “A holistic approach to education includes both academic and extracurricular activities.”

Advanced Grammar Structures

1. Complex Sentences with Subordination
   • Example: “While such investments showcase national excellence and inspire pride, I believe that channeling these resources into fostering youth sports participation would provide more comprehensive and lasting benefits to society.”
   • Impact: Demonstrates ability to present balanced arguments.
2. Use of Passive Voice
   • Example: “Participation teaches children critical life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and perseverance.”
   • Impact: Creates a formal tone, emphasizing the action.
3. Parallel Structures
   • Example: “Governments could establish community-based sports centers, offer subsidies for equipment, and collaborate with schools to integrate physical education into curricula.”
   • Impact: Enhances readability and coherence by presenting ideas in a consistent format.
4. Conditional Sentences
   • Example: “If more children engage in sports from a young age, societies could witness significant long-term health improvements.”
   • Impact: Adds depth by discussing hypothetical scenarios.
5. Nominalization
   • Example: “The allocation of significant funds to train elite athletes for international competitions is often a topic of debate.”
   • Impact: Creates a formal academic tone by transforming verbs into nouns.

Writing Format and Band 9 Features

1. Clear Structure
   • Introduction with a strong thesis statement.
   • Body paragraphs addressing different perspectives with evidence and examples.
   • Conclusion summarizing the argument and offering a balanced solution.
2. Balanced Analysis
   • Discusses both the advantages and disadvantages of investing in elite athletes versus youth sports.
3. Sophisticated Vocabulary
   • Incorporates academic terms like holistic, ephemeral, and social cohesion.
4. Logical Cohesion
   • Ideas are well-organized with smooth transitions between paragraphs.
5. Formal Tone
   • Appropriate for an academic essay, employing passive voice and nominalizations effectively.

This essay achieves Band 9 by presenting a balanced argument with clear reasoning, supported by advanced language and a logical structure.

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