Academic Writing - Model Answer (Task 2)

Some people believe that it is good for a country to host a major sports competition. Others think it causes many problems for the country. Discuss both points of view and give your opinion.


Whenever there is a major sporting event, there is great competition amongst countries to host it. For some it is an opportunity to increase revenue, promote a country and a chance to invest in the infrastructure of a city.

When a country hosts an event, it gets free publicity and once the event is over, tourists still visit the city. This can be seen in Manchester which hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2002. Once a country wins a bid to host an event, building work begins bringing in revenue for architects, engineers, construction workers etc. Cities get a face-lift, as in the case of Barcelona which hosted the Olympic Games in 1992. It not only gives a chance for a city to show the rest of the world what is great about it and encourage its athletes to do well but helps with the infrastructure, provides jobs and improves a city.

On the other hand it might cause hostility amongst nations that are not friendly with each other. Hooliganism might break out damaging public property and leading to fights amongst rival fans. Racism might be another danger. What is more, stadiums and large buildings might not be utilized when the competition comes to an end or some cities might have over spent on the budget like Athens and this will burden taxpayers.

All in all, I believe the benefits of hosting competitions are greater than the drawbacks and if the government plans ahead, uses funds appropriately and has adequate security measures in place, then the games will run smoothly.

Question taken from Focus on Skills for IELTS Foundation p. 59

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Phrasal Verbs with 'sit'

Sit around = to spend time doing very little e.g. This whole week they just sat around doing nothing.


Sit back = to relax in a chair e.g. When he comes home from work, he sits back and watches TV.

Sit back = to wait for something to happen without doing anything e.g. You need to go out. You can’t just sit back and expect someone to come into your life.

Sit by = to fail to take action to stop something wrong happening e.g. They just sat by and watched the large supermarket chain coming into the market.

Sit down = to discuss a subject for a long time e.g. We need to sit down and discuss the arrangements.

Sit in = to be present in a meeting/class without taking part e.g. You don’t need to say anything during the meeting. After all, you are just sitting in.

Sit in for someone = to substitute someone while they are absent e.g. Michelle is away, so Patricia is sitting in for her.

Sit on something = to be on a committee, panel, board etc. e.g. She sits on the Parents Teachers Association.

Sit on something = to delay dealing with something e.g. He hasn’t answered our email yet. I don’t know why he’s still sitting on it.

Sit out something = to be unable to take part in a sport due to injury e.g. She had to sit out the final match because of her injury.

Sit something out = to wait for something unpleasant to be over before taking action e.g. We’ll have to sit out the crisis and then open our new store.

Sit over something = to eat or drink in a relaxed way e.g. Why don’t we sit over a drink and watch the sunset.

Sit through something = to listen/watch something long/boring e.g. The new director spoke for 3 hours and we had to sit through his dull speech.

Sit up = to stay awake late e.g. We sat up until 3am talking about our primary school.

Sit up = to get someone’s attention e.g. As soon as I mentioned chocolate, she sat up!

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