IELTS Writing Part 2-- International Sports

Topic:

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?

Some people say that international sports events are wars without fire and powder. By that they mean people in opposing countries can vent their anger toward each other in those events without violence. Some even believe that such competitions can keep the world in peace by releasing international tensions. For me, although I totally agree with the former assertion, I consider the latter an exaggeration.

Admittedly, in watching sporting events between national teams, citizens in participating countries do feel a sense of satisfaction. When audiences hurray for their country's team, they share joy and sorrow with their athletes. Somehow, they cherish a notion that they themselves are fighting shoulder to shoulder with their athletes, and that their moral support will surely make a difference. In this way, they are doing their duty for their mother country, or so do they believe. This fulfillment of duty lends them pleasure. Moreover, should their team buried the other team, the audiences would be in an ecstasy of delight or revenge. Should they lose, they could also channel their patriotic emotion with defending words for their national team, or expletives for their enemy. Thus in one way or another, satisfaction can undoubtedly be derived from watching competition between countries.

However, as to relieving international tension, people's openly expressing anger toward their enemy country is only part of the story. In fact, one political leader has more say in this matter than perhaps a dozen cheer leaders. A foreign ministry spokesman, who can start an armed conflict with one word, can also sooth a palpable tension with another. Besides, money generally counts more than sports in bilateral relationship between two countries. A reduction in customs tariff is able to build up an alliance with a formerly belligerent country. Hence the importance of sporting events fades in front of other, more significant factors.

Although we must admit that international sports games can largely satiate people's craving for warfare, their effect upon easing international tensions is far from essential. Either way, holding such events is beneficial to world peace.