You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
It costs a lot of money for a country to host an international sports event, such as the Olympic Games or football World Cup. Some people think that this is a waste of money, while others believe the opposite.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words
Sample Answer 7+
Organizing international sporting extravaganzas like the Olympic Games or the FIFA World Cup undoubtedly demands substantial financial investments. While some argue that such expenditures are wasteful, others contend that they bring considerable benefits to the host country. This essay will thoroughly discuss both viewpoints before concluding that I am in favor of the former.
Admittedly, proponents of hosting international sports events may argue that the benefits outweigh the costs. The key rationale behind this thinking is that these events can significantly boost a nation’s tourism industry, stimulate local economies, and create numerous job opportunities. For example, the 2016 Rio Olympics drew millions of tourists, injecting billions into the Brazilian economy and providing thousands of jobs in the process. This underscores the belief that hosting such events can be a sound economic investment.
However, I side with those who claim that the organization of global sports events is not a prudent financial investment. This is because the exorbitant costs associated with constructing state-of-the-art stadiums and upgrading infrastructure can place an immense strain on a nation’s budget. For example, the 2004 Athens Olympics left Greece grappling with significant debt due to overspending on infrastructure projects, burdening the country’s finances for years to come. Additionally, global-scale sports events often result in underutilized facilities once they conclude, giving rise to maintenance expenses that further drain public funds. This can be seen in the case of the 2016 Rio Olympics, where some venues were left unused, necessitating ongoing maintenance funded by taxpayers. The unfulfilled promise of repurposing these facilities for community use exacerbates the financial strain on the host city.
In conclusion, I feel that hosting international sports events is often a wasteful financial endeavor. While there are potential benefits, the enormous costs, long-term financial burdens, and underutilized amenities typically overshadow these gains.
Word count: 298
