Many people want their country to host an international sporting event. Others believe that international sporting events bring more problems than benefits. Discuss both views and state your opinion.
Many people are in favour of their country hosting a global sporting competition such as the World Cup or Olympics. Conversely, it is often argued that it is more problematic than beneficial to organise a competitive multinational event. This essay will examine both points of view and will state that sporting occasions bring more positive aspects to a host country.
(Topic Sentence) On the one hand, an increasing number of people do not want their country to hold a global sporting event because of the economic implications. (Explain Topic Sentence) This is because these events require a huge financial outlay and the benefits of this investment are not spread equally throughout society. (Example) Take the Rio Olympics, for instance, when the government greatly exceeded its budget and then required taxpayers to contribute more to fill the deficit. If Brazil had not hosted the Olympics, they could have invested significant funds in healthcare or education which would have enhanced the lives of the wider population.
Despite the issues related to major sporting competitions, they can create positive social changes. One of the key ways this can happen is related to the improvement of sporting facilities which can help reduce the obesity epidemic. When applying for the Olympics in 2012, London had to prove their future investment into grassroots sports facilities and build sustainable venues which have created a long-term legacy. Six years later, British people are more active and stadiums are still in use or have been repurposed. (Optional second reason) Another important factor is these events can improve diplomatic relations which were epitomised by the Winter Olympics in South Korea. The event helped reduce tension in the region especially when South and North Korea competed for the first time under one flag.
To sum up, while there are undoubtedly certain countries who have greater priorities than hosting a sporting event, generally, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. These include improving fitness levels of the general population, building or improving sporting facilities and creating harmony in the world.
Discussion Questions
Here are some questions for you to practice on your own. Please try to follow the same structure including a topic sentence, explanation and example in each paragraph
1) Some people think it is important to spend a lot of money on a wedding celebration, while others disagree. Describe both views and give your opinion
2) A growing number of people feel that animals should not be used by people and that they should have the same rights as humans, while others argue that humans must employ animals to satisfy their various needs, including uses for food and research. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
3) Some people think children of different ability levels should be taught together while others think intelligent children should be taught separately and given special treatment. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.