Plan this advantages and disadvantages essay about sport with the ideas and outline below, write it on a 40-minute timer, then compare it with a band-8 model answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Sports clubs and tournaments are increasingly run as big businesses.
Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
Pick two or three points from one or both columns. You do not need all of them, and your own examples score better than memorised ones.
Spend the first few minutes planning, then write.
0 words of 250 minimum
Your answer stays on this page only. Copy it before you leave.
Write your own answer first, then compare: how it answers the exact question, what each paragraph does, and which phrases you could borrow.
Sports clubs and tournaments are increasingly managed like large commercial companies. In my opinion, the advantages of this development are outweighed by its disadvantages, although it has brought certain gains.
The main benefit is investment. When clubs operate as businesses, they attract money from sponsors, broadcasters and owners, which can be used to build better stadiums, hire skilled coaches and develop young players. This raises the quality of the competition and makes matches more exciting to watch. Commercialisation also helps clubs to build a global fan base; top European teams now have supporters in Asia and Africa who buy shirts and follow games online. In addition, the industry provides employment for thousands of people, including medical staff, marketers and stadium workers.
On the other hand, the downsides are significant. Ticket prices have risen so much at some clubs that ordinary supporters, who once filled the stands, can no longer afford to attend. Matches are scheduled to suit television audiences rather than fans, which means that supporters may have to travel late at night. When profit is the priority, owners may make decisions that go against the traditions of a club, such as moving it to another city or changing its colours. Another concern is that money concentrates at the top. Wealthy clubs buy the best players, while small local clubs struggle to survive and receive little attention or funding.
It is possible to reduce these problems through rules such as limiting ticket prices, sharing television income more fairly and giving supporters a voice in club management, as is done in Germany.
In conclusion, the business approach provides funding and global reach, but it risks pushing out ordinary fans and weaker clubs, so I believe the disadvantages are greater.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| commercialisation | making something a business |
| ticket prices | cost of entering |
| revenue | income |
| merchandise | goods such as shirts sold |
| local club | team of a small area |
| fan loyalty | continued support |
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