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Sports funding for top athletes: IELTS Task 2 essay #1, band 7.0

A student’s answer to this repeated IELTS question, shared without their name and marked by Axiom on the four criteria. Select a highlighted passage to see how it could be revised, and why.

348 words. Marked by Axiom on 21 September 2026. Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.

Task 2348 words

Some people think that governments should spend more money on sports facilities for top athletes, while others argue that this money should be spent on sports facilities for ordinary people. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

As we approach a world of changing social norms and behaviors, the question of whether governments should spend money on sports facilities for top athletes, or whether others believe that this investment should be directed towards sports facilities for ordinary members of the society has gained widespread attention, particularly in developing nations.

  1. Lexical resource

    RevisedWhile supporting athletes can boost national pride through their representation of the home country, I believe that extending these opportunities to the public can provide greater long-term benefits.

    The revised sentence provides a more clear and direct statement of the contrasting views.

Once governments support athletes such as football, tennis and chess players by constructing training zones, experienced coaches and advanced equipment, they tend to participate in national competitions such as the Olympics and World Cups that take place annually or every four years. As a result, these sportspeople often represent their own countries, showing their culture, history and modern life to the world which help countries become more renowned.

  1. Coherence & cohesion

    RevisedAdmittedly, proponents of providing financial support to successful athletes have several compelling arguments.

    The revised sentence is more concise and easier to understand.

  2. Lexical resource

    RevisedThis, in turn, can lead to an increase in tourist numbers, which plays an important role in generating income.

    The revised sentence provides a more clear and direct cause-effect relationship.

By allocating a large amount of money to sports facilities such as constructing fitness areas, gyms, community centers and organizing public outreach initiatives, people are encouraged to take regular exercise more seriously. This can lower the risk of some serios health issues such as heart attacks, high level blood pressure, and insomnia, ultimately creating a safe and healthy environment to live in. Consequently, it may relieve the growing pressure on the healthcare system due to the increasing number of illnesses.

  1. Coherence & cohesion

    RevisedDespite the benefits of supporting top athletes, I believe that governments should prioritize the needs of the local population.

    The revised sentence provides a clearer transition to the writer's point of view.

  2. Lexical resource

    RevisedMoreover, some athletes are already financially successful, which means that they can afford the basic expenses of sports equipment and other needs. Therefore, prioritizing them for government funding may be less beneficial than investing in public facilities.

    The revised sentence is more clear and easier to understand.

So, instead of supporting top athletes who can afford some of their expenses, governments should focus on more the development of local sports facilities.

  1. Coherence & cohesion

    RevisedIn conclusion, while investing in top athletes can enhance national pride, I believe that the primary focus should be on public health.

    The revised sentence provides a clearer and more concise summary of the writer's position.

Select a highlighted passage to see its suggested revision.

Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.

What Axiom wrote for each criterion: why the answer earned its band, and what to work on next.

Coherence & cohesion

Band 7.0/ 9

The essay is logically organized and ideas are connected well. The introduction and conclusion are clear and relevant. However, there are a few areas where the flow of ideas could be improved.

Suggestions

  • Try to use a wider range of linking words to connect your ideas.
  • Make sure that your ideas are fully developed and explained.

Sentence revisions 3

  • RevisedAdmittedly, proponents of providing financial support to successful athletes have several compelling arguments.

    The revised sentence is more concise and easier to understand.

  • RevisedDespite the benefits of supporting top athletes, I believe that governments should prioritize the needs of the local population.

    The revised sentence provides a clearer transition to the writer's point of view.

  • RevisedIn conclusion, while investing in top athletes can enhance national pride, I believe that the primary focus should be on public health.

    The revised sentence provides a clearer and more concise summary of the writer's position.

Grammar & accuracy

Band 7.0/ 9

The essay uses a wide range of complex structures. There are a few grammatical errors and awkward constructions, but these do not impede overall understanding.

Sentence revisions 3

  • RevisedWhile supporting athletes can enhance national pride through their representation of home countries, I believe that providing these opportunities to the public can yield more long-term benefits.

    The preposition 'through' is more appropriate in this context than 'by'.

  • RevisedDespite these benefits, I believe that governments should prioritize the needs of the local population.

    The revised sentence is more formal and academic in tone.

  • RevisedIn conclusion, although investing in income for top athletes helps boost national pride, I acknowledge that public health is far more important.

    The preposition 'in' is more appropriate in this context.

Lexical resource

Band 7.0/ 9

The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary and there is evidence of some less common and idiomatic language. However, there are a few instances of awkward or incorrect word choice.

Sentence revisions 3

  • RevisedWhile supporting athletes can boost national pride through their representation of the home country, I believe that extending these opportunities to the public can provide greater long-term benefits.

    The revised sentence provides a more clear and direct statement of the contrasting views.

  • RevisedThis, in turn, can lead to an increase in tourist numbers, which plays an important role in generating income.

    The revised sentence provides a more clear and direct cause-effect relationship.

  • RevisedMoreover, some athletes are already financially successful, which means that they can afford the basic expenses of sports equipment and other needs. Therefore, prioritizing them for government funding may be less beneficial than investing in public facilities.

    The revised sentence is more clear and easier to understand.

Task response

Band 8.0/ 9

The essay addresses the task effectively, presenting a clear position throughout. Both sides of the argument are discussed in a balanced way, and the writer's position is clearly stated and supported. However, the essay could be improved by providing more specific examples to support the arguments.

Suggestions

  • Try to include specific examples to support your arguments. This will make your writing more concrete and persuasive.

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