Large Companies Use Sports Events to Promote Their Products- IELTS Writing Task 2

Large companies use sports events to promote their products. Some people think this has a negative impact on sports. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Outline

Essay Type

Opinion type

Introduction

Sentences 1&2 – Sporting events hold immense mass appeal which advertisers are tremendously keen to capitalise upon. However, countless people see this as having an adverse influence on sport while others beg to differ.

Sentence 3 – I agree with the latter, and in this essay, I will examine the arguments for and against advertisers making the most of sporting events to publicise their products.

Body Paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – Brand sponsorships take care of the organising costs.

Paragraph 2 – Companies sponsor players or teams which becomes mutually beneficial for both.

Paragraph 3 – However, some people state that advertising ruins the experience of watching a sport.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would state that while the promotion of products during sports events may have some disadvantageous effects, for the most part, the contributions made by large companies are crucial to sporting events and cannot be done away with.

Sample Essay

Sporting events hold immense mass appeal, which advertisers are tremendously keen to capitalise upon. However, countless people see this as having an adverse influence on sports, while others beg to differ. I agree with the latter, and in this essay, I will examine the arguments for and against advertisers making the most of sporting events to publicise their products.

Firstly, sponsorship of tournaments by major companies helps bear the steep costs of organising the event and helps ensure the tickets for each fan are kept at affordable rates. Otherwise, fans may not even have to pay for tickets. Secondly, the revenue earned from advertising paid for by large companies also goes towards the general upkeep of the stadiums and venues. Without them, the latest technology, such as LED scoreboards and screens, as well as comfortable seating, could not be ensured.

One major way in which companies promote their products during sports events is by sponsoring shirts for a team that become brand ambassadors for the company and this becomes a symbiotic relationship for both parties involved. From the advertising perspective, promoting products ensures greater visibility and brand awareness and recall of the companies as sporting events hold much fervour in the public consciousness.

However, on the opposing side of the argument, people state that advertising in sporting events has proliferated to such an extent that it mars the experience of enjoying the sport for the spectators. Secondly, if players or event organisers publicise products that have pernicious effects, such as tobacco or alcohol, it can encourage sporting fans to seek out such noxious products, especially the impressionable young spectators who often idolise their favourite sporting figures as heroes. Lastly, people state that advertising leads to the commercialisation of sports events which detracts from the glory and beauty of a sport.

In conclusion, I would state that while the promotion of products during sports events may have some disadvantageous effects, for the most part, the contributions made by large companies are crucial to sporting events and cannot be done away with.

Vocabulary

• Capitalise

Meaning – take the opportunity to profit form
Example – The young actress wanted to capitalise on her newfound fame by signing on to as many films as possible.

• Publicise

Meaning – promote or market
Example – The company worked extremely hard to publicise the launch of its newest range of skincare products.

• Affordable

Meaning – reasonable
Example – The cafes in this city serve a variety of food at very affordable rates.

• Revenue

Meaning – income or proceeds
Example – The company struggled to generate sufficient revenue that year and had to reduce its staff by 50%.

• Upkeep

Meaning – maintenance or the process of keeping something in good condition
Example – The farmer had to sell one of his horses because it was becoming increasingly difficult for him to afford its upkeep.

• Symbiotic

Meaning – mutually beneficial
Example – The symbiotic relationship between industries and universities has been beneficial to both students and organisations.

• Fervour

Meaning – strong, enthusiastic belief
Example – He supported his favourite team with a fervour that was shared by no one else in his family.

• Proliferated

Meaning – increased at a great rate
Example – After opening its first branch last year, the café pro

• Pernicious

Meaning – harmful
Example – Dentists opine that excessive consumption of sugary products has a pernicious impact on dental health.

• Idolise

Meaning – revere or hero-worship
Example – Ron idolised Viktor for being one of the greatest players the world had ever seen.