The IELTS Speaking test can be nerve-wracking, especially when faced with unexpected questions. One such question that often arises is “Are you good at sport?”. While seemingly simple, this question can throw many candidates off guard. This article provides you with a comprehensive guide on how to effectively answer this question, showcasing your language skills and passion for sports (or lack thereof!) in a way that impresses the examiner.
Understanding the Question
The examiner isn’t necessarily looking for an Olympic athlete. They want to assess:
- Fluency and Coherence: Can you speak naturally and smoothly about a familiar topic?
- Lexical Resource: Do you possess a varied vocabulary related to sports and hobbies?
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Can you use different sentence structures correctly?
- Pronunciation: Is your speech clear and understandable?
How to Approach “Are You Good at Sport?”
1. Honesty is Key
Don’t fabricate tales of athletic prowess if you’re more comfortable with a good book. Be truthful, but always frame your response positively.
Example 1: If you are athletic: “Yes, I’d consider myself quite athletic! I’ve been playing [Sport] since I was a child, and I absolutely love the thrill of competition and teamwork.”
Example 2: If you’re not athletic: “While I wouldn’t say I’m particularly good at sports, I do enjoy staying active. I find that going for hikes or practicing yoga helps me unwind and keeps me feeling energized.”
2. Expand on Your Answer
Don’t stop at a simple “yes” or “no”. Elaborate on your response by:
- Sharing specific experiences: Talk about a memorable game, a challenging workout, or even a funny anecdote related to sports.
- Describing your preferred activities: Explain why you enjoy certain sports or activities and what you gain from them.
- Discussing the benefits of sports: Even if you’re not a pro, acknowledge the positive impacts of sports on health, teamwork, or personal development.
hiking-trail|mountain hiking|a photo of a person hiking on a mountain trail with hiking poles
3. Showcase Vocabulary
This is your chance to use a range of vocabulary related to:
- Sports: Use specific terms like “backhand” (tennis), “free throw” (basketball), or “sprint” (running) to demonstrate your knowledge.
- Abilities: Instead of just “good”, use words like “skilled,” “proficient,” “adept,” or even “hopeless” depending on your level.
- Feelings: Describe your emotions using words like “exhilarating,” “challenging,” “rewarding,” or “frustrating” when discussing your experiences.
Example Answer
“To be honest, I wouldn’t say I’m naturally gifted at sports. However, I’ve recently taken up hiking, and I find it incredibly rewarding. I love the challenge of pushing myself physically and the sense of accomplishment I feel after completing a difficult trail. Plus, being out in nature helps me to de-stress and clear my mind.”
Tips for Success
- Practice makes perfect: Practice answering this question and other common IELTS Speaking prompts beforehand.
- Think about your audience: Tailor your language to an educated, non-specialist examiner.
- Relax and be yourself: Your personality can shine through even when discussing a potentially tricky topic like sports.
By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you can confidently tackle the “Are you good at sport?” question and demonstrate your English language proficiency in the IELTS Speaking test.
