The IELTS Speaking test is composed of three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). Each part assesses different facets of your speaking ability including fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. This guide focuses on a common and memorable topic: “Describe a memorable sporting event you watched.” This question is designed to elicit detailed responses and encourage storytelling, essential for achieving higher band scores.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner will ask general questions about yourself, such as your interests, hobbies, and daily activities. This is designed to make you feel comfortable and gauge your basic speaking skills.
Common Questions in Part 1:
- Do you enjoy watching sports?
- What is your favorite sport to watch?
- Do you prefer watching sports live or on television?
Sample Question and Answer:
Question: Do you enjoy watching sports?
Answer: Yes, I thoroughly enjoy watching sports, particularly football. The adrenaline rush, the atmosphere in the stadium, and the sense of community among fans make it an exhilarating experience. Moreover, sports events offer a chance to see athletes at their peak and learn from their dedication and teamwork.
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a topic and several bullet points to guide your response. You will have one minute to prepare and you should speak for about two minutes.
Cue Card:
Describe a memorable sporting event you watched. You should say:
- What the event was
- When and where it took place
- Who you watched it with
- And explain why it was memorable to you
Sample Answer:
I would like to talk about the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia, held on July 15, 2018, at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia. I watched this thrilling event with my family at home via a high-definition TV broadcast.
FIFA World Cup Final
The match was particularly memorable because France emerged victorious with a score of 4-2, clinching their second World Cup title. The intense atmosphere, the exceptional skill displayed by players like Kylian Mbappe and Luka Modric, and the sheer excitement of watching such a high-stakes game left a lasting impression on me. Additionally, the camaraderie and enthusiasm shared among my family members made the experience even more special.
Follow-up Questions:
- How did you feel during the event?
- What were some significant moments of the match?
- Have you ever attended a live sporting event? If so, how did it compare to watching it on television?
Suggested Responses:
- During the event, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The fast-paced nature of the game kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
- One of the most significant moments was when Mbappe scored a stunning goal, marking him as one of the youngest players to score in a World Cup final. The sheer talent and precision he showed were remarkable.
- Yes, I have attended a live football match before, but I must say the excitement in a stadium is unparalleled. The energy of the crowd, the roar of cheers, and even the spontaneous wave formations create an atmosphere that is difficult to replicate when watching on television.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will engage you in a more abstract discussion related to the topic from Part 2, aiming to assess your ability to express and justify opinions, analyze, discuss complex issues, and speculate about future scenarios.
Sample Discussion Questions:
- What is the impact of sporting events on society?
- How do the media influence people’s perceptions of sporting events?
- Do you think international sporting events bring nations together or create rivalries?
Suggested Answers:
Sporting events significantly impact society by promoting physical fitness, encouraging teamwork, and fostering a sense of national pride. Major events like the Olympics or World Cup also boost local economies through tourism and infrastructure development.
The media play a crucial role in shaping people’s perceptions of sporting events. Through extensive coverage, expert commentary, and high-quality broadcasts, the media can elevate ordinary matches to epic spectacles. However, they can also create biases, emphasizing certain teams or athletes over others.
International sporting events have the potential to bring nations together by promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding. However, they can also exacerbate rivalries, especially when nationalistic sentiments are at play. The key lies in how these events are managed and portrayed.
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
To improve your IELTS Speaking score, incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Here are some useful terms:
- Adrenaline rush (Noun): A sudden burst of energy heightened by excitement or stress. “The final minutes of the game were an adrenaline rush.”
- Camouflage (Verb): To hide or disguise the presence of something.”The team’s strategy camouflaged their weakness in defense.”
- Exhilarating (Adjective): Making one feel very happy, animated, or elated. “The atmosphere in the stadium was exhilarating.”
- Foster (Verb): Encourage or promote the development of something. “Sporting events foster a sense of community.”
- Perish (Verb): To suffer death, typically in a violent, sudden, or untimely way. “Many players’ dreams perish due to injuries.”
Example Sentence:
“The exhilarating adrenaline rush felt during the final minutes of the match and the camaraderie shared among the fans truly made the event unforgettable.”
Tips for High Scores
- Fluency and Coherence: Maintain a smooth flow of speech and organize your ideas logically.
- Lexical Resource: Use a wide range of vocabulary accurately.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Use complex sentence structures and a variety of grammatical forms correctly.
- Pronunciation: Ensure clear and correct pronunciation with appropriate intonation.
Practice regularly, record yourself, and seek feedback to continuously improve your speaking skills.