How to Masterfully Describe a Famous Sports Personality in Your IELTS Speaking Test

The topic of describing a famous sports personality from your country is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows candidates to showcase their language skills while discussing a familiar and often passionate subject. This article will guide you through answering questions related to this topic across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test, providing sample answers and valuable tips to help you achieve a high band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about sports and famous athletes. Here are some potential questions:

1. Do you follow any sports?
2. Who is your favorite athlete from your country?
3. How often do you watch sports on TV?

Let’s focus on question 2 and provide a sample answer:

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“My favorite athlete from Vietnam is undoubtedly Nguyen Thi Anh Vien. She’s a phenomenal swimmer who has represented our country in numerous international competitions, including the Olympics. What I admire most about her is her incredible dedication and the way she has broken multiple national records. Her achievements have really put Vietnamese swimming on the global map.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe A Famous Sports Personality From Your Country.

You should say:
- Who this person is
- What sport they play
- What achievements they have
- And explain why they are famous in your country

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about Nguyen Quang Hai, a renowned footballer from Vietnam who has captured the hearts of millions with his exceptional skills on the field.

Quang Hai is a midfielder who currently plays for Hanoi FC and the Vietnamese national team. His journey to stardom began when he joined the Hanoi T&T youth academy at the tender age of nine. Since then, he has honed his skills and become one of the most technically gifted players in Southeast Asian football.

His list of achievements is truly impressive. He played a pivotal role in Vietnam’s historic run to the final of the AFC U-23 Championship in 2018, where he scored several crucial goals. In the same year, he helped Vietnam win the AFF Suzuki Cup, ending a 10-year drought for the national team. His performances in these tournaments earned him the Vietnamese Golden Ball award, recognizing him as the best player in the country.

Quang Hai’s fame in Vietnam extends far beyond his on-field accomplishments. He has become a cultural icon and a source of national pride. His humble beginnings and rise to prominence resonate with many Vietnamese people, who see him as a symbol of hope and the potential for success through hard work and dedication. His sportsmanship and positive attitude both on and off the field have made him a role model for young aspiring athletes across the country.

Moreover, Quang Hai’s success has helped to elevate the profile of Vietnamese football on the international stage. His performances in regional competitions have drawn attention from clubs in Japan, Thailand, and even Europe, showcasing the talent that exists within Vietnam.

In conclusion, Nguyen Quang Hai’s exceptional skills, numerous achievements, and inspirational story have made him not just a famous sports personality, but a national hero in Vietnam.”

Nguyen Quang Hai, famous Vietnamese football player

Follow-up questions:

1. How has this sports personality influenced young people in your country?
2. Do you think famous athletes have a responsibility to be good role models?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):

“Quang Hai has had a profound impact on young people in Vietnam. His success has inspired a new generation of footballers to pursue their dreams with passion and dedication. Many young players now aspire to follow in his footsteps, joining academies and training rigorously to improve their skills. Beyond football, his story of perseverance and hard work has motivated students and young professionals across various fields to strive for excellence. His humble demeanor and commitment to teamwork have also set a positive example for youth behavior both in sports and in daily life.”

Sample answer for question 2 (Band 7-8):

“I believe that famous athletes do have a significant responsibility to be good role models, especially given their influence on young fans. Their actions and words can have a far-reaching impact, shaping the attitudes and behaviors of their admirers. Athletes who demonstrate sportsmanship, dedication, and ethical conduct can inspire positive values in society. However, it’s also important to remember that they are human and can make mistakes. The key is how they handle those mistakes and learn from them, which can itself be a valuable lesson for their followers.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to sports and famous personalities. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. How do you think social media has changed the way we view sports personalities?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“Social media has fundamentally transformed our perception of sports personalities in several ways. Firstly, it has given athletes a direct channel to communicate with their fans, allowing them to share personal insights, behind-the-scenes moments, and their thoughts on various issues. This has humanized many sports stars, making them more relatable and accessible to the public.

Secondly, social media has amplified both the positive and negative aspects of athletes’ lives. Their achievements are celebrated more widely and instantly, but their mistakes or controversies can also spread rapidly, sometimes leading to intense scrutiny or backlash.

Moreover, social media has blurred the lines between athletes’ professional and personal lives. Fans now expect a more holistic view of their favorite sports personalities, including their lifestyle choices, political views, and social causes they support. This has led to some athletes becoming influential voices on issues beyond sports, using their platforms to advocate for social change.

However, this increased visibility also comes with challenges. Athletes now face pressure to maintain a constant online presence and to carefully manage their public image. The instantaneous nature of social media can sometimes lead to hasty reactions or statements that can damage reputations.

In conclusion, while social media has brought fans closer to sports personalities and given athletes more control over their narratives, it has also created a more complex and demanding environment for managing public personas in the world of sports.”

Famous athlete engaging with fans on social media

2. Do you think it’s important for a country to have successful sports personalities? Why or why not?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“I believe having successful sports personalities is indeed important for a country, for several reasons. Firstly, these athletes often become national icons who can inspire pride and unity among citizens. Their achievements on the international stage can boost the country’s reputation and raise its profile globally.

Secondly, successful athletes can serve as powerful role models, especially for young people. They demonstrate the value of hard work, discipline, and perseverance, which are qualities that can be applied to all areas of life.

Furthermore, the success of sports personalities can help promote sports participation at grassroots levels. When people see their countrymen excelling in a particular sport, it often leads to increased interest and participation in that sport, which can have positive effects on public health and community engagement.

However, it’s also important to note that a country’s worth isn’t solely determined by its sports achievements. While successful athletes can bring many benefits, a balanced approach that values education, culture, and other forms of achievement is equally crucial for a nation’s overall development.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To boost your IELTS Speaking score when discussing famous sports personalities, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Phenomenal /fəˈnɒmɪnl/ (adjective): Outstanding, exceptional.
   Example: “Her performance in the Olympics was truly phenomenal.”

2. To rise to prominence (phrase): To become well-known or important.
   Example: “He rose to prominence after scoring the winning goal in the World Cup final.”

3. Pivotal /ˈpɪvətl/ (adjective): Crucially important.
   Example: “She played a pivotal role in the team’s success throughout the tournament.”

4. To showcase (verb): To exhibit or display.
   Example: “The championship showcased his exceptional talent to the world.”

5. Perseverance /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ (noun): Persistence in doing something despite difficulty.
   Example: “His perseverance in the face of numerous injuries is truly admirable.”

6. To elevate (verb): To raise or lift up; to make more noticeable.
   Example: “Her victory helped to elevate the status of women’s sports in the country.”

7. Cultural icon (noun phrase): A person or thing regarded as a representative symbol of a culture or movement.
   Example: “The famous footballer has become a cultural icon, inspiring a generation of young athletes.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a famous sports personality:

1. Use a wide range of vocabulary, including sports-specific terms and idiomatic expressions.
2. Vary your sentence structures, using both simple and complex forms.
3. Speak fluently and coherently, organizing your ideas logically.
4. Provide specific examples and personal opinions to support your points.
5. Show awareness of the wider impact of sports personalities on society and culture.
6. Practice discussing both the positive and potentially negative aspects of fame in sports.

Remember, the key to success is not just knowing about the topic, but being able to discuss it articulately and in depth. Regular practice with a variety of sports-related topics will help you feel more confident and perform better on test day.