The topic of describing an active person is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. This topic allows candidates to demonstrate their vocabulary range, fluency, and ability to provide detailed descriptions.
Describe a person who is very proactive is a related topic that may also come up in IELTS Speaking tests. Being able to discuss both active and proactive individuals will give you an advantage in the exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about active people or your own activity levels. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Question: “Do you consider yourself an active person?”
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d say I’m fairly active. While I’m not a fitness fanatic, I do make an effort to incorporate physical activity into my daily routine. I enjoy going for brisk walks in the evening and I’ve recently taken up yoga, which I practice three times a week. It’s important to me to maintain a balance between work, rest, and physical activity.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing an active person:
Describe a person you know who is very active
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What kinds of activities they do
- And explain why you think they are so active
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who is undoubtedly one of the most energetic and dynamic individuals I’ve ever encountered. I first met Sarah at university where we were both studying business management, and her boundless enthusiasm immediately caught my attention.
Sarah is someone who seems to have an inexhaustible supply of energy. She’s involved in a wide range of activities that would leave most people exhausted just thinking about them. Professionally, she runs her own start-up company, which requires long hours and intense dedication. But that’s just the beginning of her active lifestyle.
In her free time, Sarah is an avid marathon runner, often training for several hours each day. She’s also a volunteer firefighter, which demands both physical fitness and mental alertness. As if that weren’t enough, she’s learning to play the violin and is taking advanced Spanish classes in the evenings.
I believe Sarah is so active for several reasons. Firstly, she has an insatiable curiosity about the world and is always eager to learn new skills and have new experiences. Secondly, she’s incredibly disciplined and efficient with her time management, allowing her to fit more into each day than seems humanly possible. Finally, I think she genuinely thrives on being busy and pushing her limits. For Sarah, being active isn’t a chore – it’s a way of life that brings her joy and fulfillment.
Her active lifestyle is truly inspiring, and while I can’t match her energy levels, she certainly motivates me to make the most of my own time and pursue my passions with greater vigor.”
Sarah running a marathon
Follow-up questions:
- How does Sarah’s active lifestyle impact those around her?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Sarah’s dynamic lifestyle has a profound influence on her social circle. Her enthusiasm is contagious, often inspiring friends and colleagues to set more ambitious goals for themselves. She’s a natural motivator, encouraging others to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new challenges. However, her intense schedule can sometimes make it challenging for others to keep up, potentially leading to some friends feeling overwhelmed or inadequate in comparison. Despite this, most people find her energy invigorating and are drawn to her positive, can-do attitude.”
- Do you think it’s possible for most people to maintain such an active lifestyle?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I think it would be quite difficult for most people to be as active as Sarah. Many of us have jobs and families that take up a lot of our time and energy. Also, not everyone has the same level of motivation or physical stamina. However, I believe people can become more active by setting realistic goals and gradually increasing their activities. It’s about finding a balance that works for each individual.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: “Do you think modern lifestyles are becoming more or less active compared to the past?”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“This is a nuanced issue that doesn’t have a straightforward answer. On one hand, many aspects of modern life have become more sedentary. The prevalence of desk jobs, increased screen time, and reliance on cars for transportation have all contributed to a less active lifestyle for many people. The convenience of technology often means we expend less physical effort in our daily tasks.
However, there’s also a growing awareness of the importance of physical activity for health and well-being. This has led to a surge in gym memberships, participation in organized sports, and the popularity of activities like yoga and CrossFit. Many people are now consciously incorporating exercise into their routines, whether it’s through morning jogs, lunchtime workouts, or evening fitness classes.
Moreover, certain modern trends are promoting more active lifestyles. The rise of active commuting, such as cycling to work, and the increasing popularity of standing desks in offices are examples of this. There’s also been a resurgence of interest in outdoor activities and adventure sports, partly fueled by social media.
So while our day-to-day lives may be less physically demanding than in the past, there’s a countervailing trend of people actively seeking out physical challenges and incorporating more movement into their lives. The key difference is that physical activity is now often a conscious choice rather than a necessity of daily life.”
Contrasting active and sedentary modern lifestyles
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Boundless enthusiasm (/ˈbaʊndləs ɪnˈθjuːziæzəm/) – endless excitement and interest
Example: “Her boundless enthusiasm for life is truly infectious.” -
Inexhaustible supply (/ˌɪnɪɡˈzɔːstəbəl səˈplaɪ/) – an amount that never runs out
Example: “He seems to have an inexhaustible supply of energy for his work.” -
Avid (/ˈævɪd/) – very enthusiastic about something
Example: “She’s an avid reader and always has a book in her hand.” -
Insatiable curiosity (/ɪnˈseɪʃəbəl ˌkjʊəriˈɒsəti/) – a desire to learn that can never be satisfied
Example: “His insatiable curiosity leads him to explore new topics constantly.” -
Pushing one’s limits (/ˈpʊʃɪŋ wʌnz ˈlɪmɪts/) – testing the boundaries of one’s abilities
Example: “Athletes are constantly pushing their limits to improve their performance.”
Describe a hobby that helps you to relax is another topic where you can use some of these vocabulary items, particularly when discussing how hobbies can balance an active lifestyle.
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing an active person:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions and collocations.
- Provide specific examples to support your points.
- Speak fluently and coherently, using appropriate linking words.
- Show your ability to discuss abstract ideas, especially in Part 3.
- Practice describing people you know who are active to improve your spontaneity.
Remember, the key to success is not just knowing the language, but being able to use it effectively and naturally in conversation. Regular practice with a variety of topics will help you achieve this goal.
Describe a place in your country famous for its history is another topic where you can demonstrate your descriptive skills, which will be useful when talking about an active person’s environment or the places they frequent for their activities.
